“CLOW” is simply an acronym for Children’s Liturgy of the Word.
We started this new Program at St. Joe’s so that we might minister to our little children at our adult Masses; it has been a great success. We offer this program to our children weekly at the 10:30am Sunday morning Mass.
This is how it works: The children gather with their families in the church at the 10:30am Sunday Mass. At a designated time after the Welcoming & Opening Prayer the children (and any parents or older brothers/sisters who may be *required or just want to accompany their little ones) will be invited to come forward to the sanctuary steps. The Sacristan and certified CLOW Assistants will come forward with them and lead them or be “sent forth” with our Blessing to the Upper Room for the first part of the Mass: The Liturgy of the Word. They will experience The Liturgy of the Word with respect to their level of spiritual development; in other words, they will experience The Word on their (a child’s) level of understanding; what they are ready to comprehend (It's called Religion Readiness).
*All children are invited to come to the Upper Room and participate in our CLOW, however,
children 1st grade or younger are required to be with a parent or older sister/brother.
Once in the Upper Room the CLOW Leader will present the Gospel and teaching; the Assistants will remain with the children to generally maintain order and safety for the children. The Assistants help the children ascend the steps to the Upper Room, see to their orderly and quick seating, constantly look over the children to assist them in their needs (e.g. "I have to go to the bathroom." or "I want to go back down to my mommy." or "I need help with that instruction from the Leader." etc., etc., etc.). Generally, the Assistants help the children feel safe and supported and cared for.
The Sacristan coordinates timing between the adult Liturgy of the Word and the CLOW so that the “return” happens in a timely fashion and not a disruptive one.
GOSPEL PRESENTATION -- The Leader will have a variety of approved presentations of the Gospel for the children. Our training offers many options (both professional and otherwise-all Catholic Church recommended) for Gospels with children. Personal creativity is also encouraged.
GOSPEL COMMENTARY-- The Leader will then comment (teach) the message of the Gospel to the children. Many options are given to the Leader in advance as she or he prepares. Professional Gospel “Helpful Hints For Masses With Children” are also made available to the Leader well in advance of the Mass. These offer many formats to choose from and complete short-n-sweet commentaries throughout the year (and you thought we were so original with our children’s homilies-hey, we accept help from any source, if it enhances the child’s understanding of the scripture!). Another great resource made available for our Leaders is found on the web site sermons4kids.com (this web site is also an excellent resource for parents to use & download for their children in understanding the Gospel heard at Mass). They have good teachings, coloring sheets, activity sheets, etc.
PRAYER OF PETITIONS -- Then the Leader (or his or her designee) will lead the children in the Prayer of the Faithful (adapted from the adult version to be used at that Mass, but for a child’s level of understanding).
HANDOUT & DISMISSAL – At the end of every CLOW the children are given a professions handout (full-color Explaining God’s Word booklets purchased by the church). The children, under the leadership and help of the Assistants, are then dismissed back into the main church to be with their families.