Connecting to the Mass

Would you like your students to get more (or anything) out of the weekend Mass? With all you do in the rest of their education, it’s frustrating when they either aren’t coming to the weekend Mass or aren’t getting anything out of it.   You can only control so much in this equation however, there are some things teachers and parents have found helpful. 

You, as the religion teacher or parent, can go over the gospel reading ahead of attending church. Students tend to perk up when what is being said on the altar is a story or subject they had just talked about in class.  If it is a bit complicated and you can give a simple explanation to the message of the reading, it goes a long way in keeping their attention during the Mass.

But what about the reality that many of your students’ parents aren’t taking them to Mass on the weekend and they won’t have a chance to hear the message due to no fault of their own?

Many teachers are now reviewing the readings on Friday; even having students write or tape a cut-out copy in a notebook or journal.  Come Monday morning, the lesson is extended with questions and discussion. In this way everyone has the opportunity to understand what the Church has determined as the most important scripture of the week to hear.

The point is not to penalize those who don’t get to Mass for whatever reasons, but to make it possible for all students to get something out of the main reading for the weekend. 

There are a few sites online that provide reflective pieces and activities on the weekend Mass readings. Loyola Press provides a robust site with distinctions at several age levels.  You can also find weekly entries on this website, Go Forth and Lead, for free. If you’d like the reflections for the whole school year in advance, go to Light on Liturgy by Go Forth and Lead | TPT (teacherspayteachers.com).