A Children's Liturgy of the Word has been proposed.
Children's Liturgy of the Word Proposal
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
This blog provides information regarding our Parish Worship Commission Ministry. This blog is our meeting between meetings.
13 comments:
There is a document (printed in the Sacramentary) called the Directory for Masses with Children that came out in 1973. Regarding these liturgies, it says:
Sometimes, moreover, if the place itself and the nature of the community permit, it will be appropriate to celebrate the liturgy of the word, including a homily, with the children in a separate, but not too distant, room. Then, before the eucharistic liturgy begins, the children are led to the place where the adults have meanwhile celebrated their own liturgy of the word [DMC 18].
I have seen this practice at some Parishes including the one my mother attends. Not sure whether they do it at all masses or not. I will check to get any particulars.
I know that they celebrated (and may still celebrate) a children's liturgy of the word at St. Kenneth's when I was a parishoner there years ago. They called it "Rainbow" and I believe it was only at the 10:00 mass. The children were dismissed right before the liturgy of the word and they went and celebrated their own liturgy of the word and homily. I believe they were brought back in time for the creed. It's been awhile, so I could be mistaken with some of this, and I'm not sure what the age range was. I do remember that it was very popular and they would probably be a good resource.
What about having a children's mass, I mean with a homily directed to them, maybe somewhat interactive, kind of like Fr. Mathew does in some First Communion masses, with the children's choir and maybe the older ones helping, making it really special for them so they can look forward to it.
I just think that the children leaving the church and then come back again, especially if there are so many of them, could be a little disturbing or distracting for some people.
St. Raphael in Garden City has (or at least used to have) a children's liturgy of the word but only at 10 am mass. Like the others mentioned, children were escorted to another room before the Gospel, I believe, by one adult leader and usually one or two teen assistants. Father usually gave them all a blessing before they left, like he does with the RCIA candidates. As the children left, a short song was sung by the congregation. When they were done, the children returned to their seats sometime before communion. I think it was left up to each family to decide, but I'd say the age range was roughly 4 to 9.
As a side note to this conversation, here's a suggestion I shared earlier with Debbie, but it's one that could conflict with the concept being discussed: One way to engage children more in the Mass is to have a children's offertory. At St. John the Evangelist in Essexville, MI, the priest invites children up to the altar to leave either a monetary or canned food donation. If I recall correctly, it happens right after the offertory procession and while the offertory song is still being sung. I think it's a wonderful way to nurture the concepts of charity and stewardship at a young age. St. Thomas used to offer boxes of special children's donation envelopes, so this idea is in keeping with children's envelopes.
Having said all that, mine is just one suggestion, as is the suggestion from another parent about Children's Liturgy of the Word. What I'm recommending is that whenever possible, we should solicit feedback from a LOT of parishioners on some of these issues, rather than just rely on the opinions of one or two or even a handful of people on a committee. I haven't been a parishioner long enough to know if St. Thomas conducts periodic research to determine parishioners' needs and wants from their parish, along with their satisfaction with current programs (worship, education, social, etc.). There are many ways to gather this kind of information, including a formal survey (inserted into bulletin and, if possible, available online), a series of focus groups, or something as simple as an article in the Chancellor proposing the idea(s) and then actively soliciting parishioner comments by phone, website or email.
First glance reveals a pretty complete proposal. I would recommend that one of the authors be considered to be on a subcommittee if this is adopted. I would think the teaching aspect of the program is critical and the education commission should be plugged in. Also, I think this program needs our Pastor's input.
March 12, 2008
The issue of Liturgy of the Word for the youth of the parish was discussed today at the Liturgy Planning Meeting. General discussion was positive in favor of enacting the proposal for grades 1-5. It was felt 6th graders are in junior high and probably ready to stay with their families.
One question was would all five age groups meet as one big group or would they be divided into say two or more groups?
Inasmuch as the program is Liturgy of the Word it was felt this would be a new Liturgical Ministry and not Educational ministry.
A question arouse as to sustainability. Would the program run year round, school year or other?
Comments were also made that both the 10:00 and 12:00 masses have large numbers of children attending in these age groups. The group felt it would be good to have the program available for both masses, but if it were too big a project to launch both masses simultaneously then start with 10:00 and grow to both 10:00 and 12:00.
Space was another issue. It seems most of the building is occupied during masses, even the Family Life Center when they do pancake breakfasts, etc.
An option would be to utilize the gathering area yet there was a concern about noise and traffic.
Fr. Matt volunteered to work with whatever sub-committee is established.
Scott is going to advise the Parish Council tomorrow (3/13/08) that we are discussing this issue and will be meeting with parishioners at our next meeting to discuss details.
Bob
The "Decree and Directory for Masses with Children" published by the Holy See in 1973 speaks of this topic in Nos. 16-17 regarding "Masses for Adults at which Children are Also Present":
"16. In many places parish Masses are celebrated, especially on Sundays and holy days, at which a good many children take part along with the large number of adults. On such occasions the witness of adult believers can have a great effect upon the children. Adults can in turn benefit spiritually from experiencing the part that the children have within the Christian community. The Christian spirit of the family is greatly fostered when children take part in these Masses together with their parents and other family members. …
"17. Nevertheless, in Masses of this kind 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. Some account should be taken of their presence: for example, by speaking to them directly in the introductory comments (as at the beginning and the end of Mass) and at some point in the homily.
"Sometimes, moreover, if the place itself and the nature of the community permit, it will be appropriate to celebrate the liturgy of the word, including a homily, with the children in a separate, but not too distant, room. Then, before the Eucharistic liturgy begins, the children are led to the place where the adults have meanwhile celebrated their own liturgy of the word."
In later numbers this document makes other practical recommendations, such as "It may also be very helpful to give some task to the children. They may, for example, bring forward the gifts or perform one or other of the songs of the Mass (No. 18)" and "If the number of children is large, it may at times be suitable to plan the Mass so that it corresponds more closely to the needs of the children. In this case the homily should be directed to them but in such a way that adults may also benefit from it."
I just thought interesting Everything that the "Decree and Directory for Masses with children" says (not just that one paragraph). My concern is that if after the children come back from their own Liturgy, but they go back to their crayons, snacks, toys , etc. we will still be missing the point. I think we all need a better understanding of the meaning of the mass. I know children can stay for more than 1 hour in front of the TV or computer, sometimes they just need a little guidance from the adults next to them and maybe a little extra attention now and then from the priest, the choir, etc. so we all can be happy during the whole mass.
The following was provided by a concerned parent and was forwarded to the Worship and Education Commissions by Father Pat for our action.
A St. Thomas a'Becket parishioner wrote to Fr. Pat:
"I strongly believe that a “Children’s Liturgy of the Word” would be most beneficial to our parish children. It would allow the children to engage in the mass in an age appropriate level. Would you please address this possibility with the Worship and Education Committees?"
One consideration is that religious ed classes are held for 4- and 5-yr-olds during 10am mass. If a children's liturgy was held during this mass, how would it affect religious ed classes? Would the liturgy replace religious education for these children or would it be an alternative to the religious ed classes?
The current proposal for the Children's Liturgy to be for the 6 - 10 year olds.
The 4- and 5-yr-olds religious ed classes would not be affected.
A children's liturgy would be a great idea if:
1) A consistent, strong, knowledgeable leader for each age group is available.
2) The study sessions don't turn into arts and crafts time.
3) The gospel reading is the same as presented in the adult mass.
Concerned about enough space being available during mass to conduct these sessions. Children's liturgy would take precedence over pancake breakfasts in my book...
Post a Comment