Children’s Liturgy of the Word: Bringing Our Youngest Parishioners to Christ

It can be difficult for little ones to sit still during Mass, but their presence is an invaluable witness. These little children are the future of our Church and they are never too young to learn their faith. While listening to Scripture and the homily is an opportunity for adults to grow in our faith, we are blessed to have Children’s Liturgy of the Word for our young parishioners beginning at age 4 through their firstgrade year.

Amy Light and Laura Wasco worked hard to build this ministry back up after a short hiatus. The parish has had CLOW for many years, and Amy took over about five years ago when her children were just the right age for the program.

“It’s a wonderful way to start planting seeds in our youngest members to help them feel connected at Mass and to start understanding the stories in the Bible,” Amy says. “They’re processing what that means in their daily lives as they play with friends or try to behave for their parents. They’re starting to build that relationship with Jesus and we want to start them out on a positive faith journey.”

CLOW begins as the Liturgy of the Word starts. The catechists walk the children to the Fallon Center where they have a simplified liturgy. The children work on making the Sign of the Cross and they hear the Gospel in a format that is easy for them to understand. There is an activity — such as a coloring sheet or role-playing activity — and Brenda Accurso, Director of Music, often joins to sing with the children. There is time to discuss the Gospel with the children, for them to ask questions and really understand the story and its message for them.

Amy loves to remember the time that the catechists were telling the story of Jesus healing the blind man. As the blind man washed the mud from his eyes and gained his sight, one little boy stood up and said, “hallelujah!”

“He was listening, he was understanding and he could appreciate the miracle,” Amy says. “It’s those moments, those ‘aha moments,’ that make it rewarding.” The children return to church after the homily. Amy sees the benefit of CLOW going both ways — the children are able to receive age-appropriate catechesis while parents have a chance to focus on Mass.

CLOW is available during the 9 a.m. Mass, but Amy is looking for more volunteer catechists to lead as well as other adults, or teens between 12 and 18, to assist so that the ministry can grow. As of now, CLOW will resume on Sept. 19, but with enough volunteers, CLOW could be offered yearround. As Amy and Laura’s children grow out of the program and they find themselves busier, they hope that other parents with young children will step up to lead and help.

“If this is the Mass you come to anyways and you have children in this age group, then it’s not much work,” Amy says. “For a busy young mom or dad, it’s a manageable thing to fit into your schedule.”

If you would like to volunteer, please visit www.ourladyoflourdescc.org/childrens-liturgy-of-the-word. Contact Amy Light with any questions at amy.buehrle@yahoo.com.