I run Liturgy of the Word with Children because I think it is important for children to enjoy going to church. Liturgy gives them a chance to learn at their level and be interested in the readings of the week! Michael loves it, so I am so thankful the ministry is there for him!
But liturgy only lasts about 10-15 minutes every weekend. The children need to be a part of mass during opening prayer and communion. Many days, I wish we did what the fancy non-catholics do with their amazing children fun lands during the entirety of church. Michael certainly loves that more! He's told me as much!
But then, we have these gem of moments during church that I want to remember:
- Michael saying the Our Father Prayer with his outside voice. He had people 2-3 rows in front of him turn around and smile hilariously at him.
- This past Sunday, Michael leaned over an entire row behind him to shake hands with Mrs. Delp, our school secretary. By which I mean, Mrs. Delp wasn't sitting in the row behind us. She was sitting TWO rows behind us. Lucky there wasn't anyone directly behind us. I'm sure Michael would have bulldozed them to shake Mrs. Delp's hand!
- He loves it when you shake his hand very quickly and jiggle him all about during peace be with you.
- He loves to light prayer candles.
- Sometimes, he marches us straight to the front of church so he can see better.
- He loves marching straight up to the priest and shaking his hand after church.
As I was reflecting on this, I thought to myself, "I guess it's not so bad that they have to spend some part of church together with us."
Seeing Michael exercise the faith in which we have decided to raise him has brought us much joy and laughter. Children help us to see ordinary things in new light, and this was no exception!
Nevertheless, I do get the whisper from Michael as we stand for closing prayer, "Church is almost over, right Mom?"
*sigh*
