All Are Welcome [Yes, Children Too]

A Saint Patrick Catholic Church we celebrate children.

To the parents of our young children, 

• Relax! God put the wiggle in children; don’t feel you have to suppress it in God’s house. All are welcome!
• Do prepare your child ahead of time by modeling joy at the opportunity to worship God in this community.
• Sit toward the front where it is easier to see and hear.
• Quietly explain the parts of the Mass.
• Sing the hymns loudly, pray and voice the responses with enthusiasm. Children learn liturgical behavior by copying you.
• If your child becomes particulary disruptive, feel free to leave Mass, but please come back. As Jesus said: “Let the children come to me.”
• Trust the evironment of the Mass and our community to form your child over time.
• Please do not bring food or drink into the church unless they are medically indicated. Please do not bring electronic games into Church.           

To the members of the parish…

• Remember that the way we welcome children in Church directly affects the way they respond to the Church, to God and to one another.
• Let them know that they are loved and appreciated in this house of worship. A smile of encouragement is always welcome to parents with small, active children.
• The presence of children is a gift to the Church! They are members of our community, and a reminder that our parish is growing.