Holy Noise

By Phillip Grothus

As you may know, I have three children, all in very different stages of life—one in college, one about to be a senior in high school, and one entering middle school. Over the years, my wife and I have tried to raise them with simple foundations: be kind, love God, and respect others.

That carries into Mass. Like many of you, I was taught the “rules”—sit up straight, be still, and participate. And when I attend Mass, I see parents throughout the church hoping for the same thing: that their children behave.

But kids are kids. They wiggle, they whisper, they test limits. And yes, there are moments when that needs to be corrected. But there’s something else—something I wish I could go back and tell my younger self. Instead, I find myself sharing it with friends after Mass.

“Hey Chris, how’s it going?”

“Good… but could you hear my son today?”

And my answer is always the same:

“Yes—and it made me smile.”

There is something beautiful about hearing a child say “Amen.” It may not sound polished, but it’s real, joyful, and full of belief. Our children are learning how to pray and participate, and they do it with their whole hearts. And if we’re honest, maybe we’ve grown a little too quiet.

Jesus tells us in Matthew 18:3, “Unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.” Children trust fully, love freely, and proclaim their faith without hesitation.

So the next time you hear a small voice say “Amen,” don’t feel embarrassed. Let it be heard. Because in that moment, we’re not just hearing a child—we’re hearing the kind of faith we’re all called to have.