Growing up Catholic in the 60s and 70s, I attended parochial grammar and high schools. Prayer was required at various times, particularly on First Fridays of the month when we were dragged to mass. It was nice having classes shortened despite the tradeoff being less than invigorating. Prayers in mass were recited by the congregation in concert with the Priest or in response to the Priest acting as intercessory between the commoner and the almighty. The recitation was all rote, a mindless...
