Bringing Kids to Mass

I was raised by my parents to be God-fearing and encouraged to be a true Catholic. That means attending mass every Sunday. When we were kids, my sister and I tag along with them to their charismatic community. Every Sunday, we hear mass then participate in a gathering after that. Kids were invited to join the Children’s Formation, Young Adults for the teens and another group (I forgot what it was called) for college students. That will allow community member’s kids to mingle and build lasting friendships and at the same time instill spiritual learning. At that time, I felt we were forced by our parents to go with them. I didn’t wanna wake up early just to attend mass. And I didn’t wanna wear a dress. We were not allowed to wear jeans or shorts. By the time I was in college, I became inactive. My sister and I didn’t attend anymore with our parents (except during the community’s special occasions like Anniversary, Easter or Day of Dedication) . They were hurt because we disobeyed them even though they explained to us the importance and the help that a community like this can bring to a family.

Now that I am a parent, I now understand my parents. The last time Mark and I  went to mass regularly was after we got married. When I gave birth, it became seldom (more on special occasion only).  My parents always remind us that if Mark and I are not yet ready to join their community, what we could at least do is hear mass every Sunday. We wanted to , but laziness is always around the corner. But last August when I attended a baptismal seminar of one of my godchildren, there was a wake-up call again. Parents were reminded of our spiritual responsibility to our children. How can we raise and teach a child to be God-fearing and teach them good values if we as parents don’t even go to mass regularly? 

So just recently, I talked to Mark that we should start attending mass again and we should bring along Kelsea. And just like what I remembered from my childhood days, I also want Kelsea to wear a Sunday dress. It looks good pala. I should have listened to my mom (Moms Know Best!) Since last August, we already attend mass in St. Jerome (beside ATC). But sometimes, we were having problems with Kelsea’s behavior. Toddlers her age still have short attention span. At first, she behaves and observes but after 20 mins, she demands some things. Like sitting on the cushion for kneeling, walking in front of us, making faces with her daddy or insisting to get something (a toy, book, etc) from the car. It is very disturbing and sometimes we can’t concentrate. Then it will come to a point that we’ll tell her to behave but then she’ll start crying. At this early age (she’ll be turning 3 on November), we already want to introduce to her the concept of why we need to attend mass and the proper behavior inside the sacred house of God. Now, I am thinking, is it too early for her to know these things? Are we doing the right thing on bringing her along with us to hear God’s words?

Well, I’m positively thinking that eventually she’ll get the hang of it. We shouldn’t give in to her demands. Someday soon (I know she’s very smart), she’ll understand even a little ,that we need to allot that 1-hour once a week to be a true children of God.

A very close friend told me that her mom or her mother-in-law (I can’t remember who) , advised them not to bring yet their son to mass since kids that age do not understand yet what’s going on. They will just play around, disturb your concentration and other s as well. What’s your point of view? Is it okay to bring kids to mass (and that includes not staying outside because of the fear of disturbing the other church goers but sitting inside and letting them observe what’s happening)? I guess it’s okay since that was what my parents taught me and my sister.

But please, enlighten me more.