Part two of the preparation sessions for children who will receive the Eucharist for the first time in the coming weeks took place a few days ago. These little ones are veritable sponges, soaking up all the instruction we have to offer. Even their parents seem to be benefiting from the catechesis.
In this case, we wanted to introduce the children to a number of the vessels and objects that we use for the celebration of the Mass. These are things that Catholics see every time they come to celebrate this sacrament, but rarely do they get a chance to see them up close, to touch them, to learn about how we use them.
First the larger parts of the furnishings: the altar, the ambo, the tabernacle and the paschal candle were pointed out, and a bit about their use was explained. Then we moved on to some of the smaller things that only make cameo appearances: the monstrance, the thurible, the boat. Finally some time was spent pointing out the vessels that are used for the celebration of the Eucharistic banquet: the chalice, the patten, the pall, the purificator, the corporal. They even got to see an alb, a stole, a chasuble and a humeral veil up close.
With characteristic zeal, the children welcomed this show and tell. We can only hope and trust that they will have many opportunities to see these things being used, and from now on they will have just a little idea about what they are, and why they are used.
In this case, we wanted to introduce the children to a number of the vessels and objects that we use for the celebration of the Mass. These are things that Catholics see every time they come to celebrate this sacrament, but rarely do they get a chance to see them up close, to touch them, to learn about how we use them.
First the larger parts of the furnishings: the altar, the ambo, the tabernacle and the paschal candle were pointed out, and a bit about their use was explained. Then we moved on to some of the smaller things that only make cameo appearances: the monstrance, the thurible, the boat. Finally some time was spent pointing out the vessels that are used for the celebration of the Eucharistic banquet: the chalice, the patten, the pall, the purificator, the corporal. They even got to see an alb, a stole, a chasuble and a humeral veil up close.
With characteristic zeal, the children welcomed this show and tell. We can only hope and trust that they will have many opportunities to see these things being used, and from now on they will have just a little idea about what they are, and why they are used.
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