Q: I hope this correspondence finds you well. All is going smoothly here.  I continue to serve as lead catechist for OCIA at my parish. I will soon introduce our group to the Mass, typically conducted across three 1½-hour sessions. My aim is to ensure participants gain a thorough understanding of both what we do each Sunday and the rationale behind it.

During our sessions, I highlight the Jewish antecedents of the Mass for several reasons. Primarily, I wish to counter any misconceptions that the Mass originated in the Medieval period. It is important for participants to recognize its roots in Jewish synagogue worship and its continuity with the practices of Jesus, his disciples, and the early Church. Additionally, I address key concepts including the priest acting *in Persona Christi Capitis*, *zikaron*/*anamnesis*, and the Jewish concept of time, and examine their relationship to worship among First Century Jewish converts.

Beyond sharing factual information, I strive to facilitate an experiential understanding. I believe this can be achieved by arranging a private Mass with our pastor, incorporating narration to emphasize relevant concepts—a “Mass-in-slow-motion” approach.

I am convinced that the principles I intend to highlight are as pertinent today as they were two millennia ago. By equipping participants with both intellectual context and practical experience, I hope to enrich the meaning of the Mass they will celebrate throughout their lives.

I am uncertain to what extent my pastor and other priests appreciate the benefits of this approach; some have expressed concern that such a Mass might be perceived as a performance. However, my intention is solely to provide clarity about the liturgy. This methodology is somewhat analogous to offering signed interpretation for deaf parishioners, enhancing their understanding during the celebration of the Mass.

I welcome your perspective on this plan. Please let me know if any aspect is unclear, and I value any insights or experiences you may wish to share.  Until then I remain…

In His Name,

==

A: Here’s a previous post: https://paulturner.org/teaching-mass/

There are priests and bishops who like the idea of catechesis throughout Mass, so you’re not alone, but I stand by my opinion that the arc of the Mass should not be unduly disturbed, whether by lengthy music, homilies or catechesis. 

GIRM 31 builds into the Mass four places where commentary may be given. I think the best solution is to show your group a video of a previous Mass from your parish, perhaps one that was livestreamed, and stop it at intervals to give the commentary. Then let the Mass be the Mass.