The Importance of Children Attending Mass
The faith formation sessions do not constitute going to Mass. Mass begins in the Sanctuary at the opening rite/greeting and ends with the dismissal rite/closing prayer. If your child cannot attend a Mass prior to, or after faith formation classes, then please consider a week day class time, or the home study process to accommodate for Sunday Mass. The message that is being given to the children is that it is alright to disregard Mass and more important to go to class.
What does a child learn by going to church with his family?
A child learns mostly by doing. They also learn by watching what the parents do. Be careful, your children are paying attention to you. When you attend church as a family you are sending a very concrete and strong message to your child about who they are and who their family is. They know that they go to church, and that Mom and Dad do too. Studies show that children who go to church learn many valuable life skills that translate outside of church.
Among some of the advantages children have who attend Mass with their families are…
• improve their attitude at school and increase their school participation
• learn right from wrong
• find an extended family - this is especially important today where biological families can be spread out over continents
• they statistically improve the odds that they will lead an active church life in their adult years
• increase their average life expectancy by 8 years