Children’s Liturgy of the Word (CLOW) is held every Sunday during the 10:30 Mass for all children 4 – 8 years old.  This is a great opportunity for the children of our parish to attend Sunday Mass with their families but, at the same time, hear the Word of God in a way they can more easily understand.

 CLOW takes place during Mass in a place separate from, but nearby, the main assembly.  Everyone gathers together in church for the beginning of Mass, then, just after the Collect (Opening Prayer), the congregation divides.  The priest invites the children and the CLOW leaders to come forward to listen to God’s Word.  The adult leaders guide the children to the church basement where they will participate in a Liturgy of the Word adapted specifically for children while, at the same time, The Liturgy of the Word continues as usual for the main assembly.  The children return after the Universal Prayer (Petitions) and remain with their families in church for the Liturgy of the Eucharist and the conclusion of Mass.

Having CLOW at our regular Sunday Mass enables children to hear God’s Word and respond to it in a manner appropriate to their age and understanding.  It is part of the regular Sunday Mass, adapted to the abilities and needs of children.  It is not a child-care program, nor is it an arts and crafts session intended to keep young people busy while the adults are at Mass.  It is an authentic celebration of the same, but adapted, Liturgy of the Word that the adult community experiences.

There is no fee, sign-up or registration for CLOW.  Quite simply, when children are at the 10:30 Mass, they should come forward when invited by the priest, and follow the CLOW leader to the church basement.  It is a good idea to take your children down to the church basement and show them where they will be celebrating their Liturgy of the Word prior to Mass. In this way, they will become familiar with the basement and know where they are being led when the time comes to leave the main assembly for CLOW.

Please consider becoming involved with this new parish ministry.  We are in need of volunteers for CLOW and have many different opportunities with flexible and varying time commitments available.  If you have any questions about CLOW or are interested in helping out, please contact Shari Chmura, Director of Faith Formation, at 216-524-1987, ext 43 or schmura@stcolumbkilleparish.org.
                                                                                                                                     

Let the Children Come to Me! Matthew 19:14