Children take major roles in liturgies in Greenwich

Once a month at St. Joseph's Church in Greenwich, children are very involved in Sunday Mass as part of their faith formation curriculum.

Rev. Christopher Welch, pastor, said the kids serve as greeters who welcome Mass-goers, lectors, servers and ushers. The smallest are helped by high-schoolers in the Confirmation program, while older children do everything on their own.

Father Welch said that getting involved in the liturgy is a good way for children to be formed in faith. It also fosters a community spirit among parishioners.

"The people enjoy seeing the children involved," he explained. "It gives them hope. For the young people, it gives them more of an understanding of what the Mass is about. It forms them as ministers for the future."

Called to serve

The "Called to be Church" planning process was the kick-off point for the involvement of the youngest parishioners. At a meeting to discuss the faith formation of youth, parishioners decided to re-start a tradition of gathering children around the altar for the Lord's Prayer.

The tradition is now a Sunday fixture at St. Joseph's and Notre Dame/Visitation parish in Schuylerville, where Father Welch is also pastor.

The children walk up from their seats for the prayer, and Father Welch tries to shake hands with all of them at the Sign of Peace.

"It's a very positive experience," he said. "People were very thrilled about it."

Giving moment

Children are also invited to come forward to put their offerings in the basket, whether it's money from their allowance, a list of chores they promise to do or a can for the food pantry.

Father Welch got the idea while attending Mass while on vacation in Houston with a family member. It's a way, he believes, of teaching children stewardship and care of the poor.

The idea was endorsed by the "Called to Be Church" planning team.

Response

The children's activities at church draw positive feedback from families.

"A lot of families come up to me and tell me how much they like it," Father Welch explained. "It helps the children to feel included in the Mass. We are a growing community with a lot of young families. People seem very happy to have the children involved.

"I was happy, too, that this came out of 'Called to Be Church.' I felt good that it came from the people."

(9/13/07)