Each Sunday during the 8:30 and 10:30 AM Masses, St. Hedwig Parish Community offers the opportunity for children (grades 1-5) to participate in the Liturgy of the Word for Children.  There is no registration – all are invited. 

The Presider will call the children up with a leader after the opening prayer of the Mass.  After the prayer, they will accompany their leader to the place provided for them.  In that space readings from both the Old Testament and the Gospel are proclaimed to them from the Lectionary for Children.  This text is easier for the little ones to understand.  The leader interacts with the children, encouraging them to ask questions and share their own understanding of what these readings mean to them.  A basket is provided in the room for them to make a donation if they so choose—this is added to the general Church collection basket. 

If it is the child’s first experience, parents are welcomed to observe the program with their children.  Because of space limitations we are unable to accommodate more than just a few parents.  The children are given an activity bulletin before the return to Mass and their families (which takes place after the prayer petitions in Mass, and during the time of the collection).

Three children are chosen from the 8:30 group to carry the gifts at the Offertory.  These three will be the last ones to re-enter the Church.   The gifts are brought up by parishioners at the 10:30 Mass, as usual. 

All leaders are volunteers and give selflessly of their time and talents.  We do welcome a parent or two or any parishioner each week to accompany the children as they leave the main sanctuary.  This helps us to keep the children together and ensure that they all return safely to the congregation.  If anyone desires to be a part of this program please call Carol at (562) 430-3266.