DULTS HAVE BEEN WORKING on encouraging youngsters to pray the Mass for centuries I’m sure. You remember the amazing Cartoon book from 1954, Know Your Mass. As stated there, these books are also helpful for Catholics of all ages to deepen their understanding of the Mass.
This little 60 page booklet is over 50 year old but describes timeless truths about the Mass. It was printed in 1959 in Australia. It starts with “My dear Children -” and is written in that style which now seems so quaint. Though the cynics of today may scoff, these simple explanations are still so sorely needed!
There are three chapters:
1. At Mass with the Priest – 33 steps through the Mass
2. Preparing the Altar for Mass – with lots of illustrations
3. Watch the Priest Vesting – Why is each vestment so called? What is its origin? What does is stand for?
and an appendix with Suggestions for Teaching the Mass
Studying the Mass should happen at a time other than during Mass. This booklet recommends a full teaching period each week. It also emphasizes the use of memory in forming a scaffolding to understand the Mass. The 33 steps are given to be learnt in order, with the aid of flash cards and games and lots of repetition.
Is it worth scanning in? Would copyright be a problem? Maybe these ideas could be taken up in a new teaching aid with a more modern presentation, maybe like The Great Adventure Kids Bible Study.
From my family to yours, we have found young children find it hard to stay focussed continually. It was helpful to focus on three points when we insist they kneel up and face front:
- at the Consecration
- when we say “Lord, I am not worthy” / “Domine non sum dignus”
- and for the final blessing
