What’s your opinion? You think both the priest and the father did a very brave thing? Why didn’t they involve me and/or our son in their discussions. Given our son some coaching about how strongly they feel, what our son must do to satisfy them, and explained what public punishment they had in mind before hand if he didn’t comply. Instead our child goes every weekend serving at the altar both Saturday and Sunday for 2 months after putting his name on sign up sheet in advance, checking in with his father before each Mass and my husband reluctantly agreeing but saying he might complain someday at the church about his son not sitting next to him. On 9/22 the same priest asking our son to serve at the altar after having served on the altar on 9/21 while he offered the Mass. My husband complaining about his feelings to the pastoral associate on 9/22 without informing me nor my son. Then last Sunday our son serving after checking in his schedule at the sacristy like he always does but is denied communion in plain view as the congregation had still not lined up for communion and the priest drawing back the Eucharistic minister and telling him not to offer him the cup all the while next to the microphone. I’m sorry but I’m still not able to wrap my mind around this. My son tells me the priest was telling him something just before mass last Sunday and he isn’t sure what it was. I have asked my husband for a follow up, he now tells me that as per the priest one server cannot serve the same mass twice. In the meantime, I posted here to find out how common it is for young altar servers to serve multiple masses given the general decline in church attendance among young and can children as young as 9 be ever denied communion while they are serving for Saturday evening and then Sunday mass without fair warning?
My fault is that I didn’t want to get between the father and son. Now I am shocked that the situation escalated so fast. I still find it very hard to digest that all this happened and so fast.
I think you should have this conversation with your hubby, without your child present. Tell him of your confusion. He might be confused too, or might feel serving at Mass should be a couple of times a month, rather then more often.
You guys need to be on the same page, and might need to compromise. Then tell your son, together, as husband and wife, when your son , his son, can serve and ensure he fills out the roster appropriately.
I would also teach your son some listening skills so he understands the priest.
Has anyone asked why he was not given Communion? It could be a very different reason.
Adults do not have to inform children of their feelings.
I myself am confused at how your son came to be serving, there are a couple of different accounts here I am not following. That is unimportant though.
It is better for a man to be soft on feelings, ie showing care and concern and sensitivity, then for a cold heart and uncaring attitude, You are fortunate. It is a blessing.