My Quiet Church is a plush (soft-sculpture) church that plays like a portable dollhouse. Roof and side wall unzip and open, revealing easy access into the church. Contains stuffed dolls of priest, nun and family, pews and altar. Convenient carrying handle. Designed for girls ages 3-9. Accessory kits will be available including outfits for baptisms, weddings and first communions.
In talking to a friend about children in church we commented that visitors to the parish are at times put off by the noise of children. At the same time I came across this new toy and, on further reflection, have put people in two (oversimplified) groups:
- Those that consider the liturgy to be a personal time of reflection and taking in of the "experience" of the Divine Liturgy. Noisiness, running about, and the occasional unnecessary discussion are a distraction and should be kept to a minimum.
- Those that consider the church to be a family. That consider the children to be the "hope" of the parish. That know in excluding any one of us it is a slippery slope from where the other imperfect specimens - the old, poor, ill-dressed, socially awkward, the talked-about sinner - should adjust to the norm or sit somewhere where they won't be bothersome.
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Well, regardless of what I think about a toy designed to instill little girls with the notion that making a joyful noise unto the Lord is bad BEFORE they ever even think about having their own children, the My Mass Kit (https://weebelievers.com/index.php/component/virtuemart/?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage-ask.tpl&product_id=6&category_id=1&phpMyAdmin=GaqP8w2BzV9sAVQApxq7qObEc77) is really crass and in poor taste in my opinion for a number of reasons: Noah, Mimi, Daniel, Anna, Eilís, and reason #6 (coming to the delivery room near you) Basil. Why you might ask, because I am the mother of normal children with a healthy sense of imagination and lack of concern for the GIRM.
ReplyDeleteI easily imagine the following episodes:
ME: Hey, what is the dog chewing up?
KIDS: Play-Sacrament
OR
MOM-MEEEE! Mimi won't let me consecrate the host and she keeps breaking it before the Agnes Dei...
OR
Son! You are NOT allowed to hit your siblings with the thurible.
Atheists can use the kits in pre-school demonstrations of Desecrate the Host: the play-skool version.
But seriously, I think that every inch of it is simply poor taste, from the plush-yet-washable-vinyl-crucifix-with-jump-around-Jesus-icon to the cupcake style votive candles . . . geez, people, I know that you might be discouraged by the closing of the Minor Seminaries, but if you do your job right the your children will be aware that there are Holy Orders and that they should be open enough to God's call to discern as they gain in faith and age.
One last comment: I am not opposed to children playing Mass. I think that it can be an important part of their development into their religious faith and identity, what I find creepy are the plastic hosts and the emphasis on QUIET . . . quiet has it's time and place, but this obsession to get kids to shut up during liturgy ... really it is too much.
ReplyDeleteNoise, especially baby noise is a sign of growth. Put up with it.
ReplyDeleteIf a litle girl sings off-key in the choir, put up with that also. Firstly, she's at least behaving. Secondly, these girls grow up to be Dolly Partons & Reba McEntires. This is also a sign of growth. Put up with it.
Better growth pains than death pains.
"Better growth pains than death pains."
ReplyDeleteThat pretty much sums it up. If you don't hear the little ones be nervous about your parish's future.