By David Carvalho | Diocese of Fall River
In conversation with Lynne Stewart | Immaculate Conception Parish, Easton
Photo courtesy of Immaculate Conception Parish, Easton
This article summarizes an interview with Lynne Stewart from Immaculate Conception Church in Easton, providing takeaways for parishes. To watch the interview in its entirety, visit: https://www.youtube.com/@equipcatholics
Lynne has been a part of the parish since 2004, and over the last three years, she’s served as the Children’s Faith Formation Coordinator, focusing on grades one through seven. Her journey from volunteer catechist to key ministry leader is a familiar one to many in parish life—what starts with a simple “yes” to help often turns into a true calling.
Embracing the Call: From Classroom to Community Builder
When Lynne first began her role, her mission was simple: serve children and their families through faith formation. But what unfolded was a gradual transformation of how ministry could function—not just as a series of classes, but as a dynamic, community-centered approach to parish life.
“We started small,” Lynne explained. “Children’s Liturgy of the Word was only once a month at first, but now, thanks to dedicated volunteers, it’s offered every week.”
This program, a cornerstone of their Sunday 10:15 AM Mass, allows children to hear the Word of God at their level. They gather in a dedicated space—now set up to feel reverent and church-like—and participate in prayer, readings, and hands-on activities that reinforce the Gospel message. The result? Children look forward to it, parents get a moment of quiet reflection, and the parish sees active growth.
Family-Friendly Faith: Building Around the Liturgical Year
From Children’s Liturgy, Lynne’s ministry expanded to include simple yet powerful family events tied to the liturgical calendar. Events like the Saints Day Parade and Advent Wreath Making were intentionally designed to be accessible, engaging, and spiritually meaningful.
“We didn’t reinvent the wheel,” Lynne said. “A lot of these ideas were from the past or shared by other religious education directors. But we adapted them to what works here, for our space and our families.”
Play-Doh Advent wreaths for younger kids, teen helpers, coloring stations—these small touches made families feel seen and welcomed. And the best part? These events often sparked deeper conversations at home about saints, traditions, and the reason for the season.
Photo courtesy of Immaculate Conception Parish, Easton
Listening with Intent: Understanding Family Needs
One of the most insightful shifts Lynne made was realizing that formal surveys and meetings weren’t always the most effective ways to understand what families needed. The magic, it turned out, was in casual conversation.
“Parents would drop their kids off for class, and we’d just talk,” she shared. “Not about specific programs, but about life—what they’re going through, what their kids need, what’s overwhelming right now.”
Through those authentic chats, Lynne began to discern a powerful theme: young families are overextended, tired, and in need of supportive, low-barrier ways to connect with their parish.
Meeting Parents Where They Are
This understanding led to creative ministry innovations. One simple idea: offering child care during Stations of the Cross.
“We sent an email with the subject line, ‘Do you need a break? We’ll watch your kids,’” Lynne recalled with a smile. “We had teens and adults in the gym playing with the kids while parents had time to pray quietly.”
Though the attendance wasn’t huge, the impact was profound. Parents were refreshed. Teens felt needed. Kids had fun. And most importantly, the church ministered to families in a way that honored their reality.
Ministry Through Relationship, Not Just Programs
Another way Lynne’s team is rethinking ministry is by leveraging “pockets of time”—those often-ignored spaces between sacraments, like the gap from baptism to first grade.
“Those early years are crucial,” she emphasized. “Families are forming routines, building habits. Why not meet them there?”
Whether it’s creating a welcoming space during class time where younger siblings can play while parents chat, or simply offering free coffee and a listening ear, the goal is to make church a place families want to be—even when they’re not required to be there.
Intergenerational Connection: The Power of Prayer Buddies
One of the most moving initiatives Lynne recently launched was a Prayer Buddy Mass connecting second graders preparing for First Communion with older parishioners.
“It was simple. We asked some of our warmest, most faithful older parishioners to come to one Mass and be matched with a child to pray for,” Lynne said. “They met, exchanged names, took a photo, and chatted over donuts using a fun icebreaker.”
What happened next was unexpected but beautiful: the kids felt special, the parents were touched, and the older parishioners were honored. The idea planted the seed for lasting spiritual friendships—and perhaps even mentorships.
“This was good for everyone,” Lynne shared. “It made us think, what if we did this with Confirmation students? What if we started in first grade and created long-term connections?”
Photo courtesy of Immaculate Conception Parish, Easton
Christian Action as Family Ministry
Another major insight came through service. Families, it turns out, are hungry for meaningful ways to serve together.
Simple service projects—like assembling backpacks with school supplies after a community Mass—offered powerful experiences for families. “We open and close these with prayer,” Lynne noted. “It’s not just doing good, it’s doing good through Christ.”
These hands-on projects bring generations together and help children see that faith is not just what we believe—it’s what we do.
Lessons for Every Parish
So what advice does Lynne offer to other parishes trying to build more engaging ministry for families?
- Start Small: “Try something. Even if only three families show up, love those three well. They’ll come back, and they’ll bring others.”
- Be Open to Ideas: “Talk to other parishes. Talk to your elders. Great ministry ideas don’t have to be original—they just have to work for your people.”
- Create Spaces, Not Just Programs: “Ministry happens in conversation, in shared space, in community. You don’t always need a curriculum—sometimes you just need coffee and crayons.”
- Listen Deeply: “Real insight into your families’ needs comes from being present. Show up. Ask questions. Be their ally.”
- Celebrate Intergenerational Connections: “A parish is one family. When you bring children and elders together, faith is passed on in beautiful ways.”
A New Vision of Church
What Lynne and Immaculate Conception Church are building is more than a series of events—it’s a culture. One where families feel welcome, children are nurtured, teens are trusted, elders are honored, and everyone is given space to belong.
In an age when traditional religious engagement is changing rapidly—especially in the Northeast—this kind of ministry isn’t just helpful. It’s essential.
And as Lynne humbly puts it: “Most of these ideas came from someone else. We just tried them. We listened. We adapted. We let the Holy Spirit lead.”
For any parish wondering how to better reach children and families, her story is a reminder: it doesn’t take perfection. It takes presence. It takes heart. And it takes the courage to try.
If you’re interested in learning more about the work happening at Immaculate Conception in Easton or want to connect with Lynne, check out the parish’s website: https://icceaston.org/