Excerpts From the Manual of the
Eucharistic Crusade of the Apostleship of Prayer

Educating the Youth to Live the Mass

(slightly edited by Fr. Boulet)

5. FERVOR.

            The Norms finally urge that children receive the Blessed Sacrament" as fervently as possible." For it is not sufficient that they go to Communion frequently. They should receive Communion more and more worthily, and thus grow in fervour and gain more benefit from this sacrament. This daily increase in the fervour of Holy Communion is one of the chief aims of the Crusade. What has been said above about the frequency of Communion applies in part to this increase in fervour. But a few more ideas may be added.

                Increase in fervour is not something merely natural, dependent on the observance of certain psychological laws. It is first and foremost a result of grace which allows for and indeed demands the cooperation of both child and teacher.

a) Cooperation of the Teacher.

                This cooperation is twofold, communal and personal.  Communal cooperation is that which is given to all the children together in the instructions, admonitions, suggestions, etc., about which we have spoken above. The influence exercised in this way is objective and creates the state of affairs in which grace can freely and quickly act in the hearts of children.

b) Cooperation 'on the part of the children.

                If fervour is to increase, the children must cooperate with grace. Remind them often, therefore, that they must go to Communion with a sincere intention of loving Jesus more and more and of growing in virtue. Also explain the difference between mere sensible fervour and real fervour. This distinction need not be fully explained to the very young ones but only to those who are older. But even with the little ones stress should be laid on a good intention. What God wants is the deed and not just words and nice-sounding resolutions. He wants you to be good, not just to feel good.

                Stress again should be placed on sincerity and purity of intention with respect to God. Men can be deceived by our words, but God sees the heart. Therefore only what comes from a pure and sincere heart has value with God. Education which strives after sincerity towards God and oneself generally is of great import­ance and leads to mental health.

                Finally fervour can be increased by the performance of apostolic works and sacrifices. These in turn increase fervour for the service of God, and this greater fervour draws children to the Holy Eucharist. There, in intimate union with Christ, they will find both a reward and a new impulse to work in the apostolate and to make progress in virtue. So for this motive also the children should be frequently urged to live their Morning Offering since the chief sacrifices and apostolic works which they can and ought to undertake are contained in this offering.