EDITED: 2 hour masses for K-8?

[Chicath55]

This may seem an exaggeration, but true. Our local pastor has extended the weekly mass for the school children (K-8) to typically around 2 hours. Sometimes less, though rarely less than 1:45.

On “special” occasions - like “Grandparents Day”, where the children are encouraged to bring outside guests to mass - the time can run up to THREE hours.

These all result in shortening of class times, to start. Lunch on mass day is rarely longer than 10 minutes. NO recess. I have seen this myself, in person, for over two years now.

The Diocese has heard multiple complaints from parents and teachers on this, but as the pastor is in their words “a good fund raiser” refuse to take any action. Teachers have complained in the past, but now advise parents not to raise any concerns as “the next mass is always longer as a punishment” ( a direct quote).

I want to give my children a Catholic education, but my K-8 graders now DREAD going to mass.

The church is driving them away from their school. The Diocese has proven no help (typical), and uncaring (again not unusual). More interested in the money than the children. Sound familiar?

Three hour masses for children. Instead of eliminating the abuse of children, my Diocese has just found new ways to do it.

 

[opus101]

I’ve never heard of such a thing!! That’s absolutely crazy!!! The priest must have absolutely no background whatsoever in child development, child psychology or education. You’re right, it is almost like child abuse.

How do they manage all of the requests to use the rest room?

This is insanity. Even as an adult, I wouldn’t be able to handle that.

 

[Cavaille-Coll]

What exactly is making the Mass so long?

 

[Joannm]

What exactly is making the Mass so long?

I wonder that too. The only thing I can think of is that the homily goes over an hour, which would bore even the most attentive kid. No wonder they hate going to Mass.

 

[sheepaileen]

Maybe your local pastor has his own reasons for it.
We do not really know what is in his heart.

At least they may get to spend more time with Jesus in the Holy Eucharist.

 

[anp1215]

Oh my goodness. That is madness. I too wonder what is making the Mass so long.

 

[Cat]

Is this school accredited by any reputable organizations?

I thought that children in an accredited school program are required to spend a certain amount of time in a classroom setting doing actual academic work. How do the teachers meet these requirements when their time is shortened by a non-academic activity (i.e., the Mass)?

I also think that the short lunches would probably be a violation of some code, but I’m not sure which one. I wouldn’t be surprised if someday, a child with delicate health gets in trouble physically because of the hurried lunch, and then parents sue the pants off the school. Ouch.

I’m a pretty strict parent, but I wouldn’t have my children in a school like this. Children are not miniature adults. I don’t think we should be dumbing down the Mass, but I don’t think we should make it any longer than what it is, except on special feast days like Easter.

 

[KCT]

Can the principal do anything?

Can kids conveniently be late on Mass day?

 

[Brendan]

I’ve never heard of such a thing!! That’s absolutely crazy!!! The priest must have absolutely no background whatsoever in child development, child psychology or education. You’re right, it is almost like child abuse…

Huh?

When I’ve been to Tanzania, most of the Masses there were 3 hours long (with a homily about an hour+ long). Heck, one of the Masses I went to was SIX hours long.

And during all that time, the kids sat patiently. I was really impressed.

So it’s hardly a ‘child psychology’ issue, unless you count a culture like ours that raises kids with an attention span measured in nanoseconds.

 

[mfrances]

School Mass being too long - That’s an interesting problem to have…

Kids need Mass and religious experiences way more than they need recess, although lunch should not be cut down to 10 minutes. It’s not healthy for kids to have to scarf down their food.

Really you have your choices, if you don’t agree with what is happening in your childrens’ school, and your concerns have gone unheard by the pastor and diocese, then you may want to concider other schools (hopefully, Catholic schools).

As for those commenting that it is “child abuse”, I really think you need to consider that the pastor, although overzealous in his approach, is giving the kids extra time in the presense of the Lord. No matter how “boring” it may be, would not constitute child abuse.