Do Your Kids Know Why You Think It's Important for Them to Attend Mass?

Recently I had a conversation with one of our catechists (she will remain nameless for anonymity sake) about her struggle with getting her kids to attend Mass regularly. She asked them, "Do you know why I think it's important that you attend Mass?" and was shocked that they were not able to answer. After all, since they were small children, she regularly has brought them to Mass, has served as a Eucharistic Minister, and both kids have served as Altar Servers. Recently, she has allowed them to choose which Mass to attend so that they are more empowered to make the decision on their own. She figured that their answers would be obvious and contain at least a kernel of some of these things - that they attend Mass together to learn more about Jesus, to pray for others during that one hour, to strengthen their own relationship with Jesus and be nourished through the Eucharist. But alas, they were not able to answer at all.

Sometimes, we go through life full of assumptions, especially when it comes to the religious practices and spiritual development of our children. I would like to propose now, that we begin thinking about this in a more intentional way. Share with your children what you "get out of Mass", why is it important for you to go? What spiritual benefits do you receive by being part of a community? What do you think about when you receive Jesus in communion? How does going to Church change your life? Share with your kids - evangelize them - if they see that going to mass, being part of a community, receiving Communion, etc. is important to you, it will be important for them too, as long as they understand why. Share with them what you heard in the Gospel or other readings, what you heard in the Homily and ask them to share as well. Challenge them to pay attention for certain things - ask them what color (in the vestments, decor) they will see when they come into church, see if they can pick out the theme of the readings. Invite them to more active participation - model singing and saying the prayers aloud for all to hear.

Going to Mass is the primary way we practice our Catholic faith. Let's practice well so that our faith can grow and be nurtured! Do ask them, "why is it important for us to attend Mass?" and see what they say!