Q: On the day we have our school Mass next week the Gospel reading is kind of harsh for kids. I was wondering if we could only use part of it or maybe another one. I’ve looked in the Children’s Lectionary and can find no other options and there is no saint of the day readings. The Ordo also offers no other options.
Any guidance you could give would be very helpful – thanks.
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A: That’s a weekday in Ordinary Time, so you have lots of flexibility. You may substitute a completely different mass, such as one of the Votive Masses or a Mass for Various Needs and Occasions. The Fourth Volume of the lectionary gives you plenty of options. These can be paired with presidential prayers from the missal for the priest to use.
Similarly, from the children’s weekday lectionary, you may choose any selection for Ordinary Time.