Category: Children
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The system is down: systematic problems with the faith formation of children in American Catholicism
The structure of our catechetical ministry (more than the catechists – this is not a case of individuals making mistakes) assumes that Catholic parishes, not Catholic parents, are responsible for bringing up children in the faith. Yet, you know, it was my husband and I, not the parish catechists, that promised to do exactly that?
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Non Solum: First Confessions
The liturgical celebration is no longer seen primarily as a sacramental ritual, but a rite of passage detached in many ways from its religious function.
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My New Book: Donna M. Eschenauer; First Communion Liturgies: Preparing First-Class First Celebrations
The chapters of the book are an attempt to “stir up” a deeper consciousness regarding how we prepare and celebrate First Communion. Many “out of place” practices or so-called “adaptations,” have taught over two generations that these “adaptations” are acceptable and these are what make the day a special event.
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Teaching Children God’s Gift of Grace in the Eucharist
How can we best talk to children about how the gifts of God’s grace and love in the Eucharist help us to be followers of Jesus?
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Lavish Use of Symbols # 2: “My Mass Kit,” from “Wee Believers”
(Found at Amazon.com – with thanks to Colleen Tichich for sending this my way). Or, one could file this under “infantile use of symbols.” Note: I have nothing against children “playing Mass” — but the sheer ugliness of the ugliness (in my eyes) of this Mass kit is staggering. Are there better ones around?
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Re-Reading Sacrosanctum Concilium: Article 82
The Roman Ritual in use prior to the Second Vatican Council provided funeral prayers for baptized children mostly concentrating on their presumed purity because of their inability to commit actual sins. However the funeral Mass appearing in the Roman Missal did not make any special provision for the burial of children in its texts or…
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Non Solum: Children at Mass
“The presence of children is a gift to the Church and they are a reminder that our parish is growing.”
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“And my confirmation name is…”
During a recent confirmation service I attended, I was struck — once again — by the fact that every candidate announced a “confirmation name” they had chosen. For one, I am always intrigued by the names that come to be chosen. I think it reveals something about a spiritual journey if you name yourself after,…
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It’s time
Anna Nussbaum Keating suggests that it’s time we reconsider the Latin Catholic tradition of withholding communion until age 7. I couldn’t agree more. Here are three little facts about “age seven communion” you might not know.