At Saint Patrick Catholic Church, we celebrate children.
To the parents of our young children,
- Relax! God put the wiggle in children; don’t feel you must suppress it in God’s house. All are welcome!
- Do prepare your child ahead of time by modeling joy at the opportunity to worship God in this community.
- Sit toward the front, where it is easier to see and hear.
- Quietly explain the parts of the Mass.
- Sing the hymns loudly, pray, and voice the responses with enthusiasm. Children learn liturgical behavior by copying you.
- If your child becomes particularly disruptive, feel free to leave Mass, but please come back. As Jesus said: “Let the children come to me.”
- Trust the environment of the Mass and our community to form your child over time.
- Please do not bring food or drink into the church unless medically indicated. Also, please do not bring electronic games into the church.
To the members of the parish,
- Remember that how we welcome children in the church directly affects their responses to the church, God, and one another.
- Let them know they are loved and appreciated in this house of worship. A smile of encouragement is always welcome to parents with small, active children.
- The presence of children is a gift to the church! They are members of our community and a reminder that our parish is growing.
