WHY:  The goal is to provide our children with an engaging opportunity to worship and celebrate God's Word in a way is relevant to their young lives.

HOW:  This experience parallels the Liturgy of the Word that is celebrated during Mass for the entire congregation in church. The Liturgy of the Word with Children by Katie Thompson is used as a guide for planning and delivering the program by adult volunteers. Just before the first reading is proclaimed at Mass, the priest invites children to leave their pews and come forward so that volunteers can escort them from the church to the chapel. The gospel that is covered during the program is the same as the one shared at Mass that day. While contents will vary, basic program elements include reading and discussion of the gospel, music, signs, symbols, a craft activity, reflection, and intercessory prayer. Children are escorted back to the church and are reunited with their parent(s) or guardian(s) as the homily is ending. Timing is approximate, of course! Parents and guardians are asked to help their children reverently partiicipate in the remainder of the Mass without playing with whatever craft item they might bring back from the chapel. Children who misbehave or are disruptive are escorted back to ther parent/guardian in church before the completion of the program. 

FOR WHOM: 4 year olds who are potty trained and can function independently through 5th graders. All participants must show respect for their peers and the adult volunteers at all time. No registration is needed and children visiting the parish are welcome to participate.

WHERE: Children sit with their parent/guardian in church for the beginning of Mass and are escorted to and from the chapel by adult volunteers for this ministry. Once they have returned to the church, they sit with their parent/guardian for the rest of the Mass. Parents/guardians are encouraged to have their children take care of toileting needs as much as possible before Mass begins. Time is limited for this ministry during Mass and distractions from the program need to be minimized in order for it to be a meaningful and positive experience for all of the children! 

WHEN: 2nd & 4th Sundays of the month at the 8:15am & 11:15am Masses starting on September 10, 2023. 

HAVE QUESTIONS OR WANT TO VOLUNTEER?  Please contact Lynne Gabel at 409-658-0626 or [email protected].