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.
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.
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.
Small children are ALWAYS WELCOME at any Mass; however, we recognize the need for a space where parents can soothe small children or "take a break" from the main sanctuary until children are ready to return to the Mass.
The Chapel doors will be open during Mass for this purpose, allowing parents and children an opportunity to re-center in a sacred space. Once your child has "calmed down", please return to the sanctuary.
The Chapel should NOT be used as a crying room for the entirety of the Mass. Other parishioners may also use the Chapel for their own prayerful reflection, so please be mindful of others when using the Chapel space with your children.