THE SUNDAY LITURGY OF THE WORD WITH CHILDREN:
We are passionate about sharing God’s personal love with children. Children's Liturgy is a way of keeping kids active and involved during the readings and homily in the Holy Mass. As the name indicates, we gather with children to celebrate the Liturgy of the Word, the first part of the Mass. We do not directly teach the catechism or babysit while parents may “peacefully pray”. This is Liturgy. We follow the same liturgy as the grownups do but in children’s language and with their active participation. It is about worship and celebration of the Word of God. All learning here takes place through liturgical prayer and worship.
The main purpose of this ministry is to journey with children during alternative Sundays to help them to grow in knowledge and love of Jesus and encourage their full and active participation as members of our Parish Community. The goal of the Faith Formation Volunteer (catechist) is to creatively engage all students in our Catholic faith.
RESPONSIBLE TO - Children’s Liturgy Ministry coordinator, and the Pastor
AGE GROUP OF CHILDREN
Children aged 3 to 7 years can participate in this program. Children do not have to be baptized to attend and parents or caregivers are welcome to join in.
The service is free of charge. No sign up is needed for children to attend. However, the children's name list is kept for parish records.
TIME AND PLACE:
Children's Liturgy of the Word is offered on alternative Sundays of the month during the 10:30 am Mass from October through April and takes place in the OLPH Church basement.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Catechists are responsible for:
- Organizing ministry procedures and maintaining a system of documentation.
- To develop, plan and prepare lessons for the various programs offered for Faith Formation.
- There are two catechists for Children's Liturgy at 10:30 am Mass and both must arrive at least 15 minutes before Mass and organize meeting space and keep it ready for children's liturgy.
- Keep a record of names of the children who participate in the liturgy for parish record.
BASIC REQUIREMENTS
We ensure that our volunteers have been screened in accordance with the policies of the Diocese of Kamloops and a parent is always present during the liturgy to ensure that we are in accordance with the policy that no volunteer ever be alone with children.
THIS PROGRAM INCLUDES:
This program includes, explaining Scripture with Bible stories, teaching hymns and Prayers and engaging children in a variety of activities to make the Gospel stories come alive. Thus, The Children’s Liturgy will foster spiritual growth of the child in an enjoyable, engaging and age-appropriate way that children can understand.
LENGTH OF COMMITMENT - 1 year, renewable
TRAINING PROVIDED
Standard parish orientation, leadership and ministry-specific training provided by the Pastor and Faith Formation Leader
QUALIFICATIONS AND SPECIAL SKILLS
Faith Formation Volunteer:
1. Is a fully initiated member of the Catholic Church in good standing and an active member of OLPH Parish,
2. Has the related education and/or experience to perform basic religious education responsibilities,
3. A willingness and ability to speak and live out his or her own faith experience with conviction and by example,
4. Continuing his/her personal and communal prayer and spiritual life; and demonstrates humility and willingness to continue to develop
BENEFITS TO THIS POSITION
Helping others foster faith enriches our own faith formation. You will deepen your faith through your service, and through volunteer training and formation.
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN BEING A PART OF THIS MINISTRY OR HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT IT, PLEASE CONTACT THE PARISH OFFICE.
