Facebook Instagram

Children’s Liturgy of the Word (CLOW)

- Children ages 3 through 1st Grade
  
  Coordinated by Maura Timoney-Deville and led by Volunteer by Erica Benthin
  
  Program Goals
  
  To engender in our children a love for attending Mass at St. John Fisher, and foster their active and lifelong participation in the Catholic faith.
  
  To encourage families with young children to attend Mass on a regular basis.
  
  To create a welcoming environment for all families, especially those with young children.
  
  9 am Mass on Sunday's
  During the academic school year only; excluding some Feast days
  
  Children ages ~3 years old through first grade are invited up after the Gloria, and return during the Prayers of the Faithful
  
  Beginning in second grade, children prepare for Sacrament of the Eucharist, and CLOW encourages full Mass participation
  
  Trained volunteer parishioners lead instruction in the Parish Hall
  
  Teach the liturgy at an age appropriate level: through song, story, magnet boards, skits, toys, games, arts, crafts; encourage participation and questions, fostering a deep love for Jesus and our faith
  
  For Parents and Children
  
  Children must be potty trained or in a pull-up/diaper; volunteers will not change diapers
  
  Parents welcome to accompany child or observe any time, for part or all of the children’s liturgy
  
  If child(ren) are consistently disruptive or not following directions, they will be returned to their parent. Said child(ren) must then be accompanied by a parent for the next session of CLOW until s/he learns to behave appropriately in the children’s liturgy (as recommended by the instructor volunteer to CLOW leadership)
  
  First-name attendance will be taken to help volunteers learn names
- When
  
  Every Sunday during 9am mass.
- CLOW Training Plan and Logistics
  
  All volunteers must take “Call to Protect” training
  
  Minimum of two trained volunteers per class: one Teacher, one Assistant
  
  Assistant volunteer will assist with restroom needs as necessary; if child is not potty-trained or self-sufficient in the stall, volunteer will return child to parent for bathroom duty
  
  Logistics training/instructions provided – first class always paired with experienced instructor
  
  CLOW team provides a 1-page Lesson Plan the week prior to teaching, as well as coloring page and/or craft as applicable
  
  CLOW Lesson Plan will recommend activity to illustrate the reading: song, game, role-play, toy clues, craft, etc. Teacher may choose to come up with another appropriate activity if desired (i.e. different craft, storytelling method, etc.). Teacher is responsible for plan/ preparation in this case
  
  Teacher and Assistant are responsible to leave Parish Hall in clean state – either immediately after CLOW, or after Mass (note: there will usually be Coffee & Donuts in the school on CLOW days as they follow the same schedule, so volunteers should have time to return to Parish Hall after Mass if needed for clean-up)
  
  CLOW is in session over the academic school year, and typically is not in session for school holidays or long weekends
- Volunteer Requirements
  
  1 Hour SJF Volunteer credit allowed for each class taught or assisted (time includes actual instruction/time with children, in addition to preparation / clean up)
  
  Anyone who wishes to assist may volunteer and be trained! Usually this is mothers or fathers with CLOW-aged children, but also some grandparents or high school Juniors/Seniors
  
  Minimum of 8 volunteers required in order for CLOW to fully function. Can do with less, but then there will be CLOW fewer weekends, as we request volunteers to commit to one weekend per month

Children’s Liturgy of the Word (CLOW)

Every Sunday during 9am mass.