Bible Study

Liturgy of the Word with Children

Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. (Mark 10:14)

The term “Liturgy of the Word with the Children” refers to the practice of children leaving the Sunday assembly during the Liturgy of the Word and gathering in the Parish Center to celebrate the Liturgy of the Word at their level of understanding.

It is important that we remember that the Liturgy of the Word with the Children is liturgy, ritual prayer, and not religious instruction or childminding. Children are not given activities to keep them busy while their parents listen to the homily. The Liturgy of the Word with the Children is a ritual centered on carefully breaking open the Scriptures. In the solemn breaking open of the Word, an explanation of the readings, appropriate to the children’s level of understanding, is provided by a catechist who has met the Parish screening criteria.

Although children are taught the principles of good liturgy (through gestures and symbols, active participation, discussion, prayer and dialogue with God), they still participate in the Introductory Rites, the Liturgy of the Eucharist, and the Concluding Rites with the worshipping assembly – only the Liturgy of the Word is celebrated separately.

Please call the parish office if you would like to be a catechist or student assistant.

A useful link:                 

• Sunday Liturgy at Home