Children’s Liturgy of the Word leaders from across the parishes gathered on Zoom last week for the first of two workshops to reflect on how our parishes celebrate this liturgical experience that assists children to hear and respond to God’s word.

Children’s Liturgy of the Word is currently celebrated at 9.00 am Mass each Sunday during school term at Our Lady of Perpetual Succour, Wattle Park and is about to resume at 10.30 am Mass each Sunday at Our Lady of Good Counsel, Deepdene.  It is also hoped that Children’s Liturgy of the Word will soon commence at Our Holy Redeemer, Surrey Hills.

During this first workshop, participants shared their experiences of leading Children’s Liturgy of the Word, while taking the opportunity to articulate wonderings and questions, especially for those new to the role.  We explored Children’s Liturgy of the Word as liturgy and ritual prayer that focuses on the proclamation and breaking open of the scripture.  How best to engage children in the liturgical celebration, while providing an enjoyable experience for them, emerged in discussions, as well as the practicalities of running a session.

Children’s Liturgy of the Word follows the same rhythm and purpose as the Liturgy of the Word that is celebrated with the assembly during Mass.  The children are dismissed from the Sunday assembly and gather to celebrate a separate Liturgy of the Word which mirrors the Mass in content, structure and symbol but is more suitable to their level of understanding.  They listen to, break open, and respond to the scriptures of the day and have an opportunity to share their experiences of God being present in their life.  Children then return to the assembly for the celebration of the Eucharist.

If you would like to find out more about Children’s Liturgy of the Word or about becoming a leader, please contact our Coordinators, Kasia D’Costa at Wattle Park or Atri Arinia at Deepdene through the Parish Office.  New team members are always welcome and we are especially looking to grow the team at Our Holy Redeemer, Surrey Hills.  All children are welcome to participate.

By Tricia Norman