Masses with Catholic Schools

at Holy Child Parish

 

(For a PDF copy of this document, click here.)

 

 

To ensure that Masses with Catholic Schools are able to be prepared and celebrated appropriately, the following guidelines will be used for 2024-2025.

 

1. The overall plan for the Mass is to be submitted to Fr. Brian for review at least two weeks before the scheduled Mass. As the presider, Fr. Brian has the freedom to make any needed adjustments and changes.

• If the overall plan for the Mass is not submitted to Fr. Brian two weeks before the scheduled Mass, then the Liturgy will not be a Mass, and instead the Liturgy will be a Liturgy of the Word.

 

2. The Gospel is proclaimed by the priest or the deacon at Mass.

• If the Liturgy is not a Mass, then the Gospel may be proclaimed by someone other than a priest or deacon.

 

3. The homily is given by the priest or the deacon at Mass.

• If the Liturgy is not a Mass, then the homily or reflection may be given by someone other than a priest or deacon.

 

4. The intercessions are introduced at Mass by the presider (i.e., the priest).  He also concludes the intercessions with a short prayer.

• If the Liturgy is not a Mass, then the intercessions may be introduced by someone other than a priest. Also, if the Liturgy is not a Mass, then the intercessions may be concluded by someone other than a priest.

 

5. The Opening Prayer (Collect) and Closing Prayer at Mass are recited by the priest.

• If the Liturgy is not a Mass, then the Opening Prayer and Closing Prayer may be recited by someone other than the priest.

 

6. As the presider at Mass, although the Catholic Schools can offer recommendations or suggestions, the priest will decide the following:

• the Opening Rites to be used (i.e., the greeting, the penitential rite and the Opening Prayer);

• the Scripture Readings to be used;

• the Prayer Over the Gifts to be used;

• how to organize any additional parts that are being recommended (e.g., bringing up additional gifts other than the bread and wine).  To be consistent with the practices at Holy Child Parish for Sunday Mass, the additional pieces may be placed at the beginning of the celebration, as part of the announcements, before the Opening Song.

 

When planning Masses with Catholic Schools, it is important to note that the Mass is to be planned in a manner to help the children to participate more fully in the regular parish Mass.

 

It is also very important for people to plan the Mass so that everyone can participate fully, actively, and consciously in an appropriate way that respects everyone’s proper role within the celebration.  Therefore, music should be planned to encourage everyone to participate at various times during the Mass (not only the members of the choir).  Lastly, it is important to plan in a manner that enables the children to fully participate in the responses during the Mass.