“If a Parish Isn’t Crying, It’s Dying,” so goes the title of an article published in the Wall Street Journal by Mark Naida (February 15, 2024). He writes that the presence of children is a gift to the Church and a reminder that a parish is growing.  As a parent, he shares the concerns of other parents that their children might be distracting to the priests and the congregation during Mass. They feel uncomfortable when the congregation starts to turn around them when their children begin to shout and cry. Undoubtedly, every parent would think of escorting their children out of the church, especially when kids become uncontrollable.  However, a loving congregation eases parents’ feelings of hostility. It helps when parishioners offer kind rather than uncharitable remarks to parents, like saying, “Your son is so spirited. He is destined for the priesthood.”

Here at St. Vincent’s, we are blessed that our parish membership continues to increase. Rarely does a day go by in the office without receiving new registrations. Most of our new members are young couples with babies and younger children. Usually, they would take them to Mass on Sundays.  We are all delighted to see the kids and parents with their babies when they line up in front of the altar after communion to receive the special blessing.

Many parents have told me that their children always look forward to coming to Mass and receiving the blessing. If there were a Sunday that we missed the blessing, the children would complain about why the priest did not call them. I remember going to a grocery store one day, and a child approached me, asking Fr. Dennis, why didn’t you call us to the altar last Sunday? I thanked him for reminding me and assured him I wouldn’t forget to do it the following Sunday.

I could feel parents’ uneasiness when their children demonstrate some kind of disruptive behavior at Mass. They are mindful of how the congregation values silence to be able to appreciate more deeply the mystery of the Holy Mass.  Some have even asked me if we could provide a cry room to put them in “exile” during the celebration.  Usually, when a child has a total meltdown, parents would always take them out for a while to unwind.

To our parishioners, I ask for your understanding.  It takes the whole community to instill faith into our children who will continue to rekindle the Word of God.  It may be challenging at times, especially when children compete with the homily.  However, the cries and noises of children at Mass remind us that our Church is alive. Let us appreciate our children’s presence in our celebration.  They don’t cry like a hammer drill or circular saw that could break our ears. As Pope Francis says, their cries and noises are God’s voice. They signify hope and life.

Reference: (https://www.wsj.com/articles/if-a-parish-isnt-crying-its-dying-babies-mass-catholic-church-christ-f0d67d71).