Eucharistic Adoration with Littles

Maura Gentry reflects on the importance of taking children to Adoration and suggests a way to bring other moms and littles along.

My mom started taking me to adoration on Monday mornings at 9 AM before I can even remember. Our parish had a small side chapel filled to the brim with furniture that looked like it had been donated directly from your grandmother’s living room. Cozied up in a well-loved armchair, I would read and pray and color and dream with the Lord.   

My mom created a little library for children with the approval of our pastor that accompanied the books for adult perusal and an ancient cassette player with twenty-five or so tapes of the Rosary, sermons, and other devotionals. We knew the women who came to pray the hours before and after us like they were family — and they were. The Adoration chapel taught me that we are the Body of Christ, keeping vigil before bringing His love into the world. Once I began school, I would eagerly await summertime not because of the freedom it afforded, but because I could go back to accompanying my mom to Adoration.   

Taking Littles to Adoration 

Now, I have a 16-month-old in tow when I attend Adoration. It’s such a delight to see the way other adorers respond to him. The wonder on his face as he explores our parish church is captivating. My time there is not as peaceful as it used to be, but I would argue that it is just as fruitful, if not more so.   

It never occurred to me that my son didn’t belong in this space, with the Lord. But I have heard from other mothers that sometimes fellow adorers are not appreciative of the more enthusiastic prayers of their little ones. I am admittedly blessed with a more mild-mannered little boy, but that does not change my conviction that children — all children — belong in the pews (whether as Mass or Adoration).   

How else are they meant to know the Lord? Jesus Himself said, “Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” (Luke 19:14). It is in Mass and Adoration that they learn of His love for them, of his abiding presence. It’s also a great place for them to learn how to be respectful in holy places when they are old enough to do so. But going by yourself as a mom with littles (especially multiple littles!) can be daunting.   

For that reason, I was incredibly excited when a friend told me about an initiative at her parish for moms and littles.   

Louder Holy Half-Hour 

A mom at my friend’s parish had seen the challenges and needs that so many mothers have and created a program called Louder Holy Half-Hour. The premise is simple: once a week, half an hour of the parish’s Adoration time is reserved for moms and their children. I would imagine that the expectation is holy chaos — and that this greatly pleases the Lord.   

What I love most about this idea is that the variations can be as unique as the parish and the moms participating. It can be longer if there is a desire. If there are resources for it, the parish can provide minimal refreshments (a great bribe for good behavior, I hear). Moms can bring snacks potluck-style and congregate outdoors when the weather is nice or in the parish hall to allow space for wiggles when it isn’t. I recommend the bringing and sharing of toys, or, if the resources are available, the purchase of toys by the parish for this express purpose. The novelty of new toys will aid in littles’ enthusiasm and perhaps introduce them to stories of saints and holy avenues of play they haven’t encountered yet.  

At the end of the day, the most important thing is for you to bring your littles to Christ. He doesn’t mind their noise, their questioning, or their messiness — in fact, He wishes you were more like them. He loves their curious, innocent hearts more than you can even imagine. And, lest you forget, He’s overjoyed to see you there, too.  

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Copyright 2025 Maura Gentry
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