Parlez-vous Francais? Sprechen Sie Deutsch?
One of the most beautiful things about our Catholic faith is the fact that it is universal. Around the world the Catholic Church has over 1 billion members of various races and cultures, yet we are united in one faith. We hear the same Mass readings and proclaim the same prayers and receive the same Eucharist here in Chittenango as in Italy (and South America, Australia, Asia, etc.) every day of the year! We are united, one family in faith.
Prior to Vatican II, all around the world, the Mass was celebrated in the language of the Church- Latin. Now days most people attend Masses celebrated in their native tongue, but we do still have the option of celebrating Mass in Latin. Is English the only language spoken in your family? Was the native tongue of your immigrant ancestors taught to you? In my family, my grandparents were not taught German by their parents- my great-grandparents kept it as their "secret language" so they could have conversations without their kids knowing what was being said! Why not try and teach your children a few basic Catholic prayers in the language of your ancestors?
We do have Masses in the Diocese that are celebrated in Latin and other foreign languages- visit the Diocese's website to find a parish that offers one. Keeping the Lord's Day holy involves more than attending Mass (although that is the essential part!); so if you plan to attend a Spanish language Mass, for example-have your kids help you plan a special menu (and help with the cooking) with food from Spain or Latin America. And say grace in Spanish!
Below are some YouTube videos with Catholic Prayers- you can of course search YouTube to find these prayers in other languages as well.
Prior to Vatican II, all around the world, the Mass was celebrated in the language of the Church- Latin. Now days most people attend Masses celebrated in their native tongue, but we do still have the option of celebrating Mass in Latin. Is English the only language spoken in your family? Was the native tongue of your immigrant ancestors taught to you? In my family, my grandparents were not taught German by their parents- my great-grandparents kept it as their "secret language" so they could have conversations without their kids knowing what was being said! Why not try and teach your children a few basic Catholic prayers in the language of your ancestors?
We do have Masses in the Diocese that are celebrated in Latin and other foreign languages- visit the Diocese's website to find a parish that offers one. Keeping the Lord's Day holy involves more than attending Mass (although that is the essential part!); so if you plan to attend a Spanish language Mass, for example-have your kids help you plan a special menu (and help with the cooking) with food from Spain or Latin America. And say grace in Spanish!
Below are some YouTube videos with Catholic Prayers- you can of course search YouTube to find these prayers in other languages as well.
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