How do you deal with the presence of a restless child at Mass?

Puebla, Mexico, October 19, 2024 / 07:00 am

It is common for families to attend Saturday vigil or Sunday Mass with their young children, which can sometimes result in interruptions from children crying or playing. Two Catholic priests have some advice aimed at improving the experience for both parents and other Mass attendees.

Father Vicente Eliamar Vega, priest of the Diocese of Saltillo in the Mexican state of Coahuila, began by saying that it is important to accustom children to fulfill the obligation to attend Mass weekly and on Holy Days of Obligation “for the glory of God and the salvation of them Souls.”

Vega urged families to maintain this practice and bring their children to church because “in this way we will extend the legacy of the faith.”

Father José Juan Montalvo – known on social media as Father Borre – founder of the online service for the Archdiocese of Monterrey in the state of Nuevo León, called for patience and urged people to remember that noise and behavior of children are for their age and age, of course, are that “this is what the hope and future of our church sounds like.”

Advice for parents

Montalvo said he often encourages parents to look for a community that has special celebrations for children.

However, regardless of whether this type of Mass is offered or not, according to the priest, it is important that parents accompany their children and that they “do not just experience the Mass as children, but educate them gradually”.

He suggested teaching them something new every time they go to Mass, such as explaining the moment of consecration, the readings, or the time to pray or stand. This allows parents to be “catechists” for their children “during Mass.”

He also suggested that parents look for resources “on dynamics or tasks.” He recommended using a “checklist” of elements of the celebration to maintain attention. For example, you can recognize simple elements like a cup or remember which apostle gave the day’s gospel.

Montalvo pointed out that such lists or activities can be found on the Internet so that children can be taught “little by little” “how to live the Mass, but with a lot of patience, with a lot of pedagogy.”

Advice for Priests

Vega stressed the importance of “forging the heart in love for Sunday Mass” and pointed out that priests play a fundamental role in this regard.

He suggested that the priest himself or one of his assistants could “directly attract the child’s attention” through charity.

“It has a more intense effect than if the father or mother did it,” he explained.

Although this measure may provoke some reactions, Vega noted that “it should not cause a scandal” since “Christian education is firm in principle and gentle in manner,” which makes it possible to maintain firmness without offending anyone.

Does Mass count if I look after my children?

(Story continues below)

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The Code of Canon Law states that believers are “obliged to participate in the Eucharist on holy days of obligation.” However, it is noted that people who “have a serious reason (e.g. illness or the care of small children) or are dispensated by their own priest” are excluded from attending.

Anyone who “willfully fails to fulfill this obligation commits a grave sin,” says the Catechism of the Catholic Church in No. 2181.

Pope Francis has also addressed the issue. During a sermon at the Vatican in 2020, as he baptized 32 babies, he told parents, “Don’t be afraid, let the children cry.” However, if your child is crying or complaining, it may be because he is too warm; take something from him; or because he is hungry, feel free to nurse him here.”

Vega explained, “Mass counts as much as me coming in and out to calm my restless child.” However, he recommended that “the child learns to be present at Mass.”

The priest explained that in the event that the father or mother has to leave the church – for example, to go to the atrium – they must “remain connected in their hearts to the divine service offered at the altar.”

What should not be done in this case, he said, is to use this time for distractions such as cell phones, but rather to “stay united, but on this side of the wall,” thus fulfilling the Sunday or holiday requirement to be observed .

This story was published for the first time from ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner. It was translated and adapted by CNA.