Children in the Sanctuary
In my parish, the first gift of Eucharist has been spread over a few weekends. My daughter happens to be scheduled to receive her First Holy Communion on the last weekend (May 15th). Today, I witnessed what I can expect this upcoming Saturday.
After communion, the children had a surprise for us (obviously prepared by the DRE). Before we were blessed and dismissed, the priests all came down from the sanctuary and joined the congregation. The children stepped up to the sanctuary and stood before the altar. They started to sing a "special" song they rehearsed for the occasion. Of course, the flash bulbs and video cameras were whirring throughout the congregation. I was appalled.
The question is, do I allow my daughter to participate in what I feel is a disrespect to the sacrament she has just received for the first time? Do I allow her to turn the attention from our Lord in the Most Blessed Sacrament to herself and her friends? However, if I do not allow her to participate, am I singling out my daughter and placing too heavy a burden on a little girl?
And last, if allowing the children to take over the sanctuary is wrong, then please direct me to the particular documents that say so. And I thank you for your answer in advance.
Robert
QUESTION from Robert on May 9, 2004
ANSWER by Mr. Jacob L. Slavek on May 16, 2004
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Dear Robert, Tough questions. I'm not sure what I would do, I'm not a parent. I would think that I would let my daughter participate with her class so as not to single her out, but I would let my voice be heard to the pastor before and after that I disapprove of the irreverence. Also I might talk it over with her later that night, and explain what I thought was happening and find out if she agrees with it or not. But I suppose other parents wouldn't allow their children to participate at all. Mr. Slavek |