Children and Holy Mass.

At St. Joseph and Mt. D’or we believe it is important for children to attend Holy Mass. We also believe it is important for them to understand and participate fully at Holy Mass. We facilitate greater understanding of and participation in the Liturgy of the Word by taking the children and teenagers to a separate place during weekend mass. A team of Catechists helps them to reflect on the scripture of the weekend in a manner suitable to their age. The group then returns at the offertory of the Mass.

Here are some other things you can do to help children appreciate weekend Mass more fully:  

• Never “split”. Families should attend mass together.
• Eat before you come so hunger won't be a problem. It is helpful to remember we should not eat one hour before Holy Communion and we ought not eat in church. If you must, bring a light, sugarless snack for toddlers. Be sure to pick up the scraps before you leave.
• Dress up for Church. Children know that you always dress up when you go to something important.
• Go to the bathroom break before you come to church.
• Arrive early. It is distracting to others and unsettling for children to come to Mass late. Early arrival means you will be calmer and more focused.   
• Try to sit where your child can see what is going on. When they see, they can become interested; when they can't, they become bored.
• Teach children church etiquette: genuflect as you enter the pew, maintain an appropriate silence, avoid playing, stand and kneel when required.
• If you want your children to behave at Mass, you must behave.
• If your child becomes anxious or tired, get up and go outside. Some fresh air or ‘run around’ space might be all that is needed.
• Give your child a prayer book from which he/she can follow the Mass.
• Encourage your child to get involved.
• Encourage your child to meet others after Mass. Socializing is important.