Our mission is to bring the Liturgy of the Word to our children on a level they can grasp and relate to. The object is to bring the Scripture readings alive at the 10:00 AM Mass. For the first Sunday of each month, we choose reading that would be understood by all ages. During the seasons of Advent and Lent, we take the children in grades 1 to 6 from the assembly and bring them to the Community Room. There we have created an environment to awaken their sense of curiosity and focus their attention to the readings. To prepare for the first Sunday Masses, the Committee meets monthly with each session lasting about 90 minutes. For the season of Advent and Lent, we meet more often because we are putting together liturgies for each Sunday. Over the years, we have developed different committees to handle the many aspects of our functioning body. This affords opportunities for more people to become involved. There is also our Children's Corner, publicity and computer work committees. Each gives us a chance to share our gifts, time and talents. It also affords us all greater flexibility in how often we have to meet.! We are looking to expand beyond our present seasons of Advent and Lent to include Christmas and Easter. To do that, we need a few more members. If you can join us for even one season start to finish, we could see our expansion goals become a reality. It's a request that has been expressed over the years by both parents and staff alike.

Time Commitment:  Varies.

Children's Liturgy of the Word

From the Spring 2008 Edition of Clippings Magazine

by Christine Walsh

Here at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs, we have an extraordinary ministry that makes a difference in the lives of children. On the second, third and fourth Sundays of each month, the 9:30 Mass has something very special to offer the children of our parish who are in Kindergarten through fifth grade. Just before the Liturgy of the Word begins, the children are invited to gather at the altar, where they receive a special blessing by the priest. The children process downstairs, singing, and gather in the community room, which is set up for a Mass. The children sing along with their peers, who lead them.

The Liturgy of the Word continues, just as it does for the adults upstairs, with a few small differences. Volunteers from our teen group serve as lectors for the children’s liturgy of the word. The Lectionary for Masses with Children is used as the basis for this liturgy. This approved Lectionary adapts the Scripture readings from the Lectionary for Mass in order to ensure that the readings are concrete, appropriate in length and will not confuse or upset children. Each of the responses is artistically displayed on a large chart behind the podium. This enables the children who can read, to learn the correct responses at the appropriate times.

The responsorial psalm is led and sung by children volunteers. This group of singers is directed by Donna Shortt and David Luft. These directors are always delighted when a new child volunteers to join the group.

Children’s Liturgy Committee (left to right): David Luft, Timothy Luft, Michael Shortt, Donna Shortt, Jake Walsh, Christine Walsh, Nicholas Luft, Jim Matthews

The Gospel is read by the homilist, who is an adult volunteer from the congregation. These volunteers prepare a homily that is an engaging and interesting reflection on the readings of the week. They are usually interactive with children. They also often include a visual aid of some kind. These homilies are geared to the abilities and interests of the children, and always include important information about how to live one’s life in a way that gives God glory. The goal is to bring the children closer to God, so that they know how much He loves them, and wants to be close to them. The homilists try to give concrete examples for the children to continue this understanding throughout the upcoming week, as well as the rest of their lives. Although the homilies are geared to children, many adults who accompany their children comment on how pertinent the homily is for their lives as well.

After the homily, the children recite together the Profession of Faith. The children are able to hold a copy, and read it together. This provides an opportunity for them to see the words which will helps them to learn it correctly.

The Prayer of the Faithful is a very important part of the Children’s Liturgy of the Word.  After reading some prayers and responses pertinent to the church each Sunday, the leader invites the children to share their prayers with the group.  Prayers are offered for grandparents, parents, siblings, friends, aunts, uncles, cousins and always pets.  In doing this, we hope to teach the children the importance of prayer in their lives.  We want the children to understand that God hears and answers prayers, and they are important to Him.

The children are led in song, and are escorted back upstairs to begin the Liturgy of the Eucharist with their parents.

The ministry of Children’s Liturgy of the Word is a very important one, because it sends the children home every week with the key message from the scriptures.  It is presented in a way that is fun and engaging for them.

The children are made to feel like important, and cherished members of our parish.  We hope that the seeds we sow in our children today, will bloom as the children grow, and our church will bloom along with them.

The members of the children’s committee are always happy to include new volunteers.  If you would like to become involved as an adult volunteer, please contact Christine Walsh at 261-9785.  If you would like to have your child sing at the Children’s Liturgy of the Word, please contact Donna Shortt at 271-6821.

If you’ve never experienced the Children’s Liturgy of the Word, come downstairs with us, and see for yourself how wonderful it is. You are always welcome!