How to Teach the Liturgy of the Eucharist to Children
Dressed in a long white robe, a Catholic priest walks forward to the altar, which is covered by a white tablecloth. Servers bring wafer and wine to the altar. The congregation softly sings a hymn. The song ends, and the priest says, "Blessed are you, Lord, God of creation." The Liturgy of the Eucharist follows after this.
The Liturgy of the Eucharist is the formal name for the middle portion of Catholic Mass, which includes Holy Communion. This is the ceremony that is frequently depicted in popular culture. To explain the Liturgy of the Eucharist to children, it is best to explain the players, the prayers and the procedure.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Explain the role of priests in Catholicism. Note their importance in religious functions and their standing as leaders of a congregation. Since priests conduct a liturgy, it is important for children to understand their job and their importance.
-
2
Discuss a Liturgy's basic time line. Start with the linen being laid over the altar, and finish with Holy Communion. While discussing individual events, also talk about the dialogue a priest carries with the congregation. Frequently in the Liturgy, the priest will say one thing, and the congregation will respond with a set response. If you are familiar with the exact dialogue, write down the set responses and have the child begin to memorize them; he will memorize more as he attends additional Liturgies. If you are unfamiliar with the dialogue, then find a copy of the dialogue, which is readily available on many Catholic websites.
-
-
3
Explain the wafer and the wine. Discuss how they represent Jesus Christ. You may explain more fully and say that they represent Christ's body and blood, but this may frighten or confuse some children. Instruct the child to follow the lead of the person in front of her during Holy Communion and to do as they do. This eliminates the need for the child to act independently during the service.
-
4
Download a copy of the liturgy. If you wish the child to memorize the entire liturgy, then, after downloading it, have him start learning certain passages. Much of the liturgy involves set prayers that only the priests will know at the time, so the child will not be able to learn all of it.
-
1
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images
