CLOW

Children's Liturgy of the Word

Contact Jane Adams 841.1547

WHAT IS CLOW?
Children's Liturgy of the Word (CLOW) is a special part of the 9:30am Sunday Liturgy. It is held weekly for children from 3 years old through 3^rd grade who are invited to hear the Word of God in a manner especially prepared for children.

Prior to the Scripture readings, the children are called forth by the celebrant, who blesses them, and are then led in procession to the Ministry Preparation Room by that week’s leader. Children’s Liturgy of the Word begins with a prayer, followed by readings and psalms/responses from the Children's Lectionary and reflection. Older children may be invited to assist with the scripture readings and/or the songs. The leaders try to engage all of the attendees in prayer and reflection on the Word. The service concludes with the Apostle’s Creed and Prayers of the Faithful offered by the children. The children then return to the main church and their families during the Preparation of the Gifts while the congregation is seated and the choir is singing.

Children’s Liturgy of the Word provides a wonderful opportunity to involve the children in the liturgy at a level understandable to them. As friends, neighbors and family within the parish, the children bring to us the simplicity of God's Word as scripture stories are told, retold and discussed at home, in the car, at the dinner table, or at bedtime. We seek to show each child that they are important participants in the liturgy of God's Word, thereby enriching the entire parish family. We seek to show them the Wonder of God's Word.

WHAT CAN/SHOULD PARENTS DO?
Parents play a critical role in preparing the children to attend CLOW and are encouraged to periodically accompany their child to Children’s Liturgy of the Word and regularly ask them about each week’s readings and lessons.

With attendance of 100 or more children per week, we ask for parental assistance in the following ways:

1. Please remind your child that he/she is still in Church and should exhibit the appropriate behavior while attending CLOW, including listening attentively, walking in and out quietly with hands folded in a prayerful posture over their hearts, standing for the Gospel, etc. Asking questions after Mass about what they heard in the readings and what the leaders discussed will give you a good indication of how well they paid attention.

2. Children are expected to remain with the group for the entire CLOW session. (It’s only about 15 minutes long.) Please encourage your children to use the rest room, get drinks of water, etc. before Mass.

3. Parents are welcome to attend CLOW with their children, particularly if your child is very young or perhaps needs a little extra coaching.

WE NEED VOLUNTEERS!
CLOW is a wonderful, rewarding experience for both the children and the leaders. Every week, two leaders and two shepherds try to make the Children’s Liturgy as meaningful as possible. Each team prepares and leads about once every 5 or 6 weeks.

The only requirement is your desire to answer God's calling to share your faith with others - in this case, our children! Teens or adults interested in assisting with the Children's Liturgy of the Word should contact Jane Adams 841.1547 or see one of the current leaders any week after Mass.