|
"It will perhaps be appropriate...to celebrate the Liturgy of the Word, including a homily, with the children in a separate area . . . Then, before the Liturgy of the Eucharist begins, the children are led to the place where the adults have meanwhile been celebrating their own Liturgy of the Word."
- Directory for Masses with Children, #17
"In adapting the Liturgy for use with children, the Church's goal is to nourish their faith and lead them to 'active, conscious, and authentic' participation in the worship of the whole assembly, but not to establish a different Rite for children."
-The Lectionary for Masses with Children, #11
"The Liturgy itself has the power to form children and all believers in the Paschal Mystery. The worthy celebration of the Liturgy is the best introduction to the Liturgy."
- The Lectionary of Masses with Children, #21
at Our Lady of Grace:
With these words the Catholic Church has given us a wonderful opportunity and a clear goal to develop and nurture the Faith in the life of our children and families. As we reflect the Church's teaching on the Liturgy of the Word with Children please keep in mind the following ideas:
♦ The celebration is intended and planned for K-3 age levels. Younger or older children may not benefit and could prove to be a distraction.
♦ The Liturgy of the Word with Children is a part of the Mass and not childcare or playtime. Please remind your children of this and of appropriate behavior while participating in the Mass and this part of it.
♦ Parents can prepare their children for Sunday Mass and the Liturgy of the Word by discussing the Sunday Scripture readings (printed weekly in the bulletin) and reviewing the reading's key principles.
♦ The Priest will ask all children to come forward and will then bless them. Following the blessing, the children will be led down to Keefer Hall for the Liturgy of the Word.
For more information please contact the Religious Education Office (412-276-0277).
|
