All the quasi-theological platitudes given for the suppression of traditional liturgy ignore the real harm done to the faith of children when you surround them with unserious liturgy.
By Rebecca Hopersberger
Crisis Magazine
January 21, 2026
Teaching is a difficult and generally thankless job. Yet, our society could not function without those who answer the call to this work. From the loving guidance of parents to the necessary correction of a confessor, growth is only possible because of those God has put before us as guides.
In a way, we are all teachers, endlessly instructing those around us by our actions. We conform to the norms around us to such a fantastic degree that to stand in opposition is to stand out. There are no instructions in an elevator that say we must stand facing the doors, and yet we all do.
This week, Diana Montagna shared a document on liturgy authored by Cardinal Roche in preparation for the Extraordinary Consistory. This document is a strong defense of Traditionis Custodes. It restates the reasoning behind the reformation of the liturgy in the wake of Vatican II, reminding us, once again, that liturgy has always changed and that what was done to the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass was what the times required. The problem, it says, is not the reformed Mass itself but the lack of catechesis accompanying it. If we can but just get that part right, all will be well.
What it fails to see-or willfully ignores-is something that every traditional Catholic who attends the Mass of Ages knows: The Mass is the catechesis.
Nearly all contemporary catechism programs, as well as Catholic schools, have embraced modern educational theory. In spite of the overwhelming failure of these practices-as evidenced by the state of public education-most parish programs and schools use these same methods for instruction. They teach from hollowed-out, colorful texts-texts so empty that they must be supplemented by an endless stream of crafts just to keep the students from running around the room.
Like public schools, these formation programs rely on attendance as a measure for success, with students only having a sacrament delayed if they miss too many classes. A not insignificant number of young people have received the Sacrament of Confirmation without knowing basic Catholic prayers, how to make a good confession, or that Mass is an obligation.
There are parishes where the Catechism program (Faith Formation, Religious Education, whatever they decided to rebrand it this week) is robust and well-run. There are devout adults volunteering in many classrooms. They pray with the children. They teach them that Jesus is in the tabernacle so we must genuflect when we are in front of it. They share how lucky we are to receive Holy Communion. They extoll the deep grace available to them in the Sacrament of Confession-Our Lord loves us so much that He gave us a way to receive help when we are sick from sin!
Yet, when these little ones leave the classroom, they walk into churches that paint a different picture. Their teacher has made them feel so privileged to receive the most precious gift in the world-Our Lord in Holy Communion-and they know they must be very careful when they approach to receive Him. Imagine their confusion when they witness the spectacle present in most parishes, where so many receive in a manner that objectively lacks reverence. They witness elderly women in jeans and sweaters touch Our Lord; passing Him out with a big smile and a wink if they happen to recognize you. No teaching method or shiny textbook can compete against this real-life teaching.
The structure of a classroom teaches as much as the words found in a book. Every student knows an unserious teacher when they encounter one. They know that if a rule isn't enforced, it isn't really a rule-that if a teacher says they respect the principal but then slams the door in his face, the words are empty.
We have to stop pretending that the actions during the liturgy aren't the strongest catechesis there is. The smallest child can tell something is different between prayers at the foot of the altar and a Confiteor spoken in unison while the priest is facing them. The words may be similar, but they teach something quite different.
There is an additional point worth mentioning about the current liturgical situation and its similarity to the world of education: the worst teachers are tyrannical. They repeat the same thing over and over again, growing increasingly harsh with the students if they don't appear to understand. They tell them that they aren't trying hard enough. When the class next door is learning the same lesson easily, the tyrannical teacher doesn't step next door to see what that teacher did to achieve the result; they go to the principal and insist that the other teacher be stopped from teaching differently. Then they smile and talk about the beauty of unity.
Let us pray that the Holy Spirit will restore the magisterium with faithful, compassionate, honest teachers.
This article was originally published Crisis Magazine.