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What is Children's Liturgy of the Word (CLOW)?

To help younger children participate more fully in the Mass, children who have not yet received their First Eucharist are welcomed to celebrate the Liturgy of the Word in an age-appropriate way in a different room, outside the worship space, with two adult leaders trained in this ministry. 

• It is offered during the 08:15am and 11:00am Masses on Sundays.
• Children ages 3 through 1st grade are invited to participate, if they are able to toilet independently. 
• There is no registration fee to participate. 
• We do ask that parents fill out a short registration form and Name Tag for the child, before Mass begins.    
• Children may simply come forward to the altar when called at the beginning of Mass, if they would like to participate. 
• Parents are always welcome and encouraged to attend with their child(ren) for the first few times to help them become comfortable.
• Two VIRTUS trained adults will be present with the children at each gathering. 
• Children enjoy participating in this fun and prayerful ministry with their peers!  

What do they do when they are not in the worship space?  

The children gather with the CLOW leaders in front of the altar after the Opening Prayer.  Fr. Rene will send them out to hear the Word of God and discuss the Gospel story at their level.  Two VIRTUS trained adults will lead the children to Family Room D, where they will hear the "children's version" of the Gospel and reflect on the Word through stories, discussions and activities – in a way that is most appropriate to convey the meaning of the Scriptures.  The children will be invited to share their own thoughts and ideas about the Gospel story as well.  Following this, the children say a version of the Profession of Faith, pray their own Prayer of the Faithful, and are given a handout to take home and review with their family.  When the homily is finished, the children will then return to the worship space to their families at the time of the Presentation of the Gifts.

Volunteers are always needed!  
Are you looking for a rewarding way to share your faith with the children of our parish?  CLOW's success depends on adults who are willing to give of their time and talent to serve the needs of our parish children. 

• All parents can become involved by encouraging their children ages 3 - 1st grade to participate.
• After Mass, ask your children about their experience and what they "learned in CLOW" after Mass.

• Adult Leaders are needed to proclaim the Sunday readings to the children and to lead them in song, prayer, reflection and a short activity.
  • Adult leaders are provided with all of the materials necessary to assist them in carrying out the Liturgy of the Word for the children.
• Adult Leaders are also needed to assist with the supervision of the children who participate in CLOW and to help maintain a prayerful attitude among the children while in CLOW.  
• Adult Leaders who have not participated before can go through an orientation and training meeting--date and time to be announced soon.
• Volunteer service hours can be approved for teens interested in assisting the 2 adult leaders at each Mass.  
• Participating in the Liturgy of the Word for Children only replaces the Liturgy of the Word spoken at Mass.  Volunteers are back in the worship space before the Liturgy of the Eucharist, so there is no need to attend another Mass to fulfill the Sunday Mass obligation!  
• Adult Leaders are usually scheduled to serve once every four to six weeks.

IMPORTANT NOTICE:  All adults working with Children and Youth in the Catholic Diocese of Richmond must complete the VIRTUS Training Program and submit a background screening form.  In addition, monthly emails from VIRTUS must be up-to-date.  Learn more about the Diocesan Safe Environment Program here.

If you would like to help with our CHILDREN'S LITURGY OF THE WORD,
please contact Marie Wolanin at [email protected]