Forming Faithful Families Kickoff: Making Mass Bags!
Once each year (August or September), Sacred Heart sponsors an event for families in the parish center.
Each person will get a Mass bag that you can paint and make your own.
Then we will have tables designated for different age groups. On each table we will have samples for you to look at, touch, and test out with your kids!
If you determine this would be helpful for Mass, we provide QR codes with the place to purchase, making shopping and filling your Mass bag a breeze!
For those of you who missed our event, you can make your own Mass bag with these canvas bags from Amazon. Then you can use sharpies, paint pens, or acrylic paint with stencils to paint your own design and make it your own!
Each week, Sacred Heart will provide coloring sheets, activity sheets, and Mass pages for you all to use and refill your Mass bags!
For 0-2 year olds
Obviously infants can't do much at this stage, but we know how busy toddlers can get!
I think at this stage, hugs and snuggles are a must. Our physical touch is very important in helping to keep our kids regulated and comfortable. For me, Mass time is when all 6 of my kids fight over who gets to sit on/near/beside me!
I also think it's a great time to introduce quiet books that help our babies engage with the Mass. I also respectfully ask not to bring crayons to Mass as we clean up more crayon marks that we'd like each week. Here are some of my favorite books for Mass for this age range:
This is the age that makes Mass pretty difficult. I recommend having a Mass bag they can ONLY use at Mass. Still keep the cuddles coming if they will stand still long enough! I also respectfully ask not to bring crayons to Mass as we clean up more crayon marks that we'd like each week.
I HIGHLY recommend this drawing pad. It comes in several colors but it helps my younger kids stay engaged. Each has their own in their own Mass bags or else they will each fight over it! Also, no mess, no stress!
This age is when I really see the engagement start to emerge and the questions start. Kids are learning to read at this point, so many books are self-led and involve a new level of engagement. Missals are introduced where they can really follow along.
I HIGHLY recommend this drawing pad. It comes in several colors but it helps my younger kids stay engaged. Each has their own in their own Mass bags or else they will each fight over it!
This Lego Mass book is big and heavy but my boys LOVED looking through the pictures. It's also an incredible read for older kids and parents who want to understand the Mass better! It reads like a graphic novel, as well.
Lastly, this age is old enough to not draw on pews, so I would add some colored pencils so they can color the weekly coloring pages and complete the activity pages Sacred Heart provides each week! Mass Prep Resources we use!
for 8-12 years
This age of kids are kids who have most likely had their first communion. I highly recommend asking them to pay attention to the Mass by following along in a missal and having a notebook they can journal along with. Now, Mass Bags should help them set a routine or an appropriate way of engaging with the Mass and preparing to receive Jesus in the Word and Eucharist. If your kid still has a hard time paying attention or sitting still, consider.
Consider downloading this free Mass Page to encourage them to pay attention to the readings and write little summaries or notes.
for Middle school, High School, and Adults!
By middle and high school, Mass habits are pretty established. For those who have a hard time getting something out of Mass, here are ways that can support and promote engagement.
Missal Recommendations:
If you like to follow along with the readings and order of Mass, consider investing in this Missal.
If you would like to subscribe, the Magnificat mini magazine ships per month and is great and easy to use. You can learn more and request a free sample here.
A pencil pouch with some quality colored pencils and pens.
Journaling with a notebook to take notes is a good practice to encourage.