Children belong in worship. As the youngest members of the family of God, children offer the community enthusiasm, joy, an open heart, and a desire to know God. At St. James’ we welcome young people of all ages in the worship services and yet, parents often find themselves in an uncomfortable position as they struggle with how to nurture their child’s experience of church, partake fully in the Eucharist, and at the same time remain respectful of others worshiping around them.

Respecting the Needs of Other Worshipers
and the Needs of Our Children

In church school, we teach the children to be respectful of those around them. The same is true in church. People are praying in church, listening to God, speaking to God and seeking God in the moments of silence and prayer. Scripture is being read and the congregation listens. To gage if your child’s behavior is respectful of those around you, simply ask yourself, “Is this behavior distracting to someone who is listening or praying? Is there noise that can be heard in the pew in front of or behind me?”

Some simple guidelines for church may allow you to relax:

• Quiet work like looking at a book or coloring or drawing is ok during the Liturgy of the Word. A soft noiseless toy may help.
• Some movement is to be expected from children. Children love gestures. Teach them to make the sign of the cross, to bow at the cross, and help them to notice the gestures and symbols in the church.
• Sit in the front or place your child in an aisle seat so that he/she can see.
• Encourage older children to follow along in the service leaflet and prayer book.
• Teach the mystery of faith, the Lord’s prayer, the peace, and other parts of the service to your child.
• Strategically placing mom or dad between siblings is sometimes all that is needed to help a child settle in church.
• An entire service hour is too long for many children to remain quiet and calm. There will undoubtedly be times when your child is not able to remain in church.
• When a child’s behavior is distracting to other worshipers, it is perfectly ok to excuse yourself and your child from the service. Enjoy a stroll, find the water fountain, or visit the church nursery until your child is ready to return to church.

Children Receiving Communion

At St. James’ children of all ages are welcome at the Eucharistic table. Infants may receive a blessing at the communion rail while being held in the parents arms. Once a child desires to receive the bread and wine, they are welcome to do so. How do you know when your child is ready to receive? Even small babies can reach for the bread or show in their faces an eagerness to receive.Children may be instructed how to cup their outstretched hands to receive the bread, to respond with “Amen” as they receive, and to make the sign of the cross when leaving the communion rail. Children who do not want to receive may cross their arms and receive a blessing by the priest.