Dismissal of children during middle of Mass for their own service

[Stylteralmaldo]

Could you point me to the source document stating that laypersons may do the gospel reading and preaching for CLOTW?

Here’s the DMC (Directory of Masses with children). This should take care of the concern regarding whether or not a layperson can speak to the children:

adoremus.org/DMC-73.html#anchor4432598

With the consent of the pastor or rector of the church, one of the adults may speak to the children after the gospel, especially if the priest finds it difficult to adapt himself to the mentality of children. In this matter the norms soon to be issued by the Congregation for the Clergy should be observed.

Although, I’m not sure what the difference is between a homily (which can only be given by a priest or deacan) and “speaking” to the children after the Gospel. I’m so confused.

 

[puzzleannie]

Stylteralmaldo;:

Although, I’m not sure what the difference is between a homily (which can only be given by a priest or deacan) and “speaking” to the children after the Gospel. I’m so confused.

thanks for the cites. if someone other than the priest or deacon “speaks to the children” after reading the Gospel, it is by definition not a homily, it is a teaching or reflection depending on what resource the speaker is reading from. The children then receive no homily that week. Since the children participating are supposed to be younger than the age for first communion, that is not a problem. A huge problem arises if children who have already received first communion are not attending Mass with Gospel and homily from the priest or deacon, since they are not fulfilling their obligation. If adult or teen helpers do this occassionaly to help with the CLOW it is not a problem, but if the adults and older children always miss the full “adult” Mass they are not filling their obligation.

I remain opposed to this practice on the grounds that children are members of the assembly and belong at Mass. I heartily support it if done properly, for preschoolers, by request of their parents, to assist those parents and make their Sunday morning a bit easier, but again only if done properly according to the very clear norms provided, and if the teaching is from an authorized source, not the ad hoc ramblings of a layperson. Children in immediate prep for 1st communion (will make communion this year or next year) should , in my opinion, be attending Mass with their parents and learning the Mass.

 

[Stylteralmaldo]

puzzleannie:

A huge problem arises if children who have already received first communion are not attending Mass with Gospel and homily from the priest or deacon, since they are not fulfilling their obligation.

Our parish allows CLOTW thru 4th grade. First communion takes place in 2nd grade.

The DMC document concludes as follows:

adoremus.org/DMC-73.html#anchor4479199

The contents of the directory are intended to help children readily and joyfully to encounter Christ together in the Eucharistic celebration and to stand with Him in the presence of the Father. [51] If they are formed by conscious and active participation in the Eucharistic sacrifice and meal, they should learn day by day, at home and away from home, to proclaim Christ to others among their family and among their peers, by living the “faith, which expresses itself through love” (Gal 5:6).

The impression this gives me is that the the DMC document is specifically for children who have already received first communion. It appears (at least my reading of it) is that children who have already received first communion can be “spoken to” after the Gospel instead of having the homily given to them.

This is why I am so confused about the whole thing.

 

[Chris-WA]

Here’s the DMC (Directory of Masses with children). This should take care of the concern regarding whether or not a layperson can speak to the children:

adoremus.org/DMC-73.html#anchor4432598

Although, I’m not sure what the difference is between a homily (which can only be given by a priest or deacan) and “speaking” to the children after the Gospel. I’m so confused.

I guess we need to see what the norms are from the Congregation for the Clergy. Anybody find those written somewhere?

 

[Stylteralmaldo]

I just read in our bulletin today that the CLOTW will only include ages 4 years old through first grade.

The former policy was 4 year old thru fourth grade.

There must be something to the rule of “Holy Communion” being the cut-off period for CLOTW. We’re changing at our parish. It looks like the prayers have paid off and God is steering our church community in the direction He wants it to go.

 

[peary]

Wow, that’s pretty dumb.

 

[Asperges_Me]

The acronym CLOW reminds me too much of “CLOWN” as in infamous “Clown Masses”. It seems like that is the idea anyway. Like we have to get some clowns in to teach children or else Mass will be boring to them. Has anybody thought about what happens when the little “fun time” is suddenly over after 4th grade? Are they really ready to handle the “adult Mass”?

 

[Lepanto]

The acronym CLOW reminds me too much of “CLOWN” as in infamous “Clown Masses”. It seems like that is the idea anyway. Like we have to get some clowns in to teach children or else Mass will be boring to them. Has anybody thought about what happens when the little “fun time” is suddenly over after 4th grade? Are they really ready to handle the “adult Mass”?

Maybe that’s when they graduate to Life Teen Masses.