Liturgy of the word for schools and families

The normal Sunday Eucharist is made up of two parts. The Liturgy of the Word, which includes the readings, responses and the homily and the Liturgy of the Eucharist, which includes the Eucharistic Prayer and the Communion Rite.

A simple Liturgy of the Word allows us to enter God’s presence through the people gathered and the words we listen to.

All liturgies follow the same simple structure

We Gather
We Listen
We Respond
We Go Forth

The elements of the liturgy structure

We gather

First, we need somewhere to gather- i.e. a space made Sacred: either a permanent sacred space or an ordinary space made sacred by design, decoration, use of symbol, creation of atmosphere, and/or our presence: because we are here, God is here.

The sacred space can be created as simply as of one or more key sacred symbols: a candle, a cross, some coloured cloth, the Word on a piece of cloth on a corner table of the staffroom or lounge room. Other symbols can be added

To prepare

Highlighting ‘leaving the ordinary’ helps people prepare their hearts, minds and bodies to enter more intentionally into God's presence.

A ritual action usually marks the point of leaving the ordinary. Examples include:

The lighting of the candle
The Sign of the Cross
Touching a symbol, message, icon
A water sprinkling (blessing) on entering
Giving a symbol as people enter
Sound of a gong, chimes, rain stick or bell

This ritual action calls us to stillness and silence

We listen

The preferred source is to listen to a scripture reading or the Word of God. There are many translations (NRSVCE is recommended in our schools) available to suit different occasions. The following link may prove useful: Bible Gateway.The passage/s need not be long: in a simple prayer service, a short reading with one focus can be powerful. Invite someone to read.

The ritual taking up the text and opening it, proclaiming, closing and replacing the text is an important part of the listening process.

We respond

St Benedict urged us to listen to God's Word with the "ear of our heart". Following the reading, there are a number of possible ways to respond. They can be simple or complex and include:

Silent reflection/prayer on what has been heard.
Offer our own prayers to God, invite children to say a prayer about something important to them
Encourage children to share what they are thinking about.
Sharing words/ideas heard from the text - with others or visually
Journaling - children might want to respond by writing something or drawing a picture.
Placement of a symbol/picture representing a message heard

After listening and responding, the family can share and give thanks to God for who we are and what we have been given. Pray the Our Father together and then share a sign of peace.

We go forth

The purpose of communal prayer is to strengthen, support and nourish. The participants are then ready to go back out into the world to continue and be witness to and proclaim the Good News of Jesus. The format is usually a closing prayer; a blessing and a sending forth. These can be as simple or as creative as deemed necessary. At the end, ritualise the closing of the liturgy.

Extinguishing the candle
The Sign of the Cross
Sound of a gong, chimes, rain stick or bell
Use of music ("Recessional" music - going forth)

Remember to keep things simple.

It is important to create a space for prayer in some small yet meaningful way.

Liturgy Brisbane offers Sunday reading suggestions for families.