(1 minute read)
“It would be easier for the world to survive without the sun than to do without Holy Mass.” – St. Padre Pio
“The institution of Sunday helps all “to be allowed sufficient rest and leisure to cultivate their familial, cultural, social, and religious lives” (CCC 2194). Unfortunately, in this day and age, we have lost the idea of a Sunday sabbath. Work, sports, chores, errands, etc. get in the way of making Sunday a true day of rest and cultivating our bonds with God and our family and community.
In addition to Mass, make Sundays a fun family day. Starting this young helps young children associate going to Mass with special fun and treats, giving them a positive feeling about Sunday Mass (it works with older children too!).
Here are tips for keeping holy the Sabbath day.
- Tell your child that God knows that we need a sabbath, a day of rest. We need a time to rest and to worship and to thank Him for all that He’s done. Part of the way our family does that is by going to Mass on Sundays.
- Choose a Mass you all enjoy. If some people like contemporary music, others organ music, or others silent Mass, try mixing it up so everyone gets something they enjoy some of the time. If some people like to sleep in, choose a later Mass some of the time.
- Get donuts or another treat after Mass. Make family dinner special in some way. Play a game, watch a movie, go on a hike or something else together.
Written by Kathy DeVet
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