Liturgy

Outline and five points from the assignment reading, indicating with each point the document from which they are taken and its paragraph number. With each point, discuss how it may affect the preparation for a classroom liturgy.

Using resources such as the “Directory for Masses with Children” (1994) and the “Extract from the General Instruction of the Roman Missal” (2001), teachers can be guided in not only the order of the Mass and liturgical requirements, but can also be informed as to how best prepare their students to actively participate in the Liturgy.

QUOTE 1

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.

[Directory of Masses with Children, #12]

Engaging young people in the Mass is a challenge that all teachers in Catholic schools face. The challenge I face as a classroom teacher is to ensure that my students are well prepared for the liturgy so that they may experience full and active participation in the celebration. There are a number of ways that students can be prepared for the liturgy.

Students can experience the Liturgy of the Word before the readings will be used at Mass. As a classroom teacher, I have “decoded” the readings with my students by reading through the text and analyzing the meanings. I have also carried out role plays so that the students can express the understanding of the readings through drama. I have also encouraged students to paint and draw what they believe to be the message of the readings. Following the liturgy, I have spent time reflecting with my students as to how this message can be used in our daily lives. What can we do to show that the readings have has meaning for us? At my current school, the Principal...