Dumbed Down Versions Of The Readings

[Lil Red]

+JMJ+
I was at a Mass where the majority of participants were school age children. The readings were 'modified' (dumbed down) for the children. for example, instead of a word like 'self-righteous', the word 'show-offs' was used instead. is this licit? appropriate?

[cappie]

If they were using The Lectionary for Masses with Children as approved then it's OK in the diocese for which it is approved.

The Lectionary for Masses with Children was published in English in 1993 as an adaptation of the regular Lectionary for Mass (see separate listing, How to Use the Lectionary). It was designed to be used at Masses where a large number of (pre-adolescent) children are present.

Examples of such gatherings include Sunday Masses at which a large number of children are present along with adults (under certain circumstances; see below); Masses in which a separate liturgy of the word for children is celebrated; Masses at which most members of the assembly are children, such as school Masses or Masses for religious education students; other liturgical celebrations that include a liturgy of the word; and family prayer.

The Introduction to the Lectionary for Masses with Children places its use in the following theological and liturgical context: God communicates with us through words and especially through Christ, the living Word.

When the inspired word of Scripture takes on a human voice and is proclaimed as the word of God in the liturgical assembly, it becomes a sacrament," that is, it has an effective power to communicate and reveal God’s presence. If that sacramental presence is to be communicated effectively in the proclamation of the word, then we need to use whatever skills and resources are available to help people experience and "give assent to God’s Good News." The Introduction notes that even when a classroom is used to celebrate the word of God, the ritual nature of this event must be highlighted: "Even when classrooms or other non-liturgical spaces must be used for celebrations of the word with children, care must be taken that these spaces be well prepared, and that the environment is suitable for the worship of God."

One of the chief points made in the Directory for Masses with Children "The liturgy has the power to form children and all believers in the paschal mystery. The worthy celebration of the liturgy itself is the best introduction to liturgy."

The readings for Sundays, solemnities, and feasts of the Lord in the regular Lectionary for Mass were adapted in this special Lectionary according to the following criteria:

• The gospel assigned in the regular Lectionary for Mass is never omitted, though it might be shortened
or adapted for one reason or another (too long, too abstract, using images that might confuse or disturb
children).
• Other readings might also be shortened or eliminated for the reasons given above; readings which
"children could perceive as anti-Semitic or racist" have also been edited or shortened.
• "When one of the first two readings for Sundays or solemnities or feasts of the Lord was judged
inappropriate for children, it was omitted and not replaced with another. In cases where both of the two
first readings in the Lectionary have been dropped, a replacement has been provided. The gospel
selections appointed in the Roman Lectionary for Mass have been retained although in particular cases
they have been shortened or otherwise adapted."
• The responsorial psalms of the Lectionary have been adapted as well "in order to foster the singing of these texts. Some refrains or psalms have been shortened or replaced." As in the Lectionary for Mass, some seasonal or "common" texts have been provided for the various liturgical seasons and for the common of saints; these may be used in place of the assigned psalm of the day.
In addition to adapting the texts in the Lectionary for Mass for major celebrations and certain other feasts, the
Lectionary for Masses with Children has added a few sets of texts for special occasions in the lives of children.