The View from the Cry Room

At our church, the cry room is in the back. Because the baby makes noise and is so darn cute , we stay in the cry room during mass so we don’t interrupt the prayerful intent of others.

This is what I have seen from my window view of the cry room:

1. Beautiful faces. The faces of the children that come into the cry room are precious. And then they are put down to play. How will they learn to be still if they are never required to? Is this difficult for parents? Absolutely. But unruly older children are worse.

2. People leaving mass after Communion. Come on! Mass isn’t over until the Choir sings the last song. God didn’t call it quits on the fifth day, he pushed through one more day and then rested. Would these same people leave a movie theater five minutes before the end? Would they like it if the server at a restaurant removed their plate before they had take the last five bites? There is a sense of purpose in hearing the last prayer of Mass; the “go forth and do God’s will” assignment we receive.

3. Toddlers who rule the world. Parents, repeat after me. “NO.” It’s that simple.

4. Baggies of Food for school-age children. Yikes! The Catholic Church is the only church that recognizes the true food of the Eucharist and requests that out of honor for Jesus, who gave us his body and blood as true food and true drink, we not eat or drink for at least an hour before Mass. It used to be a fast from the previous day was required – we have it so easy now! And parents are bringing Cheerios and raisins to church to satisfy their children. Well, the crunching, the spills, and that pee smell that Cheerios have is not helping me focus on Jesus’ gifts. It’s an hour. Leave the food at home and start from the beginning to teach your children the sanctity and beauty of the Mass. I guarantee you will learn more too.

5. Kleenex. I’ll keep this simple. If you need a Kleenex, go get a Kleenex. ‘Nuf said.

6. Talkers. People in the back of the church whisper to each other all during Mass. Focus! Jesus in watching. Do we need a “Please, No Talking” video before each Mass like they do at a movie theater? How sad is it that people are more respectful at a theater than in Church?

Well, I have been a little negative in this post, but honestly. We can do better than this!