Daily Mass with a large family…

[jab42483]

My wife and I are in our early thirties and have five children ranging from 12 to 4 months. When we had three children we were still daily Mass goers. Number four slowed that down to the three times a week and number five has all but eliminated daily Mass except for Holy Days.
Do any families with a large number of young children manage early morning Masses daily? If so, what are your secrets? We are trying to get back into the Wednesday evening Mass, but as you know if you have a lot of children, it is tiring getting them all ready.

 

[pensmama87]

That’s really remarkable!

I would suggest, as you said, adding one day to start.

You and your wife could also split and each bring a couple children. (Maybe a later morning Mass for one of you if available?)

Keep in mind too that there are some seasons of life that just might not be super compatible with devotions like daily Mass. If I were in your shoes I know I wouldn’t try to alter young children’s sleep schedules to fit Mass in!

 

[His_helpmeet]

My wife and I are in our early thirties and have five children ranging from 12 to 4 months. When we had three children we were still daily Mass goers. Number four slowed that down to the three times a week and number five has all but eliminated daily Mass except for Holy Days.
Do any families with a large number of young children manage early morning Masses daily? If so, what are your secrets? We are trying to get back into the Wednesday evening Mass, but as you know if you have a lot of children, it is tiring getting them all ready.

I’m the oldest of six children. Our parents didn’t take us to daily Mass routinely, but I do have a couple of suggestions:

1. Leave the baby’s care until the end. This way you’re accomplishing quick things first.
2. Ask your older children to help the younger ones. Your 12-year-old should be able to get themself ready, at least, and maybe can help with ensuring that younger ones have gone to the bathroom and are getting socks, shoes, and jackets on.
3. Get your children to do as much as they can for themselves first, and then you’ll help them with more difficult things.
4. Lay out all of their clothes and the items they’ll need the night before.

 

[bitterhope]

We do daily Mass but it isn’t in the mornings. Here it is available at noon or evening depending on the parish. Some things that helped when we attended an 8 AM Mass before we moved here we’re matching socks with shoes and putting them by the door the night before, setting clothes out the night before, packing whatever is needed in a bag (diapers, wipes, umbrella, etc) the night before, setting an alarm at specific times to help stay on track (start breakfast, clean up, brush teeth, dress, load van, etc), and singing songs while we were getting ready. I would suggest adding one or two days a week and building up to daily attendance. I also prefer sitting towards the back so that if I have to take one of the kids out I can still keep an eye on the others, but if both parents are able to attend I would most likely sit up front so the kids can see what’s going on. Are there any “school Masses?” One place we lived had daily Mass for the parochial school and my kids enjoyed seeing “big kids” participating and serving. We also enjoy staying after Mass for a little bit to look around the church. As my kids got older we would review the readings ahead of time and I would ask them to listen for specific words, phrases or verses. After Mass we talk about the homily. Enjoy this time with your family. It is a true blessing to have these moments to share

 

[Son_of_Niall]

Daily Mass is not required. Spending time raising your kids will teach them more than taking them to Church five times a week.

 

[Anglewannabe]

Daily Mass is not required. Spending time raising your kids will teach them more than taking them to Church five times a week.

I somewhat agree with this. I can’t help but think that the older kids are at an age where they would whine ‘Why do we have to go everyday’ I think that perhaps scheudling a rosary once a week and a family bible reading time would be good ways to teach the faith that aren’t as stressful

 

[JustaServant]

I somewhat agree with this. I can’t help but think that the older kids are at an age where they would whine ‘Why do we have to go everyday’ I think that perhaps scheudling a rosary once a week and a family bible reading time would be good ways to teach the faith that aren’t as stressful

Kids naturally rebel. I thought the same way when I was a Baptist. Taking them to church is no guarantee they will remain religious as adults.

 

[Irishmom2]

Daily Mass is not required. Spending time raising your kids will teach them more than taking them to Church five times a week.

I somewhat agree with this. I can’t help but think that the older kids are at an age where they would whine ‘Why do we have to go everyday’ I think that perhaps scheudling a rosary once a week and a family bible reading time would be good ways to teach the faith that aren’t as stressful

Kids naturally rebel. I thought the same way when I was a Baptist. Taking them to church is no guarantee they will remain religious as adults.

Here’s the thing though. The OP is asking for advice on how to make it happen, not for your opinion of the practice. He already stated he **wants **to go, so let’s not derail the thread with opinions.

 

[Perian]

Here’s the thing though. The OP is asking for advice on how to make it happen, not for your opinion of the practice. He already stated he **wants **to go, so let’s not derail the thread with opinions.

Seriously.

I knew a family that managed to get 8 children to the early Mass every single day. I have noooo idea how they did it, but often the two or three oldest boys were altar servers. So, that cuts it down a little. I would imagine it was equal parts early preparation, both parents present, and assistance from older children.

I stopped going to daily Mass when my oldest was born because she was in constant motion even as an infant, so I applaud your effort!

 

[misspriss]

I stopped going with any small children, so I applaud you!

I’m currently struggling just to get through Sunday mass with the kids. I have one 3 and one 18 months and I’m pregnant with my 3rd. I used to attend noon daily mass when I worked near the cathedral and obviously the kids were not with me at work.

I don’t even take my children to evening mass if I end up going at night instead of the morning, I find someone to keep them. They do NOT behave at 5:30 or 6 pm, they just can’t. Bedtime is at 7 or 7:30 though, so it is just too close.