Kids at Mass

Let's shift our attention from our mounds of laundry to taking our family to Mass. I have spoken to many Moms over the years who express their worries about their kids being too loud or unruly at Mass. The parents get an unplanned work out when they are merely trying to participate at Mass and take in all of the graces. They're busy schlepping back and forth with their little ones for fear that they may disturb someone in the pews. Sometimes they are practically working up a sweat, worried that their children will let out a deafening wail at any given moment.

I think we should always be mindful of our children and their occasional outbursts and that if they are acting up, we should take them in the back for a time, when it's necessary. However, we shouldn't ever feel guilty for bringing our children to Mass. Their little voices are beautiful and refreshing. They receive many graces too. We can't expect them to sit perfectly still, but we can try to train them. It all takes time and patience.

We should strive to return the glares that we may receive from someone who is not particularly appreciating our presence at Mass with a smile that we muster up and we can whisper a prayer for them too. :) Let's not forget about the many happy moments too, when we'll receive a smile or glowing warm look of approval from others in the pews who catch a glimpse of our families sitting together. Or shall I say, trying to sit together? :) I think it's heart warming when someone in the parish family extends a hand of help to families with many children or after Mass offers a word of encouragement or appreciation to the family who is with us at Mass. We all make up the Body of Christ - all of us. And, I feel that includes the children especially! Jesus said, "Bring the children to Me..."

What are your experiences at Mass with your little ones? What are the challenges? The joys? What have you discovered to work best with the kids? Some like to bring their children close to the front of the church so they can see better while others are petrified to go so close because the scooting out with them when they squawk is a longer hike! Please share with us by way of a comment. We'd love to hear. Maybe a solution you have can help someone else. Maybe a problem you experience can be solved by another parent. Do share, please. We're all in this together and we need to help and encourage one another.

Kate Wicker wrote an article recently on the subject which you can read here. Take a look at the comments too.

I couldn't resist these photos, by the way! I hope they brought a smile to your face today. :)

God bless your Saturday!
hugs,
Donna-Marie