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Mar 11, 2022
Faith· Life· The Little Things

Bring Them (to Church) Anyway

This post contains affiliate or associate links with several businesses (which means if you shop through the links, I earn a small commission). As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

What if my children do not want to attend Mass?

If you are asking me, here is my answer: Bring them anyway.

A few months ago I posted this poem (inspired by a poem that is often attributed to Mother Teresa (Saint Teresa of Calcutta).

The post seemed to REALLY resonate with people – both Catholic and non-Catholic.

So, I thought I should share this here, and again give the gentle reminder that even though the children may not want to go to Mass . . . it’s a good idea to:

Bring them anyway…


Babies will cry and cause distraction from the Liturgy of the Word and people might give you disapproving looks,


Bring the babies to Mass anyway…


Toddlers will drop the kneeler so loudly it will shake the church and make a B-line for the altar,


Take them to Mass anyway…


Pre-schoolers will take off their shoes, touch everyone constantly and request more than one trip to the bathroom,


Bring them to church anyway…


Young children will not pray or pay attention to the homily,


Dress them nicely and bring them to pray anyway….

Pre-teens and tweens will spend a ton of time looking for their friends in the pews and won’t remember anything from the readings,


Bring them to be present at Mass anyway…


Teens will question why, roll their eyes at sitting up front and not be in agreement with many things you hold dear,


Tell them to get ready and bring them to Mass with you anyway…


You see, in the final analysis, no matter what state of life any of us are in,

Jesus died for us anyway…

Have a child or young teen? Get them a Be Yourself Journal and they will find a spark in their faith life!

Be Yourself: A Journal for Catholic Boys

Here’s a review from Amazon:

“This journal is AMAZING! I plan to share it with everyone who has teens. Especially those nearing Confirmation age or getting Confirmed this year. I am a Director of Catechesis and this puts together a perfect combination of reflection and education to aid the kids in fostering a relationship with God. 10/10 would recommend.“

Be Yourself: A Journal for Catholic Girls

Review from Amazon:

“Incredibly shocked at how amazing this is!! Already sent pictures to several friends for their daughters as well!! Got for my 10 yr old but would be amazing for 9-15 yr old girls. Intriguing, page-turning with different creative activities to encourage virtue and self esteem. Amazing!“

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Comments

  1. Alicia says

    March 12, 2022 at 7:59 am

    As someone who was made to go over and over, it makes a difference. Even if you can’t see it, even if there is a slipping away when those children are adults, what they had as children will always be with them and be one of the reasons they come back. Please take them anyway.

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