CHILDREN'S LITURGY
Each Sunday during school term time St.Teresa’s Parish has an organised Children’s Liturgy at the 11am Mass with the aim of bringing the message of Christ to children in a way that is easy for them to understand and enjoy.
At the beginning of Mass, children are invited to go with the leaders to the Parish Centre. Whilst in the centre they participate in prayers and hymns and listen to a simplified version of the Gospel for that day.
Once the Gospel has been read we encourage the children to discuss the story and its meaning whilst enjoying an activity based on the theme. The children are led back into the church for the Offertory procession taking the bread and wine up to the altar.
If you would like to find out more or become a leader please contact Fr. John for more information.
Contact: Fr. John Mulligan
Liturgy of the Word for children at 11.00 am Sunday Mass
The Directory for Masses with Children tells us that, in Masses with adults, it is necessary to take great care that the children present do not feel neglected because of their inability to participate or to understand what happens and what is proclaimed in the celebration.
For this reason the children have their own Liturgy of the Word every other Sunday. This is following the guidelines issued by the Bishops of England & Wales where they say that the Liturgy of the Word can happen
1. In a separate place
2. In the church as part of Sunday Mass
3. Alternating both of these.
The children's Liturgy of the Word follows the same format as the one in the Church. It includes an introduction to the Gospel, a Gospel acclamation, a simplified version of the Gospel, a homily and some kind of appropriate activity to help break open the gospel. The children then rejoin the assembly for the Liturgy of the Eucharist.
Therefore we need to remember that:
" The leaders of the children's Liturgy truly are a Minister of the Word
" What the children celebrate is a real liturgy where they learn to listen to the Word and respond in prayer and silence. It is not catechesis.
" We bring the children out to help them deepen their appreciation of the Word of God, not to contain them or give the adults some time of peace.
" Any activity that takes place is to be for the sole purpose of explaining the Gospel message.
We are always in need of new leaders and assistants, so if you feel you could offer this ministry contact the co-ordinators Con or Carmel Diver at the 11am mass.
