Welcome to our Children's Liturgy of the Word page!
Children’s Liturgy of the Word (also known as CLOW) for families with children 4-7 years old will be offered as part of our Sunday 8:30am Mass, February 28 - May 23, 2021.
Please read through the below program description and guidelines.
And, please prayerfully consider if you might be called to serve in this ministry!
Questions? Contact Amy Slick at aslick@stbonifacechurch.org or 515-850-1883 or Faye Akers at fayeakers@stbonifacechurch.org or 515-987-4597.
What? Children’s Liturgy of the Word is a worship experience geared especially for kids. It mirrors the worship experience of the larger community, with a style that is engaging and interactive. Jesus recognized that children have a pure spirituality, and he made them the primary spiritual model for all of us!
Why? The Word of God has a message that is as relevant for children as it is for adults. Often children fail to hear the message because they’re unable to comprehend adult vocabulary. CLOW helps children to hear the Scripture in words they understand and to share their own understanding.
Who? Here at St. Boniface, we invite children ages 4-7 to participate in Children’s Liturgy of the Word. As the primary faith formators in your home, we invite one or both parents to accompany your child the first time they attend CLOW. This allows you to see and hear firsthand what your child sees and hears. After that, we encourage children to attend on their own, but parents (or older siblings) are always welcome if the younger child needs support.
How? CLOW begins with the Introductory Rites of the Mass, with children seated in the larger assembly with their families. After the Collect (also known as the opening prayer), Father will invite children to stand in the pews with their families, receive a blessing, then move respectfully to the parish hall to join their session leaders. Children return to their family after the Prayer of the Faithful and celebrate the Liturgy of the Eucharist and the rest of Mass with the entire community.
Content? Leaders prepare with and follow the "Children Celebrate!" curriculum from Catholic publsher, Pflaum Publishing, along with children's materials from The Kids Bulletin.com. The kids bulletin is free and published weekly. All families are welcome to access the materials!
COVID Guidelines. Due to the current pandemic, children and parents participating in CLOW will need to wear masks and remain socially distanced in the parish hall.
Safe Environment Requirements. All adult leaders and assistants are also required to complete Diocesan safe environment guidelines. Please contact the Faith Formation Office for assistance with these requirements.
While one parish family has already graciously offered to serve in a leadership role, in order to offer and sustain CLOW for our families, we need additional leaders and assistants. Teens are welcome to inquire, too. Please prayerfully consider how you may be called to support this ministry. Contact the Faith Formation Office to find out how you can help!