Hi Mamas,
My request today is the result of a conflict for hubby and I that we have had since our kids have been born. We both grew up Catholic and attended different parishes as kids. When we were dating, we went to my Parish and we got married there. After our first son was born we attended that Church regularly. When my daughter was born we still were members there but chose a Church nearby us with a crying room as she could not control herself for an hour. At my Parish it seemed that every time the kids cried or even sneezed someone would turn and look at us. The crying room Parish was okay but it didn't feel like we were attending because half the time people would shut the speaker off in there. We haven't really attended Church regularly since my third was born because he is even worse than my daughter was about sitting still and being quiet. We tried my old Parish hubby's Parish and my brothers Parish, but none seem to fit us both. We are looking for a Parish that we can go to that we feel welcomed not like some alien coming into a well established Parish that has been around for hundreds of years. Sort of old school, where people don't look at you like your trash if you decide to wear jeans and a nice shirt one week or let the kids wear shorts in the summer. Where people don't sush you if your kids talk or can't sit still. Is there such a place? My older two are enrolled in Catechism at my brothers parish and my daughter is making her First Communion this year so I think it is important for us to attend. We live Downriver and need suggestions on Churches, we will probably visit one each week until we find the right one. Thanks.
I do not know where you live but my husband and I attend St. Alfred's Catholic Church in Taylor. They have a cry room and the people are very nice. I feel that they are kid friendly.
Hi. Our Lady of the Woods in Woodhaven! They are great. Plus, they have a Family Program for religious education that is very convenient. You teach your kids at home and only have to attend once a month! (Although we do the weekly religious ed program, just because it's better for my schedule.) The Church is great. There is a cry room, if necessary! And a lot of parishioners wear jeans or dress up. Best of luck!
K. I have heard great things about this SouthPoint Church from friends, but we attend a Catholic Church. Never used the cry room and only walked out because of behavior a couple times and my daughter could be crazy. Just some tips for church....sit on the music side and sit up front. Your kids can see better and will stay more engaged and their noises will not be heard as well, also teach them how to read the hymn book and they can find the numbered songs. They are participating. The routine of church the more you go is habit forming as is church behavior. Also get involved and you will then meet ppl and it will enhance your church experience. There are older ppl in every church which help us with the tradition of it but the church we want is the one our generation makes and we do that by making a difference. I was going to change churches and found my children wanted to be where their friends were so that helped me make a decision. Also wear what you want you...I have learned that over the years too. You are there for the message not for a fashion show! It can be hard to find a church you are comfortable with but pray on it and it will come. Good luck.
Are you looking for only a catholic church? My sister goes to a non-denominational church in Monroe and it sounds like it is extremely family friendly.. my mom has attended and says it's actually loud during the service! They have some kids programs, but it's fine if kids attend. PM me if you'd like me to get the name of her church and the info. I live an hour north of her so we don't attend at the same church.
I'd think a non-denominational type church would be much more family friendly.
Whereever you attend, it's important that you attend. I remember getting the "looks". One Sunday I finally said to one of the women "at least they are here". Let them make a joyful noise every once and a while and wake up the "faithful". Then as your kids get older remember to help the struggling Mom in front of you. That's how "kid friendly" churches get started. God Bless you and your family.
I go to a non-denom church that is just awesome. It has sunday school for kids starting at birth-6th grade. Let me know if you want more information on it; just send me a P.M.
We attend Southpoint Community Christian Church downriver. It is very casual and non-denominational. You'll love it! They also have great childrens' programs. Here's the link:
St Alfred's is the place. My son loves Miss Trisha in his "Church School" on Sundays at the 10 a.m. mass. He's three. I attend mass with my daughter 16 months in the cry room. Join us! The priest, Fr. Jim is young, early 40's, he loves kids (in a good way). The youth group leader is very nice. The deacon is awesome. It is very multi-cultural, i.e mixed race couples, hispanics, hmongs, etc... We also have a foreign Associate Pastor (I forgot which country he's from). They have a parish school, so they must love kids. The parish festival is always a big event, even the country station shows up with Jill Forsyth. When you go, give it a few months for people to notice you and warm up. I've been going for almost 2 years, now and I've initiated most of my contacts with people. PS, you can wear jeans, too!!!
