NCCL CATHOLIC KIDS

NCCL CATHOLIC KIDS:

CHILDREN AND CATHOLIC WORSHIP

The goal of the Children and Worship Project is to engage  children (and their parents) more fully and meaningfully in the liturgical life of the Catholic Church. In order to do this, NCCL will develop new practices, approaches, and resources that parishes and Catholic schools can use to:

• Engage all children more fully in the celebration of Sunday Mass and the feasts and seasons of the liturgical year in ways that attend to and respect how children experience God and express their faith.
• Enhance the Sunday experience to incorporate the ways that children experience God, especially through music, art, drama, and visual media.
• Engage children (and their parents) in liturgical formation and lectionary-based catechesis to prepare them for active participation in Sunday Mass and liturgical feasts and seasons.
• Incorporate children’s Liturgy of the Word into the weekly celebration of Sunday Mass.
• Adapt Sunday Mass to be more accessible and meaningful for children (language, interactive participation, music, art) while maintaining the integrity of the Catholic liturgy.
• Address the unique needs of children with disabilities (and their families) in their preparation for liturgical celebrations and in their inclusion and participation in Sunday Mass and Church year feasts and seasons.

Worship Project Consultants:

Paulette Chapman

Paulette serves as a catechetical and ministry consultant, speaker, and retreat leader. She has over 35 years of experience at the parish and diocesan level in lifelong faith formation, catechumenal ministry, and resource curation and development, as well as ministry training and leadership. Paulette holds a BA in Theology from Briar Cliff University and an MA in Systematic Theology from the University of Notre Dame. She has written for Pastoral Liturgy magazine and the Center for Ministry Development and is the author of a diocesan handbook for parish catechetical leaders. Paulette is committed to fostering lifelong formation in faith, calling forth the gifts of all to build up the Reign of God. She and her husband, Tom, live in Urbandale, IA and have three adult children.

Matt Reichert

Matt has served the Church in a variety of capacities. As an educator, Matt has been an administrator, board member, middle and high school teacher, and undergraduate professor. As a pastoral musician and liturgist, Matt has worked in parishes, schools, and university campus ministry. Matt is a frequent workshop leader and has presented at parishes, dioceses, and national conferences. In addition to working with Catholic Leadership Institute, Matt co-directs the One Call Institute for young musicians and their advocates. He also co-hosts the “Open Your Hymnal” podcast, and has several resources published with Twenty-Third Publications. Matt holds his BA in History and English from Saint John’s University in Collegeville, Minnesota, and two Masters degrees from the University of Notre Dame in Education and Leadership. In addition to teaching and consulting, Matt is an avid reader, gardener, beekeeper, and woodworker. Matt lives in Richmond, Minnesota, with his wife and four daughters.

John Michael B. Reyes

John Michael holds a master of divinity degree from the Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University (Berkeley, California) as well as graduate certificates in liturgical art and architecture, from St. John's School of Theology and Seminary in Collegeville, Minnesota, and in facilitating the spiritual exercises of St. Ignatius, through the St. Raphaela Center in Haverford, Pennsylvania. A highly sought-after liturgy coordinator and cantor, his extensive professional background includes roles as an educator, hospital chaplain, retreat and spiritual director, and campus minister specializing in liturgy, sacramental formation, and adult faith formation. He is a team member for Team Initiation, and has contributed written works to Ave Maria Press, Liturgical Press, LTP, Paulist Press, and Twenty-Third Publications.

NCCL CATHOLIC KIDS:

CHILDREN AND CATHOLIC PRAYER

The goal of the Children and Prayer Project is to nurture the prayer life of children by creating a Catholic prayer curriculum for young children (0-5 years old) in home settings, and for grade school children (6-11 years old) in home, parish, and Catholic school settings. The prayer curriculum will:

• Utilize the latest research and approaches for nurturing the spiritual life of children, recognizing the unique characteristics of Generational Alpha children.
• Create developmentally-appropriate prayer forms and practices for young children and grade school children that are grounded in Catholic prayer and spiritual traditions and our responsive to needs of children with disabilities and special learning needs.
• Provide direct experience of a variety of Catholic prayer practices and traditions in settings with other children, families, and the other generations in the parish community.
• Engage children in the communal prayer life of the parish community.

Prayer Project Coordinator:

Jane Angha

Jane is the founder and dreamer behind Ministry Blueprints. With years of director, coordinator, and mentorship experience in parish, diocesan, and non-profit ministry, she brings to the work of hospitality a broad knowledge and understanding of the inner workings of faith communities and a passion for them to be places of welcome and belonging. Jane holds a BS in Education and Religious Studies and a Master of Theology. She is a national conference speaker and moderator, retreat leader, writer and currently part of NCCL and NFCYM project teams.

Prayer Project Curriculum Developer:

Mariette Martineau

Mariette is the former religious education and family life coordinator for Kenora Catholic Schools (Ontario, Canada). She has experience creating resources for, and facilitating learning with children, youth, adults and intergenerational learning groups. An experienced trainer and coach, Mariette loves learning and supporting others to do the same. She currently serves as the Community Lead for three aging religious communities in Saskatoon, perhaps the final chapter of lifelong learning to be explored! She has authored Awe and Wonder Faith and Science, Roots and Community Faith and Social Studies and her most recent book is Enabled and Sent – theology and practical teaching ideas for Catholic school teachers.