Liturgy of the Word with Children

Why have a separate Liturgy of the Word with Children?
The Directory on Children’s Masses (1973) reminds us that we need to ensure that children at Mass ‘do not feel neglected because of their inability to participate or to understand what happens and what is proclaimed in the celebration’ (para17). The Directory therefore suggests the celebration of a separate Liturgy of the Word with the Children (LOWC) in another place so that children are enabled to listen and respond to the Word of God in a way which is appropriate for them.

Liturgy, not catechesis
LOWC is part of Mass, the Liturgy of the Word in simplified form. During it, children are given opportunities to hear and respond to the Word of God in ways which are suited to their age and ability. LOWC is a celebration of the Word of God, not a teaching session, sacramental preparation class or a crèche. ‘The final purpose of all liturgical and eucharistic formation must be a greater and greater conformity to the gospel in the daily life of the children’ (Directory for Masses with Children para 15).

Guidelines
Each community will develop its own way of celebrating such a Liturgy of the Word at a Sunday Mass. It is important that this is done with reference to the principles and examples of good practice found in our diocesan guidelines and the Guidelines from the Bishops’ Conference Liturgy Office. Everyone involved in the the LOWC should be familiar with both these sets of Guidelines. Leaders of the LOWC in a parish might usefully come together once or twice a year to look at what they do in the light of the Guidelines.

Diocesan Guidelines
Guidelines from the Bishops’ Conference Liturgy Office
Preparing a Liturgy of the Word with Children

Frequency
The Directory on Children’s Masses speaks of LOWC happening ‘sometimes’, rather than always. While this is observed almost by default since many parishes do not have LOWCs during school holidays, it raises the question of whether there should be LOWCs on major feasts e.g. Christmas Day, Easter Sunday, Pentecost, or whether, on these occasions, members of the community should gather together in one place for the celebration of Mass.

Resources for the Liturgy of the Word With Children

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