DIRECTOR S HANDBOOK. Liturgy of the Word with Children

Transcription

1 DIRECTOR S HANDBOOK Liturgy of the Word with Children

2 Written by Diana Dudoit Raiche Edited by Karen Cannizzo, David Dziena, and Jean Larkin Typesetting by Kelly Srubas and Cassandra Waung Cover design by Emmanuelle Beauvillain and Lorena Jimenez Copyright 2018, by Pflaum Publishing Group, a division of Bayard, Inc., All rights reserved. No portion of this text may be reproduced in any form without permission from the publisher. Permission is granted to reproduce this material, for use by parishes and schools using Children Celebrate! Pflaum Publishing Group 3055 Kettering Blvd., Suite 100 Dayton, OH pflaum.com

3 Director s Handbook Contents Introduction... 4 Chapter One Serving Children in the Faith Community... 5 Chapter Two Getting Started...9 Chapter Three Creating an Inviting, Prayerful Environment...12 Chapter Four Moving with the Flow of the Liturgy...16 Chapter Five Using Children Celebrate!...20 Chapter Six Resources for the Director... 24

4 Introduction The way in which the word of God is proclaimed and celebrated in the lives of children today will shape the future life of the Church. Adults who are familiar with children and the faith formation of young people are likely to agree with this statement, which closes the Introduction to the Lectionary for Masses with Children (Chapter IV, No. 54). The Directory for Masses with Children also agrees: A fully Christian life is inconceivable without participation in the liturgical services in which the faithful, gathered into a single assembly, celebrate the paschal mystery (Chapter I, No. 8). Citing the Vatican II document, Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, the Directory explains that the religious initiation of children must be in harmony with this purpose. The goal of all involved in the formation of children is to help them experience the eucharistic celebration as fully as their age and development permits. To make it easier for children to participate fully in the eucharistic celebration, the Directory provides for liturgical adaptations. One of these is for the scenario commonly found in parishes on Sundays and holy days, in which large numbers of adults and children participate. In this case, the Directory tells us that to engage children, it is appropriate to celebrate the Liturgy of the Word with the children in a separate place. 4

5 Chapter One Serving Children in the Faith Today we know and understand that children experience liturgy and all the normal events of life with a capacity consistent with their age and stage of development. Children are not simply miniature adults, nor are they blank slates on which any of us can write prescribed scripts. Each child is a unique person created in God s image, with free will and unique gifts and talents. Development of these gifts and talents involves all aspects of a child s being, and a child s maturation process includes physical, intellectual, psychological, emotional, and spiritual growth. Nature alone does not govern a child s development; nurture also plays a significant role in the maturation process. The dispositions, personalities, and religious sensibilities of children can be influenced and shaped by their experiences and opportunities. The Directory for Masses with Children is one of the ways in which the Church provides guidelines and principles to help shape a child s experience of the liturgy. The Directory supports a suitable and sound proclamation and celebration of the word with preadolescents, that is, young people who have not yet reached the thirteenth year (Introduction, No. 6). Liturgy of the Word with Children To make it easier for children to participate fully in the eucharistic celebration, the Directory provides liturgical adaptation. In the case of Masses in which adults and children participate together, the Directory urges that children not be allowed to feel neglected because they do not understand what is happening. The Directory allows for a Liturgy of the Word with Children, including a homily, in a separate place not too far removed from the main worship space (Chapter II, No. 17). For many years parishes have been incorporating this adaptation into their Sunday worship and finding that Liturgy of the Word with Children provides rich and prayerful experiences for young people. This story is an example: In one parish with a large number of children involved in Liturgy of the Word with Children, a sizable group of volunteer ministers was needed to support the program. By invitation, a well-trained lector came to one of the training sessions. At the end of the evening, this man announced to the group that he never really knew what the children did when they left the assembly on Sunday, but he suspected that they went to some sort of babysitting service so parents could attend Mass in peace. He probably would never have paid attention to what this was all about had not his daughter reached an age to be among the children sent forth for Liturgy of the Word. He was amazed that his former opinion was so off the mark and he admitted that he had no idea that Liturgy of the Word with Children provided such a rich, prayerful experience for young people. Rather than being embarrassed by his admission, he expressed a sense of pride in being part of something that he saw great value in for himself as well as for his daughter. Clearly the Church is intent on providing a rich liturgical experience through Liturgy of the Word with Children. It is not a child-care program, nor is it an arts and crafts session intended to keep young people busy while the adults are at worship. It is an authentic and concurrent celebration of the same, yet adapted, Liturgy of the Word that the adult community experiences. Liturgy of the Word with Children is an extension of worship in a separate place for a specific age group with particular guidelines. Those guidelines come from the Directory for Masses with Children and from the Introduction to the Lectionary for Masses with Children. 5

6 The Directory for Masses with Children For background on the Liturgy of the Word with Children, we need to look to Vatican Council II. The Directory for Masses with Children is the Church s response to the kind of liturgical renewal called for in the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, one of the first documents issued by Vatican II. The Church earnestly desires that all the faithful be led to that full, conscious, and active participation in liturgical celebrations called for by the very nature of the liturgy... In the reform and promotion of the liturgy, this full and active participation by all the people is the aim to be considered before all else (Chapter I, No 14). All the people include children who were much on the minds of Church leaders, both lay and clergy, at the end of the Council. In the first Synod of Bishops held in Rome in 1967, the topic of helping children to participate in liturgy came to the fore. It was agreed that a new special rite was not the answer. Rather, children s participation could be aided by retaining, shortening, or omitting some elements [of the liturgy] or...making a better selection of texts (Introduction, No. 3). Concerned that children may not always find everything in the liturgy intelligible to them and desirous that the liturgy s teaching force be realized in the life of children, the Congregation for Divine Worship prepared the Directory for Masses with Children as a supplement to the General Instruction of the revised Roman Missal, published in Authored by Father Edward Matthews for the Congregation, the Directory was approved, confirmed, and ordered to be made public by Pope Paul VI on October 22, The General Catechetical Directory (1971) noted that children possess an individual religious capacity and that religious experiences can form even very young children profoundly. The Directory for Masses with Children recognizes that the circumstances in which children grow up are not favorable to their spiritual progress (Introduction, No. 1). Children can easily become weary when the liturgy is barely comprehensible to them (Introduction, No. 2). Full, active, conscious participation in the liturgy is especially important and even more valid for Masses celebrated with children. What is more, every effort should be made to increase this participation and make it more intense (Chapter III, No. 22). In order for children to come to that full, active participation called for in the Constitution for the Sacred Liturgy, the words and signs used at Mass would have to be adapted to the capacity of children (Introduction, No. 2). Readings for Liturgy of the Word with Children Adapting the readings for liturgy was of primary consideration since the proclamation of the word from the Lectionary for Mass would need to be tailored to the capacity of children. Ignorance of the Scriptures is ignorance of Christ, says St. Jerome. It is the sacred word of the Scriptures that evangelizes and landscapes young minds and hearts so that children may come to faith. According to their individual religious capacity, then, children are the privileged hearers of the word of God that is adapted to them according to the following guidelines in the Directory for Masses with Children (Chapter III, Nos ). Biblical reading should never be omitted. If the three or even two readings on Sundays or weekdays are too difficult to understand, then it is permissible to read two or only one, but the gospel reading should never be omitted. If all the readings of the day seem unsuited to the capacity of children, it is permissible to select alternate readings (taking into account the liturgical seasons) either from the Lectionary for Mass or directly from the Bible. Omitting one or more verses of a biblical reading should be done cautiously so that the meaning of the texts or the sense and, as it were, style of the Scriptures are not distorted (Lectionary for Mass, Introduction). The spiritual advantage that a reading offers young people is the preferred criterion for selecting a reading 6

7 Paraphrases of Scripture should be avoided, but using translations that are accepted by competent authorities for the catechesis of children is recommended. Sung psalm response should occur between readings. Singing may occur after the homily if only a single reading is chosen. Introductory comments may precede the readings to help children listen better. Where the reading lends itself to this, it may be helpful to distribute parts for the reading among the children. At Masses with children, or when children are sent forth to a separate place to celebrate Liturgy of the Word, the Lectionary for Masses with Children may be used since it is an adapted translation approved by the Bishops Committee on the Liturgy and confirmed by Rome (Introduction, No. 15). If a reading from the Lectionary for Mass is more suitable, then it should be used, but other translations that were once given temporary approval are not to be used. Credit: Jacques Cousin/Ciric 7

8 Benefits of Liturgy of the Word with Children The primary beneficiaries of the Liturgy of the Word with Children are the children. They are given an increased opportunity to come to a full, active and conscious participation in the Liturgy of the Word according to their spiritual capacity. What is more, their spiritual capacity has an increased opportunity to be nourished. Because of the adaptations of the Liturgy of the Word with Children, children are able to celebrate the Liturgy of the Eucharist in the main assembly with more focused attention. To honor a child as a child is a great gift that the Christian community can bestow upon its young. The benefits to the community are evident in several ways. First, adults who are given the responsibility for leading the Liturgy of the Word with Children are nourished by the word they proclaim and break open in a shared reflection. Typically, they are given an increased opportunity to learn more about the liturgical year and the order of worship. The assembly as a whole also benefits. When the assembly is educated about what happens at the Liturgy of the Word with Children, they are in a better position to support, affirm, and recognize faith flowering in the youngest members of the faith community. That support has the potential to impart a lasting positive effect on the children. As children grow in love for the word of God within a supportive faith community, the positive effect on their lives impacts everyone around them. 8

9 Chapter Two Getting Started The Directory for Masses with Children reminds the faithful that providing experiences and opportunities to enrich the liturgical formation of children baptized in the Church is the responsibility of the entire Christian community (Chapter I, No. 11). However, particular members of the community may be given responsibility for carrying out a specific plan of action. In some cases, that responsibility goes to the person in charge of liturgy. Because the faith formation of children is usually the responsibility of catechetical leaders, oftentimes they are the ones who shepherd the liturgy for young people. Ultimately, the pastor is charged with making sure that initiatives to engage all people, including children, in full, active, and conscious participation in the liturgy occur. Liturgy of the Word with Children also needs the support, encouragement, cooperation, and collaboration of everyone involved with liturgy. If a liturgy committee or commission does not advance the idea of establishing Liturgy of the Word with Children, it should at the very least be involved in and committed to the successful implementation of the program. Liturgy of the Word with Children is an integral part of the worship experience and needs the full support of all those who help to provide liturgical leadership at every level. That may include: priests and deacons; liturgical musicians, including choir members and cantors; lectors; ministers of hospitality, including ushers and sacristan(s). Establishing Liturgy of the Word with Children Before launching Liturgy of the Word with Children, the person or persons in charge of the program should be thoroughly familiar with the Directory for Masses with Children and with the Introduction to the Lectionary for Masses with Children. Knowledge of the guidelines and principles contained in these two documents gives leaders proper direction. To work together smoothly, all the people involved with the liturgy need to be aware of a start date and the possible accommodations that the entire worshiping community will be called to make to support Liturgy of the Word with Children. Recruiting Volunteers Whether they come from liturgical or catechetical ministries, those ministers especially assigned to the Liturgy of the Word with Children shepherd the children Sunday after Sunday. There is no substitute for a personal invitation in seeking anyone to be involved in any new endeavor. This is especially true in recruiting leaders for Liturgy of the Word with Children. It is important to the success of Liturgy of the Word with Children that these volunteers possess a sincere desire to lead children at worship and an authentic love of both children and Scripture. These qualities are as important to successful candidates as are natural leadership gifts and talents. With these criteria in mind, consider convening a group of parish leaders. After sharing the vision and background for Liturgy of the Word with Children, ask these leaders to recommend people they know personally who fit the criteria. Either through a personal letter or phone call, explain why you are 9

10 contacting these people and extend an invitation for them to attend a come and see gathering. Some people will make a commitment based on a phone call; but many will need to know more about what is involved before making a commitment. Volunteer Roles Not everyone who is willing to attend an orientation gathering will ultimately sign on as a volunteer. Likewise, not every volunteer will become a leader the person who will call the children to prayer and read and prepare a shared reflection on the Gospel. When large numbers of children are part of Liturgy of the Word with Children, having two or even three volunteers to assist a leader in various capacities is very beneficial. For example, if a parish staff musician is not available, a volunteer musician is very much appreciated and is an important liturgical minister during the Liturgy of the Word. For example, if a parish staff musician is not available, a volunteer musician is very much appreciated and is an important liturgical minister during the Liturgy of the Word. Another important volunteer is someone to coordinate with the ministers in the main worship space. In addition to assisting during the procession out of the main assembly, this volunteer would watch the progress of the liturgy in the main assembly and cue the leader at the appropriate time to prepare the children to return. It is also very helpful to have a volunteer to distribute the Children s Leaflets to the children. Finally, in addition to the volunteers already mentioned, having an older teen or adult available in the event a child becomes ill can be an added bonus! Training Sessions In initiating Liturgy of the Word with Children, two types of training sessions work well. The first is an orientation that includes the kind of warm welcome volunteers will be expected to extend to the children they will be serving. At this first gathering, it is important to role-play an actual Liturgy of the Word with Children. A picture is worth a thousand words; an experience provides not only a mental picture, but touches the senses. Most invitees are willing to make a commitment to Liturgy of the Word with Children once they see and understand that they are able to do what will be required of them. (To role-play Liturgy of the Word with Children, see the order of worship in Chapter Four, beginning on page 21.) It is important to hold at least one follow-up to the initial session. At that time, provide volunteers with packets of resource materials to help empower them. The packets should include a copy of the Children Celebrate! Leader s Guide, a sample of the Children s Leaflets, and a roster of team members (with at least three or four persons making up a team), with phone numbers in the event that a team member is indisposed. Including a copy of the Directory for Masses with Children is also helpful. The second type of training involves ongoing gatherings. Although not mandatory, monthly sessions can be helpful. At these gatherings, the director can present and lead discussion of background on the Scriptures for the upcoming Sundays, information which can be found in the Children Celebrate! Leader s Guide. This process will not only help volunteers in their own spiritual growth, but also help leaders gain ease in preparing short shared reflections on the Scriptures. Ongoing gatherings can also give volunteers a forum for sharing successes and challenges. 10

11 A Word About Teams Assign volunteers to teams, with each team member having a specific role. Then give each team the responsibility for four or more Sundays according to scriptural themes and the liturgical seasons; for example, the four Sundays of Advent or the six weeks of Lent. With this kind of scheduling, team members will know their assigned Sundays well ahead of time. Leading Liturgy of the Word with Children for several consecutive weeks gives leaders and other team members practice and greater familiarity with their roles. Having several weeks off gives a team time to plan ahead at a more leisurely pace. Working in teams of three or four builds an important sense of community among volunteers. The more volunteers are able to experience a sense of community in ministry, the more likely they are to stay committed to the project. Working in teams of three or four also allows for flexibility. Sometimes one or two people are more than happy to take charge of a program. Showing up every Sunday is not an inconvenience for them. For others, that level of commitment is not possible. But if offered a lighter commitment as part of a team, most people are likely to respond positively to the invitation to help. Team members may be comfortable with keeping the same positions every week, or they may want to rotate positions. For example, one week a person may serve as leader and the next week that person may take charge of music. Another week this team member may keep track of the flow of the liturgy of the main assembly, attend to children who need special attention, or help set up and take down the environment. Working as a team with three or four members will also allow a group to carry out its responsibilities when one or two members are unavailable ill, out of town, or experiencing a scheduling conflict. The physical space used for Liturgy of the Word with Children often poses challenges. Rarely will a faith community have a space to use exclusively for this purpose. More often than not, there is no ideal space adjacent to the assembly in the main worship space. Those responsible for Liturgy of the Word with Children oftentimes use physical space that is less than ideal for a worship environment. But transformation of even the most uninspiring space is possible with a little imagination. Credit: Corinne Simon/Ciric Note: For a helpful timeline while establishing your program, see page

12 Chapter Three Creating an Inviting, Prayerful Environment Guiding Principles The document Environment and Art in Catholic Worship gives some guiding principles with which leaders of Liturgy of the Word with Children should be aware. Liturgical celebration involves the whole person, so attention to body, mind, senses, imagination, emotions, and memory is one of the urgent needs of the contemporary liturgical renewal (ECW, No. 5). Further, there are elements in the worship environment that contribute to the overall liturgical experience: seating arrangement, placement of liturgical centers of action, temporary decoration, light, acoustics, spaciousness, etc. The environment is appropriate when it is beautiful, when it is hospitable, when it clearly invites and needs an assembly of people to complete it (ECW, No. 24). Liturgy of the Word with Children may be held in a church hall, a room adjoining the worship space, the sacristy, or a classroom. Sometimes children will walk a short distance to an adjacent school, office complex, or trailer. Depending on weather conditions and the season of the year, processing out of the main church to an adjacent location poses no significant problem. Wherever the children gather, the space can be successfully transformed into an inviting, attractive space suitable for a celebration of the Word. The Liturgy Box In each Children Celebrate! Leader s Guide, there is a section in the Order of Worship giving simple suggestions for how to use easy-to-find articles to make the worship space into a liturgical environment. Preparing a liturgy box specifically for the Liturgy of the Word with Children can be a great help. The box should have a cover and be clearly labeled Liturgy of the Word with Children. The box also needs to be large enough to hold all the needed supplies and sturdy enough to endure weekly use. Store the liturgy box in a location easily accessed by the Liturgy of the Word with Children team. Think of this box as providing a portable environment. The liturgy box should contain items that will allow a team to create an attractive, inviting worship space. Following is a list of items often suggested. You can add to these at your discretion. Lengths of cloth appropriate to each of the liturgical seasons: green, purple, red, and white Large candle with attractive candle holder (Don t forget the matches!) Raised bookrest to create a home for the lectionary Lectionary for Masses with Children and Lectionary for Mass (unless these books are kept in the sacristy for use by multiple groups) Attractive Bible (for those occasions when an alternate reading may be used) Crucifix (unless this furnishing is already in the room) CD player with CDs of music suitable for Liturgy of the Word with Children 12

13 Posters Since children of various ages and reading abilities will be celebrating the Liturgy of the Word together, posters are often helpful to have on hand. There are no papers to hold, fold, or otherwise cause distraction. The children know what to do, when to do it, what to say, and when to say it. Children who do not read are prompted in their responses by those who do read. Pictures or symbols may also be added for children who do not yet read. Depending on the number of newcomers who join the group each week, before long these aids may no longer be necessary. The prayers and responses will become second nature, and the children will memorize the prayers because of repetition. If a creed is to be used, having the words to the Apostles Creed and the Nicene Creed on large posters is very helpful. In addition, posterboard cards (approximately 6 x 18 ) on which postures and responses are written helps children celebrate with comfort. Especially useful are poster cards with commonly used assembly responses, such as And with your spirit, Amen, the psalm response, and the response for the prayer of the faithful. Poster cards with physical cues, such as Stand, Sit, and so on, are also very helpful. Miscellaneous In addition to preparing your liturgy box, create suitable storage for any other materials too large for the box, such as pictures or images of Jesus. Make sure you have Children Celebrate! materials, including an adequate number of the Children s Leaflets. Make arrangements to have the necessary doors unlocked or to secure keys. Getting Ready Prepare the worship space so that it is complete before the young assembly gathers. Be sure to incorporate the correct liturgical color for the season or feast in decorations. Enthrone the lectionary or Bible. Cluster the lectionary, candle, and plant or flowers together. Set out matches to light the candle. (For safety sake, light the candle only after someone will be available to be in the room constantly and remember to extinguish the candle before everyone leaves the room. Please not that local fire codes may require you to use battery-operated candles.) All of these preparations are designed to show children that God is present at the Liturgy of the Word with Children in this separate space. Before long, you may discover that reverent silence becomes a natural outgrowth of the sense of awe and wonder that comes to the children as a result of their realization that God is with them. Such reverent silence is an everpresent goal when celebrating liturgy, especially with children. About thirty minutes before the beginning of the gathering rite in the main church, have those in charge of music cue up music on a CD player. If live music is to be used, have musicians gather. Have available music, music stand(s), and instruments (guitar, autoharp, portable electronic keyboard, and so on). About Seating Sometimes children gather in a space already furnished for children of the same age. Chairs may be available that can be rearranged for the word service. At other times, there is no place to sit except the floor. In this instance, consider asking a local carpet store to donate discontinued sample carpet squares to your program. You will need one carpet square for each child. Arrange the squares before children arrive to control spacing, and instruct the children that only one person is allowed to use each carpet square. 13

14 You may be surprised at how well this system works. Little bodies have a home as soon as they enter the space; they are a little more comfortable, a little warmer, and stay a little cleaner. Carpet squares can be set up and removed in minutes and can easily be stacked out of the way in a corner of a room or in a closet to be put out each week. About Music The Church s liturgy is inherently musical (Liturgical Music Today, # 5). Music is as integral to worship as is the lectionary. Those responsible for Liturgy of the Word with Children should be prepared to provide music that is consistent with the norms for liturgical music, appropriate to the young assembly, compatible with the parish repertoire, and easily provided. Fortunately, with the collaboration of the parish music director, this should not be difficult to accomplish. In Children Celebrate! there are music suggestions given every Sunday for the appropriate times during Liturgy of the Word. To make it as convenient as possible for the leader, the information includes the name of the music selection and the name of the CD on which you can find it. If you have the option of providing live music, there are many complete song and accompaniment books for teaching music to the young assembly. (See the resources for the director in Chapter Six, page 31.) Most parish musicians are happy to help leaders of Liturgy of the Word with Children select appropriate music. When some of the parish musical repertoire is occasionally used, children feel at home when they return to the main assembly. For parishes that do not have musicians available, CDs provide a convenient means of inviting the participation of the children. (See the resources for the director in Chapter Six, page 31.) Spiritual Preparation of the Team The spiritual preparation of the team the leader and all of the other volunteers is extremely important. Praying the Scriptures for the week prior to celebrating with the children is highly recommended for team members, to allow the Word of God to be on their minds as they live life and observe life being lived. This concentration on the Scriptures is sometimes the best source for preparing a shared reflection, which is an explanation of the Scriptures similar to that given by the priest in his homily. Attending a training session on preparing a shared reflection can also be helpful, as can personal study and reflection on how God s Word speaks to the leader and to young people. In preparing a shared reflection, three basic questions may help leaders begin to think about the reading(s) they are to prepare. What does this reading mean? What does it mean to me? What does it call me to do? To help answer the first question, the Leader s Guide for Children Celebrate! provides background material on the readings written by authors who have studied Scripture. Going a step further, the author also explains how the message of that Sunday s readings relates to children today. The second question invites leaders to think about their life circumstances. What does this reading have to say about my life? About my community? About my country? Which of the characters in the reading am I most like? Why? 14

15 If I could choose to be one of the characters in the reading, which character would I be? Why? Which character in the reading do I have the most compassion for? Why? The third question asks what changes leaders are willing to make in their lives. What am I willing to change about myself, my friends, my choices, and so on, to live a more gospelcentered life? What changes would make the world a better place? Preparation and Participation of the Faith Community Another important area of preparation involves the assembly and liturgical ministers. The assembly should be informed through pulpit and bulletin announcements that children are invited to leave the general assembly to participate in their own Liturgy of the Word. Occasional articles in a parish newsletter or a brief message from the pastor after Mass or in the bulletin may help to inform and educate the assembly about Liturgy of the Word with Children. Liturgical ministers need to be prepared for any impact that sending the children forth might have. New lectors may not be aware that they are to wait until after the priest blesses the leader for Liturgy of the Word with Children before beginning the first reading. If the children are to be sent forth in a sung procession, music ministers need to be aware that they are responsible for beginning the music. Directors of music select or compose short pieces for such ritual movement. The assembly will need to learn any new music introduced to the community for this purpose. Hospitality ministers play an important role in the entire process. They need to know not to seat latecomers in the places that are vacated when children leave the main worship space. Children will be returning for the Liturgy of the Eucharist, and it is unfair to them to discover that their places are gone when they return. Likewise, it is unwelcoming to direct a latecomer to a child s place and put the parent or the person accompanying the child in the position of denying the latecomer a seat. Depending on where the separate space for Liturgy of the Word with Children is located, sometimes hospitality ministers are in a good position to alert the team when it is time to send the children back to the main assembly. In other cases, one of the team members can return to the main worship space to check with the lead usher and estimate the proper time for bringing the children back. Because there is already movement and some noise in the worship space during the collection of the offering, children can easily return to their seats at this time without disturbing the flow of the liturgy. 15

16 Chapter Four Moving With the Flow of the Liturgy Order of Worship The worshiping community gathers each Sunday. When gathered, young and old, rich and not so rich, strong and weak, women and men become the assembly. Introductory Rites The liturgy begins with the gathering rite for the whole assembly, adults and children together. It is important that the children (and the adults) understand Liturgy of the Word with Children as a part of the entire community s worship and not a separate children s time. The assembly begins singing as the procession moves toward the sanctuary. First are the acolytes, then the lector(s), leader for Liturgy of the Word with Children, the deacon, and priest. Following the procession, the ritual choreography moves in this or a similar fashion. The acolytes bow before entering the sanctuary, place the lighted candles or processional cross they are carrying in position and move to their appointed places, and remain standing. The lector bows and takes his or her place among the assembly, remaining standing. The deacon, carrying the Book of the Gospels, bows before entering the sanctuary, places the book in its designated place (sometimes a special place in front of the ambo, sometimes on the altar), and stands next to the presider s chair. The leader for Liturgy of the Word with Children bows and either enters the sanctuary and stands on the other side of the presider s chair, or takes his or her place in the assembly. The presider kisses the altar and takes his place at the presider s chair, where he may be met by an acolyte, carrying the Roman Missal. Greeting, Penitential Act, Gloria The priest begins with the sign of the Cross and greets the assembly. The assembly responds. He may remind the assembly which Sunday in the liturgical year is to be celebrated. To invite reflection, he may offer a summary of the liturgy s focus. The celebrant invites the faithful silently to recall their sins and express repentance for them. Depending on the season of the year, the assembly may sing or say the penitential act; sing or say the Gloria. Opening Prayer The gathering rite is concluded with the opening prayer from the Roman Missal. During this time the leader for Liturgy of the Word with Children may take either of two positions. Some priests prefer the leader to remain in the sanctuary during this gathering rite so that when it is time to extend a blessing and send the leader forth with the children, there is minimal additional movement that could interrupt the flow of the liturgy. Other priests prefer to call the leader from the assembly to the sanctuary for a blessing before sending the children forth. 16

17 Children s Invitation and Procession The priest calls the children forward to listen to God s Word during an adapted Liturgy of the Word. He blesses the leader and hands the Lectionary for Masses with Children to the leader, who processes with the children to a separate place. As the children are sent forth, the liturgical musicians may lead the assembly in singing a suitable song. The Liturgy of the Word continues as usual for the main assembly. The children and leader should exit down the main aisle, singing in procession until they reach the separate place to continue the Liturgy of the Word. Liturgy of the Word The leader processes with the children into their worship space and places the lectionary in the place for enthronement. A team member lights the candle, and other volunteers help children get seated and settled. The leader sits on a low chair or stool while the other team members go to the positions the team has decided on in their planning. The Liturgy of the Word with Children begins as soon as everyone is settled. It is helpful to remind the children why they are present. Explain that this gathering is a continuation of the liturgy that just began in the main church. Everything about beginning this adapted Liturgy of the Word should invite calm, attentive, and reverent behavior from the children. First Reading After a brief opening prayer, one of the team members reads the first reading. Holding the book high so the children can see it, this team member ends with, The Word of the Lord, and returns the open lectionary to the place of enthronement. Holding a response card high enough for the children to see, another team member leads the children in responding, Thanks be to God. The team members sit. Responsorial Psalm After observing a brief period of silence, the person in charge of music stands and invites the children to sing the antiphon of the psalm response and either begins playing recorded music or begins to play and sing the responsorial psalm. Another team member may hold up the poster on which that Sunday s antiphon is written and help lead the children in singing the response. At the end of the psalm response, everyone should observe a brief period of silence, always in keeping with the age level of the young assembly. If the psalm response is not sung, the leader tells the children what the response is to be and asks them to repeat it once to become familiar with it. Second Reading On the Sundays when there is a second reading, it is read in the same manner as the first. Gospel Acclamation As the leader stands and motions to the assembly to stand, he or she moves toward the place of enthronement while the leader of music stands and begins to play recorded music or sing the Gospel acclamation. At the same time, another team member holds up the response card for the children to see as they sing. While this is happening, the leader reverently takes the lectionary from the place of enthronement. (Note: The Alleluia should always be sung. If there is no plan to sing the Alleluia, the Gospel is introduced with The Lord be with you. The response card should read: And with your spirit. ) 17

18 Once the children stop/finish singing, the leader announces the Gospel reading for the day. A team member may hold up another response card and lead the children in the response, Glory to You, O Lord, while signing his or her forehead, lips, and heart with a small sign of the cross made with the thumb of their right hand. The children are encouraged to sign themselves in the same manner. The leader proclaims the Gospel. At the conclusion, a team member may hold up a response card to prompt children to say, Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ. Homily The children are then invited to sit while the leader shares a reflection on one of the readings, preferably the Gospel. The leader may remain seated, may use whatever props or aids will help communicate the message of the reading, and may incorporate dramatization. The ideal reflection will be brief and to the point, delivering a simple message the children can remember. The leader may ask the children to join in some movement that will reinforce the message. The bodies of young children cry out to move, so the wise adult will combine this physical need with the teachings of Jesus in the word. The children may also be invited to share their reflections on the Gospel. At this point, one of the team members returns to the main assembly to check with the lead usher on the progress of the liturgy. Profession of Faith If the team wishes to include a profession of faith, there are various options. Most often, Children Celebrate! suggests a simple renewal of baptismal vows, to which the children respond, I do believe, with an appropriate gesture, or something similar. If, however, the leader wishes to recite the Apostles Creed, another member of the team holds up the poster with the creed s words on it so children can follow along. From time to time, the leader may wish to use the Nicene Creed with the children so the children will be familiar with the creed professed most often at Mass. Prayer of the Faithful A team member leads the children in the prayer of the faithful while another holds up a card with the response Lord, hear our prayer, or a similar response. The response may be spoken or sung. The children should also be invited to share their own prayers with the group at this time. Return to the Assembly When the prayer of the faithful begins in the main assembly, the volunteer watching the progress of the liturgy should signal the children s leader. This allows the leader to coordinate the conclusion of the children s Liturgy of the Word and to prepare them to rejoin the main assembly. During this time of preparation, the leader should remind the children to pick up their copies of the Children s Leaflet. To facilitate an unhurried exit, it is advisable for the team to leave everything in the room. Extinguish the candle, lock the door if necessary, and plan to return to take down the environment after Mass. A Word About Increased Participation by the Children Once children become accustomed to this pattern of worship, invite them to increasing levels of participation. For example, as the team gets to know the children, one of the better readers, perhaps an older child, may be invited to do the first reading. Another young person gifted in music may help with the singing or play a musical instrument. Some of the children may want to prepare a dramatic reading of the 18

19 Gospel, reading it with parts as is done with the reading of the Lord s passion during Holy Week. Or they may want to prepare a simple pantomime to be presented as the Gospel is read. Of course, additional participation requires additional preparation. Team members should either help the children prepare for their roles or encourage other adults to become involved in preparing children for greater participation. Credit: Clement Mahoudeau/Ciric 19

20 Chapter Five Using Children Celebrate! Every journey begins with a single step. Choosing Children Celebrate! is the best first step in establishing Liturgy of the Word with Children in your faith community. In addition to this director s manual, there are two other components to Children Celebrate! that make it the most complete and easyto-use program for any parish the Leader s Guide and the Children s Leaflet. Leader s Guide helps even the newest volunteer feel confident. 4 Guides per year. Each Guide covers 13 Sundays. Be sure to order enough so that each leader has a guide and each child gets a leaflet. The Leader s Guide Introduction Provides Important Foundation s Thematic Overview The Children s Leaflet provides activities for children and families. 52 issues per year. Shipped quarterly in sets of 25. s Clear Explanation of Program s Answers to Commonly-asked Questions s Special Article on a Feature of Liturgy of the Word with Children 20

21 The Leader s Guide provides Scripture Background for each Sunday s readings and explains how they relate to children today. Sets the tone. Carried throughout order of worship and Children s Leaflets. Explains each week s theme and message as they relate to children today. Weekly Scripture citations for handy reference Helps the leader understand the readings and Suggests environbe prepared to break ment enhanceopen the Word. ments and other possible props or worship aids, including music. 21 Provides leader with a summary and reproduction of the week s leaflet. Includes answers to appropriate puzzles.

22 The Leader s Guide provides complete Order of Worship for each Sunday. Includes prayers, responses, and music suggestions. Starter ideas for involving children in a reflection on the gospel. Sets tone for worship experience. Simple, interactive declaration of our faith. Appropriate petitions and response for needs of the world, Church, and community. 22

23 The Children s Leafets provide creative ideas for families and fun, age-appropriate activities for children. Citations from readings heard by the adults that week. Read together the We Pray opening prayer. Theme-based activity for older children. Message to parents about each week s readings. Practical, creative ideas for family interaction exploring each week s theme. 23

24 Chapter Six Resources for the Director Contact information for the resources described here is given on the next page. In addition, many of the resources are available from sources other than those listed. Background Materials The Directory for Masses with Children is the foundational document that supports Liturgy of the Word with Children. When parish leaders, including pastor and liturgical ministers, are considering establishing Liturgy of the Word with Children in their parish, they may want to read the document together and discuss some of the possibilities and challenges that the document raises. The complete text for the Directory for Masses with Children can be found in Masses with Children, which is available from the United States Catholic Conference of Catholic Bishops. The Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, one of the first documents to come out of Vatican II, outlines the Church s need for a vibrant liturgical life and calls for liturgical reform. The Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy offers a parish liturgy committee or commission many possibilities for liturgical enrichment. Reading the document with a commentary may make the language and concepts more accessible. The Documents of Vatican II with Notes and Comments by Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox Authorities can be found in many parish and pastors libraries. A more recent version, The Documents of Vatican Council II: The Basic Edition, which does not include commentary, is available from Liturgical Press. If your parish does not have a copy of the Lectionary for Masses with Children, you may want to purchase one. It is a wonderful, child-friendly alternative to the Lectionary for Mass. Both books can be used together to provide authentic renderings of the Word of God for Liturgy of the Word with Children. The Lectionary for Masses with Children is available in both ritual and study editions from Liturgy Training Publications. The Lectionary for Mass will be available in your parish. Environment and Art in Catholic Worship is a document to help those involved in creating appropriate liturgical environment. The guidelines offered in this document can easily hep people reading it. The document is available from Liturgy Training Publications. Music in Catholic Worship and Liturgical Music Today are designed to help both professional music ministers and volunteers who share their musical talents and gifts with the faith community for the joy of it. Principles and guidelines found in these documents help in the selection of appropriate liturgical music. Both documents are found in The Music Documents: Music in Catholic Worship and Liturgical Music Today, available from Oregon Catholic Press. General Norms for the Liturgical Year provides background information on the liturgical year, including why the Church gives primacy to certain seasons, days, and readings. This document can be found in The Liturgy Documents: A Parish Resource, Volume I, available from Liturgy Training Publications. Fulfilled in Your Hearing: The Homily in the Sunday Assembly is not essential reading for the Liturgy of the Word team, but Chapter IV may be of special interest to leaders who are preparing shared reflections on Scripture readings. This document is available from the United States Catholic Conference of Catholic Bishops. 24

25 Music If you have the option of providing live music, many hymnals offer music composed with children in mind. Rise Up and Sing, Spirit and Song, and Young People s Glory and Praise, all with accompaniment books, are available from Oregon Catholic Press. Singing Our Faith, also with accompaniment books, is available from GIA Publications. Music appropriate for use in Liturgy of the Word with Children will also be found in the hymnals, musical settings, and psalm settings intended for use by the general congregation. The parish music director can help with selections. If live music is not an option, music is available on CDs from Pflaum Publishing Group. These CDs include Music for the Liturgical Year by John Burland with additional selections from various Catholic composers. Specific recommendations for appropriate music are included for each Sunday in the Children Celebrate! Leader s Guide. These recommendations include complete information on where to find music to fit your circumstances. The NEW Gospel Weeklies The NEW Gospel Weeklies MUSIC FOR THE LITURGICAL YEAR Songs for Preschool MUSIC FOR THE LITURGICAL YEAR Songs for Grades K-3 Order these CDs at Pflaum.com or download the songs at giamusic.com/pgw 25