The Sacraments in the Domestic Church
The Sacraments are actions of God through which He shows us His love and they are a great way for us to explain to our children the love He has for each one of us.
The Sacraments are not the endpoint of our journey but are a way that God our Father gives us grace. Each Sacrament is an opportunity for us to find the strength we need to fight against and get through, the difficulties of life.
• STEP ONE : Share stories of the Sacraments •
Children love to hear stories, especially true ones and especially ones that are yours. Talk to them about when you received the Sacraments of initiation and how it changed your life. Talk about the other Sacraments, bring them into the story and show them they theirs is waiting to be written.
• STEP TWO: Help them prepare for and engage in Mass •
The Eucharist is the source and summit of our lives; at the Mass we receive Jesus, body and blood, soul and divinity, and He strengthens us for the week ahead.
It can be easy for our children, of all ages, to become disengaged at Mass, losing sight of what is happening at the altar and wishing to be back at home. Perhaps on the way to Mass read the readings so that they are ready, discuss the homily on the way home, ask them to share one thing that stood out for them – don’t forget to share too. Our children learn by following our example.
There are many child-friendly missals that you can purchase that may help your little one to stay focussed in the Mass.