{"id":4777,"date":"2025-10-01T20:12:41","date_gmt":"2025-10-01T20:12:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fallriverfaithformation.org\/?p=4777"},"modified":"2025-10-01T20:12:42","modified_gmt":"2025-10-01T20:12:42","slug":"creating-space-for-families-a-parishs-journey-to-engage-children-and-families","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fallriverfaithformation.org\/es\/2025\/10\/01\/creating-space-for-families-a-parishs-journey-to-engage-children-and-families\/","title":{"rendered":"Creating Space for Families: A Parish’s Journey to Engage Children and Families"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

By David Carvalho | Diocese of Fall River<\/em>
In conversation with<\/em> Lynne Stewart<\/em> | Immaculate Conception Parish, Easton<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Photo courtesy of Immaculate Conception Parish, Easton<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This article summarizes an interview<\/em> with Lynne Stewart from Immaculate Conception Church in Easton, providing takeaways for parishes. To watch the interview in its entirety, visit: <\/em>https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@equipcatholics<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lynne has been a part of the parish since 2004, and over the last three years, she\u2019s served as the Children\u2019s 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\u2014what starts with a simple \u201cyes\u201d to help often turns into a true calling.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Embracing the Call: From Classroom to Community Builder<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2014not just as a series of classes, but as a dynamic, community-centered approach to parish life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe started small,\u201d Lynne explained. \u201cChildren\u2019s Liturgy of the Word was only once a month at first, but now, thanks to dedicated volunteers, it\u2019s offered every week.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2014now set up to feel reverent and church-like\u2014and 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Family-Friendly Faith: Building Around the Liturgical Year<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

From Children\u2019s Liturgy, Lynne\u2019s ministry expanded to include simple yet powerful family events tied to the liturgical calendar. Events like the Saints Day Parade<\/em> and Advent Wreath Making<\/em> were intentionally designed to be accessible, engaging, and spiritually meaningful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe didn\u2019t reinvent the wheel,\u201d Lynne said. \u201cA 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Play-Doh Advent wreaths for younger kids, teen helpers, coloring stations\u2014these 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Photo courtesy of Immaculate Conception Parish, Easton<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Listening with Intent: Understanding Family Needs<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the most insightful shifts Lynne made was realizing that formal surveys and meetings weren\u2019t always the most effective ways to understand what families needed. The magic, it turned out, was in casual conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cParents would drop their kids off for class, and we\u2019d just talk,\u201d she shared. \u201cNot about specific programs, but about life\u2014what they\u2019re going through, what their kids need, what\u2019s overwhelming right now.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meeting Parents Where They Are<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This understanding led to creative ministry innovations. One simple idea: offering child care during Stations of the Cross<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe sent an email with the subject line, \u2018Do you need a break? We\u2019ll watch your kids,\u2019\u201d Lynne recalled with a smile. \u201cWe had teens and adults in the gym playing with the kids while parents had time to pray quietly.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Though the attendance wasn\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ministry Through Relationship, Not Just Programs<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another way Lynne\u2019s team is rethinking ministry is by leveraging \u201cpockets of time\u201d\u2014those often-ignored spaces between sacraments, like the gap from baptism to first grade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThose early years are crucial,\u201d she emphasized. \u201cFamilies are forming routines, building habits. Why not meet them there?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether it\u2019s 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\u2014even when they\u2019re not required to be there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Intergenerational Connection: The Power of Prayer Buddies<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the most moving initiatives Lynne recently launched was a Prayer Buddy Mass<\/em> connecting second graders preparing for First Communion with older parishioners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt 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,\u201d Lynne said. \u201cThey met, exchanged names, took a photo, and chatted over donuts using a fun icebreaker.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2014and perhaps even mentorships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis was good for everyone,\u201d Lynne shared. \u201cIt made us think, what if we did this with Confirmation students? What if we started in first grade and created long-term connections?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Photo courtesy of Immaculate Conception Parish, Easton<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Christian Action as Family Ministry<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another major insight came through service. Families, it turns out, are hungry for meaningful ways to serve together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Simple service projects\u2014like assembling backpacks with school supplies after a community Mass\u2014offered powerful experiences for families. \u201cWe open and close these with prayer,\u201d Lynne noted. \u201cIt\u2019s not just doing good, it\u2019s doing good through Christ.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These hands-on projects bring generations together and help children see that faith is not just what we believe\u2014it\u2019s what we do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lessons for Every Parish<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

So what advice does Lynne offer to other parishes trying to build more engaging ministry for families?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. Start Small<\/strong>: \u201cTry something. Even if only three families show up, love those three well. They\u2019ll come back, and they\u2019ll bring others.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Be Open to Ideas<\/strong>: \u201cTalk to other parishes. Talk to your elders. Great ministry ideas don\u2019t have to be original\u2014they just have to work for your people.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Create Spaces, Not Just Programs<\/strong>: \u201cMinistry happens in conversation, in shared space, in community. You don\u2019t always need a curriculum\u2014sometimes you just need coffee and crayons.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Listen Deeply<\/strong>: \u201cReal insight into your families\u2019 needs comes from being present. Show up. Ask questions. Be their ally.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Celebrate Intergenerational Connections<\/strong>: \u201cA parish is one family. When you bring children and elders together, faith is passed on in beautiful ways.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    A New Vision of Church<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    What Lynne and Immaculate Conception Church are building is more than a series of events\u2014it\u2019s a culture. One where families feel welcome, children are nurtured, teens are trusted, elders are honored, and everyone is given space to belong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    In an age when traditional religious engagement is changing rapidly\u2014especially in the Northeast\u2014this kind of ministry isn\u2019t just helpful. It\u2019s essential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And as Lynne humbly puts it: \u201cMost of these ideas came from someone else. We just tried them. We listened. We adapted. We let the Holy Spirit lead.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    For any parish wondering how to better reach children and families, her story is a reminder: it doesn\u2019t take perfection. It takes presence. It takes heart. And it takes the courage to try.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    If you\u2019re interested in learning more about the work happening at Immaculate Conception in Easton or want to connect with Lynne, check out the parish\u2019s website: https:\/\/icceaston.org\/<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    By David Carvalho | Diocese of Fall RiverIn 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…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":116,"featured_media":4778,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_crosspost_to_1":false,"_crosspost_to_16":false,"_crosspost_to_17":false,"_crosspost_to_18":false,"_crosspost_to_20":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4777","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","category-1","description-off"],"pp_force_visibility":null,"pp_subpost_visibility":null,"pp_inherited_force_visibility":null,"pp_inherited_subpost_visibility":null,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fallriverfaithformation.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4777","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fallriverfaithformation.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fallriverfaithformation.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fallriverfaithformation.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/116"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fallriverfaithformation.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4777"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.fallriverfaithformation.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4777\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4787,"href":"https:\/\/www.fallriverfaithformation.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4777\/revisions\/4787"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fallriverfaithformation.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4778"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fallriverfaithformation.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4777"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fallriverfaithformation.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4777"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fallriverfaithformation.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4777"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}