"Children's Liturgy" Question

[sulkow82]

Hello,
At a parish I attend regularly they have what the call children’s Liturgy (during Saturday Mass). Just before the First Reading, the Deacon calls all the children forth and they go into a room off to the side of the main Church hall. It is then that they hear the readings and a “homily.” As part of the “calling forth” it is phrased as “so they can hear the Word in a way more meaningful to them and we look forward to their return.” They then return for the rest of the Mass (at about the Creed) with the general congregation.

My question is based in the fact that the person who leads this is laity. Does the Rubrics allow for such a thing? Is it permitted to take child (ie. in second grade) aside if they would not be able to understand the Homily as given for adults? Would such a thing still have to be led by and ordained Minister to be considered licit?

 

[Rainaldo]

Can’t help but see this liturgical innovation as subversive. Separate the children from the parents, give them an “education” more “suitable” to them … yeah, I’m afraid I’ve seen this strategy before.

 

[joanofarc2008]

There is nothing subversive about it. It is simply about being age appropriate. Adults are perfectly welcome to volunteer and teach children’s liturgy as well as check in at any time at the children’s liturgy that we have at our parish. It is a choice that the parent makes to send their children or not. There are other Masses that do not have a children’s liturgy. However, our pastor also covers issues such as contraception, abortion, and sexuality regularly in his homilies and some of the parents appreciate having a children’s liturgy to send their children to in order to discuss the topics at an age-appropriate level and let the parents be the primary educators of their children on these more sensitive subjects. Like I said before it is a choice on the part of the parent - not an obligation.

 

[sulkow82]

Can’t help but see this liturgical innovation as subversive. Separate the children from the parents, give them an “education” more “suitable” to them … yeah, I’m afraid I’ve seen this strategy before.

The way it is presented is “in a way easier for them to understand.” When they come out, they are usually carrying what could be single sheets with “coloring book” drawings on them. Some of the pictures it is reasonable to see how it connected to the Readings for the day.

My question was not directed to the bend of whether or not they are subverting what the Bible really teaches. So, for the sake of argument assume that the leader is really teaching them authentic Catholic teachings. Would this be permitted by the Rubrics.

Amended to answer joanofarc
Thanks for your answer. I am wondering if the Rubrics offers room for this.

 

[joanofarc2008]

The way it is presented is “in a way easier for them to understand.” When they come out, they are usually carrying what could be single sheets with “coloring book” drawings on them. Some of the pictures it is reasonable to see how it connected to the Readings for the day.

My question was not directed to the bend of whether or not they are subverting what the Bible really teaches. So, for the sake of argument assume that the leader is really teaching them authentic Catholic teachings. Would this be permitted by the Rubrics.

I will look for the rubric but considering that the parish that I go to where the Children’s Liturgy is offered and the one that I went to before it where the Children’s Liturgy was offered were both run by Franciscans I am more inclined to believe that it is covered in the rubrics. I will research this and get back to you.

 

[cothrige]

However, our pastor also covers issues such as contraception, abortion, and sexuality regularly in his homilies and some of the parents appreciate having a children’s liturgy to send their children to in order to discuss the topics at an age-appropriate level and let the parents be the primary educators of their children on these more sensitive subjects.

I believe things may be much like this in our parish where we also have a children’s liturgy. The pastor often speaks on such issues as stewardship, or fund raising, or money, or collections, or many other cash related topics. Children do not appreciate this much, and this would probably explain the need for the special opportunity for them. Perhaps there they cover things like allowances, and lemonade stands, and so on.

 

[joanofarc2008]

Here is a good article with links to rubrics. Thanks and Pax et Bonum. Oh and not to change the subject as I am sure you have much to change over but your signature block still says SFO and not OFS. God bless.

 

[MarkThompson]

My question was not directed to the bend of whether or not they are subverting what the Bible really teaches. So, for the sake of argument assume that the leader is really teaching them authentic Catholic teachings. Would this be permitted by the Rubrics.

Yes, this is governed by the Directory for Masses With Children, which you can read here.

 

[joanofarc2008]

Yes, this is governed by the Directory for Masses With Children, which you can read here.

Mark you are awesome thanks!!!

 

[Corki]

The way it is presented is “in a way easier for them to understand.” When they come out, they are usually carrying what could be single sheets with “coloring book” drawings on them. Some of the pictures it is reasonable to see how it connected to the Readings for the day.

My question was not directed to the bend of whether or not they are subverting what the Bible really teaches. So, for the sake of argument assume that the leader is really teaching them authentic Catholic teachings. Would this be permitted by the Rubrics.

Amended to answer joanofarc
Thanks for your answer. I am wondering if the Rubrics offers room for this.

This is a topic that comes up from time to time. Taking the little ones off for Children’s Liturgy of the Word is fine. However, if the children have reached the age of discretion, they need to be in Mass. Mass includes a Gospel reading and a homily both done by an ordained member of the clergy. Some good CLOTW programs have a deacon who does the Gospel reading and a children’s homily. If a clergy member is not available, the older children should stay in the “regular” Mass.

 

[SMHW]

This is a topic that comes up from time to time. Taking the little ones off for Children’s Liturgy of the Word is fine. However, if the children have reached the age of discretion, they need to be in Mass. Mass includes a Gospel reading and a homily both done by an ordained member of the clergy. Some good CLOTW programs have a deacon who does the Gospel reading and a children’s homily. If a clergy member is not available, the older children should stay in the “regular” Mass.

Well put. The point is… if there is an ordained minster reading the Gospel then CLotW IS the Mass (so no issue that children are being “taken out of Mass”.)

That said, there are good reasons for keeping children with the adults. And children should not be drawing pictures and such during CLotW. It should be conducted more or less the same as any other LotW with the exception of the use of the Children’s lectionary.

 

[Joannm]

Well put. The point is… if there is an ordained minster reading the Gospel then CLotW IS the Mass (so no issue that children are being “taken out of Mass”.)

That said, there are good reasons for keeping children with the adults. And children should not be drawing pictures and such during CLotW. It should be conducted more or less the same as any other LotW with the exception of the use of the Children’s lectionary.

We hand out a coloring page or activity sheet for the kids to take home, not do during the Children’s liturgy of the word.