Family in Feast and Feria

I've changed my mind.

Of course, it's not the first time, but I think this is the correct decision. A while back this 4Real discussion tossed the idea of using A Child's Missal by Patmos. I looked it over and hesitated on buying it because we usually attend the Novus Ordo, and I thought the book might confuse my son. Probably the biggest stumbling block (which was actually a very small objection) is that the priest is pictured facing the altar, instead of the people.

Fast forward to July when Pope Benedict XVI issued his beautiful Motu Proprio Summorum Pontificum. His words echoed what I felt all along, that the these weren't two rites, but one rite, different forms, ordinary and extraordinary.

So I looked at the book with different eyes, and bought it for my 4 year old more than two months ago. I now say it's one of our best purchases. This is our Mass missal. Granted, he can't read yet, but the book is so visually captivating. I can honestly say that this book has helped us tremendously on being still and focusing on the Consecration. And if you knew what a wiggle-worm he was, you would know that this is HUGE. He is more reverent and attentive when following this book.

Each section of the Mass has the Latin and English names for the High and Low Masses. On the left side is an illustration echoing the illustrated manuscripts that depicts an event Jesus' life that corresponds to the section on the Mass. The facing page has small illustrations and photos that depict and illustrate the part of the Mass, and words to help meditate on this section. I think the title "Missal" is a little bit misleading, as it doesn't have the rubrics of the Mass to follow along in the text. But it does provide visual and written information to help pray along more fully.

There really aren't extra elements or pages that wouldn't apply in an Novus Ordo mass. I wish there were a few more pages for the beginning part of the Mass, but that's really my only complaint. The priests in the photos are wearing Roman style vestments, so even if they are facing the altar, my son hasn't questioned or been confused at all.

Patmos has now changed its name to Sacros. You can download a page and read more about the book from their site and decide for yourself.

I think this book can be for the younger children who can't read, to ages 10 and 11. I read it outside of Mass to go over the illustrations and discuss, so that ds can remember when we're attending at Mass (since I'm not reading it out loud in church).

I'm glad I changed my mind.