If you’re the parent of a small child, do you want your child to enjoy and appreciate the Mass? Do you have to wait and wonder if your little one is going to sit still and not disturb others during the Mass, (especially during the Scripture readings and the homily)?

If you come to the 8:30 AM Mass on Sundays at St. Mary of the Pines, you’ve probably noticed, just after the beginning of Mass, that the children are called forth, blessed by the priest and the community and sent out to celebrate Children’s Liturgy of the Word in a way they can understand.

The children go with leaders who are prepared to help them do exactly what the adults are doing in church. They hear the same readings, respond with the same Psalms, and they reflect on the Gospel at their level of understanding, just as the adults do when listening to the homily. They pray, just as the adults do, for the needs they have, and return to church in time for the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

If your child is younger than 7 years of age, this is an ideal way to help your child enjoy Mass at an early age. If your child is older than 7 years of age and has celebrated First Holy Communion, he or she may continue to have a good experience of understanding the Scripture readings (the Liturgy of the Word) in a way that is best for them. The children return to church and rejoin their families in time to receive Communion with you.

Children’s Liturgy of the Word is available every Sunday at the 8.30 AM Mass throughout the year, not just during the school year. If you would like to assist with the Children’s Liturgy of the Word, please call the Parish Office at 318 687 5121, and ask to speak with the Director of Religious Education.