Children in Church
Many people are curious as to how their children should behave in church. The first and most important thing to know is that we want children in church. They should be here. Children need to have a sense that they belong here. They should feel comfortable here. Our Lord invites all people to share in the Eucharist, regardless of age.
At St. Mark's Church children will be part of our worship. We expect that children, especially younger ones and babies, will fidget, cry and make noise. It is normal and should be tolerated. Older children should be encouraged and supported in their effort to follow along with the service. Parts of our service are designed more particularly for adults, which is why we provide nursery care for children under three years of age, and why children are in classes during the lessons, prayers and sermon at the 9:30 am service.
The following are some other helpful guidelines that will make church more enjoyable for all.
1. Trips to bathroom: Children are in church for a short time, so they should be encouraged to use the wash room before they enter. For children who must leave, it is better to leave at a time other than during the Eucharistic Prayer when people are trying to concentrate and pray. If a child does need to use the wash room, please accompany them, holding their hand if appropriate.
2. During the peace: At the 9:30 am service children enter the church during the peace. This entering is joyous, noisy and filled with activity, which is how it should be. Please inform your children where you are planning to sit, so when they enter, they know where to go. Feel free to stand as the children enter so that your child may find you more easily. Please do your best to settle your children down, especially during anthems and other quiet times, so that they begin to learn when it is appropriate to talk and make noise and when it is not.
3. During the communion: All children should be brought to the communion rail to receive a blessing or communion. It is helpful to those administering communion for children to place their hands out in front of them if they are receiving, and to cross their arms across their chest if they are not receiving. All baptized Christians are welcome to receive communion. It is your decision as a parent to choose at what age your child is ready to receive communion. The rector and the Sunday School teachers are available to talk with you about preparing your child to receive communion.
4. Quiet play: There are crayons and paper attached to clipboards available in the back of the church for children. We expect that children will need to do things to keep themselves busy during the service. Quiet toys are not only acceptable; they can be a blessing. We want children to enjoy coming to church.