Flying snacks. Crawling over the kneeler and into the next pew. Running for the votive candles. Wailing during a silent Mass.
Yep, those are all things my kids have done at Mass. But between wanting to slink mortified out of church and actually getting to the door (because, after all, I have three kids three and under and we don’t move fast), here’s what my parish priest told me:
“It’s so pleasing to Our Lord to bring little ones to Him at Mass.”
So today, on World Priest Day, I’m reflecting on his encouragement and giving thanks for three fruits of taking my kids to Mass consistently.
1. My kids are plugged into parish life.
After three years there, I still didn’t feel like my parish was my parish until I started taking my toddler and newborn to daily Mass. We’ve met so many people. The ladies say my kids are a gift to them, and even Father once helped us clean up spilled Cheerios after Mass. A friend we’ve made often sits with us. Plus, daily Mass helps little ones build up their Mass-going stamina, especially for those longer Sunday Masses when there's a donut waiting afterward!
2. It’s sinking in, even when you don’t think they’re paying attention.
Even if you think they’re too busy making noise to hear anything from the altar, they’re not. Your kids are learning the rhythm of the liturgy, even at a young age. When they pause and peek over the railing of the pew, they’re filling their eyes with beauty.
How do I know? My kids make up words to “sing” along with the hymns. They’ll repeat phrases from the Gospel. They’ll ask me things like, “What is he doing with the chalice?” Each touchpoint is an opportunity for a simple, whispered explanation about what’s happening in the liturgy.
3. It captures their imagination and becomes part of their world.
What they experience at Mass has found its way into their playtime. I’ve watched my son elevate the lid to a bubble bottle and “consecrate” it. There are even disagreements over who gets to be Father and celebrate Mass. The Alleluia is sung frequently (and loudly) by my 2-year-old, who can barely pronounce the word, while standing on top of living room furniture. One morning at breakfast, my oldest busted out the Confiteor, saying, “through my fault, through my fault…”
These fruits tell me seeds are being planted. They’re taking root in mysterious ways, intertwined with the wonder of their childhood imaginations. My children will never know a time without the Mass.
In fact, many priests say playing Mass as children was formative to their vocation! That probably all started when their parents took them to Mass.
So don’t give up! If you need a little practical help, here are some of my favorites for keeping little voices quiet during Mass and hearts engaged at home. I have my eye on these brand-new chasubles for Christmas, and the others are tried-and-true favorites we love.
Help little ones grow in their love and understanding of the Mass with the Children's Wooden Mass Kit Playset. This hands-on playset gives children a fun way to explore the parts of the Mass through imaginative play at home. Discover it today at The Catholic Company!
