CLOW TEACHES CHILDREN THE PROCESS OF MASS IN AN ENGAGING WAY

La Purísima Catholic Church in Orange has revived its Children’s Liturgy of the Word (CLOW) program to teach children the process of Mass. Marlene Zambrano, the faith formation coordinator, leads the program during the parish's 10 a.m. Sunday Mass.

The class is open to children in first through sixth grade. During the session, students read the same Gospel passages used in the main assembly, such as the story of the faith of the Canaanite woman, and discuss the meanings of the readings. To help children understand the liturgy, the program uses songs, movement, echo reading, and visuals. Students also have opportunities to lead songs and readings or share what they learned with the group.

After the session, the children return to the main assembly to join their families for the Liturgy of the Eucharist. While the program began this summer, Zambrano noted that the lessons are designed to mirror the Mass experience for younger participants.