Sounds of Hope

The Mass I normally attend on Sundays is attended by many young families. During Mass, the chatter of babies is constant. Occasionally someone makes an escape down the aisle in the middle of the consecration. Most of the time, you have to listen carefully to even hear the Eucharistic Prayers over a baby crying. Yes, Sunday Mass can be a noisy, sometimes chaotic, experience.

It's awesome. 

Not the response you were expecting? Maybe it should be. If a baby is crying in church, it means their parents have brought them to Mass. It means they are being raised in the faith. Jesus has a another little soul, a tiny sheep in His flock. It is a sound of hope for a future Catholic Church. It is a sign of a  healthy parish that will continue to move into the future.

Yet, so many young families feel uncomfortable bringing their children to church. Some have had bead experiences with people giving them dirty looks or making negative comments. Others don't want to have to keep their child occupied. Many feel they aren't wanted.

To young families, you are not only needed, you are wanted. We want you to worship with us. Your children bring life to our Church and our Mass. They are our future Church, and the Church is their future guiding light to bring them to Christ. Please join us. We want you. Sit near the front so your children can see what's going on. Quietly explain the Mass to them. They get to see Jesus, present on the altar! That's exciting! Let it be that way.

To everyone else, be patient with young parents in your churches. Many of you once had small children yourselves. Don't send children away to special rooms. Church is a time for family, and a time to be family. Mass isn't about you, it's about Christ, and Christ said, "Let the children come to me." Let's create a place where they feel that they can come to Christ. They are our future Church. They are our future priests, brothers, and sisters. They will be the husbands, wives, mothers, and fathers who are the lay body of the Church and teach their own children in the Faith. They will be doctors, lawyers, lawmakers, and teachers who will turn to their Catholic Faith to guide their decisions. But first they must learn that faith. First, someone must welcome them and guide them in the faith. Who will that someone be? 

I love my noisy, young, healthy church. I pray that it says that way. I want it to stay that way.