Children's Liturgy of the Word (CLOW)

Welcome to the online site for the Children's Liturgy of the Word (CLOW) at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Austin,Texas! 

What is CLOW?
Children’s Liturgy of the Word or CLOW provides a special opportunity for children ages 4 through 2nd grade to participate in the Sunday Liturgy of the Word with meaningful and age-appropriate readings and lessons aligned with the Sunday Mass.

CLOW is offered during most Sunday 9:30 am Masses at St. Vincent de Paul in Austin, TX.

After the Opening Prayer, the children are dismissed with our volunteer teachers to the daily Chapel. In their liturgy, the children hear a translation of the Bible readings suitable for younger children, sing along with our volunteers, engage in teaching, sing a simple Creed and offer prayer intentions. Children return to the congregation at the conclusion of the Liturgy of the Word.

Children are provided a weekly activity or coloring page to support the theme of the day. Parents are encouraged to talk with their children about what they learned.

Registration is not required for CLOW.

How does CLOW benefit children? 
CLOW is a worship experience for children mirroring the larger community’s Liturgy of the Word. Children are not miniature adults. They have a unique relationship with God. They often enjoy movement to experience the Liturgy or opportunities to express their curiosity about the themes of the Liturgy.

CLOW nurtures a child’s faith by increasing their understanding and participation in the Liturgy. Children hear the Scriptures, participate in a lesson, sing the Creed and pray the Prayers of the Faithful in words they understand.

CLOW provides children a foundation for understanding and appreciating Liturgy.

How can parents improve their children’s liturgical participation?
Encourage your child to participate in CLOW.

Ask questions about their experience after Mass. And remember to share yours too!

Review our CLOW rules (behavior expectations)--In God's House--with your child.

Assess your child’s ability to participate without your presence. CLOW is designed for children ages 4 through 2nd grade who are comfortable being away from their family for 20 minutes. We recommend parents NOT attend with their child, unless you are a volunteer team member. If you determine your child cannot attend without you, simply wait until they are ready. That time will come!

Encourage older children to participate in the Liturgy of the Word with the congregation.

Register your children in our Religious Education (RE) classes to further support their faith development outside of Sunday Mass participation. CLOW is not a substitute for RE.

How can I get involved?
Interested in volunteering? Click here to learn more about volunteer roles.