Parish holds Children's Liturgy of the Word during Lent
By Tavia Malone, Globe staff writer
Posted February 21, 2002

Young children, as well as adults, have special needs and programs in the Catholic church. One of these special programs offered around the diocese is the Children's Liturgy of the Word.

Throughout the Lenten and Advent seasons, St. Patrick Church in Estherville has been offering Children's Liturgy of the Word. This program, which was developed nearly seven years ago, invites young children, ages 4, 5 and 6, to participate in an alternate liturgy reading.

Linda Neppl, special programs coordinator for St. Patrick Church, has been preparing the special liturgies for the children. "I think having an alternative program for little kids, instead of listening to the Gospel and readings in the adult form, helps to bring it to their level," said Neppl.

She stressed that the program simplifies the readings, so that the children can better understand the Gospel and other church-related customs and words. "We do activities that go with that Gospel reading for the week," added Neppl.

Currently, anywhere from three to 12 children participate in the program. Children leave Mass immediately after the Opening Prayer and return when Father Jerome Cosgrove leads the children's collection. During this brief time, the kids work on projects and learn more about their church and their faith.

Betty Ann Rosfjord, currently St. Patrick's DRE, helped start the Children's Liturgy of the Word seven years ago. She said, "Lent and Advent are two seasons that are set apart. We thought we wanted to have the program during those times of the year, and we know we can get volunteers for those two seasons for sure."

In the past, St. Patrick had included children ages 4 through 4th grade. Due to the large number of children attending the event, Rosfjord felt it was necessary to narrow the age group. Since the younger children do not have religious education, the group was narrowed to children ages 4 through 6.

"The kids all seem to look forward to it," said Neppl. "The kids seem to enjoy it."

At a recent Children's Liturgy of the Word, Neppl explained a little about Lent and also had the kids work on a Lenten tree. "I took a big branch from my backyard and helped them write out their Lenten intentions," she said.

In addition to reading the Gospel to the children on their level and working on Lenten projects, Neppl kept the children busy during Advent, too. The kids made an Advent wreath and took some projects home to work on with their family.

Neppl tries to work on activities for the kids that have something to do with the season of Advent or Lent, but nothing too overwhelming. Choral readings, pantomime and responsorial Psalms are some of the fun activities that Neppl has planned for the children.

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