It’s 10 AM on Sunday. Do you know where your children are? At Family Mass, the presiding priest calls the children to the front of the church. The group is led out the door by a catechist. But where do they go? What do they do? Let’s follow the children along to see what takes place “behind the scenes”

 

by Trish Mahalko

The children are led to the St. Anastasia gymnasium, on the same floor. One of the ushers takes a headcount, so the number of children in the group is known. The group usually ranges from 20 – 40 children. There is a makeshift altar set up. Each child takes a carpet square, and finds a seat. The rules are quickly reviewed. It is expected that the children will listen quietly to the Word of God; participate in the discussion of the readings; raise their hand when they have a question or comment; and sit still. The liturgy of the Word begins. The readings are proclaimed from the Children’s Lectionary, which is more “child-friendly”, but similar to the missalette and the structure of mass is followed. There are typically two readings, a responsorial psalm, and the gospel. The children stand for the gospel. After the gospel, the catechist engages the group in a child-friendly discussion of the liturgy. The Sadlier website (www.webelieveweb.com) is used for preparation of reflection and discussion questions. If time allows, the group is encouraged to participate in the Prayer of the Faithful. An usher provides a signal for the children to return to the congregation. The group lines up and five children are chosen to bring up the gifts. On the altar, it is expected that the children remain still as best they can, focus on the priest, and recite the prayers. After the Sign of Peace, the children return to their seats.

And there you have it! So, now youk now what happens behind the scenes at Family Mass, let’s meet the “who”. The program is organized by the Direc- tor of Religious Education, Ms. Janine Kramer. Currently, there are three catechists for the 10 AM mass: Ms. Debbie (Conticelli) Fiorillo, Mrs. Doris Iskaros, and Mrs. Trish Mahalko.

Ms. Debbie, as she prefers the children call her, has been a member of St. Anastasia’s parish for 42 years. She has three children: Matthew, Stephanie, and Jacqueline. She is a substitute teacher for the NYC Department of Education, and a nanny for two young boys. Debbie feels that religious education is very important for our children, and that St. A’s provides an excellent education. Debbie has been a catechist since her college days. In addition to the 10AM Family Mass, Debbie teaches the “one on one” group of children as well as the RCIA group of adults on Wednesday evening. Debbie’s ministry is very special to her, and she loves teaching children and adults about the Lord.

Mrs. Iskaros has been involved as a Catechist for the Children’s Liturgy since its inception. She and her family have been parishioners at St. A’s since 2002. She and her husband, Ralph, have three teenagers. Doris has devoted a large part of her life to religious education – as a CCD teacher and youth ministry leader. She is proud of the work she has done with the Module Youth Program, one of the longest running youth ministry programs in our diocese. She has just earned her Master’s Degree in General Education/ Special Education and works as a second grade teacher at P.S. 186 in Bellerose.

Trish Mahalko is the latest addition to the Family Mass catechists, as she has been volunteering since October 2008. She usually helps out at one mass per month. The children refer to her as Mrs. Mahalko or Ms. M. Trish is a teacher at PS 186 in Bellerose. She and her husband Tom have been parishionrs of St. Anastasia’s since 1998. They enjoy participating in parish ministries. They help facilitate the parish’s Inhome Pre-Cana program. They have two children, both of whom were bap- tized at St. A’s. Dylan is 10-years-old and is an altar server. Megan is 7-years -old and will make her first communion in May 2009. They attend St. A’s religious education program. Tom and Dylan are involved in the scouting program at St. Anastasia’s.

Thank you for taking the time to learn about the behind the scenes at the 10 AM Family Mass! Note to parents: in order for your child to receive the maximum benefit from the program it is recommended that your child be between the ages of 5 and 13 in order to participate. It is challenging for children younger than 5 to sit still for 20 or more minutes. Thank you for your cooperation. See you at Family Mass!