tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34483860.post4334240061095737373..comments2023-04-06T10:55:08.229-04:00Comments on Young Fogeys: Philip, James, and First CommunionsFather Jay Toborowskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10959196612796771847noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34483860.post-42559886315017022832008-05-18T01:38:00.000-04:002008-05-18T01:38:00.000-04:00This is why I can't stand First Communion Masses, ...This is why I can't stand First Communion Masses, which is sad, because as you say it should be an occasion of great joy. But you're absolutely right, Father: the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass should not be a "show."Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05219620031542078951noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34483860.post-40369826171393538572008-05-03T10:14:00.000-04:002008-05-03T10:14:00.000-04:00Speaking as a DRE to any other DREs - and pastors!...Speaking as a DRE to any other DREs - and pastors! - yes, you can change the attitude about First Holy Communion. The thing is, you just have to bite the bullet and do it!<BR/><BR/>I was sure many of our parents would balk at any attempt to re-center their dear little ones' Mass experience back on Christ. But with the pastor's strong support and a concerted effort to educate the parents as well as the children (this means making regular meetings with the parents mandatory as well, now THAT is what the parents will balk at!) about the meaning of the Mass throughout the year, it actually happened. <BR/><BR/>If you prepare them throughout the year, then when it comes time for the immediate preparation for the Mass of First Communion, just quietly prepare without some of the "extras" (like a zillion kids reading vague petitions, or bringing up numerous different "meaningful" gifts at the offertory... those are what we had going on at my parish!). Then at the parent meeting immediately before the Mass, when "tasks" are usually assigned (at least that's how we did it) just explain that this year, because there are so many children, it was felt that it would be unfair to have some of them assisting at Mass and others not, and (more important, to you) that it was felt by you and Fr. that we would like to ensure that our children, who have worked so hard this year, can be fully a part of their special day with Jesus without being nervous or distracted by other tasks. If you get questions, just redirect them into a conversation about what the Mass truly is and how parents can best be present with their children to help them to encounter Jesus as beautifully as possible. Even those parents who are dying for those blasted photo-ops likely won't press the issue at that point. If they do, well, pray to the Holy Spirit and just stand firm, explaining that we must do what is best for the children and that means not giving them the impression that this is all a social event and a show but a beautiful experience of the Lord's mercy in giving us Himself. I've had to repeat that a bunch of times, but you know, it worked.<BR/><BR/>We did maintain the "lockstep" procession and recessional, but we helped give it a different feel by having the children carry white roses, and during the procession they brought the roses to place at the feet of Jesus and Mary (our two side statues). Next year we may do a consecration of them to Jesus through Mary before Mass begins as another way to emphasize that aspect of their relationship with Christ without interfering with the liturgy... The recessional was pretty simple, we just had the children come quietly up to the front of the church, bow with Fr. and the servers, and then precede Fr. out. They even waited quietly in the back of the church for their parents to come - all through Mass, actually, they were much better behaved than their parents & relatives visiting... God bless them!<BR/><BR/>If you have a school, get the school choir to sing at the Mass. That removes any need for the banal "showtune", and while the caliber of music overall may still be low - not because of the kids, I must add! - at least it's better than the processed mob of white and black who are forced into it.<BR/><BR/>Also, I would use parents or, better, the children's catechist(s), to read at the Mass; and use a few older siblings as altar servers and gift-bearers. This also helps to downplay the "we aren't participating anymore" perception.<BR/><BR/>Long one, but that's my 2 cents -- Go for it Fr.!Maria Nevahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07150892277145928764noreply@blogger.com