Beginning WIth the End in Mind- Chapter One

     At our parent meeting, I asked you to think about what you were doing for your child's faith life. I did that with the "end in mind". Is it your goal to have your child's life changed? Do you want him/her to grow closer to Christ, deepen their appreciation for the Catholic faith you've gifted him/her with, and desire to receive the Eucharist and Reconciliation with regularity for the rest of his/her life? That is my goal for all of your children. I hope and pray that Eucharist and Reconciliation introduce your child to these beautiful sacraments and Confirmation strengthens a desire to make them a part of who they are as they enter young adulthood.

     This whole concept of "go now in peace" is especially relevant to the many of you attending Mass with young children. Mass might feel anything but peaceful, especially if little ones are climbing all over you stating, "I need a drink" or asking, "Can we go yet?" Getting children, young or old, to Mass is often far from a peaceful process. You've endured whining, crying, fighting, and more just to get your children out the door and into a pew by the first reading. For many parents, Mass feels like a battle and, at that, one not worth fighting most of the time.

     We so desperately want and need peace in our lives. If we can take some time, beginning at a young age, to teach our children what Mass is for and about, they may begin to enjoy Mass and get something from it. That isn't to say it's easy. Far from it. My niece tends to enjoy Mass more when she has "jobs". When she was younger this might have been putting the kneeler up and down for everyone, passing out hymnals to the family, or making sure we grabbed a bulletin. Now, she fills out her tithing envelope before Mass and puts it in the basket, checks to see if we can take up the gifts at Mass, finds the songs or readings for the grown ups as well as herself, and more. We've always let her pick the pew, which means were usually in the first or second row. As she's gotten older, she takes the initiative before Mass to ask around for a job to do around the house so she can earn some money to out in her envelope. She takes her Mass duties very seriously.

     These might seem silly or trivial, but if Mass is us offering up our gifts and talents to God, she is doing just that. Naturally, since she is in second grade and can read the prayers, readings, and hymns it's easier for her to participate. That isn't to say she doesn't get cranky or whiny towards the end. We remind her she needs to pay attention so she'll be ready to make First Communion in the spring. She knows if she is good we will take her to light a candle in the back of church before leaving. You'd be surprised how much some coaching can go to getting little ones to cooperate throughout most of Mass.

      Look over the reflection questions. Discuss them with your spouse or a friend. Consider commenting on them below so we can begin discussion. 

Reflection Questions:

• What strategies work for getting your kids to sit still and give you a peaceful environment during Mass? 
• Does Mass provide you with a feeling of peace after you go?
• If not, what might you do to change that?
• How can praying at Mass encourage us to bring peace to all we encounter that week?
• What is one thing your family can do this week to live out the call to "glorify God with our lives"?