Sunday School Liturgy

It is always a joy every Sunday to hear the Catechists say “missionary childhood” after the gospel reading. This draws the children to the altar with their animators for Father’s blessings before moving to the hall. To draw the children’s attention to listen to the word of God and to participate actively in whatever is happening, we use the slogan which they like so much; openness to everyone, which goes by the response everyone a missionary. The readings are repeated by the grown ups among them who can read.  Interestingly, the children are able to share what they hear from the word of God and their understanding about it. We as animators then explains the readings to them at their level, if there is a song or scenario in line with the readings they are taught and this helps them to retain what they have heard. The children also bring up other practical ways of living the Gospel and the Catholic faith.

            To conclude the liturgy of the word, at least six volunteers come forward to pray for various intentions. It is inspiring and heartwarming to hear these little ones pray spontaneously for various intentions. Amidst singing and dancing, they present their offerings to the Lord, as two or three little ones stand by the collection bowl, impatiently waiting to hold the bowl whiles the rest stretch their hands to pray over the offering.

We   do not only share the word of God, but we teach these young ones what they need to know about their faith, such as the Order of the Mass, the Sacraments, Mysteries of the Rosary and other teachings of the Church. At the end of the day, to hear what the children have learnt and are taking home is quite encouraging. In the course of all these, as expected of children, some animators are pre-occupied with those who present numerous complains, excuses, those who run around, those who are thirsty and so on. Every Sunday ends with joy and we look forward to meeting another Sunday as the children goodbyes us cheerfully.