Diocese Hosts 'Masses with Children'

The will host a formation workshop for all liturgical leaders entitled “Masses with Children” on Tuesday, June 26 from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the St. John Neumann Pastoral Center, 146 Metlars Lane.

The three-hour workshop will focus on ways Catholic parishes and schools can successfully prepare children to take their rightful place in the Sunday worshipping assembly.

“It is important that the liturgy be celebrated well, and to be celebrated well it must engage the entire assembly,” said Rev. Msgr. Robert W. Medley, director of the diocesan Office of Worship and Episcopal Ceremonies, which is co-sponsoring the event with the diocesan offices of Catechesis and Schools.

“Our hope in leading this workshop is to assist those who prepare Masses with children to fully engage children in the liturgy and lead them to a more active participation at Sunday Mass,” he added.

Msgr. Medley will serve as a workshop presenter. Other presenters include: Irene Sena, assistant superintendent, diocesan Office of Schools; Justin Connors, director of music, St. Thomas the Apostle Church, Old Bridge; Thomas A. DeLessio, director of liturgical music, diocesan Department of Worship and Liturgical Formation; and Carol Mascola, assistant director, diocesan Office for Catechesis.

“During this workshop we hope to convey a better understanding of what our documents say about incorporating children into the worshipping community,” said Cecelia P. Regan, executive director, diocesan Department of Formation and Leadership and director, diocesan Office for Catechesis.

“Our ultimate goal, of course, is to help the children grow in their faith and participate more fully in the Mass, so that we may all celebrate Eucharist as the source and summit of our faith, no matter what our age or stage of life,” she continued.

Collectively, the presenters will address appropriate use of the Eucharistic Prayers and Lectionary for Masses with Children; how to connect music for liturgies with children to the Sunday celebration; and liturgical principles involved in celebrating Masses and other liturgies with children – including those that take place within Catholic schools or religious education programs. They will answer questions such as: What is a Mass with Children?, What do the Church documents say about it?, and Who should be involved in preparing the Liturgy?Participants will have an opportunity to ask questions during the Q&A session.

The workshop is a recommended resource for all those who are responsible for preparing Masses with Children – including pastors, deacons, principals, parish catechetical leaders, liturgy committee leaders, sacramental preparation coordinators, Liturgy of the Word with Children coordinators, and parish and school music directors.

The cost is $5 per person. For more information or to register call (732) 562-1990 ext. 1634, emailworship@diometuchen.org or visit www.diometuchen.org and click on EVENTS.