Scroll to the bottom for the CHILD registration form!

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 online: see bottom of the page.  Registration is only requested the first time your child attends CLOW.  
• Please fill out a name tag for your child to wear before Mass begins each week.  Stickers and markers can be found at the circle table outside the chapel.      
• If your child would like to participate, they just walk to the altar when called by Fr. Rene or the Deacon at the beginning of Mass.
• 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.  There may be teenage helpers as well. 
• Children enjoy participating in this fun and prayerful ministry with their peers!  

What do the children do in CLOW?  

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, songs, 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, if time allows, make a craft or color a picture of the Gospel story.  Children are then 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.  It is VERY HELPFUL if parents with the youngest children wait in the Commons after the homily is over, so they can escort their child back to the pew.  

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 attend a resource session on Thursday, September 7th at 6pm on ZOOM.  Email Marie Wolanin if you would like to attend:  [email protected].
• 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!  
• Rotating Adult Leaders are usually needed to serve once every four to six weeks, but most volunteers make their own schedule through sign-up genius.

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.  VIRTUS classes are available on a rolling basis and can be taken in-person or online.  Occasionally, in-person classes are held at our parish.  To find a VIRTUS training session starting soon in our area, click the link: https://virtusonline.org/virtus/reg_list2.cfm?theme=0 select the "Diocese of Richmond, VA".  Once you are VIRTUS trained, monthly emails sent to you from VIRTUS must be up-to-date.  Learn more about the Diocesan Safe Environment Program here.  

If you would like to help with Church of the Holy Family's CHILDREN'S LITURGY OF THE WORD (CLOW), 
click here to fill out the CLOW ADULT VOLUNTEER FORM:  
https://www.holyfamilyvb.org/clow-adult-volunteer-form
 

Do you have any questions or would like more information?  
Please contact Marie Wolanin at [email protected].