For the last sixteen years, we’ve had a toddler in our family’s pew every Sunday morning. Our current season is no exception. Without fail, we reach the point in the Mass, rarely as far as the Gospel, where our spitfire tot, Edith, has hit her limit being passed down the pew between siblings.
We’ve quietly counted the candles, we’ve noticed Father is wearing green today, and pointed to images of Our Lord and Lady. Suddenly, Edith determines it’s time to either attempt to bolt to the altar with shifty eyes and toothy grin or threaten a stiff-bodied tantrum. I make the long walk from the front of the nave while wrestling my curly-haired daughter in my arms as my beloved community members share a nod of solidarity.
First, we stop at the back pew where I attempt to listen to the homily, but Edith quickly remembers the air vents on the floor. She stands and giggles as her dress blows in a puff around her waist. A brief stop at every vent leads us to the hallway where she pauses to sanitize her hands at the community dispenser.
As I attempt to keep my ears tuned to Mass, Edith tromps her way toward the water fountain. She pushes the button several times and finally requests a Dixie cup from the kitchen. We fill it drip by drip so she doesn’t dump it onto the floor or dribble down her dress. After a few fills, she crumples her soggy cup and tosses it in the nearest trashcan.
She then darts to the baptismal font where she gives herself a dozen wet blessings with haphazardly adorable Signs of the Cross. I insert words like, “Let’s pray quietly. I can hear the bells! Jesus is here!”
Every week, it’s the same routine.
I waffle between pure annoyance and exhaustion at the fact that here we are again on another Sunday morning pacing the hallway making all the anticipated stops rather than participating in the Liturgy.
Then Our Lord whispers, “This is your toddler’s liturgy.” Comfort in the routine and a feeling of belonging in this sacred space prepares my daughter to eventually sit through Mass and embrace its Divine predictability. Next Sunday, when Edith’s moment of restlessness inevitably arrives, we’ll both make the familiar journey, take comfort, and find joy in the Liturgy of the Toddler.
6 thoughts on “Toddler Liturgy”
A great reminder that busy noise is a blessing.
We’re living the same struggle over here! There is a tremendous joy, however, in watching your children progress through the toddler liturgy and into the worship of a young adult. That, my fellow mama, is what makes the effort all worth it! Keep on, keeping on…you got this!
A wonderful description of the frustrations, annoyances and joys of being with a toddler at mass. Very nicely written.
This is so beautiful! I’m on toddler #5 in 9 years time and last week at daily Mass I had her with me. While I attempted to bolt out during the homily, Fr. G announced, “You don’t need to leave. She is welcome here! Thank you for bringing her!” Shock! After Mass he told me gently that if people were uncomfortable with children at Mass making a little noise and toddling around, then they would have to get over themselves! It is their Mass too. It was a relief & gift.
What a beautiful story I know my daughter is struggling with same issues. Your ability to share that puts us in your shoes and right in the story is masterful! I hope your priest appreciates children and their lack of attention. When I had a toddler I was told during the homily to take my child out!
Holy crap, this is an adorable reflection!