…Parents should initiate their children at an early age into the mysteries of the faith of which they are the “first heralds” for their children. They should associate them from the tenderest years with the life of the church…

 – Catechism of the Catholic Church #2225

Suggestions for Parents

Here are some suggestions for parents who bring their children to church:

Infants and Preschoolers

• Be prepared: Make sure you have everything you need, such as bottles, pacifiers, baby wipes, a favorite blanket or stuffed animal, or a small book about God.  Keep oversized or noisy toys, crayons, and messy foods at home.  Changing tables are available in all the restrooms.
• Babysitting: Children ages 1–4 can attend babysitting in the Nursery during 9:45 am Mass. If you use this service frequently, please consider volunteering to help.  Sign-ups for volunteers are on the nursery door.
• Cry Room: The narthex (gathering space) was not designed as a cry room; however it is a place where you may take your young child if the child is not feeling well or upset during Mass.  Please return to Mass as soon as he or she is quieted.
• Sit up front: Small children love to see what is happening.  When children sit up front and they can see what is going on, they are much better behaved.
• Preschool: We provide and encourage parents to use our Sunday Morning Preschool program for their three-, four-, and five-year-old children during the school year.  They meet in the school building during 9:45 am Mass.  Registration forms are available online (Word) and in the parish office.
• Saying “Hi”: Toddlers love to say hello – introduce them to the priest after Mass.  Talk with any friends or people your toddler knows after Mass to give them a sense of familiarity.  Attending the same Mass each week helps your child become comfortable with their church community.
• Coffee and Doughnuts: Every first Sunday of the month, we serve coffee and doughnuts in the Church Undercroft as a way to socialize and get to know other St. Columban parishioners.  As Fr. Tensi puts it, “Bring food and they will come.” Please feel free to join us after the 8:00 am or 9:45 am Mass.

Older Children

• Children’s Liturgy: Each week, during 9:45 a.m. Mass, we provide the Children’s Liturgy of the Word for children.  We invite all children attending grades 1–5 to leave after the opening prayer and go to the Day Chapel, where they will participate in a Liturgy of the Word program specially prepared for children.  They will return to the liturgy at the Procession of the Gifts.
• The ride home: Discuss what happened at Mass and what was learned, or use the question in the back of the bulletin to talk to you child about Mass.  Compliment good behavior or let them know your expectations during Mass.  Help them develop a joyful appreciation of our liturgy and to grow into taking part with the rest of the assembly.  Teach them to be able and eager to listen for the unique message God may be giving them in word, song, or prayer.

Jesus said:

Let the children come to me, do not hinder them; for to such belongs the Kingdom of God.

 – Mark 10:14