The Holiness of Children

Some research evidence contends that human beings have a "God gene." That is, we have a natural inclination to believe in God or some higher power. Proof of that can be seen in the reaction of small and even older children to the wonder of the world around them. We see that in the gospel accounts of Jesus’ interactions with children. As much as adults were attracted to Jesus, so were children and young people. That attraction shouldn’t be discounted as only sentimentality and not serious conversion. 

Fr. Sam Sawyer, S.J., stated in a scripture reflection in America Magazine of the tendency of infants and toddlers, even older children, to go all in when encountering a new person or experience. When a baby in their parent’s arms encounters a new person, they can’t keep their eyes off them. They twist and turn, trying to continue their encounter with the new face. They can’t be distracted because they are “all in” with the new person. All their focus is on the encounter.

Two recent Church events illustrated the ability of young people to have a deep relationship with God. One was the May 25/26 first World Children’s Day celebration in Rome. Over 50,000 children, their parents, and grandparents participated in events at the Roman Olympic Stadium and St. Peter’s Square. 

The other is the upcoming canonization of Blessed Carlo Acutis. Blessed Carlo was a fifteen-year-old Italian boy who died of leukemia in 2004. Although Carlo was baptized soon after his birth, his parents weren’t particularly faithful Catholics. He was taught the faith by his Polish nanny, who would bring him to church to pray before the Blessed Sacrament. Carlo became a typical teenager but developed a great love for the Eucharist. Like many youths, he developed computer skills, which he used to create a website that was a definitive source of information on Eucharistic miracles from throughout history. Even as a youth, he was “all in” to a relationship with God. He is an excellent example of how adults should not discount the intensity of the faith of children and young people.

Over the next few months, the parish will examine our efforts to improve our children’s faith formation and outreach to families. While Chatham’s demographic lacks many families with children, we still should see more children at Mass and in our faith formation program. We need faith enrichment programs available for summer visitors, even if they are only with us for a short while.  

Since the family is the primary place for instruction in the Catholic faith, we all need to take that responsibility seriously. Parents and grandparents need to make their homes schools of faith. That starts with little initiatives as simple as saying grace before meals and having religious images such as crucifixes on our walls and other religious images in our homes. Don’t overlook opportunities to share faith with children. Holidays such as Christmas and Easter present an opportunity, but don’t forget the everyday ones that arise. Children naturally want to be engaged with their surroundings and events, so help them experience engagement by sharing how you engage with your faith. Show them that you pray and grow in your relationship with God. Don’t underestimate children’s capacity for growing in faith, whether they are toddlers or teens.