February 5 is “Present the Children to God Sunday!”
By Robert Fontana
Last year we suggested that in observance of the Feast of the Presentation (February 2), the day we remember that Mary and Joseph presented Jesus to God in the temple, we too should present our children to God at Sunday worship.
Let’s do this with our kids and grandkids. Let’s have a grand procession into the church with all the children of the Church. Let them march in with balloons, streamers, and banners while playing horns, beating drums, and banging tambourines to “make a joyful noise unto the Lord” as did King David who entered Jerusalem in festive dance! Let the entire Mass be filled with exuberant joy as we present our children to God, the children who are not simply the future Church, but the Church now! Even as young ones, they are discovering how much they are loved by God and how much God wants to use them to bring God’s love to the world of their daily lives.
I wrote the Archbishop of Seattle in November suggesting that he encourage the pastors in the archdiocese to observe “Present the Children to God Sunday.” I have not yet heard back from him. Lori and I proposed this to our pastor, and he said, “Go for it!” Here’s the tentative plan.
Essay/poetry contest— In order to build some interest in this day among the young, we are going to host an essay/poetry contest with prize money. Topic: Care for the Earth (in response to Pope Francis’ encyclical letter Laudato Si – see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KOgF2Kgel6k for a 4-minute video for children.) Write a poem or a 100-word essay on what it means for you to “care for the earth” during this time of climate crisis.
First place: $25 Second Place: $15 Third place: $10
We are opening up this contest to our young readers. Scan and email your essay or poem – one entry per person – to Robert@catholiclifeministries.org. We will select winners for the following age groups: High School (9th – 12th grade); Middle School (6th – 8th grade); Primary School (Kinder – 5th grade). Please be sure to write the author’s name, grade level, and phone or email on the entry. Winners will receive a check in the mail!
Liturgy for Present the Children to God Sunday
¨ Children with banners and streamers process in at the beginning of Mass behind the Word of God. The choir sings “O When the Saints Come Marching In.” If possible, a trumpet player will lead the procession.
¨ With the opening prayer, the presider prays a prayer of thanksgiving for the gift of the children of the Church.
¨ Children who have been prepared serve as lectors and read the Scripture readings.
¨ The presider invites the children with the winning essays or poems to read them during the homily.
¨ Children who have been prepared lead the prayers of the faithful.
¨ During the Preparation of Gifts, children are invited to bring a dollar for the Children’s basket on the altar or a canned food item for St. Vincent de Paul.
¨ All the children present are invited around the altar as the presider begins the Liturgy of the Eucharist. The children are asked to return to their seats following the Our Father.
¨ As part of the final blessing, the presider invites the children to come forward as he gives each one a holy card from the parish (see below), commemorating the day and containing a short prayer the children are invited to pray daily.
¨ Cake and refreshments await the children and their families in the parish hall.
