Children's Liturgy of the Word
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Purpose of this ministry:CLOW is structured for children aged four through ten years old. The experience provides the same elements of the Mass -- readings, gospel, homily, creed, and prayers of intention -- on a child’s level. Leaders explain the readings/gospel to the children, using materials provided, and answer questions that may arise regarding readings or Catholic faith. Leaders give examples on how to model Christian/Catholic behavior, and provide children with leaflets - summarizing the Sunday readings – to be used for family discussion and activity.
Duties for this ministry:- Retrieve materials prior to assigned Sunday to become familiar with readings and proposed homily ideas.
- Keep track of schedule and assigned Sundays.
- Get substitute when obligation cannot be met.
- Put Gospel book on Father’s chair, so he knows to call children up.
- Prior to start of Mass, let Father know you will be leading children’s liturgy.
- Lead children out of Mass, and return in respectful manner.
- Keep track of time to lead children back into Mass just after the Prayers of the Faithful (just before Offertory begins).
- Use tact and grace to keep children engaged and focused.
- Call upon the Holy Spirit during preparation and before start of class.
- Attend Mass and frequent the sacraments to strengthen your faith.
Skills, abilities, and gifts desired to serve in this ministry:- Have desire to teach and be around children.
- Have desire to continue to learn about Scripture and Catholic faith.
- Desire to learn and pass on faith to others.
- Enjoy being around children.
- Understand children and how they think, act, and learn.
- Be able to bring a difficult subject down to their level without losing the impact of the message.
- Have the ability to follow a schedule and keep commitments.
Contact information for the ministry leader:
Name: Karen Hatch
Address: 8101 Sunset Drive
Traverse City, MI 49685
Home Phone: 231.935.1734
Cell Phone: 231.313.6473
E-mail Address: kbhatch@yahoo.com
General meeting days and times for this ministry:At this time, we do not have scheduled meetings. Once per year a letter and schedule is mailed out. The Ministry Leader periodically has discussions with other leaders, one on one, and leaders communicate with one another.