I think you readers can help with this one.
Dear Father Zuhlsdorf,
I am a cradle Catholic with three children, we have a family rule that on the way home from Mass the children can ask me questions about the mass itself, the readings, homily etc rather than asking during the mass when we should be paying attention and worshipping. However as they get older the questions they ask me are more involved and regard the symbolism used and other more theological questions. Some of these I can answer easily, and others stump me. This makes me want to learn more both for myself and for them. I strongly believe my vocation as their mother is to teach them in their faith.
I went to my local Catholic book store but they did not have the type of book I was looking for so I am wondering if you can recommend to me a good book that teaches about the Mass and why we use the symbols and so on that we do. Our Parish Priest and Deacon are very happy to answer questions, but I would like to be able to learn more about this and answer my children’s questions when they arise on the way home from Mass rather than making them wait to as Father the next week.
That’s a nice practice, getting the kids to ask about Mass and the preaching. That would help them pay attention. Well done!
And now you are up against a wall.
I think there could be different sets of reading material divided in a couple ways.
First, things for you or for your children… we don’t know their ages.
Second, things about the older form of Mass or about the Novus Ordo… we don’t know which you attend.
So, folks, how about chiming in with suggestions for these possible permutations!
