St. Gertrude Parish KidsWord

What is KidsWord?

KidsWord is St. Gertrude Parish’s Children’s Liturgy of the Word. It is every Sunday at the 10 o’clock Mass except during the months of July and August, and Labor Day weekend.

Who can come?

KidsWord is geared toward children Kindergarten through 5th grade, although younger children have been known to attend as well.

Where does it take place?

The children are grouped according to grade: Kindergarten through 2nd are in the parlor of the rectory; 3rd through 5th are in the dining room.

What happens?

Once the children are settled, we light a candle (a much coveted responsibility), and sing a song. At this point, the older children have an additional component to their ritual: They select a rock from a small wooden bowl, bring it up to the ‘altar,’ and place it in a circle around the candle. The candle represents Jesus. We want him to be at the center of our lives, and he is the light of our lives. The rocks have many meanings. They recall Jesus’ time when there were no paved roads, and rocks were a common sight. (These rocks are actually from a beach on the Sea of Galilee.) Our faith is built on rock, not sand. They represent each child present: all different colors and shapes and sizes, yet essentially the same. Finally, they are a sign that each child is ready to listen, reflect, and participate.

In both groups, the leader then reads the Gospel for that Sunday from the Lectionary for Masses with Children. We discuss the story, using the questions on the KidsWord Konnection as a starting point. The purpose of the KidsWord Konnection is twofold: to give you an idea of what we talked about; and to give you something to talk about with your kids.

If time allows, the younger children draw a picture about one aspect of the story.

Who are the leaders?

You! Interested adults, men, women, married, single, with or without children volunteer for this wonderful ministry. Training is provided, and we welcome all newcomers. Come and join us some Sunday morning and see what it’s all about.

What is the teaching philosophy?

We recognize that children already have a relationship with God, so our role as liturgy of the word leaders is not to give them one, but rather to draw out through questions and conversation that which already exists. Our objective is to make the children more fully aware of the presence of God in their lives. We draw children into the story, often asking what it would feel like to be one character or another. Through our line of questions, which draw on experience and feelings, not facts, we strive to help the children see that these are not simply stories from 2000 years ago, but that they can help us know how to live today.

Is there anything else I should know?

Yes. The children are invited to bring a natural object to add to our altar each week. It could be a feather or a seedpod, a leaf, a flower, a stick, or any such object your child finds in your yard or on the way to church. This is a way for the children to ‘own’ the space and our time together, as well as to help them make the connection between God and creation.

Whom should I contact for further information?

Call Ann O’Connor at the St. Gertrude Rectory, (773) 764-3621.