Jesus says in Matthew 19:14, “Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” As the Bible tells us, Jesus loves little children and wants them to come to him, especially at Mass. But, what about the screaming toddler with a mind of their own? Did Jesus overlook unruly toddlers when he uttered these words? Of course not, Jesus loves all children, even the headstrong ones, and he desires nothing more than to be close to them at church. Yet, how can parents of unpredictable toddlers follow Jesus’ instructions and bring them to church, knowing that a temper tantrum could arise at any moment? Although a toddler’s behavior is uncertain, parents can use interactive Catholic books and quiet Mass toys to help little ones stay engaged at church and plant the seeds of faith.
How to Build the Ultimate Bag of Quiet Mass Toys
Parents can make Mass busy bags for their children, and parishes can put them together for their littlest parishioners. We recommend stocking your quiet church bag with a stuffed doll, an engaging activity, and an interactive book. Parents can switch out these items when necessary to keep a youngster’s attention focused on Jesus at Mass. Similarly, parishes can keep several bags at the church entrance with different contents to offer varied religious toys. Both visitors and fellow parishioners will appreciate the thoughtfulness of these bags and feel welcomed with their young children.
ToBunm Jesus and Mary Stuffed Dolls
What’s True, Pure, & Lovely About It
Jesus and the Blessed Virgin Mary plush dolls give children a way to visualize Christ and his mother during church. Unlike the statues they see around them, they can touch and hold these physical representations. Little ones will love having Jesus and Mary beside them during Mass. The dolls may help them behave better as they think about being with the Lord and Our Blessed Lady. They can snuggle with their heavenly friends and experience a reminder of Jesus and Mary’s unending love for them.
Details to Know
The adorable five-star plush dolls are made out of high-quality soft cotton material. The dolls are approximately 13″ tall. The manufacturer recommends the dolls for children 3 years and older.
Wee Believers My Little Catholic Church Magnet Set
What’s True, Pure, & Lovely About It
We love this ultimate magnetic Mass set for little ones! The play-and-learn set unfolds to reveal a colorful church with 36 Mass-themed magnets. There is a magnet for everyone and everything your child sees during the Holy Mass. The play set includes priests, servers, and parishioner magnets. Also, you will find church objects such as the altar, candles, Holy Bible, chalice, ciborium, and eucharist. During Mass, young children can play and learn during the entrance processional, readings, and consecration all the way through to the final blessing and recessional. Notably, the mass set folds up securely with a sturdy carrying handle and comes with a vinyl carrying tote and instructional booklet.
Details to Know
The magnetic set and tote are 12″ x 8.5″. Please use caution as the magnet set is for children 3 years of age and older due to the small size of the magnets. These pieces could pose a choking hazard to children younger than three or who still put objects in their mouths.
Learn To Write Catholic ABC
Learn To Write Catholic 123
What’s True, Pure, & Lovely About It
We love these dry-erase Catholic workbooks that toddlers and preschoolers can use over and over again! Learn to Write Catholic books come in two different themed options. Learn to Write Catholic ABC teaches children to write letters while learning about their Catholic faith. Similarly, Learn to Write Catholic 123 allows children to practice making their numbers while studying simple aspects of the faith.
Details to Know
Both Learn to Write books measure 8.5″ x 11″ and are 16 pages. The books have a dry-erase marker included.
I’m Going to Mass!: A Lift-The-Flap Book
What’s True, Pure, & Lovely About It
Toddlers and preschoolers love interactive books. Not surprisingly, this lift-the-flap book is no exception. I’m Going to Mass! will help little ones get excited about church and being a part of the congregation. The book uses colorful pictures and simple text to teach children about the mass parts, such as singing with the choir and giving the Sign of Peace. This beginner book is a great wonderful beginner book to start following along at Mass.
Details to Know
The hardcover book is approximately 8″ x 8″ and recommended for ages 2 to 5.
What’s True, Pure, & Lovely About It
There is no book quieter than a cloth book! If it falls to the floor, nobody hears it. It couldn’t be better for reading at church! The colorful book is both entertaining and educational. It teaches little ones the sign of the cross, the parts of the Mass, and Jesus’ love for them.
Details to Know
The 8″ x 8″Mass Quiet Book is made of 100% polyester and is machine washable and hung to dry.
Shopping Catholic for Quiet Mass Toys
It’s never too early to bring children to church. Parents of sometimes unruly tots often feel that bringing young ones to mass only causes distractions with virtually no benefit. However, it couldn’t be further from the truth. When you take your little ones to Mass, you are planting the seeds of faith that will continue to grow. God sees past the distractions and knows the efforts parents of young ones make in bringing their children to him. Our job as parents is to show up the best we can and let God do the rest.
Keep Shopping Catholic!
Angela