This document, like the ones already described, is not new. It was published in 1973 by the Congregation for Divine Worship in Rome. It contains the fundamental principles for the celebration of the Eucharist with children. The Directory speaks repeatedly about adapting the liturgical rites to the age, ability, and capacities of the child, always with a view to the full, conscious, and active participation of all the children. Many of its principles apply equally well to adults gathered to celebrate the liturgy.
Pastoral experience shows that children are often subjected to poor liturgical experiences.
Perhaps the reason is that we assume children are less affected by poor liturgy. It is also a fact that children will be less demanding than adults when it comes to quality and appropriateness. The problem with foisting poor liturgy upon children is that it conditions our future adults to expect mediocrity and, even more alarming, to be content with mediocrity in liturgical celebration. Some other documents are important reading for ministries that have a particular focus. ML Rev. Jan R. Larson is pastor of Our Lady of Sorros parish in Snoqualmie, WA, and is a liturgy consultant for the Archdiocese of Seattle.