Where every voice — even the smallest — has a place at the altar.

If you listen closely during Mass, you may hear many sounds: the prayers of the Church, the music that lifts our hearts to God, and the silence of reverence. And sometimes… the sounds of children.

As your pastor, I want to say something clearly and lovingly: children belong at Mass.

The Church has never taught that children must be separated from the worshipping community. In fact, children learn how to pray, how to listen, how to participate, and how to encounter Christ by being present with the Church at prayer.

Yes, children sometimes cry. Yes, toddlers sometimes get restless. Yes, families sometimes have difficult moments.

But these are not signs of a parish in decline. They are signs of a parish that is alive.

A church that is perfectly silent because there are no children is not a healthy church. A parish grows when families feel welcomed, supported, and not judged.

As St. John Chrysostom reminded the early Church, “The home is a little Church.” Children learn how to become disciples not only at home — but by praying with the larger family of the Church.

At the same time, reverence matters. All of us — families, clergy, staff, and parishioners — share responsibility for helping create an atmosphere of prayer. Parents work to guide and form their children. The parish works to support families. And all of us practice patience, charity, and understanding toward one another.

Many of us were once the child who made noise in church. Someone showed patience to us. Now we are called to show that same patience to the next generation.

At St. Matthew Parish, we are deeply grateful for the families who bring their children to Mass. You are not a distraction to the Church. You are part of the Church — now and for the future.

A parish that welcomes children is a parish that has a future.