1 /5 Erika: If you are visiting town, maybe this is not the best church for kids.
While visiting McKinney for Mother’s Day weekend my family and I decided to go to this beautiful church for Sunday Mass. I never imagined I’d leave a Catholic church feeling so hurt and unwelcome… especially on Mother’s Day. While in the narthex with my 2-year-old daughter who, like any toddler, was simply being herself, I was scolded by worker/volunteer who told me I was being disrespectful to everyone there by having her in the NARTHEX (not even in the nave) that “she could be heard inside”. Also my child was not the only one having a tough time, plus ANY child is welcome just as much as any adult to Scared Mass. I was shocked and saddened that a young mother trying her best could be treated with such a lack of compassion in a sacred space.
Earlier, I also witnessed this same lady loudly reprimanding men for using the restroom before she had cleaned it while mass was going on. There was no grace, no patience, just hostility in a place that should offer understanding.
If I weren’t already grounded in my faith, I can see how experiences like this would drive young families away. The Church should be a place where all are welcome—especially little children and the mothers doing their best to bring them closer to God. I truly hope leadership at this parish takes this seriously. And perhaps move her from hospitality ministry.
May God be with us all.
