For his birthday a few years ago we got him the Wee Believers Mass Kit. We also got him the priest that the same company makes for Christmas. He was so happy with these two toys. And he would mimic the real priest during the Mass with his mass kit and it was adorable. Then he got older . . .suddenly, the hosts became frisbees and the incense burner became a sling shot and so the Mass Kit stayed home. I was at a loss of what to do with this amazing toy. Then we went to St. Andrews in Silver Spring MD. At the back of the church was the Magnifikid. It still took me months to put two and two together!
So, we have a new family tradition! The night before(preferably) or the morning of we have a practice Mass in our living room! Complete with an alter(end table), a gifts table(a chair), a priest chair. We have a pretend Mass and a homily on Joshua's level. We explain the scripture readings and the big words in the Liturgy. Joshua loves it and he seems to do a lot better at Mass because he has heard it before and it has been explained to him. As a side benefit we have heard the readings already so that when Maria tries to break for the doors or starts screaming her little adorable red head off we feel prepared to celebrate the Eucharist still. Not to mention, watching my husband formulate and explain to Joshua the readings on Joshua's level is a beautiful thing and I realize he would have made such a great Priest but I thank God so much his vocation was to marry me! :-)
Will Joshua still have rough days at Mass, he sure will. But I feel as a family our hearts and minds come to the feet of the Lord so much more prepared to take Him in, in our ears, hearts, minds and our tummies. Thank you so much, Jesus!
