Children’s Liturgy of the Word: Bringing the Mass to Life for Our Youngest Parishioners

How many times have we heard Scripture tell us that Christ desires to be with the littlest of His children? “Let the children come to me; do not prevent them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these” (Mark 10:14). As parents, these words spark our desire to give our children a full faith experience. But we may shy away from bringing our little ones to Mass, worrying if they can remain still and quiet, or wonder if they are able to even understand the liturgy. With this in mind, we are blessed to have the Children’s Liturgy of the Word program ordinarily serving our parish children during the 10:30 a.m. Mass each week.

Children’s Liturgy of the Word provides the opportunity for children age 3 through second grade — prior to receiving First Communion — to gather in the parish center, where our adult volunteers lead them in age-appropriate activities that illustrate the day’s readings in a way that they are able to understand.

Joy Timmons, the coordinator of Children’s Liturgy of the Word, finds that the children are able to absorb more of the Gospel message when it is presented to them in a child-friendly way.

“When I was younger, I used to always wonder about the stories,” she says. “Growing up in Catholic families then, there wasn’t a lot of talk about Bible stories. So I make sure we touch on the stories that are in the enjoyed participating in the readings and try to capture the Children’s Liturgy, which gives interest of the kids more than him a chance to see his friends what the priest is saying might. from St. Benedict Cathedral We have little worksheets they School while also getting to can follow along on with fun know children from our parish things that help them relate the who attend the public schools. readings to their daily life.” As Joy points out, having a

Joy has been involved with place where our children can Children’s Liturgy of the Word actively participate in learning off and on for 15 years. She more about God and His Word first began helping with the during the liturgy is a wonderful program when her own children way to nurture a deep love of the were young, and keeping them faith, the Bible, and the Mass interested and occupied during from an early age. the Mass was a challenge. Her “I think the children enjoy youngest child, Jude, is now coming to Children’s Liturgy in first grade. Jude has always because it gives them a voice,” Joy says. “When they are in church, they have to be quiet. But when they come to Children’s Liturgy, they can talk about their family or who they want to pray for. I think they feel like they are being heard, and I think that’s important.”

By providing our parish children with the opportunity to gather and experience the Catholic Church in a kid-friendly way, our Children’s Liturgy of the Word seeks to lay a firm foundation in the faith that will continue to serve them for many years to come.

“I just love being with the kids, and I love that it’s a safe place that they can come and learn about God,” Joy says. “I think it’s a good place to have them understand the importance of prayer. When they come up against difficulties in their lives, I want them to know that prayer is helpful and know that there are always people in our St. Benedict community that can help and listen.”

Are you interested in helping out with Children’s Liturgy of the Word once it resumes? If so, please contact Joy Timmons at 812-204-0718 or joylitatimmons@yahoo.com. Children 3 and older who have not yet received their First Communion are welcome to gather for Children’s Liturgy of the Word at the 10:30 a.m. Sunday Mass.

Joy Timmons, coordinator of Children’s Liturgy of the Word, with her family — (from left) Craig, Augustine, Eve and Joy; (front) Jude