November is a special time; besides the excitement of being not long before Christmas, it is a special time for Catholics to remember the dead. This is when we are really aware of what it means to be a part of a communion of saints.
All Saints Day – 1st November and All Souls Day 2nd November – we understand the link. All Saints – we ask them to look after us, and All Souls – we pray for them that they enjoy rewards of eternal life.
On All Saints Day this year, the whole school came to Mass to honour our saints. On All Souls Day the children could come to Mass with their family. Some children decided that they would like to go as some of them had lost a parent or someone very close. They discussed their reasons with their teachers.
When the children are so young maybe we underestimate the grief, pain, sorrow and loss that they can experience. But they do! I will share with you some of the thoughts the children had after the Mass.
A teacher had a de-briefing session, which showed great sensitivity and compassion because the children needed that opportunity. Surprisingly, they said it was one of the best Masses they had been to! Their following comments would explain why.
The kids said:
- it felt personal
- we were able to think of loved ones
- We were able to pray
- We were able to cry and know it was OK
- It was the nicest Mass
The children who attend Mass wanted to be there, they had a reason. They were there for each other and to offer support to their friends. This support had a deep ‘flow-on’ effect when they went back to school. One student made the sensitive comment that there was great respect for everyone. And, they were happy that they had spent such a special time in the Church.We make comments about what the Mass means to our young ones and whether they will pray for the dead in the future. But moments and experiences like these will resonate with them for the rest of their lives.
How special was that day! I thank the teacher for being so attuned to the spirit and the Spirit in those children.
We only need to give the Spirit the opportunity and great things can happen. A blessed moment.
Fr. Michael
