5 Ways I Involve My Children in Mass
If you’re a church goer and have kids, you’ve probably been there… Wrangling the toddler trying to escape the pew while trying to keep the baby quiet. You can’t get anything out of the service let alone trying to get the kids involved. These tips and tricks are what I have found to help keep my kids settled during the Catholic Mass and actually start to involve my children in the Mass.
1) Play Eye Spy
Okay, so this one kind of takes your attention off the liturgy, but it does bring your children’s attention to their surroundings. We have such beautiful statues and windows in our church, when we play Eye Spy, they get to appreciate it all and ask questions about the Stations of the Cross and the saints they see. I will say something like find someone wearing red, and they will point to the window of Saint Pop John Paul II or one of the gospel writers. It is something easy to do that requires no prep work or special items. As Mia has been learning more of the vocabulary of the Mass, I will ask her to spy the chalice or the tabernacle.
2) Count the Bells
In the Catholic Mass, the bells ring three times during the consecration. This also just so happens to be about the time the kids have all but lost interest. The bells signify something important and the kids instantly become aware. I help them count the number of times the bells ring. It is also a great way to learn to count to three for those younger ones!
3) Coloring Books
Frankly there are times you just want the kids distracted and quite so you can listen. That’s when I break out the coloring books. Specifically bible themed bring the Bible stories to life, but sometimes, I just grab what’s closest. Sometimes we get lucky and the Bible story they are coloring is one of the readings for the day and we can have that conversation. Next on my purchase list is this Catholic Activities Bundle from Just Love Prints. The digital download looks like its full of great Catholic activities for kids and part of it can tie into the Mass.
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4) Sit Near the Front
This may seem a little backwards. I mean, why would I want my noisy, distracted child near the front of the church where everyone can see and hear them? Because, when they are up front, they can see that there is something going on. They aren’t just surrounded by walls of people way bigger than they are. If I can involve my children in the Mass, they are less likely to be a distraction. When my child can see the Priest, I will whisper little explanations on what is happening during the Liturgy of the Eucharist. “The priest is washing his hands to remove his sins.” “The bread is the Body of Christ.” I figure the worst case scenario is I have to slip out the side door, or walk past everyone else to the back if my child becomes too discontent.
5) Bring Books
Some children prefer coloring while others prefer books. Mine depend on the day. I just don’t bring both at the same time, else I guarantee colors would end up in the story books. We have been gifted many children’s bible stories and Christian books. Bringing them to Mass some days can be a distraction for the kids, or even a short conversation starter. Mia likes My Picture Missal because she can match up what the priest is doing with the photos in the book.
Saint books and children’s bibles are other good options. The saint book below was my favorite as a kid! I also don’t feel too bad if I whisper read them during the homily if necessary.
Attend More Often
While these activities are all in my arsenal to involve my children in Mass, they aren’t aways the magic fix. It is also important to make sure the kids are well rested and fed before heading out the door. I have also found behavior is better the more they go. Yes! Take them to church more often! Last summer our schedule allowed us to go to mass during the weekdays and we would try to go once a week before I took them to daycare. The Mass was shorter and they attended more often so they began to follow the routine of the mass. Maybe this summer we will be able to add in a few more weekday Masses.
What are your tried and true tricks for keeping children involved in the Mass, or at least reasonably quiet during your church services? Leave a comment below! Also, if you have a few seconds, please share this post on Pinterest or your favorite social media site. Thank You!
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