A Family Friendly Eucharistic Congress
If you are like me, you are wondering if you can bring the whole family to the Eucharistic Congress in June. You might be thinking: “Will the little ones be too fidgety during the talks?” “Will I have to sneak in a bunch of snacks to keep them quiet the whole time?”
Have no fear! There are a number of opportunities that will be available throughout the day to make the experience meaningful for both you and for your children! The Institute Servants of the Lord and the Virgin of Matará (Servadora Sisters) are generously offering to lead Eucharist themed activities for children who are potty trained through 12 years old. These activities will take place from 9 to 11 in the morning and then again from 1-2:45 in the afternoon.
There are also service projects designed to be family oriented. One is with Kids Against Hunger, where we will pack 10,000 meals! This project is appropriate for kids 8+ and will require a parent to be present, but it will be a wonderful opportunity to learn and serve together. We will assemble food packages for those in severe need, as well as care kits for the homeless, and provide an opportunity for children and adults to write cards for the homebound.
Other family options: at noon there will be an outdoor picnic with the Armstrong Brass Quintet, and throughout the day outdoor lawn games (such as cornhole, parachute play, more) which will offer families a chance to get some fresh air and get some energy out.
If you have need for it, a nursery area (ages 0-3) will be available for a floor time break with a parent, and a privacy room will be available for nursing mothers.
Help us make outdoor yard games and the nursery area possible by signing up to let us borrow your lawn games/nursery toys HERE.
Teens be able to enjoy spending time in a lounge area with frozen drinks for purchase by St. James Coffee. They’ll also find young adults from NET (National Evangelization Teams) there, who are ready to talk about the faith, engage in discussions about what they are hearing from the keynote speakers, and explore how they can live their faith in everyday life at home, in school, with friends, and in their extra-curricular activities. We also plan to have live music at times throughout the day. Of course teens can take part in the service projects and in the lawn games as well.
Of course your children are welcome to take part in all of the regular Congress events, too! Adoration and the Sacrament of Reconciliation will be available throughout the day. And first communicants are encouraged to wear their first communion clothing while joining in the Eucharistic procession with their families.
The bottom line is, YES! bring the whole family if you can! We cannot think of a better way to spend the day as a family!
Featured image, Creative Commons license.