Homilies Are Boring for Eight-Year-Olds (and That’s Okay)
There’s a moment in almost every Sunday Mass when a child leans over and whispers, “Is it almost over?” Usually, it happens right before or during the homily. The readings are done, everyone sits down, and a calm voice begins to speak. For most kids, this is the hardest part to stay focused through — and honestly, even adults struggle sometimes. That’s okay.
The homily isn’t meant to entertain; it’s meant to teach, to remind, and to reach the heart. But children can get something from it — especially when we help them prepare to listen, even in their own way.
Preparing Before Mass
You can set your child up for success long before the first hymn starts. Every week, the Church uses the same readings around the world — and they’re published in advance. Reading them at home can give children a foundation so that when they hear the priest speak, they already recognize the story.
Turn it into a small family moment:
Read the Gospel together the night before.
Ask, “What do you think this story means?”
Have them draw a picture of what stood out to them.
Then, when they hear those same words at Mass, it’s like hearing a familiar story told again — but with new meaning. They’ll be more likely to connect, even if they only catch a few phrases.
Why the Homily Feels Long
A homily usually lasts under ten minutes — shorter than most TV shows — but it feels longer because it’s quiet and reflective. Kids are wired for stories, pictures, and action. When the priest talks about forgiveness or mercy without a clear story, it can sound abstract to them. That’s when they start to drift — not out of disrespect, but because they’re still learning how to listen with the heart.
So instead of expecting stillness, we can teach them how to listen differently.
Helping Kids Listen Differently
Here are a few ways to guide their focus during the homily:
Listen for one word. Before Mass, say, “Let’s each listen for one word that stands out.” Afterward, talk about why they chose it.
Find the story link. Ask them to catch one part that connects back to the Gospel you read together at home.
Draw it out. Let them quietly sketch one image from the story — Jesus healing someone, a boat, a seed, a mountain.
Quiet reflection. If their attention drifts, that’s okay. Encourage them to think, “What did Jesus do in today’s story, and how can I do that this week?”
It’s Not About Perfect Focus
One of the most freeing lessons to give kids is that they don’t have to understand everything at Mass. Adults don’t either! What matters is helping them recognize that this part of the Mass is for the heart as much as the mind.
Tell them, “Even if you don’t follow every word, just try to listen for one idea that sounds kind, or brave, or loving.” You’re not asking for perfect silence — you’re teaching them what prayerful curiosity looks like.
Making It Stick
The homily doesn’t have to end when the priest says “Amen.” Keep the conversation going:
“What do you think Father was trying to teach today?”
“Was there a line you liked or didn’t like?”
“If you gave the homily, what would you tell everyone?”
When kids get to respond in their own words, they start to form their own relationship with Scripture.
Why It’s Okay if They Miss It
Faith isn’t built on perfect attention spans — it’s built on repetition, wonder, and presence. Even if a child daydreams through every homily for a year, they’re still learning that this is a sacred space where God speaks, even in quiet ways.
So, if your eight-year-old zones out mid-homily, that’s okay. You’re not failing; you’re planting seeds. One day, one line will land just right — and they’ll remember that it came from a voice they heard every Sunday.
The goal isn’t to make every homily exciting — it’s to help your child know that God’s Word is worth listening for, even when it’s hard to hear.