If you’ve read my post on taking children to Mass, you know that I’m constantly searching for tips, tricks, and strategies that will help keep my 5 kids engaged in the celebration of Mass. One of my #MomGoals is to help my kids learn to understand, appreciate and LOVE the gift of the Mass. With children ranging in age from 2 to 10 years old, it is sometimes hard to find activities that will meet the needs of each little mind.
You can imagine my joy when I found out about The Mass Box.
The Mass Box is “a program for 3-7 year olds to help your family get ready for each and every Mass with craft supplies, kids missals, and coloring sheets delivered every month to your door”. Though the recommended age is 3-7, I found that I was easily able to include my 2 year old and 10 year old in on the educational fun.
It is a subscription based site that offers a variety of box sizes (thank you for remembering big families!) for an affordable price (starting at $16/month – covers the cost of the crafts alone). I was able to take part in the pilot program for Lent 2016 and I can’t wait for the official launch this Advent.
The short videos, Crafts with Clare, are perfect for those who are artistically challenged like myself. Isn’t Clare adorable?! My kids were enthralled with her. I think they enjoyed being given instructions from a child and the gentle approach that her father has as he helps Clare learn about the faith. As a visual learner, these videos were a much needed extra! You can find more videos by visiting The Mass Box Youtube Channel.
Another thing I loved about The Mass Box is that all of the materials you need are in the box. I’ll admit that I’m not an organized crafter. I always find myself forgetting to pick up that one item that I needed to make the craft special and I don’t like having to buy an entire package of pipe cleaners when I really only need one or two. Storing the items in the box keeps everything in one place and makes it convenient to start craft time whenever you sense your kids need something to keep them occupied.
Included with The Mass Box are copies of Magnifikid which serve as a missal for children. Magnifikid contains the words of all the prayers said in the Mass and the readings, as well as activities for children to do. We have used these for several years and I find them to be very beneficial for my children.
Be sure to check out and support this Outstanding Initiative – The Mass Box. This is just the type of creative thinking that we need to encourage. If you don’t have your own children, consider this as a gift for a Godchild or a child receiving their First Holy Communion. What a beautiful way to give the gift of the Mass and to pass on our faith to the next generation.
