Pray and Play: New Ministry Fosters Fellowship and Community for Our Parish Families

Sometimes, it’s the simplest things that have the most profound effect. Thanks to a new ministry at Our Lady of the Assumption, children and their parents are getting to know the person sitting next to them at Mass. After the 9 a.m. Sunday Mass, a group heads to the playground with coffee for the parents and snacks for the kids. It’s a valuable opportunity for fellowship for the parents and play-time for the kids.

The first gathering took place this past June and the Play and Pray Ministry has been building in popularity ever since. Families with young children don’t always have an opportunity to take part in other church activities — they are often busy and their children aren’t in school yet.

“I think it’s a group of people in our parish who have such vibrancy, such energy, and new ideas; an unharnessed force that we can use to create a more vibrant parish,” says Katie Cunha, who helped get this group started. “As a parishioner myself, I have often been unsure how to go about becoming more connected and more involved, so I hope this is an open door for that.”

Katie grew up at our parish and became a member again about six years ago. She would see new younger families at Mass, but would just smile, say “hello” and go on with her day. And, of course, Mass doesn’t necessarily offer time to get to know people. So, Katie talked to Tracy Urban, and they both agreed they needed a way to engage young families and, most importantly, make them feel welcome. Katie and Tracy approached Fr. Eduino Silveira, who was so excited about the idea he started the planning process immediately. Katie enlisted Hilary Simas and Hayley Figeroid to help.

“I have the hope of making Our Lady of the Assumption a welcoming community for this population,” Katie says.

In order to lay a foundation for our church for years to come, young children and their families need to be welcomed with open arms. Katie wants to go the extra step to make sure these families receive hospitality and feel loved.

“I have had numerous parishioners come up to me and tell me what a beautiful family I have, and how happy they are to see us each week at Mass,” Katie says. “I can’t even express how encouraging this is as a mother and how much this has meant to me. We need continued encouragement!”

Although this group is only a few months old, Katie has loved each gathering so far. She has enjoyed getting to know people and building a community of young families. “Eventually, I hope that this will be an open door to encourage growth for our young family population as well as the participation of young families in the parish,” Katie says. All young families are encouraged to attend after the 9 a.m. Mass. “Meet us — let us meet you,” Katie says. “Tell other families to come as well, we are so happy to meet them.”

If you would like to volunteer to bring coffee, water or snacks, please contact Katie Cunha at katieecunha@gmail.com or 916-203-4425.

Young families gather after the 9 a.m. Mass for time to play, visit and pray.