Mass With the Students is a Great Change of Pace

By Ellen Stratman

One thing I always enjoy when the kids go back to school, is joining them at Mass on Wednesday mornings. Having several children as CTK students, there are many times throughout the year, that one of them has a special part in the Mass. They read, carry up the gifts, sing, and serve at the altar. I make a special effort to go when I know their class has planned the service.

I also like to go to the children’s Mass during lent and on other special occasions within the church because there is something about the simplicity of the mass that helps me to be more focused in my prayer. Father Knapp includes the children in an interactive homily. He asks many questions and sometimes the answers, especially from the younger students, are priceless. Many times their answers are very insightful and help to see things in a way you had never thought of before. The songs they sing are upbeat and often have clapping or special hand motions to accompany them.

I know life gets pretty hectic and I wish that I could fit an extra Mass in more often than I do, but I encourage you to come and celebrate with the students on Wednesday at their 8:30 school Mass. It is a motivational way to start your day and a reminder of all the things that are truly important.