How to Make Mass “Seem” Shorter
Making Mass Feel Shorter by Understanding Its Four Parts
When I was a kid, I thought Mass was one long hour where adults talked while I waited to go home. It felt endless because I didn’t know what was happening. My dad helped by showing us that the Mass isn’t one long event — it has four parts. Once we knew which part we were in, we could follow along, find our place, and understand what would come next.
This is something you can share with your own kids the next time they ask, “When will it be over?” or start to wiggle in the pew. Once they know the rhythm of the Mass, it feels more like a story than a task.
1. The Introductory Rites — The Welcome
To children, the beginning of Mass might sound like a string of prayers they don’t understand. Try describing it as the “hello” to Jesus. They’ve just entered God’s house, and just like visiting a friend, the polite thing to do is greet Him.
Ask: What do you do when you go to a friend’s house? You say hello, thank them for inviting you in, and settle in for your visit. The Introductory Rites are our chance to do the same with Jesus — but they also offer something more. This is the time to pause and reflect on the week that has passed. We say sorry for mistakes, and we ask for strength for the week to come.
Encourage your child to take a quiet moment here. Ask, “If you walked into a room and saw Jesus, what would you say to Him first?” They can whisper that prayer in their heart.
2. The Liturgy of the Word — Listening to God’s Story
This is the longest part of Mass, but it’s also the easiest to break down into smaller moments that children can recognize.
The Readings. There are usually three: one from the Old Testament, one from the New Testament, and the Gospel. Use the missalette to follow along, or read the Sunday readings at home before Mass so your child will recognize the stories.
The Alleluia. This is our moment to stand and sing with joy — we’re getting ready to hear from Jesus in the Gospel!
The Homily. This is where the priest helps us connect the readings to our daily life. Some children may lose focus here — and that’s okay. Give them a way to “listen differently.” Ask them to think about one thing God might be trying to say to them. (Learn more ideas for helping kids during this part in “Keeping Kids Engaged During the Homily.”)
The Creed. After hearing God’s Word, we stand and declare what we believe. It’s our way of saying “yes” to the faith. You can learn fun ways to teach the Creed to kids [in this article →].
The Prayers of the Faithful. This is when we pray for others — the Church, the world, and anyone who needs help. Encourage your child to think of one person or situation to pray for quietly in their heart.
3. The Liturgy of the Eucharist — The Miracle
This is the part of Mass where everything comes together, and it can be the hardest for kids to follow. It’s full of quiet prayers and small gestures, but you can help them notice a few key moments.
Watch when the bread and wine are brought forward — they represent our gifts.
During the Eucharistic Prayer, point out when the priest raises the Host and the Chalice. That’s when the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ.
When it’s time for the Our Father, encourage your child to say it proudly — this is their moment to speak with the whole Church.
At the Sign of Peace, let them look around and shake hands or wave. It’s okay for this to be joyful — this is one of the most human moments in the liturgy.
During Communion, if your child has received their First Communion, remind them this is the heart of the Mass — Jesus coming to be with them. If they haven’t yet, let them know that crossing their arms for a blessing is still a real way to receive God’s love.
4. The Concluding Rites — The Goodbye and the Go
At the end of Mass, we are blessed and sent. This isn’t just the “end” — it’s the beginning of living what we’ve heard and received. After Mass, ask your child: What can we do this week because we went to Mass? It can be small — share a toy, help a sibling, say thank you. This helps them understand that faith doesn’t end at the church doors.
Making It Fun
Children understand time through movement and purpose. When they know what’s happening and what it means, the Mass feels shorter and fuller. You can make this even more engaging by turning it into an interactive experience:
Bring a “Mass Map” printable that tracks the four parts.
Let them find one new thing each week — a word, a color, a sound.
Celebrate small wins: “You listened for the Gospel!” or “You remembered when to stand!”
Mass doesn’t have to feel long — for kids or for us. When we help them see that it’s a visit with their friend Jesus, not a lecture, the time moves quickly and their hearts stay open.