Dear Friends,  

Our Sunday Children’s Ministries have had a successful opening this fall season. I want to acknowledge the number of parishioners who heard the call to serve in our nursery for the Sunday morning Masses. Your willingness to respond to an important need in our community is a great witness of service. I so appreciate the effort of many parishioners sharing the outreach on different Sundays so the work is spread over many people. The need is always there so we will be inviting more parishioners to give of their time in serving in the nursery.

 Our Children’s Liturgy of the Word (CLOW) and Young Disciples are offered at Sunday morning Masses. Children up to 4th grade are sent forth after the Opening Prayer to break open God’s Word on their level. It is the Mass, the Liturgy of the Word for children. They, too, need the scriptures to know the Lord. So grateful to the parishioners who are serving as Catechists in leading the children. Parents are always welcome to guide their children to the rooms if they need extra assistance. The CLOW children return during the offertory while the Young Disciples remain there until the end of Mass. Yasmine Rodriquez is our parish staff member who oversees the Sunday ministries for children. 

The Family Mass is offered once a month and all families are invited to attend that Mass. Children sing, offer hospitality, proclaim the scripture readings, and serve at the altar. Please check the bulletin for the upcoming dates for Family Masses. Our children show the greatest courage in going before the community to serve, it helps their confidence and is a great model for others not to be afraid to come forward to serve. 

There are so many great gifts that our children have to serve their community. And parents, we appreciate your witness in bringing your children to Mass. It is important to lay a great foundation that children are welcome in the House of God, and the goal is to be that witness to others. We may not be able to be attentive for the entire Mass, but take what we can, one message, one thought, and know that the results of bringing your children to Mass are long-term and not always seen in the present. 

If Jesus loved children it makes sense all his followers should show love and patience with all the children who come to God’s house. We support all you parents.

Peace in Christ,

Fr. Eric