Is it appropriate for my children to "play" Mass?

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Jennifer132

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We are new to the Catholic faith and so somewhat new to Mass. My children, ranging from almost 2 to 11 have pretended to say Mass a few times during their play times. They even got out a cup for the chalice and had a pretend homily, etc. I was just wondering, is it offensive or wrong in some way for them to play Mass, or is it totally fine?
 
Jennifer132 said:
We are new to the Catholic faith and so somewhat new to Mass. My children, ranging from almost 2 to 11 have pretended to say Mass a few times during their play times. They even got out a cup for the chalice and had a pretend homily, etc. I was just wondering, is it offensive or wrong in some way for them to play Mass, or is it totally fine?
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Many families encourage this. I do. I think it drives respect for Mass and fosters vocations. I’ve seen some families get quite elaborate with costumes and props.
 
I think it is beautiful when children play Mass. i often did this with my brother growing up and my kids do now. It helps them learn the Mass and responses. If I’m not mistaken there are even “Mass kits” for children to help out with creative play, but we just use what we have here at the house. Sometimes the kids play Confession too. I always laugh at the “sins” they come up with.
 
As long as they are doing it respectfully and not making fun, I don’t see a problem. I’ve seen a priest play set at the Catholic book store before.
 
Catholic children have done this forever. (It isn’t unknown for a child with a Book of the Saints to pretend to be martyred. Keep the Barbies safe.)
 
Fr. John Trigilio recounts how he set up an altar snd served his private mass as a child. That was the stirrings of his vocation.
 
Like others, I do feel it is appropriate, however, I think it would be inappropriate to allow a daughter (if you have one) to play the priest as when she grows older she might desire to be a priest and that is NOT possible in the Catholic Church. She could pretend to be a religious sister and set up the altar for the boy playing the priest.

If you go to a religious store they generally have coloring books of the Mas and prayer books with the prayers that are said at Mass that they can use at church to help them follow the Mass.

To find a place you might google Liturgical Centers or Religious Good Store or Religious Book Stores.

Herculees
 
When I was a kid, I tried to give my dead hamster a Catholic funeral. The other hamster and the fish attended and I drew a hamster Jesus on a popsicle stick cross to make a crucifix. I’m not sure if this would be considered appropriate here. I’m a lady and it never gave me the desire to become a priest. In fact, I don’t remember doing a pretend communion, so I guess it was just a service.
 
I remember doing this with Ribena and chocolate buttons as a kid. Even if it’s a bit irreverent at least these kids are taking some interest in their faith.
 
PaulfromIowa said:
It is OK as long as they say Mass in Latin!
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LOL!~
My two Daughters played Mass. They were Father H and Father S and said we are just playing pretend.

However, things got tricky when they played “confession” and S now the penitent told Father H “My sister is mean to me” My other daughter who was playing Father H said , “you have the best sister in the world” LOL and if you followed that paragraph you get an acknowledgment from me, LOL…

In my own opinion if children can “play Mass” they’ve learned a lot to know “what to do.”
It’s a good thing they can do so.

Mary.
 
My brother did, encouraged by priest friends of the family who gave him a chalice and ciborium play set. I know they had hoped he’d find the priesthood was his vocation and since one taught at the seminary they had his schooling all planned out. Sadly, they both died before we reached high school.

He went on to become a corrections officer and then an RCMP. Something tells me the priesthood is better off for that.
 
Our daughter used to set up her dolls and make believe they were receiving communion. She was about 4 yrs. old.
Now at 33 yrs. old with 2 children of 5 & 11/2, she & her husband don’t have time to go to Mass or take the kids except on Easter & Christmas.
We’re praying for them.
 
Herculees said:
Like others, I do feel it is appropriate, however, I think it would be inappropriate to allow a daughter (if you have one) to play the priest as when she grows older she might desire to be a priest and that is NOT possible in the Catholic Church. She could pretend to be a religious sister and set up the altar for the boy playing the priest.

If you go to a religious store they generally have coloring books of the Mas and prayer books with the prayers that are said at Mass that they can use at church to help them follow the Mass.

To find a place you might google Liturgical Centers or Religious Good Store or Religious Book Stores.

Herculees
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They are almost all girls, except the 11 year old, who is a boy, and probably will stop pretending soon anyway. So if they play, a girl would usually have to be the priest. Thank you for your opinion though, it helps.
 
Jennifer132 said:
We are new to the Catholic faith and so somewhat new to Mass. My children, ranging from almost 2 to 11 have pretended to say Mass a few times during their play times. They even got out a cup for the chalice and had a pretend homily, etc. I was just wondering, is it offensive or wrong in some way for them to play Mass, or is it totally fine?
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Yeah. Of course it’s ok. I would encourage my kids to do this. I know some Catholic families who even make play-vestments for their kids.

I think this helps to normalise the priesthood in the eyes of kids and shows that it’s a path that they could possibly take themselves.
 
Adam! What a beautiful wedding photo! 🙂 I don’t mean to go off topic, it’s just that this is the first time I saw it! 👍
 
Children learn through play. The explore, take chances, and ask questions. I think it’s lovely that they enjoy Mass so much they want more.
 
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