You can read my recent column at Inside Catholic on why I believe children – even the antsy toddlers and nursing babies – should be welcome at the Lord’s Table.
Storyteller & Speaker
You can read my recent column at Inside Catholic on why I believe children – even the antsy toddlers and nursing babies – should be welcome at the Lord’s Table.
It's funny that you posted this…we had a not-so-pleasant experience in Mass this past Sunday while we were visiting a church.
Our home parish is extremely supportive of young children in Mass (thankfully). We are one of many families who bring the little ones in. This past week we were vacationing in another state. My entire family (brother, SIL, 3 yr old nephew, 6 mo old nephew, my parents, and my family) went to Mass Sunday morning, taking up 2 pews. The woman next to me not only stared the entire time, but she kept "tisking" to her companion while my 3 yr old son actually behaved better than he ever has before during Mass. It made me realize how lucky we are to have such a supportive parish of big families who want to share their faith with their children.
My parish is generally tolerant of children, but every once in a while a bad experience happens when people start to get upset by the wrigglings of my squirmy little 15 month old. This is a fantastic article. Is there any way I might be able to submit excerpts or a summary of it to my parish bulletin?
Kate, excellent piece. As a parish liturgist, I agree 100%. Bring your kids to my church. Bring 'em all.
Going to church from the earliest time they can remember is great for kids. It becomes part of the pattern of life, like eating and sleeping.
My own daughter, just turned 13, didn't roll a single eye when a visit to a cathedral was part of last week's mini-vacation. We whispered about the comparison with other churches she's known, studied the Latin inscriptions, mused on altar server procedure.
The kids I see misbehaving in church tend not to be the regulars. I don't think an hour of (mostly) quiet time is too much to expect. Young children are actually quite good at reflection, hushed thoughtfulness, and paying attention. And if that hour is punctuated by an occasional blurt, that's not an unmanageable thing.
Wow Kate,
I was just talking to my mom about this exact issue today. Wonderfully written and thank you as I hope this touches many.
Our church is pretty good at the 10:30 Mass, which I like to call the FAMILY Mass, the others I feel awkward and weird with my little children, who do for the most part behave very well.
I also wanted to tell you that you are an inspiration and the Lord speaks wonders through you. Because of you I will not be leaving to nurse my new baby (in August) unless I absolutely have to and you have given me the courage to do so.
God Bless,
Andrea