Advice on encouraging my sons to attend Mass with the family?

[newf]

Thank you all for your advice. Yes, having good conversation with my boys is always a good route. I have mentioned to my boys that I have some concerns about how the Eucharist is treated at this particular parish and that I would prefer they attend with us. The 12 year old does occasionally join us but I think he does enjoy being his own Catholic “grownup” self. My 18 year old really just wants to be independent.
I will indeed ask the pastor about the communion bread; brilliant idea to direct my question to the source!

Peace in Christ!

Why don’t you consider sending your sons to another church that is licit? If your 18 yo can drive, he can take them both. This way they are going to a good church and having independence at the same time.

 

[Mrs_Sally]

Why don’t you consider sending your sons to another church that is licit? If your 18 yo can drive, he can take them both. This way they are going to a good church and having independence at the same time.

If it is simply a matter of attending Mass at a different time than the family, perhaps they could attend the same parish you do, but at a different Mass–or even just sit separately. Not sure why kids think this is a sign of independence, but I know many other teenagers who like to sit away from their families. They behave themselves fine, etc. they just like sitting apart.