Welcome

An opportunity to welcome those gathered for the celebration, set the theme and briefly outline the reason for the service.

The welcome may also include an explanation of the structure of the service so all are comfortable with the proceedings that follow.

 

Reflection

Following the Gospel reading, allow a period of reflection and quiet pondering. This allows the participants to personalise the message heard. It is important to provide space in the celebrations for children to interiorise the words and hear the message Jesus has for them.

The words of Jesus are ever-new, always challenging and personal and best heard in silence. 

Opening Prayer

The opening prayer will formulate the desires of those who gather together for this time of worship. They will encapsulate the particular form of ceremony taking place:

* Praise * Petition * Thanks * Sorrow * Adoration

 

Ritual

Once the Gospel message has been heard and internalised, a personal, communal response to that message is required. This can take the form of: 

A Liturgical Movement

A dramatic interpretation of the story

A ritual participation such as lighting a candle, use of oil, use of water, use of symbols

Formal prayers of intercession

Scripture

All prayer should be based on a specific Scripture text. Scripture should also play a prominent role in all forms of prayer, whether private, communal of Eucharistic.

The words and actions of Jesus have an impact on his people that cannot be explained or equaled, so must be central to all prayer experiences.

 

Conclusion

To finalise the prayer time, a variety of structure can be used, according to the needs, age and faith level of the participants. Some forms of concluding rites are: 

Formal teacher structured prayer read together

Prayer of the Blessing, lead by the teacher

A hymn