As many of you know, parenthood is a wonderful expression of love, but it is not without challenges. For mothers especially, balancing all of the different aspects of child care can be especially daunting and tiring. Many families bring their children to Mass in an effort to teach them the faith. Yet we know that children have their own schedules. Sometimes they get fussy; sometimes hungry. In response to some inquiries, we would like to make it easier for those mothers who need to breastfeed their infants to do so in a safe, quiet, and private place. We are offering the use of the confessional on Saturday and Sunday during Mass (as well as in between the Masses) as a place for breastfeeding mothers to care for their children. For those mothers who would like to use the space, simply go into the confessional (which is next to the audio/video control room) and hang the breastfeeding sign on the door. This will alert others that the room is being used and that they should not enter. When you are finished feeding your child, come out of the confessional and take the sign off of the door.
For parents whose children are beyond breastfeeding years, we invite you to remain in the church so that the children can become acclimated to the Mass. Of course, if they become too fussy, you may take them for a walk in the gathering space to settle them down. In short, we want you and your children to feel welcome at Mass and to participate as you are able.