Category Archives: Directory for Masses With Children

The final section of the DMC. It’s been a wild ride, hasn’t it? 55. The contents of the Directory have as their purpose to help children readily and joyfully to encounter Christ together in the eucharistic celebration and to stand … Continue reading →

DMC says no omissions, but they don’t mention the Rite of Peace: 53. When the eucharistic prayer has ended, the Lord’s Prayer, the breaking of bread, and the invitation to communion should always follow, [See DMC 23.] that is, the … Continue reading →

The DMC predates the Eucharistic Prayers for Masses With Children by a few years. It does reiterate the importance of the EP, and how the priest prays it: 52. The eucharistic prayer is of the greatest importance in the eucharist … Continue reading →

The DMC seems a little nervous skirting the issue of adapting Roman Missal prayers for children. With good reason, I’d say. Let’s read: 50. The priest is permitted to choose from the Roman Missal texts of presidential prayers more suited … Continue reading →

Introductory comments on the Scriptures or on the saint of the day are commended: 47. All the elements that will help to explain the readings should be given great consideration so that the children may make the biblical readings their … Continue reading →

A brief section on singing: 46. Verses of psalms, carefully selected in accord with the understanding of children, or singing in the form of psalmody or the Alleluia with a simple verse should be sung between the readings. The children … Continue reading →

Picking up on the last DMC post, there is a sound option for liturgists and clergy if the readings are unsuitable: change them. The DMC suggests that other Lectionary or Bible readings can be used. With weekly school Masses, I … Continue reading →

Nine of the DMC’s fifty-five sections detail the proclamation and preaching of the Word. Rome considers this important for children, clearly. 41. Since readings taken from holy Scripture “form the main part of the liturgy of the word,” [GIRM 33.] … Continue reading →

The introductory rites: one of the battlegrounds of the liturgy tussles. DMC weighs in on the side of directness and simplicity. The important factor is to allow these rites to do their job and not distract children. 40. The introductory … Continue reading →

Chapter III, Part 8 of the DMC takes a look at the parts of the Mass. In fact, these sections and the fifteen that follow will detail some specifics on various Mass parts and how they could and should be … Continue reading →

It’s really an urban legend that Vatican II and its emphasis on participation neglects the interior. Also in the status of “legend” or “myth” is the notion that progressive liturgists demur on the issue of silence. 37. Even in Masses … Continue reading →

Even before the modern video culture took root, DMC recognized the value of what a child sees at Mass: 35. The liturgy of the Mass contains many visual elements and these should be given great prominence with children. This is … Continue reading →

Music down, gesture to go: 33. In view of the nature of the liturgy as an activity of the entire person and in view of the psychology of children, participation by means of gestures and posture should be strongly encouraged … Continue reading →

Hold on to your hats for a few surprises in DMC on music: 30. 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 … Continue reading →

Part 3 of Chapter III treats “Preparation for the Celebration.” At our parish school, each Mass is assigned  to a class for preparation. The liturgist and pastor each meet with the class to review the readings, produce intentions, and explore … Continue reading →