Yet there is much that we can do to make certain both parents and children know they re wanted and welcome. We need to pass on tools and tips that help families understand and fulfill their role in passing on the faith and tradition to the next generations. First, if you are fortunate enough to be in a parish with regular children s liturgies, encourage families with youngsters to worship at these Masses. Somehow I can t believe that over the years our family has graduated from the family Mass to the teen Mass. Before long we will find ourselves at the 7 A.M. Mass, which seems reserved largely for retirees.
Various liturgies do tend to take on their own personalities over time.
Quite honestly, I never felt more at home with young children in a church than I did at my sister s parish in rural Montana. This is what we strive for, whether our assembly numbers 40 or 4,000. There are plenty of people who prefer crying rooms, nurseries or childcare centers. If you have these facilities, take the time to make certain they re clean, well equipped and cheerful. There s no more critical time than during the formative years to grasp the attention and devotion of young folks.