Ministries for Children at Mass

Dear OLA Families,

As we begin a new year of ministry at Our Lady of the Assumption, we are blessed to have so many wonderful opportunities for our children and families to grow in their faith and participate in the life of our parish.

With several ministries serving different age groups, we wanted to take a moment to clarify the intended age groups for each children’s ministry and explain the purpose behind these

guidelines. Each ministry is designed with the developmental and spiritual needs of a particular age group in mind.

Little Lambs – Independent Preschoolers

Little Lambs is designed for our youngest parishioners who are independent preschoolers.

During the 9:00 a.m. Mass, children in Little Lambs are excused from Mass and gather in the vesting sacristy just off the narthex for an age-appropriate presentation of that Sunday’s Gospel, followed by a simple lesson and discussion questions designed specifically for young children.

The children will return to their families during the Offertory, while the collection is taken up and we transition into the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

Children’s Liturgy of the Word – Kindergarten–1st Grade

Children’s Liturgy of the Word is intended for children in Kindergarten through 1st grade.

During the 9:00 a.m. Mass, these children are excused from Mass and gather in the Upper Room to participate in an age-appropriate reading and lesson based on all of the Sunday Mass readings. They will have the opportunity to learn about God’s Word through developmentally appropriate teaching, discussion, and activities.

The children will return to their families during the Offertory, while the collection is taken up and we transition into the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

Older Children – Participating Fully in Sunday Mass

For children older than the age groups listed above, we encourage them to remain in the church for the entirety of Mass.

As our children grow, we want them increasingly to understand, participate in, and appreciate the Mass as the center of our Catholic faith. In particular, children who are preparing for or have received their First Communion are continuing to learn what it means to participate actively in the Mass and fulfill their Sunday obligation as members of the Church.

There are several unique ways for older children to participate and serve during Mass:

Children’s Choir – Grades 1–5

Children’s Choir is a wonderful opportunity for children to serve at Mass through music, helping lead our parish in worship. Children in 1st through 5th grade are welcome to participate.

Sign up here: https://www.olachurch-forms.org/childrens-choir

Altar Serving – 3rd Grade and Older

Altar serving is another unique way our children can take part in the Mass and serve our parish community.

Children who are in 3rd grade or older and have already received their First Communion are eligible to become altar servers. Training is required before serving.

Sign up for training here: https://www.olachurch-forms.org/altar-server-training

We are grateful for the many families who make our children’s ministries such a wonderful part of OLA. These age guidelines are not meant to limit participation. They exist, rather, to make sure that each ministry can serve its intended audience well and that our children receive formation that is appropriate for where they are in their faith journey.

Whether actively participating from your pew or serving as a chorister or altar server, our hope is that every family will find opportunities for your children to encounter the Lord in a meaningful way at Mass.

Thank you allowing us to partner with you as we work together to form our children as lifelong disciples of Jesus Christ.

Sincerely in Christ,

Fr. Dan Ketter

Pastor