Coordinator:  Lisa Johnson

Phone:  815-385-2959                       
E-mail:  reoffice@stpatrickmchenry.org

Goals and purpose:  To help the children of our parish understand Gospel readings.
Responsibilities:  Volunteers are expected to read the Gospel and help children understand the meaning, sometimes using an appropriate craft to help them remember. 
Helpful Attributes:  Witness to the Gospel, witness to the Church, love of children.
Time Commitment:  Half hour or so on the Sunday scheduled.  Time to plan craft activity.  
Training Requirement:  There are classes offered to further your knowledge and give you support.
Fingerprinting required:   A State background check is required.
Meeting Schedule:  Volunteers are scheduled approximately once a month at the 9 am Mass.  The children are called out of Mass for CLOW during the readings and homily.  They are reunited with family at the Offertory.

St. Patrick’s is always looking for help for Children’s Liturgy of the Word at 9am Mass!  Children’s Liturgy of the Word, or CLOW, is a ministry for our youngest parishioners during the Mass.  The children would leave with their catechists and aides prior to the first reading and return at the collection.  Catechists are needed to help teach a reflection on the Gospel message of the day.  Aides are needed to help assist the catechist and help some of our younger kids.  Materials and training will be provided to assist in these lessons.  Our goal is to have enough catechists and aides so that each volunteer will serve about once a month.  CLOW participants are intended to be from 3 years old through first grade.  We welcome all volunteers, 5^th grade and older, to participate in this ministry.  All volunteers that are 16 and older must complete the required Virtus paperwork and programs to be SAFE compliant with the Diocese prior to volunteering.  Please contact the Religious Education office at reoffice@stpatrickmchenry.org or 815-385-2959 or fill out the form below.