First Friday Mass

[mommy_k]

Our kids have First Friday mass at school every month. It is called, school mass or something similar.

The kids are not told why they go on First Friday, it is not referred to as this…This is also not limited to 1 school. It is our experience that all of our kids schools have labeled these masses as school mass…and they are all on First Friday

Even on the websites it’s called school mass.

I told our kids what First Friday is but some other kids and parents have not put 2 and 2 together.

Now, I am thinking that just being present is not this devotion, or is it anyway for the children?. Does anyone know?

Would you call the school and ask this? Is it butting in because our kids do know, and should I mind my own business? I don’t want to be “that parent”…you know, the one who likes to dictate or knows better then then school or church…

However I am puzzled…

 

[1ke]

The first Friday devotion simply entails going to mass and receiving holy communion. There isn’t a “First Friday Mass”.

Also one can go to mass on the first Friday of the month without it being specifically tied to the first Friday devotion.

The school can have mass on Fridays or the first Friday without it being for the devotion.

Most Catholic schools I am acquainted with have mass every week if not every day.

If your family has a devotion to the Sacred Heart that’s great! You can ask if the school teaches the children about the sacred heart devotion and encourage it. But there isn’t anything wrong with what the school is doing.

 

[mommy_k]

Thanks 1ke… but the devotion also asks of going to confession if needed…the schools have this a few days before and either benediction or sitting in adoration. They do this too, but without explaination.

Everything points to this devotion.

The only piece that’s missing is the focus on The Sacred Heart of Jesus, and making reparation.

I have asked our kids many times…and it is never mentioned why they are doing these things. It seems the schools are practicing the devotion, but the kids don’t know it…

When I was in school, it was called first Friday mass. Way back in the day…

That’s why I wonder why it is not revealed to the children.

 

[phil19034]

Thanks 1ke… but the devotion also asks of going to confession if needed…the schools have this a few days before and either benediction or sitting in adoration. They do this too, but without explaination.

Everything points to this devotion.

The only piece that’s missing is the focus on The Sacred Heart of Jesus, and making reparation.

I have asked our kids many times…and it is never mentioned why they are doing these things. It seems the schools are practicing the devotion, but the kids don’t know it…

When I was in school, it was called first Friday mass. Way back in the day…

That’s why I wonder why it is not revealed to the children.

Since devotions are optional and the Church does not push devotions on Catholics; I’m GUESSING this is why.

Also, non-Catholics attend Catholic schools too.

So my guess is that they are providing the kids with the opportunity to attend First Friday without pushing the devotion on everyone.

 

[pianistclare]

Since devotions are optional and the Church does not push devotions on Catholics; I’m GUESSING this is why.

Also, non-Catholics attend Catholic schools too.

So my guess is that they are providing the kids with the opportunity to attend First Friday without pushing the devotion on everyone.

I agree. Around here the Catholic schools are mostly populated with non-Catholics. When we started being a Private school and not strictly a Catholic school, all mention of these things vanished.

I tired to incorporate the First Fridays at the school I worked at. I was told that most Pastors/priests take Fridays off and therefore were not available to come.
Turns out that’s far from the truth.
It is what it is. I think it would take major miracle to change the schools around here.

Just keep doing what you are doing in regards to teaching your children well. God bless you mommyk

 

[mommy_k]

Thank you all for your replies

I understand…and I’m not going to ask. I will put this in my "don’ t ask"file.

Mainly because they have school rosary recitation and prayer… If i mention this perhaps instead of first friday devotions being acknowledged, rosary may go away too.

Have a wonderful, relaxing Saturday.

 

[12345678]

Our kids have First Friday mass at school every month. It is called, school mass or something similar.

The kids are not told why they go on First Friday, it is not referred to as this…This is also not limited to 1 school. It is our experience that all of our kids schools have labeled these masses as school mass…and they are all on First Friday

Even on the websites it’s called school mass.

I told our kids what First Friday is but some other kids and parents have not put 2 and 2 together.

Now, I am thinking that just being present is not this devotion, or is it anyway for the children?. Does anyone know?

Would you call the school and ask this? Is it butting in because our kids do know, and should I mind my own business? I don’t want to be “that parent”…you know, the one who likes to dictate or knows better then then school or church…

However I am puzzled…

I don’t see why it couldn’t just really be a school Mass that they chose to have the first Friday of the month. I read your other comment mentioning they go to confession. It is good and logical for them to offer confession before the school goes to Mass. If a student needs to go to confession before receiving Communion on Friday, it is great they have that chance. Just because they are doing confession and Mass on the first Friday of the month doesn’t mean they are choosing to do what you are referring to as ‘First Friday’. When you say “The kids are not told why they go on First Friday”… maybe first Fridays were just selected for logistical reasons, and so there is really nothing to tell the kids? The most important part is that they are participating in the Mass/Eucharist.

 

[EasterJoy]

It seems to me that if monthly confession and regular Mass are on the school calendar, anyway, and since First Friday devotions don’t require some special Mass, scheduling it that way makes it easier for those who do elect to observe that devotion, including perhaps some parishioners who might otherwise not go to the school Masses. I think having parishioners around for school Masses builds a school-parish connection, which is a good thing.

Why would the school not mention this? Probably in order to not raise the complaint that anyone is being “coerced” towards observing a devotion that the Church does not oblige them to observe.

Yes, let it go. There is no harm being done, in any event.