Nurturing a Culture of Life—at Mass

AnneMarie Miller offers three questions that we can ask ourselves as we find ways to welcome families at Mass. 

In many Catholic circles, people often toss around the phrase, “culture of life.” Pope St. John Paul II uses this term throughout his encyclical, Evangelium Vitae: a document that unpacks the inherent dignity and worth of each person.   

As we nurture a “culture of life,” we often donate to crisis pregnancy centers, volunteer in nursing homes, and support couples who choose to foster or adopt children. All of these practices are beneficial and valuable, but sometimes, we forget to also nurture and support the culture of life when we gather for Mass.   

Our parishes may host pro-life fundraisers or include pro-life intentions at Mass. Yet, there are a variety of other ways that we can actively nurture a culture of life in our parishes. Here are a few questions we can ask ourselves:  

Is Mass easily accessible?  

Even if a church is ADA compliant and has ramps or elevators for people who cannot use stairs, some parish grounds can be difficult to navigate. If ramps are hidden in the back of buildings, or elevators are out of order, it becomes challenging, frustrating, or even impossible for some people to enter a church or chapel for Mass. Do our parishes have visible, clear signage that show visitors where ramps are located? Is it easy for people to bring strollers, power wheelchairs, or rolling walkers up these ramps?   

Are bathrooms clearly marked and easy to access?  

Even if everyone in a family visits the bathroom at home, some small children cannot last the whole Mass (yes, even a short daily Mass) without going to the bathroom again. So, if it is difficult to find the bathrooms, pregnant women and moms with young children may not be inclined to attend Mass at a particular parish. If we ensure that bathrooms are easy to access during Mass (close to the pews and unlocked) and clearly marked, then our parishes will be much more welcoming to families.   

Do we accept noise at Mass?  

I love getting to attend Masses that are steeped in silence. However, I’ve come to realize that normal human beings make noise at Mass. Babies innocently babble, toddlers spontaneously shriek, older children occasionally whisper to each other, some adults whisper their prayers out loud, and some people have necessary medical equipment that makes noise.

Although it is important to seek silence at the appropriate times during Mass, we also need to remember—both on a personal and parish-wide level—that noise is normal. One practical step that parishes can take is using a good sound system at Mass. A family with a nonverbal adult child or small toddlers may feel more comfortable attending Mass if they know that people will still be able to hear the readings, despite a child crying out.    

In his encyclical, Pope St. John Paul II notes that: “It is above all in raising children that the family fulfils its mission to proclaim the Gospel of life” (Evangelium Vitae 92). If we want to support a “culture of life” in our parishes, then we need to find practical ways to help families attend Mass.   

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Jesus wants His children—with a variety of needs, ages, personalities, and challenges—to come to Him. #CatholicMom

In the Gospel according to Matthew, Jesus says: “Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” (Matthew 19:14)

Jesus wants His children—with a variety of needs, ages, personalities, and challenges—to come to Him. Let’s help these children come to Jesus; let’s help them come to Mass.   

What are ways we can make families welcome at Mass?  

Copyright 2023 AnneMarie Miller
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