The liturgy of the word in the Sunday mass for children

Abstract

This dissertation attempts to enhance the experience of children in the Sunday Eucharist in their encounter with the Risen Christ through the Word of God. Chapter 1 will analyse the nature and purpose of the liturgy, based on liturgical principles and practices. An examination follows of a communal liturgical renewal in which the needs of children are catered for, to arrive at a full, conscious and active participation in the Eucharistic celebration. A discussion is then given on the aesthetic dimensions of the liturgical celebration for children, such as the appropriate use of symbols, imagery, music and art. Chapter 2 will then analyse the first part of the Eucharistic Celebration - the Liturgy of the Word. In this section, particular attention will be given to creativity in the liturgy for celebrating the Sunday liturgy with children. In the final chapter, practical considerations in the preparation for the Sunday liturgy with children are considered. Such considerations include: catering for the needs of children, preparation of the liturgy, the need to be inclusive and to include sensual appeal, amongst others. Finally, an analysis of current practices in Malta regarding the Sunday liturgy for children by means of a questionnaire which was sent to all parishes. The dissertation will end with the proposal of effective resources and principles which will facilitate the animation of the Sunday liturgy with children.