The first reading usually taken from the Old Testament is used to help proclaim God’s word. This is chosen to illustrate a particular aspect of the Gospel. The second reading is taken from the New Testament, it is often a letter from St Paul and it may or may not be connected with the first reading. The Gospel, or “the handing on of divine revelation”, (dei verbum) follows these readings. If possible the Gospel acclamation should be sung prior to the reading of the Gospel.
The Gospel helps to give us a greater understanding of the readings. However, the Word of God cannot be substituted with any other words including poems or eulogies, these are God’s words and God is present in these words. “Therefore no other person, even fhe be a priest, may add, remove, or change anything in the liturgy on his own authority” (Sacro 14) The Homily, or the extension of the word of God follows. The word ‘Homily’ comes from the Greek word meaning ‘to explain’ and it is not to be thought of as a Sermon.
Finally, the faithful profess their faith in the Creed, “Those who belong to Christ through faith and Baptism must confess their baptismal faith before men”. (CCC p9) The General Intercession or bidding prayer follows this. The priest introduces the lntercessons but the reader reads the petitions or intentions at the Lectern, the place from which God’s word is proclaimed. The petitions usually include the needs of the church, of humanity and of the community as a whole. We ask God to listen to our prayers of intercession,
0
In the Liturgy of the Eucharist, Jesus comes to us through bread and wine, “a paschal banquet in which Christ is eaten the mind is filled with grace, and a pledge offuture glory is given to us (sacro36). This part of the Liturgy includes the Preparation of Gifts of wine, water and bread and the Prayer over gifts. In the Roman Missal, there are four Eucharistic Prayers that follow therefore, there is variety available. The Communion Rite begins with the Our Father, and then the priest goes on to say the Post Communion Prayer from the presidential chair before giving the final Blessing and the Dismissal.
These two main “complimentary parts of the Mass are so closely related that they form one single act of worship” (Rizza, p11). God must be seen to be present in both
the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist. God speaks to his people through the Liturgy of the Word and nourishes them with the bread of life, “I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever”. (John 6:51)
The Catholic Church is mainly concerned with the worship and the pastoral care of its congregation, particularly its young people. A good way to experience this pastoral care is to provide them with their own Liturgy of the Word. In 1967 a great deal of deliberation was given to the question of allowing children to take part in the Liturgy at the first Synod of Bishops in Rome. As educators we have a duty to give children appropriate and meaningful roles in the Mass. To worship is to give meaning and enrichment to something.
An excellent way to give children a fuller participation and greater understanding of the Liturgy is through the use of books approved for use in Liturgy, for example the ‘Columba Lectionary for Masses with children’. There are three volumes in the series covering years A, B and C. these have been adapted in a way that helps children understand the Readings through the ‘preparation’ sections. By allowing children to participate as fully as they are able in the liturgical celebration, we are helping them to grow in and take ownership of their faith. This in turn enables them feel a valued and worthy member of the Church and the community.
• PART 2
When adapting a Liturgy for children it is essential that it is suitable for the age and ability of the children. There are many occasions that would be suitable for a class Mass. I have chosen a Primary six class to celebrate the beginning of Advent because it reminds us that we must wait and watch for the coming of Christ. This is a time of joyful hope for children. However, advance preparation is all-important, as other areas of work will be linked to this theme, for example art, language and Expressive Arts.
The children will be aware that Mass will be held in the G.P. Room, because it is big enough to comfortably seat all the children. The Head teacher and the Priest will be invited and the Priest will be familiar with the layout of the Mass. Prior to the Mass the children will have made posters to welcome their guests and emphasize the period of Advent. Pictures of the children engaging in different activities will also be on the walls to display their God given gifts and talents. There will be a special corner where two children will bring in baskets of food to be donated to charity.
A simple white cloth will be draped over the alter (desk) by two children, two other children will bring in the Missal and candle to be placed on top. All the readers will be good well-prepared speakers; one of them will give a word of welcome and introduce our theme. The child will introduce the Entrance hymn or gathering song, ‘Come, 0 divine Messiah’ which is in keeping with Advent. The Priest will say a few
• words before opening the Mass with the sign of the cross.
During the Penitential Rite the children will be aware that we have a special way of saying sorry to God. Four children will read passages that include the words “For the times when .. I’m sony”. The First reading and the Gospel are from The Columba Lectionary Year A; the preparation involves four different children reading and all the children responding. This ensures that the children remain focused. The Reading itself is from the prophet Isaiah (2:1-5), which is in accordance with the sequence of readings at Advent.
During the Responsorial Psalm the hymn “Do not be afraid”, will be sung because of
• the very reassuring words. Three children will each be at either side of the alter miming the words to help children connect through gesture and music. During the Gospel Acclamation, two children will bring the Advent Candle and place it on the Advent wreath. The Gospel will be from Matthew (24:37-44) and the Priest will adapt the short Homily to suit the children’s understanding.
During the Procession of Gifts, two children will bring in the bread and wine, a child with special needs will bring in the money collected for charity, the hymn “All that I am” will be sung. During this the four children from the musical group will display their talents by playing their instruments. The sign of Peace comes from Jesus, when the children come to make the sign of peace, the Hymn “Let there be Love” will be sung. The words of this hymn will help the children to think about making peace at their level, to forgive and be forgiven.
During Communion taped music will be played to allow the children to be respectful to Jesus while receiving Communion. In the Concluding Rite the Priest will tell the children to “Go in peace to love and serve the Lord”, it is hoped that by now they will have gained a sense of self worth through being actively involved in the Advent Liturgy. The joyful singing of the final hymn “Like a shepherd” will be a celebration of all the work that the children have put in to making the celebration a meaningful time for them.
Some juice and biscuits will be given before the children tidy the room and return to class.
APPENDIX 1 HYMNS SELECTED FOR THE CLASS ADVENT LITURGY
Hymn Book Used: Hymns Old and New with Supplement. Edited by Kevin Mayhew with Tony Barr and Robert Kelly.
Gathering Hymn 106 “Come, 0 divine Messiah” (Sr. Mary of
St Philip)
Responsonal Psalm 122 “Do not be afraid” (“Gerard Markland,
Based on Isaiah 43: 1-4)
Offering of Gifts 28 “All that I am” (Sebastian Temple)
Sign of Peace 726 “Let there be Love” (Dave Bilbrough)
Final Hymn 727 “Like a shepherd” (Bob Dufford)
Gospel Acclamation No 2 For Advent and Christmas. “Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia” ( Damien Lundy)
Taped Music at Communion: C.D “Beginnings and Endings”, Alive-Q 5, hymn number 14, Ave Maria.
The Columba Lectionarv for Masses with children, Year A. Published by The Columba Press 1989. p3-6.
S
E
