The Importance of Bringing Little Ones to Mass

By Kristen Bourgeois

My son, Nathanael, was about 6 weeks old when I ventured out to St. Joseph’s Abbey for daily Mass by myself.
It was the perfect time, in the mid-morning, when I knew the baby would be napping in between being fed.
I had his diaper bag packed with all the right provisions for the 30-minute daily Mass. I thought to myself, “I can do this!”

We arrived early and settled into our pew. It wasn’t until Mass began, that I realized, it was a feast day being celebrated at the Abbey! I began to panic, and fear began to creep into my mind.

Nathanael was currently sleeping, but what if he woke up? What if he began to fuss? What if I couldn’t soothe my baby, and we disturbed those in church?
Being a first-time mom is difficult, especially when fear creeps in on how others will perceive me in my motherhood.

I was able to take a deep breath and enjoy this unexpected feast day. About half way through Mass, Nathanael did wake up and began fussing. I was able to calmly retrieve his bottle and feed him.

After Mass was concluded, I was began gathering our considerable amount of baby gear, when I spotted an older lady walking towards me.

My fear began to rise, and I was afraid I was going to be scolded for having a fussy baby in Mass. But, before my fear could take off running again, this sweet lady commended me for coming to Mass with my little one.

“It’s so wonderful to hear new life in church,” she told me.

My heart melted. This was exactly what I needed to hear! God was using this sweet older lady to encourage me in my young motherhood, and to avoid assuming others were going to judge me.

So, to that sweet older lady at St. Joseph’s Abbey who encourage this young momma, Thank You!