Babies Who Cry in Church: Welcome to God’s House!

For some parishioners, it is very difficult to remain focused when a baby cries in church. People might get distracted and annoyed, and parents can become very self-conscious trying to calm their children. A baby might cry at various times: during the homily, at a moment of silence, during the consecration … you never know when. Sometimes one baby hears another baby crying and then decides to join in … but that’s what babies do!

For me, honestly, I have become accustomed to the sound of babies crying during Mass. For 55 years of being the presider at worship, I have never really had a problem with it. In fact, I welcome their cries because it means that parents have decided that worshipping together as a family is a priority, and so parents know they need to help their children become acclimated to being in church each week. Practicing our faith is the center of our lives, and coming to church is the most important event of the week. When parents lead by example in regard to the regular practice of the faith, the world and the Church are in a better place. It’s not just a pious phrase but a proven reality that “the family that prays together stays together.” Sunday Mass is the highest form of prayer for Catholics. It is truly distressing when it is apparent that so few families actually attend Mass on a regular basis. We certainly have a lot of work to do in this area!

However, when babies are brought to the house of God – usually in strollers or carriages – we should welcome them with open arms and open hearts. I make it a point when I see a mom or dad with an infant in their arms or small children following their parents’ good example to thank them for being good role models to their children and giving them the good example they need. Parents are truly the first teachers of their children in the ways of the faith. We pray they will become the best of teachers by what they say and, most importantly, by what they do!

So, what do I do when I hear a baby cry during Mass? I thank God for their presence among us and pray that their parents will not be discouraged from bringing their young babies or toddlers to the church. I remember a story that has guided me through moments like this. It’s a story of a priest who was totally distressed and frustrated at the sounds of a baby crying during Mass. In his annoyance, he made a comment to the parents about “controlling their child” and not letting them be heard. The parents were hurt, obviously, and we do not know if it led them to another parish or to another faith! That same priest went to his mom’s house for dinner that Sunday afternoon and proceeded to tell his mom about what happened during Mass that morning. He admitted how he reprimanded the parents. His startled mother said to the priest, “Don’t you ever do that again. You were no angel when I took you to church on Sundays!” Needless to say, the priest never did it again.

Jesus said, “Let the children come to me for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.” Welcome to all God’s children, especially the babies!