I am going to do something I usually don’t do. I am going to let something speak for itself. Honestly, I am not sure what I think about this. I know what my gut tells me, but perhaps there are points I haven’t considered.
Therefore, I will post the following without commentary. My purpose is to solicit from you, our dear readers, your considered and considerate opinions.
Just in time for the holidays, I give you the “My Mass Kit” from an outfit called Wee Believers. The folks advertise it as follows.
- Fun way for kids to learn and appreciate the actions and beauty of the Mass
- Certified QuietTM – no noisy parts to disturb reverent environments [Ok, a li’l commentary. How do you certify quiet. I have 5
knuckleheadschildren eight and under and I am interested in anything that can CERTIFY quiet. Does it include chloroform?] - 12 cleanable, plush pieces
- Durable canvas carrying case keeps everything organized
- Personalizable I.D. holder so each kit is your very own
- Design is approved by Catholic Clergy [I don’t the good folks at Wee Believers, but who approved it? This seems somewhat vague. Actually it seems Nostradamus vague.]
- Ideal teaching manipulative for school, catechism and homeschool settings
From Creative Minority Report |
Don’t let my small commentary color your remarks, they are intended only to question truth in advertising. What are your thoughts on this “teaching aid?”
One thing is for certain, they better make sure the the Muu-Muu militia does not get a hold of this item. All we need is dozens of liturgical Mrs. Roepers practicing with this item. Well, at least it is washable.
Since it includes a “detailed instructional booklet,” perhaps we can hand them out at the next Eucharistic Conference. On second thought that won’t work. It doesn’t include liturgical puppets.
December 5, 2008 at 6:27 am
Looks like a waste of money to me. All the equipment we needed to play mass with was squished mini marshmallows to use as hosts. My sister would “play” her toy guitar as the folk group, and my brother and I would be the priest and the deacon. We were very “spirit of vatican 2” children. Seems like they have a toy for everything these days.
December 5, 2008 at 11:49 am
Squished marshmallows? We used Necco Wafers.
December 5, 2008 at 12:10 pm
Wait! Does it come with its own eucharistic ministers?
December 5, 2008 at 1:16 pm
Actually, it looks pretty good. And I think they’re serious. Notice they use a thurible instead of one of those “braziers” — you know, those ridiculous incense bowls that liturgical dancers carry when sashaying up the aisle. And they went to the trouble to “aim” it at boys instead of boys and girls.
The price is $89.99, with 15% off if you pay by check or card, and 10% off if they bill you.
It also comes with fake hosts. Personally, I’ll second the Necco wafers.
December 5, 2008 at 1:24 pm
I think it’s great to want boys to “play priest”, but where is the beauty in these items? It looks like throw away stuff.
The items we got our son from Our Father’s House actually *looks* and *feels* like the real deal and it wasn’t a fortune. True it cost a bit more, but it was worth it and we won’t have to replace it. We can pass it on to HIS kids if he doesn’t become a priest.
December 5, 2008 at 1:31 pm
We went with the Miniature Mass Kit from Our Father’s House. The “PLUS” version comes with a Ciborium, incense stand, and altar cloths. It’s comparable in cost, and brass/glass instead of plush.
The kids don’t play with the kit, it’s used to instruct them about the Mass. In fact, when we moved, our pastor was willing to use portions of it (cruets, altar candles, finger bowl, altar cross) for a Mass said in our house, and our 6 year old was allowed to be the server.
December 5, 2008 at 1:49 pm
I think it’s a great idea, BUT…
My four year old plays Mass at the kitchen table with stuff we already had around the house. (I think any family that would buy this for their son could replicate most of the pieces without shelling out $89.99)
It’s the plush construction that sends up my “bad taste” flare. I wouldn’t be offended by the concept, just not convinced that we need to be more consumerist about it.
Dollar store cups make great chalices, pocket handkerchiefs (clean) are great corporals, Neccos or even Ritz crackers for hosts, a good crucifix and a pocket missal for a sacramentary/ lectionary. And of course, don’t forget the Fisher Price xylophone for altar bells/ organ.
December 5, 2008 at 2:11 pm
Hi-larious! I will definitely pitch in for some of those “detailed instruction booklets”!
Seriously though, I’m not quite sure what to think of this. The fact that it’s “certified quiet” and made from plush means what, that they intend for kids to play with it during a real mass? The whole idea just turns me off for some reason.
December 5, 2008 at 2:17 pm
I personally would prefer not to imitate Mass; if boys do it out of their own interest fine, then makeshift would probably work. But my boys have no interest in “playing” Mass.
I find this little book a great alternative: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qo7vUdKTlhk
My 6yo and 5yo byos and both my 5th graders enjoy this book very much!
I just fear that with a set like that the sacredness of the Sacrifice of the Mass might be lost by making it too approachable.
Our parish conducts a chalice program whereby families can sign up to take home a consecrated chalice along with instructions to handle it and place it in the house as well as prayers; the purpose is to pray for vocations.
I have to tell you that everyone was in absolute Awe when this holy vessel was in the house. That was nothing to play with and it was a clear and strong reminder of Jesus’ love sacrifice for us. The real deal!
Blessings, Mum26
December 5, 2008 at 2:23 pm
Among other things, I think it’s overpriced. We like the Minature Mass Kit from Our Father’s House, as well. The materials (glass and brass inspire more reverence, imo). I really don’t understand how Wee Believers justifies selling their kits for more than Our Father’s House sells their Mass Kit.
December 5, 2008 at 2:29 pm
Well, I remember playing Mass a number of times – don’t worry, my little brother was the priest, and since my sis and I were altar servers at Church we kind of set everything up. We used stuff we had around the house (I think the small wooden ‘stove’ came in handy with all the plates and stuff).
My mom was responsible for a few years for doing Eucharistic prep for second graders, and I think she made her own Montessori materials with stuff from the craft store.
If kids are going to be playing during Mass, well, it being quieter and Eucharistically-themed seems like a good thing. Plus you can get kids familiar with the things early, and, unlike the really nice mini Mass kit, if a little one chews on it, it’s not a bit deal. 🙂
December 5, 2008 at 2:39 pm
Mum:
Whatever your reservations about little boys “playing Mass,” I can tell you of any number of priests who started out that way. Any perceived dangers are a matter of conjecture. On the other hand, I’d be a lot more concerned about a CONSECRATED chalice being taken home by people. No conjecture here, I assure you.
December 5, 2008 at 2:42 pm
“I really don’t understand how Wee Believers justifies selling their kits for more than Our Father’s House sells their Mass Kit.”
I do, although there are advantages to either. WeeBelievers’ product also comes with a carrying case, as does virtually any Mass kit.
Besides, look again. If you include the whole magilla, the prices are comparible.
December 5, 2008 at 3:07 pm
Betty and Mum26,
Patrick was very clear that this post is for boys only. Your flouting of the rules shows disregard for CMR, Holy Mother the Church, and liturgical puppetry everywhere. And we won’t stand for it!
December 5, 2008 at 3:20 pm
As far as I’m concerned, that’s why Necco Wafers are made! We eat all the other colors but white, and then play Mass with the white ones!
December 5, 2008 at 3:51 pm
A perfect gift for the next woman who gets “ordained” in the middle of the Mississippi river. She can play priest just like the it was real.
December 5, 2008 at 9:57 pm
Ugh, not Necco Wafers! Let the kid actually have something edible for the faux hosts. Neccos are faux food.
December 5, 2008 at 10:12 pm
“Neccos are faux food.”
They were the substitute of choice for generations of young boys who “played priest.” Get over it.
December 5, 2008 at 10:22 pm
As a New Englander, I staunchly defend the little wafers made by the New England Confectionery Company as perfectly suitable. They may not be the tastiest candy in the store, but they are edible.
December 6, 2008 at 12:36 am
Oh, yeah – maybe I should mention that my brother the deacon from our play masses is in seminary now.