G (the 5 and a half year old) and I just had the following conversation:
G: Oh good, we get to go to the later service today…
Me: Why’s that good?
G: Because it’s later—we get to sleep in more!
Me: So, what are the differences between the early and late services?
G: Well, the later service starts later.
Me: Is that the only difference?
G (thinking): Well—the early service is shorter and the later one is longer.
Me: Is there any difference in, oh say, the language between the two?
G: …No.
The earlier service is our Rite I without music; the later service is the Rite II with music. I find this fascinating. My pre-school/early school-aged children see no distinction between Rites I & II, or at least can’t come up with it at the Sunday morning breakfast table.
Hmmm…