In the Gospel, Jesus says: “Let the children come to Me, and do not forbid them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” (Matthew 19:14)

Children are a precious gift from God, entrusted to our love, care, and guidance. In the Gospels, Jesus welcomes them with open arms, showing His deep affection and reminding us of their special place in the heart of God.

Our parish is blessed with many young families whose children are present at Mass. Yes, they may cry or make noise—but that is a beautiful sign of a living, growing community. Sometimes parents apologize for their children making noise, but I always tell them, “That’s the future of our Church! I love hearing children in the pews. I would rather hear their voices than have silence in the pews.”

As a parish family, we are called not only to cherish our children but also to walk alongside the parents and guardians who nurture them in love, faith, and joy. During the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia on September 26, 2015, Pope Francis spoke from the heart about how the family reflects God’s overflowing love, beauty, and truth. He said: “The most beautiful thing that God made, the Bible says, was the family. All of the love that God has in himself, all of the beauty that God has in himself, all of the truth that God has in himself, he gives to the family. And a family is truly a family when it is able to open its arms and receive all of this love.”

Here at Holy Spirit Church, we strive to be a community where every child can grow in love, deepen their faith, and know the joy of belonging to Christ’s family. When we bring our children for a blessing, we place them under God’s loving protection and grace, praying that they be strengthened in faith, filled with joyful hope, and inspired to share His love generously.

Following the 9:00am Mass each Sunday, therefore, I invite our entire community to join in prayer for our children and their families. Parents and guardians, please gather with your children in the Narthex for a special blessing. Together, let us entrust them to the Lord and commit ourselves to walking with them as they grow in faith and journey toward His kingdom.

May God bless you and your loved ones abundantly.

Fr. Long Phi Nguyen, SVD
Pastor

BACK TO LIST