Cry Room Statement from Fr. Rob

Dear St. Luke parishioners,

I want to provide a note of clarity and guidance around the question of crying babies in church, and why we do not have a cry room. It is a very beautiful thing that we have a growing number of young families at St. Luke, and it was made known to me that often parents don’t have a clear sense of what is expected when their child is crying during Mass. The suggestion of having an established cry room has been posed, and so I want to give guidance for what parents can do, where they can go, and how our parishioners can respond in support.

I first wish to say that the sound of children crying in Mass does not need to be a hindrance or annoyance. On the contrary, crying children is the sound of a church that has life. As the Body of Christ, we have a collective responsibility to support each other and give the witness to our young people of how to worship. Additionally, as a University Parish, the witness of young families at Mass is crucial in forming our college students for entering faithfully into their vocations. I wish for the culture at St. Luke to be that parishioners rejoice in seeing children and families at Mass, and are okay with the crying that comes.

As a principle, I would love for all families to be at Mass, within the nave (main church space), together as much as possible. Please do not feel like you have to split your family between Mass times to less burden the congregation. And we will not ask you to stay out in the entryway or in a separate room throughout Mass. As one body, I want all families to feel welcome to celebrate Mass within the church space, in union with the whole congregation. 

Additionally, mothers are welcome to nurse in the nave during Mass, maintaining appropriate modesty. The vestibule or the magnificat room (across from the kitchen) are also suitable spaces for nursing. The magnificat room has a nursing chair and a countertop changing station, as well as some extra diapers, but is also not a permanent space to remain during Mass.

Of course, church is also not a playground, and I recognize that children often need space to let out some energy or emotions. I would ask that parents use their discretion to maintain a respectful level of noise and activity, and to reverently guide their young children to participate in the Mass. If your child needs to be consoled, or to let out some energy, the vestibule can be a designated temporary soothing space. But, again, we welcome parents to return to the nave with their children as soon as able, to worship as one with the faithful for the rest of Mass.

May God continue to bless our parish with growth, and new life!

Fr. Rob Mulderink