RELIGIOUSNESS AND MASS IN CHILDREN AGED 1 TO 5

By Diego Casanueva Rivero

From the earliest age, the sanctifying action of the Holy Spirit can fill children's hearts and prepare their souls to receive the graces of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, which raises humanity to the Cross and unites them to Our Lord Jesus Christ crucified. Therefore, we should not hinder young children from approaching Him, since good behavior in church is the best preparation for them to love the Sacrament of the Eucharist from an early age and to develop a religious faith.

The rationale for beginning this education at nine months is based on the fact that, at that age, a child already understands the word "no," can stop babbling, and is capable of remaining silent if consistently corrected both physically and verbally.  From that moment, a process of understanding and learning begins that never ceases, provided there is firm guidance and continuous supervision, without forcing natural development, but rather progressively internalizing silence, proper posture, and respect for the sacred space.

This task generally falls to the father, who represents divine fatherhood for his children and is the irreplaceable model of strength and consistency.

Furthermore, it is usually the mother who spends most of the week with the children, which naturally leads to a decline in daily discipline, while the father figure introduces a different objectivity that renews authority and gives children security. The father draws the children out of the self-absorption produced by prolonged time spent with the mother and provides the strength, firmness, and consistency necessary for religious formation, not replacing maternal tenderness, but complementing it.  Therefore, at Holy Mass, the father is especially suited to guide, correct, and teach, since his presence represents divine fatherhood and facilitates children's respectful and disciplined entry into the mystery of the Sacrifice of the Cross.

Introducing children to the mystery of the Sacrifice of the Cross is the father's proper mission, since Holy Mass is essentially the same sacrifice as that of the Cross. Just as God the Father gives his Son for Redemption, Abraham introduces Isaac to the mystery of sacrifice, and Saint Joseph strengthens the Child Jesus and the Blessed Virgin Mary for the moment of the Cross, so too should the father lead his young children to the altar and make Holy Mass their most cherished treasure.

From the first months until three years of age, the father should consistently correct noise, posture, and lack of silence, not letting a single instance of indiscipline go unpunished.  Between the ages of two and three, a child can distinguish the main moments of Holy Mass, especially the Consecration and Communion, approaching with clasped hands and an awareness of the Real Presence of Our Lord. If this path has been consistent, by the age of five, the child can remain still, quiet, and attentive for long periods, with true devotion. When this process has not been adequate or mistakes have been made in the initial stage, it is necessary to rectify the situation. It is wise to return to the beginning and start anew when one has lost their way, beginning with simple yet pure things, with lofty yet clear truths, with fundamental yet unwavering principles.

Constancy, patience, and perseverance allow the work done to bear fruit, even when it is difficult, for existence, life, and the future depend on it. It is never too late to begin, nor to begin again, when the aim is to guide the tender trunk with righteousness and lead children toward the highest, most edifying, and most worthy realm: the spiritual.

*Tips:*

- Prepare for Holy Mass before entering the church, explaining in simple terms what happens at the altar.

- Choose a place where the child can see the altar and allows for immediate correction.

- Keep the parent kneeling most of the time to correct with closeness and by example.

- Always correct in a very low voice, using physical contact and firmness.

- Do not let any misbehavior go unpunished, according to the child's age.

- Immediately remove the child if they lose control, correct them, and return them as soon as possible.

- Maintain discipline even outside the church, without raising your voice.

- Do not allow toys, food, or distractions.

- Never turn your back on the altar.

- Direct the child's attention with brief and devout words toward Our Lord and the Blessed Virgin Mary.

- Pray as a family during the week, especially the rosary.

- Maintain vigilance and consistency for up to five years, renewing goals when there are failures.