Children's Liturgy of the Word

Children’s Liturgy of the Word or CLOW provides a special opportunity for children ages 3 until reception of First Communion during the 9:30 am Sunday Mass.

After the opening prayer, the presider invites children to come forward to participate in their own Liturgy of the Word. After a blessing, the children follow the adult leader and assistants to the Chapel, located behind the main assembly. In their liturgy, the children hear a translation of the Bible suitable for younger children, sing, engage in a teaching, say a simple Creed and offer prayer intentions. They return to the assembly with their leaflet during the collection.

Why do we have CLOW?

Children are not miniature adults. They have a unique relationship with God. We reach out to them as members of our community. We nurture their faith by increasing their understanding and participation in the liturgy. Don’t view Children’s Liturgy of the Word as separate from the main assembly, but rather understand it as an integral part of our Mass.

How does CLOW benefit children?

• CLOW is a worship experience for children mirroring the larger community’s Liturgy of the Word. CLOW provides children a unique liturgy while joining them with the adult community.

• Children hear the Scriptures, profess the Creed and pray the Prayers of the Faithful in words they understand. CLOW is an outreach or mission to our children.

• CLOW provides children a foundation for understanding and appreciating Liturgy, especially Scripture. CLOW cultivates their liturgical participation.

How can parents improve their children's liturgical participation?
 

• Encourage your child to participate in CLOW, ask questions about their experience afterwards and don’t forget to share yours!

• Review our CLOW rules--In God's House--with your child.

• CLOW is for children ages 3 until they receive their First Communion. Encourage older children to participate in the Liturgy of the Word with the congregation.

• CLOW is designed for children who are comfortable being away from their parent for 20 minutes. We recommend parents NOT attend the children liturgies. If you determine your child cannot attend without you, simply wait until they are ready. That time will come!

• Register your children in our Religious Education (RE) classes because CLOW is not a substitute for RE.

How can I volunteer?

Due to the overwhelming response to CLOW, we need dedicated parents, grandparents, or anyone who loves to work with children. CLOW seeks adult or teen prayer leaders, aides and musicians. CLOW adult volunteers must attend the Diocese of Austin Ethics & Integrity in Ministry (EIM) training.

To volunteer for this ministry please contact Jessi Atkinson at 512-705-4951 or jmurdter.atkinson@gmail.com.

How else can I help?

Parishioners can also donate to help defray the costs of our CLOW materials. Simply click "Donate Now" to go to our egiving system. Then enter the amount of your donation under Miscellaneous->CLOW.