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We joyfully welcome children of all ages to our Masses and other celebrations. Children are most welcome in the pews. For very young children, we have a Children's Chapel near the front entrance to the Church that contains a diaper-changing table, rocking chair, and some small children's books and toys. Please feel free to use the Children's Chapel, but please be assured that you are welcome anywhere in the church.
To the parents of young children, may we suggest:- Relax. God put the wiggle in children. Don’t think that you have to suppress it in God’s house.
- Consider sitting toward the front where it is easier for your little ones to see and hear what’s going on at the altar. They tire of seeing only the backs of the people in front of them.
- Quietly explain the parts of the Mass and the actions of the priest, altar servers, lectors, choir, etc. The more they know about the Mass, the greater the chance that they will engage in it over time.
- Sing the hymns and pray the responses. Children learn liturgical behavior from copying you.
- If you have to leave Mass with your child, or take them to the Children’s Chapel, feel free to do so, but please come back. As Jesus said, “Let the children come to me.”
We want your children to think of this church as a second home and the community as their second family. Participate as much as you can in the Children’s Liturgy of the Word, social hours, and other parish functions to help you and your children feel at home here.
Here at St. Catherine’s we believe:- The presence of children is a gift to the Church and they are a reminder that our parish is growing and alive.
- Our acceptance of children and smiles of encouragement to their parents speak of who we are as a welcoming community.