The right way and the wrong way to do a “teaching Mass”—according to the pope

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7 thoughts on “The right way and the wrong way to do a “teaching Mass”—according to the pope”

  1. Nick, this is very helpful. I understand the desire to do teaching masses however the ones I’ve sat through turn out to be very tedious. I agree that doing the symbols well (and robustly) as we celebrate the liturgy is the best way to teach the liturgy.

  2. Thanks Joe! I think there is a little spike in “teaching Masses” these days because of the new translation of the missal. But my experience is like yours–tedium. Liturgy should always be fascinating. As should catechesis! Thanks for all your contributions to the fascination.

  3. This is a great article, Nick! Sometimes we teach out of our own need to tell someone something that WE think is important. That may not necessarily be so important to the person we are addressing. I personally find “teaching Masses” filled with facts, terminology, and statements that few people follow. It is much better to preach using example and story than with facts and figures that we can’t recall or pray with during the week. Thanks!

  4. Dear Nick,
    This was great! I am beseiged by folks who think i should “do” a “teaching” Mass for those in RCIA or for the children, or ….! There is a retired priest from here who would add about 15 minutes on to each mass as he “sermonized” about the Mass before each major part of the liturgy and then he’d wrap it up at the end – drove people nuts! While every liturgy is catechetical, the liturgy is not catechesis! I don’t like “evaluating” liturgies either!

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