Children's liturgy?

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hoping4more

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What is this? seems illicit.

I drive a little farther to a Church that has minimal extra curriculars(though it is pretty full attendence, has a gym with basketball goals etc) though it could easily have more things going on/community etc. The other church that is a little closer has always been a little off. I quit RCIA there because the teachers were so out there 12 years ago. They have since, as a whole, started kneeling during the Eucharist, have a proper Crucifix, a few other things were bad at the time and really bothered (at the time both of us). The closer one also has a lot of other activities and organization that could be beneficial. So…

Is this something I should worry about? Are children compelled to attend the childrens’ liturgy? Any one experienced kids trying to get away from their parents and go to this?
 
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hoping4more said:
What is this? seems illicit.

I drive a little farther to a Church that has minimal extra curriculars(though it is pretty full attendence, has a gym with basketball goals etc) though it could easily have more. The other church that is a little closer has always been a little off. I quit RCIA there because the teachers were so out there 12 years ago. They have since, as a whole, started kneeling during the Eucharist, have a proper Crucifix, a few other things were bad at the time and really bothered (at the time both of us). The closer one also has a lot of other activities and organization that could be beneficial. So…

Is this something I should worry about? Are children compelled to attend the childrens’ liturgy? Any one experienced kids trying to get away from their parents and go to this?
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Children’s liturgy is when the kids leave mass before the readings and hear the readings on a child level, and the readings are explained on a child level.

Typically, this children are younger 1st Communion, though some parishes offer it for kids a little older.

This is an OPTIONAL program. My parish only offers it during one Sunday mass, not all Masses. So kids to attend another Mass will not have that option.

Because a lot of times, the Homily is above a young child’s head. So again, the idea here is to let the kids hear the readings and learn about them at a child level.

The kids come back to their parents before before the Liturgy of the Eucharist begins.

But you don’t have to send you kid to it.

God bless.
 
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My priest sometimes uses an Eucharist prayer that is slightly shorter and in simpler language when we have the youngest kids classes just before Mass. It is one of the 12? alternatives. We might sing two verses instead of 4 for the first hymn and hymns that are easier to sing. Still a very reverent Mass. Announcements are printed on a sheet to bring home instead of spoken.
 
A Children’s liturgy can mean different things. One is a Mass designed for families with children, another is a Mass with a separate meeting for children during the Liturgy of the Word. You might have been more specific about what you are concerned about.
 
hoping4more said:
What is this? seems illicit.
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Children’s Liturgy of the Word. Because it is unfamiliar to you, it must be “illicit”? This is the message you are sending.

See the Directory for Masses with Children (1973) and Constitution on Sacred Liturgy #14 for the Church’s direction on this.
hoping4more said:
Is this something I should worry about?
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In what capacity?
hoping4more said:
Are children compelled to attend the childrens’ liturgy?
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No.
hoping4more said:
Any one experienced kids trying to get away from their parents and go to this?
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???

I’ve experienced kids attending children’s liturgy, because I’ve led children’s liturgy. I am not sure what you are driving at here.
 
You have good answers already. I am part of the Children’s Liturgy of the Word team in our parish and the rare unaccompanied child tends to be 7 years old. Most of our children are under 6 years old. Parents are welcomed, not just because of safeguarding but also because they are their children’s main catechist and should know what we tell the children.
If in doubt, why not go along with your child and experience it for yourself?
 
Children can understand what is going on and the preaching. No need to dumb it down.
 
It is not necessary and removes the child from all the sacred beauty of the Mass.
 
I disagree. It’s not necessary, true, but it adds a lot of benefit when done well. The child learns to cherish the Mass so much more when they comprehend on their own level. (And you ignored my valid point — it’s not “dumbing down”)
 
As a matter of fact, they cannot. That is why 6 and 7 yar old children start in the first grade, not the junior year of high school.
 
Jesus said bring the children to Him. He knows best and His gospel can be understood by children.
 
I would be interested in the stats on this. How long do the children retain the faith. We have been doing these for what 30 years now?
 
The children who attend our Children’s Liturgy are welcome are ages 4 (rare) to prior to receiving 1st Communion; basically, Kindergarten thru early 2nd graders.

They don’t miss the beauty of Mass because they are in their own. They participate as their own alter servers (helping to light a candle), they listen to the readings, and they talk about them and have an opportunity to ask questions instead of listening to a homily that wouldn’t be particularly meaningful at their age. During prayer they are asked for intentions and it is absolutely beautiful and heartwarming to witness children, independent of their parents, recognize and pray for the needs of others.

Then, after 20 mins or so, they come back before the Eucharist. Is it important for children to attend Mass? Of course. It can also be worthwhile for them to have an opportunity to experience a Mass that is geared more for their development level. It’s not required or necessary, it’s just an option for some children who may benefit.
 
I believe children should stay with their parents during the entire Mass. As a parent I would rather answer their questions rather than someone elses ideas. It was tough enough to overcome bad catechesis by teachers in our Catholic school my children attended.
 
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