GUIDELINES
General Preparation for Children's Liturgy

Welcome
The centering song is sung while the children are coming in from the main church and settling down in the Chapel

Respect to Blessed Sacrament
Bow

Presider introduces theme for that Sunday.

Choir Master
Introduces and teaches the response to the 1st Reading and the Gospel Acclamation, connecting them to the theme of the day, making them come alive.

Penitential Rite
A salutation, remembering God's Love, Mercy and Forgiveness.

Presider begins e.g. Brothers and Sisters, to prepare our Hearts to celebrate the Word of God, let us recall God's Mercy - (Pause)

Open our eyes to see things your way - (Pause)
Lord, Have mercy,
Lord Have mercy (ALL)
Prayers - Presider concludes e.g. May our Loving Father forgive us our sins and bring us to life that will never end (ALL) Amen

Gloria
Let us now sing praises to God
Go straight into song.

Opening Prayer
Presider gathers all that he/she reflects of the previous week's prayers together with the faithful.
Begin with "Let us pray" (pause) God our Father.......... (ALL) Amen

First reading
Presider introduces, filling in background, giving context.

Response
Go straight into song

Gospel Acclamation
"Let us welcome the Gospel" or go straight into song

Gospel
(ALL) Glory to You, Lord
Make us understand Your Word
Make us speak Your Word
Make us keep Your Word

Reflection
Presider or another leader gives a richer understanding of the Word of God.

Profession of Faith
Presider introduces e.g "Let us affirm our belief in Jesus who is the true Light" , referring to the theme of the day.

Prayer of the Faithful
Presider begins e.g God is here among us and cares for us all. Let us therefore pray.....

Generally, pray for these needs in this order :
  1. Church in general
  2. Larger needs of the world
  3. Needs of the poor
  4. Needs of this community

Presider concludes Prayer of the faithful and concludes the whole Liturgy of the Word

Presider links Liturgy of the Word with the Liturgy of the Eucharist
By his actions and by his proclamations of the Word, he should impress upon the faithful the living presence of Christ

Be deliberate, genuine, authentic in all you do at Liturgy. Mean what you say and do what you mean "Every word, gesture, movement, object appointment must be real in the sense that it is our own. It must come from the deepest understanding of ourselves (not careless, phony, counterfeit, pretentious, exagerated etc..) (Env. & Art in Catholic Worship)

Create community atmosphere, fellowship spirit, prayerful participation.

Use what is beautiful, wonderful, genuine. All activities/songs help to proclaim the Good News. Throw out/ minimize instructions like sit, stand.

Use music at silent moments, e.g. when giving activity sheets.



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