I think you have made a wise decision, t-mom.....Judging from what you have said concerning your priests, I think they just might be more receptive to another man than to a mom....Sad, but probably true.
My prayers will be with you....I know how hard it is to take kids to church. I'm a gramma, and have seen it all!
Of course I grew up as a Methodist, and Protestants in general put their little ones in a well-appointed and staffed nursery 'till they are old enough to actually sit through a church service. Having whole families in church together was something I had to get used to when I converted twenty years ago....Now I LOVE seeing the families, and the occasional noise kids make doesn't bother me. Kids are kids, after all.
As to the older kids leaving Mass too often...That is a problem that needs to be addressed, but not from the pulpit....No one likes to be singled out and embarrassed, and doing so only causes more problems.
OTOH, even I have had to leave Mass when absolutely necessary....Not something I do on a regular basis, but it has happened. I would hate for the priest to call attention to me!
Anyway....Good luck...And yes....We moms and grandmoms hear you, and understand where you are coming from...and support you all the way!
