Help for Catechetical Leaders… Glossary Planning a Liturgy Planning Ahead Professional Resources

Liturgy of the Word with Children

As Catholics, we have a strong desire to keep the children near at Mass; the center and source of parish life. In some parishes, children are called forth to celebrate the Liturgy of the Word together, away from the larger assembly. This is a practical expedient to help make Scripture come to life for them.

If your parish is considering this option, you may wish to adapt and spearhead these preparations:

	Benefit from the talent and expertise within your parish. Others have probably planned Masses for young people and know what has worked well for them. Don't be afraid to ask!
	Be sure all those involved—families, key parish members, the pastoral team —understand the principles of good liturgy and are involved in planning the Liturgy of the Word with children. This will require announcements in the bulletin and informative meetings as well as explanations and encouragement from the pulpit.
	Use Living Word! Living Water! and the Lectionary for Masses with Children as resources as resources. Also consult the BLEST ARE WE music program.
	Review with youngsters in advance the importance of the Mass in the life of the Church and in their lives.
	Enlist a cross bearer, candle bearers, and a minister of the Word to carry the Lectionary. Have them lead the children from the body of the church to the place where they will celebrate the Liturgy of the Word. Ask the organist or another liturgical musician to play appropriate music to accompany this process. These steps aid an orderly exit. They also set a tone of reverence and care for the children and for God's Word.
	Involve as many youngsters as possible: in the procession, as servers, proclaiming the readings, reciting intentions, preparing the altar, bringing the gifts to the altar, singing in a choir or ensemble, and so on.
	Make sure participants are familiar with the songs and have copies of lyrics and Mass responses. Encourage their full participation.
	Select prayers, songs, readings, and intentions of the General Intercessions with the young people's level of spiritual development in mind. You might request that the celebrant use readings or one of the Eucharistic prayers approved for use in Masses with children.
	Avoid turning the liturgy itself into an educational experience. Celebrate the Eucharist together as a community; don't intellectualize what Catholics are to do.
	Keep to a strict time schedule. The assembly should not be delayed waiting for the children to return. You may need to assign someone to alert the children to prepare to return to the larger assembly for the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

Masses with young people need not be elaborate but are best when youngsters are involved and prepared. Even if they do not have a specific role to play as a liturgical minister their participation is important. When appropriate, invite them to receive Communion.

Create an atmosphere of the sacred by modeling for youngsters prayerful behavior. If the young people in your care simply note your prayerfulness and participation, they will have already begun to deepen their appreciation for worship.



Living Word! Living Water!

by Susan Sayers and Fr. Andrew Moore

A Lectionary-based faith development program, it features age-appropriate themes and activities based on Sunday readings. It is available for Years A,B, C, and includes reproducible worksheets.
Call RCL Benziger at 1-877-ASK-4-RCL (1-877-275-4725).

Seekers Preschool/kindergarten–Year A

ORDER NUMBER: 1-58595-095-5

Seekers Preschool/kindergarten–Year B

ORDER NUMBER: 1-58595-099-8

Seekers Preschool/kindergarten–Year C

ORDER NUMBER: 1-58595-103-X

Explorers 6-10 yr olds–Year A

ORDER NUMBER: 1-58595-096-3

Explorers 6-10 yr olds–Year B

ORDER NUMBER: 1-58595-100-5

Explorers 6-10 yr olds–Year C

ORDER NUMBER: 1-58595-104-8

Adventurers 11-14 yr olds–Year A

ORDER NUMBER: 1-58595-096-3

Adventurers 11-14 yr olds–Year B

ORDER NUMBER: 1-58595-101-3

Adventurers 11-14 yr olds–Cycle C

ORDER NUMBER: 1-58595-104-8

Complete Resource Book–Year A

ORDER NUMBER: 1-58595-094-7

Complete Resource Book–Year B

ORDER NUMBER: 1-58595-098-X

Complete Resource Book–Year C

ORDER NUMBER: 1-58595-102-1

Complete Resource Book–Years A, B, C (12 books)

ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36441-4



Gospel Champions

Based on the liturgical year, this series uses children's love of video games to reinforce Gospel and Catholic teachings. It provides three skill levels for grades K-8, and allows for the customization of messages to children and families in your parish. Each month a video unlocks a new story to engage children in Gospel learning.

See www.gospelchampions.com to play a sample game.

To place an order, contact Silver Burdett Ginn Religion customer service at 1-800-552-2259. Parishes and schools can also order on the Web at http://K12oasis.pearsoned.com.

ORDER NUMBER: 1-41825-712-5 for 2007-2008

The following books and Church documents are additional resources for planning liturgies:

Book of Blessings: General Introduction and Introductions to Each of the Orders of Blessing

Liturgy Documentary Series 9.
Available through US Conference of Catholic Bishops, 1990.

Guidelines for the Celebration of the Sacraments with Persons with Disabilities

Available through US Conference of Catholic Bishops, 1995.

Masses with Children. Liturgy Documentary Series 12.

Available through US Conference of Catholic Bishops, 1996.