My kiddos are 6 1/2 and almost 5. Overall, they do really well in mass. One annoyance is the constant question "Is mass almost over?" When appropriate I would explain mass in steps to them and try to explain a simple run down of what will happen in what order. Ideally, they would have learned that after the Lord's transfiguration, communion would be following, and then "freedom" for them would be imminent. Nope, they seem to ask after each reading, each song and sometimes after communion (Okay, not really that often, but it feels like it). Come on, folks....does anyone else smell a fox?
Well, I had enough of it, and finally came up with a plan. Because my kiddos are still learning to read, the "kid" mass manuals were useless for us. I thought about using a pictorial story. Over the span of about 6 masses, I took notes, revised, revised and revised my very own Picto-Mass-Schedule. If you compare it to your own mass, it should be pretty right on, except for our parish's own traditions. Here is a like to the pdf. Let me know if it does not work for you.
Now, the kids can color the action as it happens, mark it out, circle it, or whatever. Yes, they did ask a couple times "where we were," but that was easier for me to handle. They have only used it for 2 masses so far, so I can't tell you about its long term success, but so far so good. A fellow parishioner saw the kids coloring it and thought the idea was fabulous. Ummm, thanks. :-)
Have a great week!
~hurley
Thank you very much for sharing your Homemade-Picto-Mass-Schedule. This is the best picture schedule of the Mass that I have found. Keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteYou are so welcome! I hope it helps out.
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