Holy Mass

The Holy Mass in My Pocket

Illustrator(s): 
Mary Joseph Peterson, FSP
This is an inexpensive, small and thin book with the text and rubrics of the Mass for children. Illustrations show different parts of the mass, both in the pews and in the sanctuary. Rubrics include such explanations as "Here we bow until the words..." and "The Apostle's Creed is said in Canada and in some masses for children". The illustration for the reception of Holy Communion shows a child receiving the host in his hands.

The Mass Book for Children

Book cover: The Mass Book for Children
Author(s): 
Rosemarie Gortler
Donna Piscitelli
Illustrator(s): 
Mimi Sternhagen

This little booklet is a colorfully illustrated and simply written explanation of what happens during the Mass and why. It is broken up into seven main sections: "The Mass Begins!", "The Introductory Rite", "The Penitential Rite", "The Liturgy of the Word", "The Profession of Faith", "The Liturgy of the Eucharist", and "The Concluding Rite". Rather than a missal for children, this is intended to be used outside of Church in preparation to understand the Mass better. (It would be particularly effective when used with the Miniature Mass Kit.

Teach It: Eucharist and the Mass

Book cover: Teach It: Eucharist and the Mass
Author(s): 
Joseph D. White, Ph.D.
Ana Arista White

Here is a book designed for religious education programs that is faithful to Church teaching, well-written, and easy to use. Children being taught from it, whether in a classroom or at home, will learn a great deal about their faith, as will their parents or catechists.

Teach It: Eucharist and Mass is based on the Catechism for the Catholic Church (1997) and the Holy Bible (Catholic Edition of the Revised Standard Version), as well as Canon Law and encyclicals from Pope John Paul II (Ecclesia de Eucharistia).

The Essence of Holy Mass

Book cover: 'The Essence of Holy Mass'

This book is divided into two sections. The first, 44 pages long, discusses the purpose of Holy Mass and its essential parts (in such a way that it would be equally useful for those attending a Tridentine Indult or a Novus Ordo Mass). The text is very simple and could be ready by many first or second graders. The large typeface and full-color photos (of children re-enacting scenes from Our Lord's life) make it very appealing. My oldest read through the book rather quickly in second grade and like it very much.

The Mass: Explained to Children

Book cover: The Mass: Explained to Children
Author(s): 
Maria Montessori

This book explains the meaning of the Mass, the significance of its parts and why it should be celebrated with such reverence. I was especially impressed with how the author portrays the sacredness of the Mass in ways that are meaningful to children. You and your children will learn about the sacred vessels and vestments, the liturgical colors and seasons, the meaning behind the various prayers and actions, etc.