In my experience as Children’s Faith Formation coordinator I have the priviledge to observe and interact with many children and their parents. I see how families make church a part of their lives, promoting the values we as Catholic Christians promote, incorporating the teachings of Jesus into everyday lives, attending Mass and actively partcipating in the life of the parish by attending events, learning more about their faith (both parents and chidlren) prapraing for sacraments.

Encouraging children to enjoy Church is a tricky business. This becomes more and more true as children enter junior high and later High School. There are so many things that compete with our time. Being part of a parish community is like a habit (a good one) formed together with support from the community and family members.

Here are some keys:
1) Church should always be fun - chidlren should be engaged in Mass. Parents can answer questions, during these "teachable moments" and point out things that are happening so that the children understand the importance of what's going on, i.e. prayer during the Eucharistic Prayer and after Communion.  That's not to say that we should be "entertained" when we go to Mass, but instilling guidelines for appropriate behavior can be approached from a positive place.
2) What if Church activities/Mass were a priority in families? What if Church was at the top of the list and all other things were fit in after or around Church?
3) Sometimes I hear parents using God as the "bad guy". Saying things like, “You better knock that off, God will see you” using God as “the bad guy” to correct/alter behavior sends the wrong message to children. God is not the bad guy - he loves us unconditionally - God is always there for us - even, and especially when we’re in trouble. If God is who you as parent use as the “enforcer” who would your child pray to in times of trouble?
4) Don't use the Bible as punishment. Once a mother told me that when her son misbehaves, she has him choose a Psalm and copy it. This reminded me of the teacher in the classroom making a child write 100 times: "I will not talk in class without raising my hand". Did this method ever work? How many of us had to write things like that on the board and went right on doing whatever it was we got in trouble for? Why would we want to associate the Bible with punishment? Isn't the Bible something to be treasured and cherished? It's God's WORD after all and is meant to teach us something about who God is and why he sent his only Son, Jesus to save us.

So on this Christmas Eve, let's think of ways we can promote attendance at church and participation in a positive way!