Can a 2 or 3 year old be expected to sit through Mass?

Question

I am Catholic and my husband isn't. I haven't been going to Mass, but want to start going again. I was considering bringing my daughter who is almost 3 with me, but she is not the type to sit still or stay quiet. She went to a Children's Mass after Vacation Bible Camp this week, and she just really acted up. Should I wait until she is a little older and can sit, or should I just grin and bear it... apologizing to the parishoners sitting next to me?

Forgot to mention that the nursery is closed for the summer to give the nursery volunteers a break.

As a follow up, what age do think a child CAN sit through Mass?

Answer 1

Try to find a church that has a "family room," they are generally sound proof area's with speakers so families with noisy children can hear the mass... Better yet-- locate a church that has a nursery! I know we have one at my parish! Also, I've seen my aunts and uncles bring books, juice, small snacks with them to mass and that will usually entertain a toddler for an hour.
I'm ashamed in the first response to this question... never turn away someone who wants to come back to the church! If Jesus could endure what he did... you can concentrate extra hard during the service!

Answer 2

I think that she is way too young. Like you said, unless you want to apologize the whole time don't bring her. A 3 year old just does not have the attention span for that. When the nursery opens again, you can bring her and put her in the nursery.

Answer 3

Never, ever ,ever, just grin and bear it. If you can not put your child in the nursery, stay home til you can make other arrangements.
There is nothing worse that trying to sit through a service with a child mis-behaving and the parent not get the child out. It is as rude as it can be to allow this in church.
And you can quote me on this!

Answer 4

She is too young. She wouldn't really understand it, and so would not benefit from it, and might disrupt the worship of fellow parishioners. I was not raised Catholic, don't they have Sunday School, or the equivalent, where they can learn about your religion at their age level, while you go to Mass? You could check with your priest or other church officials about programs for preschoolers. If there are no programs for her, I would leave her home with Dad until she is 5 or 6, old enough to sit still for an hour, even if bored, and old enough to understand what is going on. It really would be unfair to the other parishioners (and to her, and you) to allow her to disrupt worship.

Answer 5

No, I think she should be in the nursery, or older babies, where they should teach either to not talk in church, or use their church voice, which is whispering. I think 4 is a better age. You can be teaching her at home, also.

Besides, I feel you can't apologize for someone missing part of the sermon. Maybe you can sit on the back row with her and be ready to take her out if you need to.

Answer 6

I dont think that it is reasonable to expect a 3 year old to sit for an entire Catholic mass. I have a hard time doing it myself! Most churches have a child care room where you can take your child so you can still attend mass.

Answer 7

I studied early childhood in order to become a Teacher's Assitant in Special Education.
That's a pretty tall order for a near three year old. I would try her again at the age of four. Depending on the child, you may have to wait until her 5th birthday, but at this point it's just a bit too early.

Answer 8

I feel different than all other answers. The earlier you start taking children to Mass to sooner they will understand that they need to sit still. I have 4 and one on the way and they all have been to Mass every Sunday and most daily Masses from birth. Most church member understand that they are little and also know that they are our future leaders and supports them.

Bring them Every Sunday...... God loves Children ....

Answer 9

I think that you should start taking her to mass now. Bring her small quiet toys to keep her attention and be prepared to leave early when she gets bored. Also you can see if the church has a day care that she can attend. This way you will begin to expose her to church and she can learn, slowly how she is expected to act and not have it forced down her throat all at once.

Answer 10

They may have something where she doesn't have to sit in mass with you, but still has a lesson in God's word geared towards her age. Look into something like that maybe? If no such thing exists... I would honestly suggest waiting before bringing her with you to mass.