Parents have long struggled with getting their kids to focus during Mass. Whether you are trying to help your child understand what is going on, or just teaching them how to pray during the liturgy, help is near at hand.
Having a few items to keep them busy and also prayer-centered can go a long way in kick-starting their enthusiasm for diving deeper.
Here are some of our favorites for Catholic kids during Mass!
Stuffed Saints
Stuffed Saints are a wonderful quiet Mass toy for younger children – and if your toddler drops it during the Consecration, no one will hear! You can choose from a variety of saints and also customize with options like plain rice, scented rice, or just plain fabric.
Introducing children to faithful role models at a young age prompts questions about who they are and why they are important. Stuffed Saints are a fun toy for today and a learning tool for tomorrow!
Chews Life Rosary
Designed for children under 4 and 100% safe for the inevitable putting in the mouth, Chews Life Rosaries are made from food-grade silicone and organic cotton cord to ensure safe and quiet munching during Mass.
This USA-made rosary can be purchased in a variety of different colors, with a variety of saint “medals” ranging from John Paul II to Cecilia.
For a smaller option, check out the Chews Life Decade Rosaries at the bottom of the page!
Catholic Rosary Stress Popper
Suitable for ages 3 and up, the Fidget Rosary Popper is a decade ring of stress poppers. The fidget toy comes in several color options and is big enough to keep your little one occupied, while also small enough to fold up and store in your pocket or throw in a purse.
My Mass Kit
This Soft Mass Kit includes all of the items a priest uses at Mass to help your child start to familiarize himself with the liturgy through imitation and play.
The kit contains a crucifix, chalice, thurible, finger bowl, 2 cruets, 2 candles, paten, corporal & purificator, and play hosts. With these replicas, kids can learn how to better participate in Mass.
Saints Sticker Books
These saint sticker books each feature 25 stickers for kids to match with the outline of the saint and a brief biography of who they are. There are options for both girls and boys, with reusable stickers.
The book includes saints from the early Christian era as well as modern saints – a great introduction to the entire, diverse communion of the Church!
Saints Coloring Books (Sophia Press)
Mass is a great time for contemplative coloring, and the Saints Coloring Book is no ordinary option. It features day-by-day saints to color from July – December, where kids can color in a full picture of the saint everyday and read their full story. A companion book is available with saints from January through June.
Kids learn that each saint has a special day on which we celebrate their lives so that we can imitate their love for Christ. The Saints Coloring Book is a great activity for kids to look forward to each day, and a subtle introduction to a lifestyle of growing in his or her faith everyday.
Holy Cards Collection
Having a small collection of holy cards with the most common and simple Catholic prayers can be super helpful as your little one hears you say them and then learns to pray themselves.
This simple binding with 12 prayer cards – including the Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Saint Michael, and more – are an easy way to help your child stay focused in Mass as well as at home or on the go.
Graphic Novels (Sophia Press)
The Saints Chronicles graphic novels from Sophia Institute Press feature engaging texts and dramatic images that captivate and inspire young readers with the stories of both ancient and modern saints.
There are 5 novels in this series, and the first installation includes some of Christianity’s boldest heroes of the faith, from St. Patrick to St. Joan of Arc.
Children’s Bible
What better Mass aid than the Word of God? The Catholic Children’s Study Bible caters to the attention span and reading level of young children to impress on their minds the stories in God’s written Word.
The Mass, in its essence, is a compilation of the most crucial moments in Sacred Scripture. As children begin to read the Bible, they can see the parallels with what is happening on the altar during Mass!
Parents rave about how applicable the Bible is for children. This Bible includes sections guiding kids to “Understand it,” “Live it,” and “Tell it” in their lives – great resources for sparking parent-child discussion after Mass!
