St Patrick's Beenleigh conducts Children’s Liturgy of the Word (CLOW) during the 9.00am Sunday Mass. The Liturgy is facilitated by volunteer members of the parish community for children in the congregation using a more structured approach approved by the Parish Priest.
It was a joy to be part of something that would enhance our children’s experience of church, whilst assisting them to grow in faith and develop as full and active members of our Parish Community.
Just in case you are wondering what happens with during CLOW, the children commence the Mass with their families to celebrate the introductory rites then leaders gather them to process to the school hall to celebrate a separate Liturgy of the Word that is more appropriate to their level of understanding.
A beautifully bound book handled with respect, a special place for enthroning the word, gathering the children around to hear the scriptures proclaimed well, these all speak to the children of the sacredness of God’s word and influence how they accept and live by it.
The Lectionary for Masses with Children (LMC) adheres as closely as possible to the readings in the Lectionary for Mass, while adapting them to the needs and capabilities of children. It is a simplified version of Scripture, not a collection of paraphrases or Bible stories. When a reading was considered too difficult for children, it has been simplified or omitted completely. Moreover, the responsorial psalms have been adapted to make them easier for the children to sing. Afterwards, the children process back to re-join the community for the preparation of the Gifts.
CLOW is never simply a verbal experience, it is a liturgical celebration and all the principles of good liturgy still apply. The children do what the rest of the community is doing at this point of the Mass. The use of symbols, gestures, movement and singing heightens the children’s experience of God. They listen to the scriptures proclaimed and applied to contemporary life and respond in various ways. It is an experience of prayer, of dialogue with God.
We urge parents to encourage their children to participate and join our growing group of future faithful parishioners. And maybe volunteer to assist with this important ministry?