he Children’s Liturgy of the Word began in St. Luke’s Parish in 1999 and was revamped in Lent 2004 after a six month period of review and training.  It aims to make the church more inviting for children and to make the Mass more understandable.  As a result, Sunday morning becomes a time to which the children look forward.  The Children’s Liturgy is not a crèche nor is its purpose to remove children from the church.  Rather, it exists to provide children with their version of the Liturgy of the Word.

The Children’s Liturgy of the Word begins immediately after the Introductory Greeting of the Mass, when the children are taken to the adjoining parish centre (St Luke’s Family Centre / Cara House).  All children from primary two to primary Six are welcome and parents are also welcome to stay with their children until they settle.

The Liturgy begins with an informal welcome followed by a prayer and penitential rite.  The theme of the day is then introduced and discussed at a level which the children can understand.

The Gospel is introduced formally with the lighting of the candle.  After this, the Liturgy continues with some further discussion and an activity based on the theme.  Many of the stories, used to help the children understand the Gospel, are from the Alive-O Series (or Beo Go Deo in Irish Medium Education Schools) which the children are already familiar with in school. A variety of other children’s texts are also used.  We are careful to ensure that the Gospel theme for the day is followed. 

The children return to the main church during the Prayers of the Faithful and each week four of the older children are invited to take part in the Offertory Procession, which they enjoy.  The remaining children present a message board to the celebrating priest which sums up the meaning of the Gospel for that day.  The priest places this board at the front of the altar for the rest of the congregation to see.

The Children’s Liturgy is run by a group of volunteers.  There is a minimum of two adults with the children at all times.  Anyone who is interested in becoming a leader or in simply helping out can contact Anna Pettigrew or one of the priests of the Parish.

For anyone whose children may be interested in coming along to the Children’s Liturgy of the Word at 12:00 pm (Noon) Mass please feel free to join us and stay with your child if you wish.  You will be made very welcome.