1. Preparations before Mass – Set up about 10-14 chairs in rows facing the CLOW altar. Get the Children’s Lectionary from the Library and place on the side table of Father’s (presider’s) chair. Check in with Father Bob with your focus on today’s readings. This lets him know that the leader is present and ready to proceed with the program. The CLOW leaflets for this week, and the Leader’s guide are kept in the red hanging file in the Library.
2. Father (or the presider) calls the children to come forward, usually before the opening prayer. If there is a visiting priest, remind him about CLOW and that he should call the children up before the opening prayer.
3. When Father calls the children to come forward, PLEASE come forward and stand near Father.  Greet the children as they come forward. This is when the priest or deacon will briefly speak with the children about the day’s gospel reading and then hand the Lectionary to a selected child. He/she will lead the procession out of the sanctuary and in the CLOW area. We use the Library for CLOW.
4. The children should be seated quietly. Using the CLOW lectionary, go according to the scheduled reading of the Gospel. The Gospel should be read by the leader.  When discussing the Gospel afterward, try to avoid ‘teaching’. Rather, make it an opportunity for participation and conversation. Use “The Complete Children’s Liturgy Book” for assistance in this. (Please keep the books in the Library – do not take home, as we only have one (1)). This is also an excellent opportunity to get the children interested in what’s going on in the Church at that time (Advent, Christmas, Lent, etc.) and their meanings.
5. Here is what is happening in the Church while you and the children are in the Library:

 

1. Opening Prayer
2. First Reading
3. Responsorial Psalm
4. Second Reading
5. Alleluia
6. Gospel Reading
7. Homily
8. (Optional) Baptisms, Rites, etc.
9. Profession of Faith (Nicene Creed)
10. Prayers of the Faithful

At the end of the Nicene Creed/beginning of the Prayers of the Faithful, it is time to start lining up.  During the collection, the children can be walking back into the sanctuary and joining their families. (You may have a longer session when there are Baptisms, Confirmation rites, or RCIA rites.) You may pass out the CLOW leaflets to the children at dismissal time (or use them to fill time if you are in a longer session.) The ideal time to get the children back is during the collection – this causes the least amount of confusion. Please remember to replace the Lectionary on the CLOW altar for the next Mass.
 

6. Make sure the children have all found their seats and then take your seat and enjoy the rest of the Mass.