Children's Liturgy of the Word
NLC ARTICLES
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This article provides guidance on celebrating the Liturgy of the Word with children, fostering age-appropriate engagement with Scripture and prayer.
official documents
Holy See
This Directory provides guidance for Masses celebrated wherein the majority of participants are children. Principles as well as suggestions for best practice are articulated.
DIOCESAN RESOURCES
Adelaide
This downloadable resource provide guidelines for celebration the Liturgy of the Word with children at the regular Sunday Mass. It outlines the principles that underpin these celebrations and the ministries involved. It describes the preparation process and other aspects of the celebration.
Hobart
This downloadable pamphlet describes the ritual for the proclamation of the Word with children. It highlights the importance of Sunday, the Lord's Day and outlines the ritual celebration for Children's celebration of the Word.
Perth
This downloadable pdf is a resource for parishes and schools which outlines the foundational books and documents which assist in the preparation of rites for Children's Liturgy of the Word. It outlines the steps involved, how to celebrate the rite and describes the relationship to the adult celebration of the Mass.
This downloadable document describes some key resources which may be used to assist in the preparation and celebration of Children's Liturgy of the Word. It includes online and print resources.
This downloadable PDF resource provides an overview of Children's Liturgy of the word, highlighting its significance and includes some references to assist in the preparation of the Gospel reflection.
OTHER RESOURCES
Journal Articles
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Early religious experience has a profound effect on the spiritual growth of children. The Directory for Masses with Children outlines three ways to include children in the liturgy, which are: the introduction of children to the Eucharistic celebration, having masses with adults in which children also participate, and having masses with children in which only a few adults participate.
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The Directory for Masses with Children (DMC) displays a strong awareness of the developmental nature of children’s social and religious learning, a wise reading of the challenges which families faced in the liturgical and faith formation of their children, and a constructive, creative approach to liturgical adaptations. The DMC stresses three main principles - adaptation, participation, and liturgical formation - which aim for the full, active, and conscious participation of the children.
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Each liturgical celebrration with children should be carefully prepared beforehand, especially with regard to the prayers, songs, readings, and intentions of the general intercessions, to ensure that it can be understood by the children, and that the children can actively participate in the liturgy.
