As your children grow, they can begin to understand Mass on a deeper level. This means preparing them for Mass can be a more spiritual and meaningful experience. Here are a few ways to help your elementary-aged children physically and spiritually prepare for Mass.
Choosing Clothes: Let your children take ownership of choosing what to wear. Encourage them to pick something that makes them feel ready to meet Jesus. Talk about why dressing nicely for Mass is important.
Reflection:
“We wear our best clothes for Jesus, but what’s even more important is how we wear his love in our hearts.”
Prayer:
“Jesus, help me to wear my best and to act my best today at Mass, so I can honor you.”
Brushing Teeth: While brushing their teeth, encourage your children to spend a minute in prayer.
Reflection:
“Just as you are cleaning your teeth, Jesus cleans your heart. How can you keep a clean heart today?”
Prayer:
“Lord, help me to have a clean heart like you today. Let my words be kind, and my thoughts be pure, so I can love like you.”
Fixing Hair: As they fix their hair, remind them that Jesus knows them completely, inside and out, and He created us to be like Him.
Reflection:
“God knows everything about you, and he loves you so much. How will you show love for him today at Mass?”
Prayer:
“Jesus, thank you for creating me. Help me to be more like you today.”
Eating Breakfast: Use breakfast as a time for gratitude. As your children eat, remind them that the Eucharist means “thanksgiving.”
Reflection:
“We are thankful for so much in our lives, what are you thanking God for today?”
Prayer:
“Thank you, Lord, for this food and for all the blessings you give us. Help us to remember to give thanks to you at Mass today.”
Putting on Shoes: As they put on their shoes, talk about how Mass is a journey, a way to walk closer to Jesus every Sunday.
Reflection:
“We’re putting on our shoes to walk with Jesus today at Mass. What can we do to follow him better this week?”
Prayer:
“Jesus, guide my steps today. Help me follow you closely in everything I do.”
Intentional Prayer Time: If there’s extra time before you head out the door, encourage your children to spend a few quiet moments in personal prayer or reflection. They could read a Bible story, say a prayer, or think about what they want to ask God for at Mass.
Prayer:
“Jesus, I’m getting ready to see you at Mass today. Help me focus on you and listen to what you want to say to me.”
Drive to Church: During the car ride to church, invite your children to think about their prayer intentions for the Mass. Ask them what they want to pray for, and share your own intentions too.
Prayer:
“Lord, as we go to your house today, help us open our hearts to you. We offer our prayers and everything we do today for you.”
Conclusion:
As your children grow older, Mass preparation can become a time of deeper reflection and personal connection with God. By making prayer and reflection a part of the Sunday morning routine, you help your children grow in faith and prepare their hearts to fully experience Mass. To help your children learn how to reflect, place notes at each step of their routine to remind them of what they should be focusing on that day. These little moments of prayer remind them that they are never too young to have a close relationship with Jesus.