How to Sanctify Sundays - from the Principal's Desk

Remote Preparation

There are many things we could mention here, but we will limit ourselves to two:

In the first place, the father must cultivate in his children awe for his fatherhood, which is a share in the paternity of God (Ephesians).  This awe for the majesty of their father contributes perhaps more than anything else to the awe before God which children ought to experience at Mass. 

Second, help your children learn – outside of Mass – that there are times and places for silence and stillness.   A simple – though often not easy - way to do this is to teach children to be silent when adults are speaking.  This mark of respect and attention helps children know their place and to be still, which opens them to receive, which is so vitally important for participating at Mass.

Immediate preparation

Recently, I asked the boys in one of the classes I was teaching how many of them read their Missals at Mass.  Dutifully, all of them raised their hands.  I then asked: “how many of you read your Missal on Saturday night.”  No one stirred.  

If we do not spend any time reflecting on what we are about to do, how can we hope to receive deeply what Our Lord wishes to give?  As a result, it is a good practice to make a point on Saturdays (perhaps in the evening after Rosary or evening prayers) to discuss the Mass of the coming Sunday and its propers.  Direct the attention of your children to the prayers which will be offered and this will make it more likely that they will be follow the Missal attentively at Mass and be docile to the graces God will offer them.

Avoid all worldly entertainment & technology

One student commented to me recently that the “world is different now because of technology, and as a result how we behave and carry ourselves is different.”  I think he is right that we do tend to allow ourselves to be affected a great deal by modern technology, which tends to drive people apart into their private interests.  Furthermore, the spirit of the world has always been present, but modern technology and the forms of entertainment that it fosters (movies, music on demand, professional sports games, social media) is more pervasive than ever.  

It may be good to make a point of eliminating these sources of the spirit of the world entirely on the day dedicated to Our Lord.  It eliminates a serious rival to the good God for our attention.  Furthermore, they can be replaced with family recreations (hikes, games, concerts, long meals with real face to face conversation, etc.) that nurture the friendship of all the members of the family.

- Fr. Jonathon Loop is the Principal of Immaculate Conception Academy, Post Falls, ID