Paraliturgies and School Masses

[jzeitouni]

Hi guys I have a major dilemma. I am a primary school teacher and at the school I am teaching at we have Mass on one friday and then a para-liturgy on the next Friday, so they alternate throughout the term. Now every week a different class is given the responsibility to prepare the Mass or para-liturgy... so for example it is the children in that class that say the Epistle reading, do the offertory and conduct the homily. Now i have a few questions, and concerns, that stem from these...

1. Most teachers in the school include liturgical dance either during the mass or para-liturgy. Is this correct because i don't like it one bit?? I cringe every week when i see kids prancing and dancing around in the sanctuary.

2. The homily is run by the students during the mass (some teachers have a role play, some have a powerpoint presentation, other have a discussion, or other do a dance). Again is this allowed because it really bothers me that the Priest is not speaking.

3. What is a para-liturgy and what purpose does it serve?

Now it is my class' turn next week to have a Mass. I'm really struggling with the homily part. I don't know what to do because i refuse to do a dance and don't want the children inside the sanctuary. I want to keep it reverent because after all it is a Mass. My first option would be to ask the priest to give the homily but if that doesnt work then what do i do??

Ideas needed ASAP please :)

[DavidObeid]

1. Most teachers in the school include liturgical dance either during the mass or para-liturgy. Is this correct because i don't like it one bit?? I cringe every week when i see kids prancing and dancing around in the sanctuary.

The liturgy is meant to be a simple case of saying what is in black and doing what is in red. Liturgical dance doesn't appear in the rubrics (rules for how Mass is said) and so has no place in the Mass. A role play that makes the Gospel narrative more easily accessible to children is fine (St. Louis de Montfort used to have children do this in his Masses, but they were used as a tool to make the children understand the Gospel (and his homily) better). Such plays should NOT be done in the sanctuary however. Front of the church, ie between the front row and the sanctuary rail, is fine.


2. The homily is run by the students during the mass (some teachers have a role play, some have a powerpoint presentation, other have a discussion, or other do a dance). Again is this allowed because it really bothers me that the Priest is not speaking.

This is bad. The Church insists that the homily is given by an ordained minister. Perhaps you could discuss the matter with the priest before the Mass and ask something along the lines of what particular aspect of the Gospel he intends to talk about in the homily and ask if the children might do a small role play to emphasise the point he will be speaking about?


3. What is a para-liturgy and what purpose does it serve?

The word is woefully formed. Liturgy is literally the "work of the people". Not in the sense that it is something people make up, but it is the job that the people are given to do (by God) in order to render proper worship. "Para-liturgy" means "extra to" or "outside of" liturgy. I don't know a better word off the top of my head, but that one is terrible.


Now it is my class' turn next week to have a Mass. I'm really struggling with the homily part. I don't know what to do because i refuse to do a dance and don't want the children inside the sanctuary. I want to keep it reverent because after all it is a Mass. My first option would be to ask the priest to give the homily but if that doesnt work then what do i do??

Ideas needed ASAP please :)

What is the Gospel reading that day? Can you make up a role play that can be done in the nave outside of the sanctuary that reflects it?

[New Jack Swinger]

I don't understand why we need to make exceptions. Have a Catholic priest say Mass, give a homily to the children, have the children do the offering and prayers of the faithful. Maybe even have Eucharistic Adoration before Mass. I know they are children but they can understand what is going on if it is taught correctly without a role play. Maybe I ain't understanding but that's my opinion anyway.

[DavidObeid]

Jessica's problem is that she works in the School and doesn't run it. As a result she has to make the best of the bad situation and walk a fine line of keeping her career going smoothly and not imposing erroneous ideas on her students.

Maybe you could split your salary with her if she looses her job Charbel?

:)

[jzeitouni]

Our theme is the Transfiguration so I guess I can have a little role play to further explain the Gospel and its meaning. I will also speak to the priest and see if he can give a short homily and then our role play after.

Also I have just been told that I need to make a poster to stick on the front of the altar (one that says transfiguration with a picture maybe)... I would really rather not do that. But what are the church teachings and your opinions??

Seriously I just don't understand why we can't have a simple, traditional Mass. There is nothing more beautiful than that.

[jzeitouni]

LOL thats exactly my problem David, so Charbz if ur willing to share then im happy to leave :)

The teachers and admin already think I am too radical. In my own classroom I do what i want and I teach the kids what i want about Religion, but this Mass is a little more public but I still want to keep it as traditional as possible. Seriously even the thought of this role play makes me sick, but I guess i have to do it.

I just want to run my own school!!!

[New Jack Swinger]

Yeah I know what your saying David and I agree. I was just being general. These things should never have to be a problem but they are.

[DavidObeid]

Religious art should be of the best quality we can manage Jessica. Perhaps you could find a nice print or icon (print) of the Transfiguration and maybe have the words "He was transfigured before them" written around it. Don't go for an ugly finger painting or anything as distasteful.

The roll play needs at least 6 characters. Sounds way too much to fit in the sanctuary to me. You'll have to have them outside the sanctuary in front of the front pews :cool:

Have the role play done in mime - no speaking - and say it is your version of artistic flair :)

[jzeitouni]

Ok thanks heaps for that David. I really appreciate your help :)

God willing I hope I get the chance to be REC one day just so I can erradicate all these things.

[cmnunis]

It is not easy. I've heard far too many things about Catholic schools. Do what you have to do and stick to your guns. If there are priests who claim to be on your side, they should also grow a pair and speak out against liturgical abuse. If they are going to call you a fundamentalist, then so be it.

[DavidObeid]

God willing I hope I get the chance to be REC one day just so I can erradicate all these things.

Yeah, I hope so, but then you'll just have Principals or Congregational Provincials or the CEO to deal with.

Change can come from below only when it isn't being blocked from above.

[jzeitouni]

But then hopefully the One above the above will work His grace :)

[leannemaree]

I have been watching this thread with interest. David has some good points and I will hold this School Mass in my prayers. God will use this for his Glory. I love the way you are not buckling at the knees, you are standing for what you believe.
leanne

[HolyCatholicApostoli]

Dear friends,
Liturgical abuse should never be tolerated. I would make an appointment to see the bishop (2 or 3 of you). read the document Redemptionis Sacramentum which speaks on Liturgical Abuses

(http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/ccdds/documents/rc_con_ccdds_doc_20040423_redemptionis-sacramentum_en.html)

Next view Cardinal Arinze's Youtube on Liturgical Dance and copy it (keepvid.com - copies youtube videos) onto your laptop to show to the principal and the priest if you encounter resistance tell them that it is entirely inappropriate and forbidden. These are the functions of the priest. (There are forces in the Church who would like to clericallize the laity and layicize the clergy.)

In your class you can show them EWTN programs e.g. Truth in the Heart, or Animated stories from the New Testament (EWTN.com)
EWTN also has FAQ which you can search to view responses to others questions. you can also ask your own and it will be answered.

You have a tremendous opportunity to evangelise, Advertise EWTN, teach them the Catechism and what the Mass is. Tell them that Jesus Our God is really present in the tabernacle.

[DavidObeid]

Good suggestions, but what Jessica hasn't said is that she works in a Maronite school, Redemptionis Sacramentum only applies to the Roman Rite.

Still, the principles contained in it I'd think would be universal and it wouldn't hurt to have a good understanding of them.

[cmnunis]

Are you joking?! Is this school in Melbourne?! Maronite schools do this?!

[DavidObeid]

Are you joking?! Is this school in Melbourne?! Maronite schools do this?!

I can understand the disappointment, but not the surprise?

[cmnunis]

I can understand the disappointment, but not the surprise?

Sorry mate, I had thought that Eastern Catholic schools would be a little less rebellious. But my guess is we're wrong. Come and think of it, this reminds me of the Melkite bishop in Akka/Haifa who invited the Neocatechumens to teach the faith in his diocese.

[leannemaree]

how did the School mass go Yesterday Jessica?
It was yesterday, was it not.
I have been thinking off you.
Leanne

[Matthew]

Radical is one of things that makes Jess the great person she is :D Keep it rad !

[jzeitouni]

Lol thanx Matt but im not as great as you think I am, when u have something as beautiful as the Mass how can anyone not be so radical about it.

Leanne the Mass went well and I took on a lot of things that David guided me with. I wish the mass could be exactly what it is, the Mass, without adding any fancy irrelevant stuff to it. I tried to keep it as simple as possible and not offend Our Lord.

After the Mass some teachers told me that my students looked very holy during the Mass and other asked why they did things outside the sanctuary and why i didnt have a song and dance at the end.

My aim now is to eradicate all this song and dance stuff from our school Masses so please pray that this can happen. Why would u want to ruin something that is already perfect???

[cmnunis]

Hi Jess, does your school celebrate a Novus Ordo Mass or a Maronite Mass?

[jzeitouni]

We celebrate Maronite Mass!!

My class' Mass is over and done with but unfortunately the fight does not end there, it only begins. We have our whole Yr 3 Holy Communion Mass in September and that is what is going to cause the most problems because it is 3 teachers organising a Mass, with only myself trying to keep it simple. So lots of prayers are needed, mainly for me to keep my cool and have the strength to fight this for the kids. They deserve to understand how amazing the Mass is on it's own because that will better help them understand how amazing it is that they are receiving Our Lord. They need to know what an important day it is for them and it isnt going to help when irrelevant things are put into the Mass that are going to detract from the true meaning of the Mass.

[DavidObeid]

Fun and games.

Send me an enrolment form.

ROFL.

[jzeitouni]

Dont worry Dave I will tape it all for you... we can have a movie night at my house and watch it all. I'll make sure there is popcorn :)

[DavidObeid]

Cheryl wants to know if they sell liturgical dancing information packs for homeschoolers? We don't want our kids to miss out.

[Matthew]

I could have given a demonstration when I was down at your place Dave. We are right into that.

[DavidObeid]

I thought you did????

What was that weird thing you kept on doing if not liturgical dancing? :eek:

[Matthew]

Do you mean when I was with the kids on the trampoline? I admit they are deceptively similar.

[DavidObeid]

Jokes aside, the whole idea of any liturgical abuse, let alone the idea of indoctrinating children into thinking they are an authentic part of worship, really is nothing short of scandalous.


…but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened round his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea. (St. Matthew 18:6)

[jzeitouni]

Thats exactly right Dave, a scandal is exactly what it is.

That quote from St Matthew scares me so much because it really makes me feel that I not only have 28 minds to look after but also 28 souls to guide as well and if I do one thing wrong that guides their souls on the wrong path then I will be the one paying for it.

[leannemaree]

I am delighted the Mass went well, and got others talking. Great,
now lets keep praying for these children receiving there Holy Communion and the Mass surrounding it. I will be praying for you.

Sorry to have butted in after the conversation got going somewhere else.

Leanne

[DavidObeid]

No need to apologise Leanne :)

Your contributions to the forum are very much appreciated :)

[DavidObeid]

At the end of the day, I guess you could always throw in the towel and get the kids to do something like this:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2oOHZvAYmxk&feature=player_embedded#!

And no, I'm not serious, and yes, it is horrifically ugly.