Any suggestions on how to help my son adjust to going to Mass?

[Mrs_Sally]

If they choose a Mass with a good amount of music, they’d almost have to eat on the way in from the parking lot to have to be concerned about it. The only exception is if they went to a church where people bring in food and drink to consume during the service. There are not many Protestant churches where that is allowed, though, especially the mainline denominations.

Very true! My son served a wedding not long ago and was eating in the car on the way over (he had been an another activity just before). He told the priest so that he wouldn’t offer my son communion and the priest looked at him funny and said, “since you aren’t eating right now you’ll be fine.” This priest is very orthodox and the wedding did have plenty 'o music.

 

[Catholic_Wife]

Enroll all your children in CCD or whatever sacramental prep course is appropriate for them.

And don’t let him influence your other children in bad behavior about attending Mass and CCD.

While you can force him to go to CCD, you cannot force him to receive the sacraments. If he doesn’t want to be baptized (if he isn’t already), receive first Communion, or be confirmed, please don’t try to force him.

 

[Mrs_Sally]

While you can force him to go to CCD, you cannot force him to receive the sacraments. If he doesn’t want to be baptized (if he isn’t already), receive first Communion, or be confirmed, please don’t try to force him.

Correct. He cannot and should not be forced to receive any sacrament. However, an age appropriate course, where he will likely find that he’s knows at least one or two other children, can go a long way to helping him see and understand the fullness of the Catholic faith. He will hopefully then be happy to receive the sacraments.

He will find differences, of course, but what he has learned about God, Jesus, and the Trinity (scripture and Christian morals) will be deepened and filled out, not completely overturned.

 

[Christina79]

I’m so sorry I have taken so long to reply. I have read all the replies and I thank you all for the good ideas. I wanted to clarify though, that the reason I waited to join RCIA was not only to not confuse my son, but I also needed to be sure that was the right thing to do first. I’ve felt a drawing toward the Catholic church for a very long time, but also had some misconceptions about the beliefs they hold. I didn’t want to just yank my children around from one place to another only to find that I had not been convinced that it is the true church, and then return to where we had been. That would be far too damaging to their faith.

I did talk with the parish priest and he didn’t think it was necessary to take them out of the Bible club they are in right now. I also got some good study booklets for the children to read and fill out. They’re learning more, especially now that I’m much more open about what I’m learning and sharing with them what I think would benefit their understanding right now. Also, I think my oldest son is getting a little more at ease about it all. Thank you all for your prayers too.

I will try to write back with more direct replies to the comments, but I’ve been extremely busy with the new baby and trying to get myself prepared through my own studies. I’ve also just started in MOMS, and that has already been a great blessing. Thank you again.