Yes! Yes! Yes!

Yes! is what I thought when I read this post: 

http://designsbybirgit.blogspot.com/2013/12/sanctity-of-life-sunday-emulate-holy.html?m=1

(this is a short two paragraphs but a must read!!)

Since early Christmas morning, my mind has been whirling about something... I'll back track a bit first.

When our oldest three daughters (all born within less than three years) were babies, my husband and I attended mass (if somewhat less than regularly).

One Sunday, I had dressed my three little girls up in their very best for mass. As we climbed over a few people to get to the middle of the pew and settle in with our family, a few those around us were clearly not impressed.

I remember that mass and how hot the back of neck was as I felt those behind me glare... I remember the horrible flustered feeling of embarrassment.

Were the people around us actually that bad? I am guessing not. I was young and new at this. I allowed those few to make me unwelcome.  I bet many people actually thought my girls were as adorable as I did.

The good news is we are still here (after a brief detour)!

But then I wonder how many are not.

Okay- back to Christmas morning.

My daughter joined us at 7:30 a.m. mass with her two adorable boys. We marched ourselves right up to the front pews of the church so that the boys could see their uncles alter serving and the manger with baby Jesus all set up.

The boys were so excited in those few moments before mass began. There were happy whispers about "baby Jesus" being there, some "hushes" from mom and grandma, and lots of pointing and excitement!!

What more joyous occasion is there than Christmas morn?

Until.

The lady in front of me turned around and very sternly told me that "you need to take those kids to the crying room".

I was stunned.

When I did not instantly comply, I was treated to several glares. Mass began and we opted to move a few rows back where the lady continued to crane her neck in order to glare at us.

Of course, there comes a time to take a two year old out, and, at the appropriate moment, we did.

I am not going to be chased away from the Catholic church- nor is my daughter.

But I can't help thinking about two things this week-

What if that was a young mom going to Christmas mass with her little ones, but was not a regular church attendee being glared at- would she come back?

And I have thought about that lady as well. I can only imagine what sort of day she was in for. It could not have been a happy one. Who could sit in front of the baby Jesus in the manger "born at midnight, in Bethlehem, in piercing cold" and then turn around and glare at a slightly disruptive chubby cheeked toddler?

I am not sure how this all works- but are married Catholics the only ones who are suppose to be open to life? Aren't we all? What if my grandson had actually been being very annoying- does that mean that we should glare at him? I know and I am sure most of us know when its time to give a child attending mass a break. But what are we gaining by acting unkindly to those who don't? I would venture to say that we should be even more kind to those who don't know better- we want them to keep coming back and learn!! 

I often think of the wonderful priest who announced that we are to welcome the little ones and be thankful to the parents who bring them to mass.  I am sure no one realized that he was talking about my son who, before my very pregnant self could stop him, had gotten down on all fours in the aisle and started to bark very loudly! ;)

I have seen several posts on this topic of children at mass and whether or not they are welcome, and I just don't think it is a negotiable point. Have you seen the statistics on mass attendance among young people? We need them there. They need us. They need God in their families!

I want to smile at as many little ones in mass as I can, and I want to thank each and every one of the parents who brings their beautiful noisy disruptive adorable children to mass!!  

From the above linked post-

"let's resolve to welcome all children"

Merry 5th Day of Christmas!