TAKEN FROM
Jesus, Make Me Worthy:
a Prayer-Book for the Young Boy or Girl
by Rev. Robert Power, C.M.
Nihil Obstat and Imprimatur, 1960
ANGELUS PRESS

WEB MASTER'S NOTE: There is no such actual chapter titled, The Catholic Child and the Mass; there are various other chapters pertaining to the Mass and to attendance at church. This presentation is a combination of some of them. We also added the images of the vestments and sacred vessels.

THE CATHOLIC CHILD AND THE MASS

My Child:

You ought to be glad to know all you can about the Mass; especially young Catholic boys who serve the Priest should know.

In saying Mass the Priest uses six vestments:

The Amice.---This is a square piece of linen which the Priest places first on his head and then round his neck. It reminds us of the cloth with which the soldiers blindfolded our Lord. It is pictured to your right in folded condition.


The Alb.---This is a long white linen robe. It reminds us of the white garment of a fool with which Herod clothed Jesus and sent Him back to Pilate.  We do not have a picture of the alb, but one can see it just below the chasuble when worn by the priest [see below] as it is longer than the chasuble itself.


The Cincture.---This is the cord which the Priest ties around his waist. It reminds us of the cords with which our dear Lord was bound to the pillar when He was scourged. This is pictured to your left.  We show the lower end with the tassel.

The Maniple.---This is worn on the Priest's left arm. It reminds us of the ropes with which the hands of Jesus were tied.

The Stole.---This is a long narrow piece of silk which the Priest places round his neck, and crosses over his breast. It reminds us of the Cross of Christ. The Priest kisses it to show how willing he is to carry the cross after Our Lord.
 
The Chasuble.---This is a large silk vestment made all in one piece. It reminds us of the seamless garment of Jesus for which the soldiers cast lots while our Blessed Saviour was dying upon the Cross.  The chasuble is shown below:



The book does not mention this fact, but we add it in for your edification: the Priest says a set of prayers while he is vesting for Mass. Anyone in the sacristy at that time ought to remain silent if at all possible.

The Different Colors

The vestments are of different colors.

White.---It means joy and purity. It is used on all joyful Feasts of Our Lord; also on the Feasts of Our Lady, and for Confessors and Virgins.

Red.---It is the color of blood. It is used on all Feasts of the Passion of Our Lord; on Pentecost because of the tongues of fire; for Apostles and Martyrs because they shed their blood for Christ.

Green.---It is the color of Hope. It is used on all days that have no special color of their own.

Purple.---It is a sign of Penance. It is used in Advent and Lent.

Black.---This is the color of mourning. It is used on Good Friday and in Masses for the Dead.

When the Priest says Mass, he uses:


A Chalice.---This is the gold cup in which the wine is placed.

A Corporal.---This is a square piece of linen. It is spread out on the altar at the beginning of Mass and on it the chalice is placed.

A Purificator.---This is the narrow strip of linen used to wipe the chalice after Communion.

A Pall.---This is a square, stiff piece of linen used to cover the chalice and to keep dust from falling in.

The Pall is placed within the Burse, a flat, hinged cloth "envelope", not shown here. The Burse matches the color of the vestments the priest wears for a particular Mass.



A Paten.---This is a small gold plate. It. covers the chalice and on it the large bread or host is placed. The one pictured above is slightly rounded; some are flat; the type used is not mandated but is the choice of the priest or is the property of the parish church.

Ask the Priest, or Sister, to show you what these things are. Many times, if you are an acolyte, you may be sent to the sacristy for a Purificator or a Pall. Know where these things are kept. Try to learn the names of all the things used in the service of God. Be helpful to the Priest. Do not be loud, noisy, clumsy in the sacristy. Be respectful, keep silent, walk slowly. Be pious and devout while in the sanctuary or at the altar.

THE CATHOLIC CHILD IN CHURCH

HERE are a few simple, easy rules to teach you how to act in church.

1---Always be on time for Mass and other services in the church.
2---Take Holy Water when you enter.
3---Make the Sign of the Cross, as you were taught, on your forehead and breast.
4---Genuflect on the right knee and see that it touches the floor.
5---Walk quietly up the aisle.
6---Kneel and say a short prayer when you enter the pew.
7---Remember always that Jesus Himself is on the Altar, in the Tabernacle.
8---Be devout. Say your rosary or read your prayer-book.
9---Pay attention to the sermon.
10---Make a little visit to Our Lady's Altar before you leave. [If there is one: most Catholic churches still have one, even today.---The Web Master.]

These things you should not do.

l---Do not remain outside till the last stroke of the bell.
2---Do not rush hurriedly and noisily up the aisle.
3---Do not whisper, laugh, or talk.
4---Do not turn around in your pew to stare at the choir.
5---Do not disturb others by coughing [if you can help it] or scraping your feet.
6---Do not fail to kneel or to sit up straight. Do not lounge.
7---Do not spread your arms over the back of the pew.
8---Do not forget that you are in the presence of God.
9---Do not rush for the door before the Priest has left the Altar.
10---Do not push and shove others in your haste to get out.



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