Mass with Littles: What’s the Point?

As Catholic mothers, we have a great responsibility to raise our children in the faith and to help them grow closer to God. One of the most important ways we can do this is by taking them to Mass every Sunday, even when it seems pointless or difficult. 

Do you feel discouraged or frustrated by the challenging of bringing children to Mass?

Children's Unpredictable Behavior

Sometimes, we may feel discouraged or frustrated by our children’s behavior at Mass. They may be noisy, restless, bored, or rebellious. They may not understand what is going on, or they may not care. They may complain, whine, or ask to stay home. We may wonder if it is worth the hassle, the stress, or the embarrassment. We may think that they are not getting anything out of it, or that they are better off staying at home. 

But we should not give up or give in to these doubts. Taking our kids to Mass is not pointless; it is essential.

Four Reasons to Take Our Children to Mass: 

Taking our kids to Mass exposes them to the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.

Even if they do not receive communion, they are still in the same room with the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Christ. This is a powerful and unique experience that can touch their hearts and minds in ways we cannot imagine. When we say that the Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life, we don’t merely mean receiving communion, but the act of being in communion with one another, with the saints in heaven, and with Christ our priest, prophet, and king at the holy sacrifice of the Mass.  

Taking our kids to Mass teaches them the language and culture of the faith.

They hear the words of Scripture, the prayers of the Church, the songs of praise, and the homily of the priest. They see the symbols, the gestures, the colors, and the art. They learn the rhythm, the order, and the meaning of the liturgy. They become familiar with the saints, the seasons, and the sacraments. They absorb the rich and beautiful heritage of our Catholic faith. 

Taking our kids to Mass connects them to the community of believers.

They see that they are not alone in their faith, but that they belong to a large and diverse family of God. They encounter people of different ages, backgrounds, and walks of life, who share the same creed, the same worship, and the same mission. They witness the love, the joy, and the support that the Church offers to its members. They experience the unity and diversity of the Body of Christ. 

Taking our kids to Mass forms their character and conscience.

They learn to respect, to obey, to listen, and to participate. They learn to be attentive, to be reverent, to be grateful, and to be generous. They learn to pray, to praise, to repent, and to forgive. They learn to love God, to love their neighbor, and to love themselves. They learn the values, the virtues, and the vision of the Gospel. 

Mass is not a burden, but a blessing

These are just some of the benefits of taking our kids to Mass. Of course, we cannot expect them to appreciate or understand everything right away. It takes time, patience, and perseverance. It also takes our own example, our own enthusiasm, and our own faith. We need to show them that Mass is not a burden, but a blessing. We need to show them that Mass is not a duty, but a delight. We need to show them that Mass is not a chore, but a choice.  

We may not see the fruits of our efforts immediately, but we can trust that God is working in their lives, and that He will reward our faithfulness.  

So let us not be discouraged or deterred by the challenges of bringing our kids to Mass. Let us remember the words of Jesus:

“Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” (Matthew 19:14)

Let us bring them to Jesus and let Him do the rest.  

Please share your thoughts in the comment box below. What tips do you have for helping your children find the blessing of attending Mass?