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We've all experienced those moments when our kids are crying, antagonizing each other, crawling under the pews, or yelling "no" at the top of their lungs during the consecration.
While getting through Mass without any distractions from our children is nearly impossible, it's important to remember that children are a blessing and they belong in the presence of the Lord as Jesus reminds us in Matthew 19:14; “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”While it's tempting to leave the littles at home while parents attend separate masses, we'd like to suggest a different way - creating a dedicated Mass Bag.
What is a Mass Bag? It's a special bag for toddlers that you bring to Mass to help them quietly stay engaged and follow along with the liturgy. You can create one yourself at home using any tote bag you already have. Simply fill it with coloring pages, quiet books, or any other quiet activities. It's worth noting here that older children should be capable of sitting through an hour Mass without the use of a Mass bag, however, if attending church is new to you and your family, a Mass bag that contains items such as a children's missal and a print out of the readings can be helpful.
Before going any further, let's talk about what NOT to put in your bag - any toys that make noise! Think reverence - not just for your family, but for those in the pews around you as well. Do not include things like books that have buttons that trigger a sound, matchbox or hot wheels cars, or anything that can potentially distract you and those surrounding your family from fully entering into the Mass. Food should stay at home as well (except for baby bottles, of course). Wrappers are noisy, and things like raisins and fruit snacks easily stick to the carpet or land in a sibling's nose or ear. Remember, our goal is to keep the focus of Mass on Jesus fully present as much as is humanly possible - tantrums aside.Now to the fun part; filling your Mass bag. In recent years there have been some beautiful new Catholic resources that we think you'll love, and are highlighted in the list below; such as silicone rosaries and teethers, Mass books, coloring pages, and even a stuffed Mary doll. Perhaps there are things that you already have at home that your children do not frequently use that would be appropriate for Mass. While the possibilities are endless, it's important to remember that your bag should only be used during Mass so they have something to look forward to on Sunday.
Another way to help ease some of the stress of Sunday morning is preparing on Saturday night. Things like bathing, picking out special Sunday clothes, and listening to the readings help kids understand that going to Mass is important. Holy Heroes produces a weekly child-friendly video on the Sunday readings, along with a coloring page and Mass Prep quiz that can be downloaded and printed. Your children are sure to get excited when they recognize readings in Mass that they learned about at home.
Getting through Mass with children will never be perfect, whether you have a Mass bag or not, but the fruit that your family will reap as a result of your efforts is priceless. Our prayer for your family is that, together, you may all be more engaged so you can get the most out of your time with Jesus at Mass.
Note: There are far more resources than we can provide in a short post. For additional resources head to websites like Magnificat, Catholic Company, Tan Books, Wee Believers, and JMJ's Catholic Gifts and Bookstore.
Kids Rosaries and Teethers
by Chews Life
Do you have teething babies or toddlers? Chews Life offers silicone baby rosaries, teethers, bracelets, etc. Their website also offers free printable coloring pages.
Mysteries of the RosaryBoard Book set
by Catholic SproutsThese little gems are great for Mass or just teaching kids about the rosary. Consider combining these books with a rosary from Chews Life so children may follow the rosary beads as they turn the pages of their book.
Adoration Coloring Bookby Catholic SproutsThis book was created for children to either use while in eucharistic Adoration, or to use as they prepare to attend Adoration. But it's also a good addition to your Mass bag.
My First Catholic Mass BookAvailable at Amazon.comA simplified guide to the Catholic Mass that your child ages 3-7 can bring to church every week. It is unlike any other Mass book on the market (description fr0m publisher)!
I'm Going to Mass: A Lift-The-Flap Book for children ages 2-5.Available from Amazon.comHere is a book that will help young children join in the celebration of the Mass! Little hands will enjoy lifting the flaps to discover what happens next, whether it is singing with the choir or shaking hands at the Sign of Peace. At home or at Mass, I'm Going to Mass will engage toddlers and preschoolers with its colorful illustrations and simple language. For ages 2 to 5 (description from publisher).
Celebrating Mass (St. Joseph Board Books)
Available from Amazon.com
Celebrating Mass by popular Catholic Book Publishing author Rev. Thomas J. Donaghy is a short board book to introduce young children to the Mass. The tabs help children pick out elements in each of the spreads, making reading this book an interactive experience. Celebrating Mass contains bright, vibrant, and contemporary illustrations that will make this book an enjoyable learning experience for young Catholic children. Due to popular demand, this board book is now also available in Spanish (description from publisher).
Mother Mary Stuffed DollHuggable and plush, this stuffed Mary doll brings the stories of the Bible to life for toddlers and young children.
32 Courageous Catholic Saints Coloring BookEach of the 32 saints in the coloring book features a concise, kid-friendly biography. The short stories tell the life of the saint, the challenges they overcame, and how they followed God’s call.
My Bible Quiet Book
My Bible Quiet Book by My Growing Season is a beautifully detailed, handmade cloth book. The ideal platform to teach your child stories from the Bible in an interactive and age appropriate manner. My Bible Quiet Book showcases stories such as Noah, Moses, Joseph, and teachings of Jesus--while teaching snapping, buttoning, zipping, weaving, spatial relations, and more. This ten page cloth activity book is sure to be a favorite in your home. Approximate dimensions: 8 1/2" high and 7 1/2" wide (excluding handles).
