“Sometimes, moreover, if the place itself and the nature of the community permit, it will be appropriate to celebrate the liturgy of the word, with the children in a separate, but not too distant room. Then, before the Eucharistic liturgy begins, the children are led to the place where the adults are celebrating their own liturgy of the word.”—Directory for Masses with Children, #17T
This celebration with children will enable them to discover and recognize themselves in the stories proclaimed in the Gospels. When they make the discovery from within their experience, they can then thank, and praise, and bless God in their daily lives. No registration is necessary for this program; our goal is to lead them into full, conscious and active participation in the Sunday Mass. After the Opening Prayer, the children are called forward. The celebrant gives a blessing and dismisses the catechists and children from this part of the Mass. In procession, carrying the Children’s Lectionary, the children proceed to the Chapel.