How would you explain the brown scapular to a seven year old?

[Vico]

Vico:

Being joined to the Order is not necessary to receive a partial indulgence for using a cloth scapular or scapular medal.

We’re talking about introducing a 7-year-old to the Scapular here.

A 7-year-old is not going to be doing indulgence practice.

A good example of a plenary indulgence it that for First Communion, Grant 8. For merely using a scapular is a partial indulgence per N15.

N15. The faithful can acquire an indulgence if they use devoutly one of the following properly
blessed pious objects, namely: a crucifix or cross, rosary, scapular, or medal.

There are countless partial indulgences, yes, even for age 7.

N4. The faithful who perform with at least inward contrition an action to which a partial indulgence
is attached obtain, in addition to the remission of temporal punishment acquired by the action itself,
an equal remission of punishment through the intervention of the Church.

N17. §1. In order to be capable of gaining indulgences one must be baptized, not excommunicated,
and in the state of grace at least at the completion of the prescribed works.
§2. To gain an indulgence, one must have at least the general intention of doing so and must carry
out the enjoined works at the stated time and in due fashion, according to the sense of the grant.

 

[marydevotions]

It is a private promise to Our Blessed Mother to live a good and holy life.

 

[Tis_Bearself]

I do not think it appropriate to emphasize indulgences to a child that young. One can teach them to pray for the souls in Purgatory as I was taught.

If a kid is such a beginner that he needs the Scapular explained, then he’s not at the stage of understanding indulgences. Just my opinion and if you, Vico, wish to read and explain these long sections of overcomplicated text to a 7-year-old in your care, have at it. I personally think it is more prudent to consider one’s audience.

 

[Anesti33]

I do not think it appropriate to emphasize indulgences to a child that young. One can teach them to pray for the souls in Purgatory as I was taught.

If a kid is such a beginner that he needs the Scapular explained, then he’s not at the stage of understanding indulgences. Just my opinion and if you, Vico, wish to read and explain these long sections of overcomplicated text to a 7-year-old in your care, have at it. I personally think it is more prudent to consider one’s audience.

I think seven is a splendid age to learn about indulgences. Once the child reaches her First Confession and First Holy Communion, she has the ability to, and the right to know how to, gain indulgences for herself and the poor souls. I think an indulgence is not a complex concept and can surely be understood by an average child at the age of reason. This is a bog-standard job for a Religious Education teacher preparing their classes to receive the Sacraments.

 

[Vico]

I do not think it appropriate to emphasize indulgences to a child that young. One can teach them to pray for the souls in Purgatory as I was taught.

If a kid is such a beginner that he needs the Scapular explained, then he’s not at the stage of understanding indulgences. Just my opinion and if you, Vico, wish to read and explain these long sections of overcomplicated text to a 7-year-old in your care, have at it. I personally think it is more prudent to consider one’s audience.

As an example of the actual practice (and not complicated) is the use of the Baltimore Catechism No. 1 {For First Communion Classes} includes indulgences (chapter 17). There are five questions with answers on indulgences in No. 1, for example:

237. Q. What must we do to gain an Indulgence?
A. To gain an Indulgence we must be in the state of grace and perform the works enjoined.

 

[0Scarlett_nidiyilii]

To a seven year old?

“This is a way to show that you’re friends with the Blessed Mother. Like sometimes people wear friendship bracelet with their friends.
You don’t have to wear one, but it’s nice to have.”