Q: This Friday’s first reading is long, and the teachers have asked for an alternative. I noticed it’s the Feast of Bl. Pope Pius IX. He was Pontiff when our diocese was elevated. Could I offer for pastoral reasons Mass in honor of Bl. Pius IX with Common of Pastors given its Ordinary Time and there isn’t an obligatory Memorial or Feast…? Also, with readings from Common of Pastors?
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A: At a Mass with children, you have considerable freedom. See #43 here: https://adoremus.org/2007/12/directory-for-masses-with-children/
You may abbreviate Friday’s first reading, or you may replace it with another.
GIRM 355b permits the celebration of a Votive Mass of saints from the martyrology—and my understanding is that that does included Blesseds. So I believe you do have the option of going with Pius IX as you indicate.