Preparing for Masses with Children and Other Considerations of the New Translation of the 3rd Edition of the Roman Missal Rev. Patrick J. Beidelman, STL Director of Liturgy Archdiocese of Indianapolis

Preparing for Masses with Children… Directory for Masses with Children November 1, 1973 Congregation for Divine Worship

Preparing for Masses with Children… “The Directory for Masses with Children is a landmark document about the pastoral care of children, laying the groundwork for a more unified process of faith formation for children by reinforcing the dynamic relationship between liturgy and catechesis. Although the ministries of Catholic school and religious education provide for children as students, the DMC is a constant reminder that the Christian identity of children is not as learners but as believers.” (Sandra DeMasi, “The Directory for Masses with Children: Thirty Years Later”,The Living Light, USCCB,

Preparing for Masses with Children… Not “some entirely special rite but rather of retaining, shortening, or omitting some elements or of making a better selection of texts.”(DMC, 3) “…is concerned with children who have not yet entered the period of preadolescence”(DMC, 6) “…they may…experience in proportion to their age and personal development the human values that are present in the Eucharistic Celebration” (DMC, 9)

Preparing for Masses with Children… Receiving the new translation of the Mass: DCM 12: “Even in the case of children, the Liturgy itself always exerts its own inherent power to instruct. Yet within religious-education programs in the schools and parishes the necessary importance should be given to catechesis on the Mass. This catechesis should be directed to the child's active, conscious, and authentic participation. ‘Suited to children's age and capabilities, it should by means of the main rites and prayers of the Mass, aim at conveying its meaning, including what relates to taking part in the Church's life.’ This is especially true of the text of the Eucharistic Prayer and of the acclamations by which the children take part in this prayer.”

Preparing for Masses with Children… Chap. II: Masses With Adults in Which Children Also Participate –“…the witness of adult believers can have a great effect upon the children.” (DMC, 16) children acknowledged and included simply origin of children’s Liturgy of the Word in a “separate, but not too distant room”

Preparing for Masses with Children… Chap. III: Masses With Children in Which Only a Few Adults Participate –“It is always necessary to keep in mind that these Eucharistic Celebrations must lead children toward the celebration of Mass with adults…apart from adaptations that are necessary because of the children's age, the result should not be entirely special rites, markedly different from the Order of Mass celebrated with a congregation.” (DMC, 21)

Preparing for Masses with Children… DMC, 22: The principles of active and conscious participation are in a sense even more significant for Masses celebrated with children. Every effort should therefore be made to increase this participation and to make it more intense. children should have special parts in the celebration: –preparing the place and the altar (see no. 29) –acting as cantor singing in a choir, playing musical instruments (see nos. 24 & 32) –proclaiming the readings (see nos. 24 and 47) –responding during the homily (see no. 48) –reciting the intentions of the general intercessions, bringing the gifts to the altar, and performing similar activities in accord with the usage of various peoples (see no. 34).

Preparing for Masses with Children… “Each Eucharistic celebration with the children should be carefully prepared beforehand, especially with regard to the prayers, songs, readings, and intentions of the general intercessions” (DMC, 29) “Singing must be given great importance in all celebrations, but it is to be especially encouraged in every way for Masses celebrated with children, in view of their special affinity for music.” (DMC, 30) “…participation by means of gestures and posture should be strongly encouraged in Masses with children…” (DMC, 33) “…visual elements...should be given great prominence with children.” [e.g. the veneration of the cross, the Easter candle, the variety of colors and liturgical appointments, etc.] (DMC, 35) Silence: “In their own way children are genuinely capable of reflection.” (DMC, 37) Pacing/clarity: “the liturgical texts should be proclaimed intelligibly and unhurriedly, with the necessary pauses” (DMC, 37)

Preparing for Masses with Children… The Lectionary for Masses with Children was published in English in 1993 as an adaptation of the regular Lectionary for Mass. It was designed to be used at Masses where a large number of (pre- adolescent) children are present. –Examples of such gatherings include: Sunday Masses at which a large number of children are present along with adults (under certain circumstances) Masses in which a separate liturgy of the word for children is celebrated Masses at which most members of the assembly are children, such as school Masses or Masses for religious education students other liturgical celebrations that include a liturgy of the word family prayer Currently under consideration for a revision.

Preparing for Masses with Children… DMC, 52: “The Eucharistic prayer is of the greatest importance…much depends on the manner in which the priest proclaims this prayer and on the way the children take part by listening and making their acclamations. “must make the children as attentive as possible. Their attention should be on: –the real presence of Christ on the altar under the elements of bread and wine –on his offering –on the thanksgiving through Him and with Him and in Him –on the Church's offering, which is made during the prayer and by which the faithful offer themselves and their lives with Christ to the eternal Father in the Holy Spirit.”

Preparing for Masses with Children… Eucharistic Prayers for Masses with Children: –Not in the Roman Missal, Third Edition –Will be published by USCCB as a supplement ‘new’ text of the Order of Mass ‘new’ concluding formulae of the orations should be updated to reflect the newer text –Should be available before Advent –Will include the Directory for Masses with Children includes regulations regarding the use of the Eucharistic Prayers for Masses with Children

Preparing for Masses with Children… Good resources: –Directory for Masses With Children, ‘new’ supplement published by the USCCB this fall: –Preparing Liturgy for Children and Children for Liturgy, by Gabe Huck, LTP: –A Guide to the Lectionary for Masses with Children, by Peter Mazar and Robert Piercy, LTP, –Liturgy of the Word for Children, by John and Jill Boughton, The Liturgical Press,