by Mary McEntee McGill
To create a liturgically sound children’s Mass, I recommend referencing the following resources. Because you are responsible for catechetical and liturgical leadership, you want to consult these resources regularly. You likely have some of these already. They are tools that every parish religious education program should have available.
Code of Canon Law
This book provides the rules and orders of
everything from catechetical instruction to sound liturgies to
teachings about the Sacraments to being an active member in the
Catholic faith community. A basic knowledge of the Code of Canon Law
can help you plan liturgies and programs. (You can access the Code of
Canon Law here. You can purchase
one at your local Catholic supply store and online.)
The Rites of the Catholic Church
This is the resource our bishops,
priests, deacons, and liturgists use in the celebrations of the
Sacraments. This is a great resource, especially if you contribute to
the planning of liturgies in your parish (two volumes, available from
Liturgical Press).
Catechism of the Catholic Church
and National Directory for Catechesis
You no doubt have these resources readily available. They are
indispensable to our work! (Both of these are available through USCCB
Publishing)
Directory for Masses with Children
This is a brief but valuable
document from the United States Catholic Conference (found in The
Liturgy Documents, vol. one, from Liturgy Training Publications).
Religious Education, Parish and Youth Ministry:
Legal Issues for Catechetical and Youth Leaders
This book by Mary Angela Shaughnessy, SCN, expands her previous work
titled Religious Education and the Law: A Handbook for Parish
Catechetical Leaders. It is essential for us to know clearly what we
can and cannot do in our ministry. (The National Catholic Educational
Association carries this title.)
Resources like these can help answer the “can we,” “do we have to,” and “is it okay to” questions. Mary
is the Pastoral Associate for Religious Education and Liturgical
Education for Holy Trinity Parish in Dallas, TX. She is the author of
Stories to Invite Faith Sharing (Resource Publications).
Source: CATECHIST Magazine, November/December 2009
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A Liturgically Sound Celebrationby Mary McEntee McGillYour parish children’s Christmas Masscan be meaningful and memorable, butit takes careful planning. The followingwill help you create a liturgically soundchildren’s Christmas liturgy to celebratethe N
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