INTRODUCTION

WHY L.W.C?

OUR PROGRAM

TIMING

SCHEDULING

RECRUITING - TRAINING

MATERIALS

GRATITUDE

VIRTUS TRAINING

VBS

Registration

Volunteer

---CHILD CARE

VIRTUS TRAINING

VBS PROGRAM

VBS CAMP

---ART CAMP

---SOCCER CAMP

SPECIAL NEEDS

ICE CREAM SOCIAL

DONATIONS

PRAYER SERVICE

SENIOR DAY

ST.BENEDICT

  LWC   OP   VBS   PP   RES  

Saint Gilbert children, have been celebrating the Liturgy of the Word with Children , at the Sunday 9:00 AM and 10:30 AM Masses, since Pentecost Sunday 1992. On Pentecost Sunday, 2003, the Saturday 5:00PM Mass was added at the request of many parish parents.

I believe the biggest misconception people have about L.W.C. is the belief that it is Sunday School, but it is in fact, the same Liturgy of the Word being celebrated in the main assembly - the difference is that it is at the level of a child's understanding.

Our program is a year- long ministry celebrated at three Masses every week except Easter, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. While some Parishes prefer LWC to be part of their Religious Education Program, at Saint Gilbert it is part of Worship.

Over the past thirteen-years we have made changes in the way we administer this program but we have always maintained the Order of the Liturgy of the Word as set forth in the Directory of Masses with Children.

After the opening prayer, the Celebrant invites the children and catechists to leave the Congregation and go to their own place of worship for the Liturgy of the Word, returning in time for the Liturgy of the Eucharist. One catechist receives the Lectionary from the Priest while the second catechist leads the children to their designated "Place of Worship " (Our program is large 5:00P.M. 35 -45 children, 9:00 A.M 65 -75 children and the 10:30 Mass celebrates with 85 - 110 children. The age group is four to twelve but a three year old is welcome with a parent. (numbers according to the October count)

When the Second Vatican Council met in the 1960s, (1962 - 1965) it was proclaimed that all Christians have a right to hear God's Word - The Holy Scriptures. Soon after, the Mass was celebrated in the language of local countries, no longer in Latin only. At that time the deaf heard the Word through signing and in our country Masses were heard not only in English, but also the neighborhood's ethnic language (Spanish, Germany, Polish etc.)

The Devine Worship Congregation realized the fact that children may find the readings difficult to understand. November 1, 1973 they issued the Directory of Masses With Children . This challenging document, calls us to use "words and signs," in our liturgies which are "sufficiently adapted to the capacity of children." (Par.2) Nearly a decade later the Committee on the Liturgy National Conference of Catholic Bishops approved a Lectionary that followed these guidelines, primarily by the "spiritual advantage which the readings can offer children. "(Par 44)

Our Lectionary is actually three books, one for each year of the Liturgical Calendar. Year A - Gospel of Matthew, Year B- Gospel of Mark and Year C Gospel of Luke. The Publisher is L.T.P. Liturgical Training Publication.

The Lectionary may be carried in the opening Procession, and placed on the altar, or placed on the altar prior to the Procession (currently we do the later) After the Opening Prayer, The Priest will invite the children to leave the main assembly, one catechist will accept the Lectionary and blessing from the priest and the second catechist will lead the children to their own place of worship. Choose a child to be the gift bearer.

We use this prayer to calm the children and prepare them to hear God's Word

(During Advent we light Advent Candles with special prayer each week.)

After the reading lead the children in the response: "Thanks be to God "

(During Ordinary Time we sing (our response)**Speak Lord I'm Listening

Speak Lord I'm listening please show me the way.

Speak Lord I'm listening. Plant your word down deep in me.

Speak Lord I'm listening. Please show me the way.

(** Speak Lord by Gary Ault - Damean Music 1978.)

During Seasons (Advent, Christmas - Lent and Easter) appropriate responses are provided

The Advent Prayer, Advent / Christmas Lent/ Easter Responses and Creed are posted on the Liturgy page, during the appropriate month, under the Prayer section on this site.

There are times when the second reading has been omitted. Our response is "Thanks be to God " when we have a Second reading.

Lead the children in an Alleluia - read the Psalm repeat the Alleluia

( (Since Pentecost 1998, we have signed the Alleluia as we sing.)

Before reading greet the children, "Peace be with you "

The second catechist will lead them in response " And also with you.

" A reading from the Gospel according to (N)"

Response " Glory to you, Lord "

As you cross your forehead , lips and heart pray, "May the Word of the Lord always be on my mind, my lips and in my heart." After the Gospel the children respond . " Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ. " Ask the children to be seated.

DIALOGUE Engage the children in a conversation by asking questions about the Readings, allowing them time to answer and explain the focus, What did Jesus want us to know about this Parable?

OBJECT LESSON An object is used to describe the focus of the readings

A SIMPLE STORY Make it your own, tell it rather than read it and conclude by relating the story to the readings.

During Ordinary Time the children recite the Apostle's Creed. The catechist recites a line the children repeat it. During the Seasons (Advent Christmas, Lent Easter) A Baptismal Prayer is recited and the children respond, "I do."

This is one prayer with many petitions. We must remember to pray for Church leaders, especially Pope Benedict, Cardinal George, our Priests, World leaders, our community, our families, the sick and The dead.

The Five Finger Prayer is a good way to remember to do this, but there is not always enough time. Our response is " LORD HEAR OUR PRAYER "

After the Prayer of the Faithful the gift bearer stands at the exit, one catechist leads the children back to the church and the second catechist will follow with the child carrying the basket of gifts Hold the children at the church entrance until the Prayer of the Faithful is finished then allow the children to return to their families.

The child bearing the children's collection, will give the children' gift basket to an Usher.

After Mass, the children receive their own Sunday Bulletin, which reinforces the Sunday's readings with word games, a coloring page and a story about our FAITH.

Because Liturgy of the Word only takes between 20 - 25 minutes, it is important that the children are moved out of and back into the main Church in a timely fashion.

We have used several methods, including walkies talkies, to alert the Catechists when it is time to return. What works best for us is a third person who tells the catechists the homily is over and when the main assembly is praying for the sick. If the catechist is not already praying the Creed, they will finish their reflection and begin the Creed and Prayer of the Faithful. The third person returns to the Church and when the church is praying for the "sick" during the Prayer of the Faithful, will again alert the Catechist, who will end the children's Liturgy , give the "basket" to the chosen "gift bearer" and lead the children back to their families.

At times special celebrations, such as a Baptism, renewal of Wedding vows, visiting Missionaries, etc. happen after the Priest's homily. The catechist will be told and plan to stretch LWC a few extra minutes (3 -5 mins).

It is important that the children return to the Church in a quiet and respectful manner.

Twenty to twentyfive minutes may seem like a short time to fill all parts of LWC, but it is amazing how much you cando in that time span, with just a little practice.

For years we met once a month to schedule for the coming month, distribute materials, and discussed problems - such as behavior, space and timing. Today we schedule on a quarterly basis via email, each catechist has his/her own workbook, on this website on the LWC page there are suggestions for reflections and we solve any problems within a day or two, using email and the phone.

A pre-schedule is sent to every catechist, who checks their available dates and returns the form to the scheduler. When the new schedule is completed it is forwarded to all catechists.

Our goal is to schedule a catechist once a month but if a month has five week six people are scheduled twice.

We have a volunteers staff of 17 catechists, some only read while others read and reflect on the readings. A reader must be Confirmed to read the Gospel.

Several catechists have been a part of this ministry since 1992. Others have grown up in the program and have become catechists.

We recruit year around by encouraging friends and neighbors to join us, and on Ministry Sunday. We have a great retention of catechists, young people leave for college while families move from the parish, or events in their lives make it necessary to leave.

We always have had the help of students who needed Service hours for school, but this past year we began to plan a regular program. We have a small group of students who are currently in 6th grade and up through high school. Our project throughout this Summer is to train them as Lectors and Commentors.

The Archdiocese of Chicago has presented the program VIRTUS to clergy, employees, and volunteers over the past two years. Often after a VIRTUS session is over, the comment from many people is, "Why don't you show this to parents?" It is a recommendation that makes a lot of sense.

The VIRTUS workshop is a 3-hour, facilitated presentation using videos and follow up discussions to address child sexual abuse. As parents and volunteers ministering to children, the information presented is useful in knowing what to look for and how to deal with child sexual abuse issues.

The mission be hind "Protecting God's Children" is to equip adults with the tools necessary to recognize the signs of possible child abuse and to act on suspicions to prevent or stop child abuse.

After you attend the workshop, you under go a back ground check.

When you are certified you are asked to go online as a continuing education process to read an article and answer a question at the end of the article. This does not take much time, but will keep you up on the importance of this program.

We are so thankful for the volunteers who make this a valuable and successful ministry to the children and families in our Parish. Each freely share their faith, love of God and love of the children they serve.

They work very well together. When the group of children are larger than normal. they will join the children even though they are not scheduled to help each other. They are always well prepared and readily cover for each other in emergencies.

We also greatly appreciate the support we have received from the Women's Club, the Liturgy Committee and our Pastors, past and present, (both Father Beaven and currently Father Nowak.)

We know we are blessed by their presence and are thankful for their dedication.

May God bless them and those they love.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

We have celebrated Vacation Bible School (VBS) at St. Gilbert for over 15 years. This is a program that touches many St. Gilbert families. In attendance each day are over 500 children throughout the week. There are approximately 125-150 volunteers daily to make this an enjoyable, entertaining, safe and faith-filled week. VBS has been blessed with quality volunteers who commit themselves year after year to ensure the success of this program. We also have a continual pool of new volunteers, many are those who have gone through the program and continue on in service and, of course, our abundance of High School students who add life and energy to the program.

Forms are sent home from school, REP and in the Bulletin's April 1 and 2.

Spaces fill up quickly so return your registration forms as soon as possible. Your confirmation letter will be sent home with your child, it is the only confirmation you will receive. If you have not received your letter by 6/5 contact Nancy at 847-543-8939 or Cindy 847-680-8516.

• 4years to those entering 3rd grade VBS  $15.00
• Soccer Camp   15.00
• Art Camp   25.00

We order tee shirts for participants and once the shirts are ordered we cannot process a refund.

It is very important that you supply an emergency number and that you tell us who will be picking up your child.

If your child/ren has an allergy or is a special needs child you must complete an Allergy/special needs information card and drop it off on the first day.

For this program to be successful we need YOU. Your talents and support are the backbone of our program. We provide childcare and pre-school care for the children of our volunteers and the fact that it is in the same building is designed for your peace of mind.

To volunteer, please complete the form on the reverse side of the registration form, and note your availability and your area of interest.

Volunteers must be at least going into the 7th grade. Students may qualify for service hours at St. Gilbert School, Carmel High School and REP 7th and 8th grade while enjoying this special week.

Enjoy this week with your children by volunteering to be part of the action. If you can't volunteer you can still join in the celebration by donating paper products, and/or craft supplies.

We look forward to having you join us in some capacity for this joyous program that leads us into a great summer.

In compliance with the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, approved at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops on June 14, 2002, there will be a workshop for anyone who has not yet attended the required training.

VIRTUS WORKSHOP- "Protecting God's Children" Presented by a trained facilitator at St. Gilbert's Multi-Purpose Room April 29, 2006 from 9:OOam-Noon

Persons requiring this training include all Vacation Bible School Volunteers over the age of 18 and any employee f or volunteer working with children in the St. Gilbert Parish.

The Archdiocese of Chicago has presented the program VIRTUS to clergy, employees, and volunteers over the past two years. Often after a VIRTUS session is over, the comment from many people is, "Why don't you show this to parents?" It is a recommendation that makes a lot of sense.

The VIRTUS workshop is a 3-hour, facilitated presentation using videos and follow up discussions to address child sexual abuse. As a parent, the information presented is useful in knowing what to look for and how to deal with child sexual abuse issues.

All children are vulnerable to the advances of child molester. The child molester skillfully convinces or grooms the child that he or she is genuinely interested in sharing a supportive and healthy relationship with the child. Through the grooming process, child molesters trap children in a cycle of secrecy. Then they rely on their power over the victims to control the children and convince them that the victims are to blame for what happened. Unlike adults, children do not realize that nothing could be farther from the truth.

The mission be hind "Protecting God's Children" is to equip adults with the tools necessary to recognize the signs of possible child abuse and to act on suspicions to prevent or stop child abuse.

The Childcare that we offer is for the children of our volunteers. The 3-yr. olds in Childcare have a mini-Bible School of their own and they perform at our closing Musical/Ice Cream Social.

We provide child care for the children of our volunteers. The kindergarten rooms are set up for infant and toddler care.

The pre-schoool program is offered to our volunteers who have children under four, in the same building as our VBS program.

We owe the growth and success of our program to parishioners who freely volunteer their time and talents.

Children four years of age to those who are entering into the third grade attend Vacation Bible School. The morning begins with an opening skit which sets the theme of the day.

The children are divided into groups of ten to twelve within the same age or grade, with two or three counselors who lead them through the rotation of the centers where the days theme is re-enforced.

The VBS for younger students is a setting where the children are assigned to one of 36 groups divided by age. There are 2-3 counselors assigned to each group. Group sizes vary from 9-13 campers per group. The counselors lead their group through a rotation of classes; crafts, music, snack/rec., and Bible class. Each participant and counselor wears a T-shirt and nametag to identify their group.

The VBS camps for the older children are run on a separate schedule. These campers have a concentrated day in either art or soccer and the only other class they attend is Bible Class, which has a 10-minute music section so they can participate in the Musical/Ice Cream Social event on Thursday evening of the week.

Campers spend the first forty five minutes learning the Bible story and music for the day, and then they go to their chosen camp.

The Art Camp is organized by two adult volunteers. They choose daily art/craft projects for the campers to complete. Past projects have been garden stepping stones, rosaries, birdhouses, wind chimes etc. This is a popular camp and usually fills up with 65 campers.

Art Camp is held in the Chapel Hall where they will create fun and interesting objects of art. In the past they have made:

• candles
• soap
• garden pavers
• moccasins
• Rosaries

The Soccer Camp is organized by the High School students and is monitored on the soccer field by three adult volunteers. This camp attracts around 110 campers. The campers are divided into at least 10 teams with 2 High School coaches assigned to each team. The coaches teach skills and drills and accompany their team to Bible Class. There is a tournament that runs throughout the week.

This is a very popular camp and fills up early. There are 65 spaces are available and fill up quickly.

Soccer players from our local high schools run the Soccer Camp. The campers are divided into teams where they run drills and train for the tournament that is played through out the week.

We believe that Vacation Bible School should be offered to all of God's children and to that goal a program for children with special needs is available.

Each child is assigned a personal counselor who will stay with that child all day.

Questions regarding special needs children call: Debbie at 847-548-8616

Several years ago we began a Parent's Prayer Service, where the parents pray for the children and volunteers, hear the same readings and Bible story as the children and sing along to the music the children are learning.

This short prayer service allows the parents and children to talk about the reading and story of the day, when they go home helping to re-enforces the days message.

The highlight of the program is Thursday evening's Ice Cream Social. It is sponsored by the Knights of Columbus.

Before Ice Cream is served and socializing begins, the children perform the music they learned through out the week. Even our preschoolers perform to the delight of the crowd.

One day in this very special week is dedicated to the Seniors. Grandparents, elderly neighbors and friends are invited to spend the day with the children. They are invited to travel with the children from one center to another or sit on the side lines and watch.

St. Benedict the African is located on the south side of Chicago and is our Sister Parish. Each day our campers are asked to bring a specified item for St. Benedict's food pantry. Each day a different item or group of items is requested. One day it may be boxed cereal, another day may be canned goods or paper products. At the end of the week a group of our volunteers deliver the gifts from the children to St. Benedict's parish. We are given a tour of their very beautiful church.

The people of our parish are wonderful, generous Christians and their donations allow us to keep our tuition low. Please watch this site and check the Sunday Bulletins for a list of craft items we will need.

The following is a list of items that we need for the crafts. If your are able to donate any of the following items there will be boxes labeled VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL in the gathering areas where you may drop them off.

If you have any questions about the requested items Please call Cathleen at 847-223-0939

We have had Vacation Bible School (VBS) at St. Gilbert for over 15 years. This is a program that touches many St. Gilbert families. In attendance each day are over 500 children throughout the week. There are approximately 125-150 volunteers daily to make this an enjoyable, entertaining, safe and faith-filled week. VBS has been blessed with quality volunteers who commit themselves year after year to ensure the success of this program. We also have a continual pool of new volunteers, many are those who have gone through the program and continue on in service and, of course, our abundance of High School students who add life and energy to the program.

I hope you found this page valuable in your work with children. Please let me know what I can do for you that will be helpful in your ministry.

Email me with your favorite resources - magazines, books, websites, newsletters and prayers. I will post them at this site so our resource lists grow.

Write to me at LWC