Moments of Grace - A blog with Stories and Creations for the Faithful Journey
Blog posts
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An Adventure Through Faith and Curiosity
Dezaray HernandezJoin us as we dive into California’s oldest mission! My daughter Ella and I spent a beautiful day exploring Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcalá, learning its rich history, and...
An Adventure Through Faith and Curiosity
Dezaray HernandezJoin us as we dive into California’s oldest mission! My daughter Ella and I spent a beautiful day exploring Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcalá, learning its rich history, and...
Exploring the Basilica: A Special Place for Prayer with Children
When we take our children to places of worship, we’re introducing them to something incredibly special—a deeper connection with God, a chance to pray for others, and a peaceful space to feel close to their faith. Recently, Ella and I visited a beautiful basilica, and she was so excited to light a votive candle and pray for her grandma Coco, who is not feeling well.
But what exactly is a basilica? A basilica is a type of church recognized for its special importance and rich history. Many basilicas are famous for their beautiful architecture, historical significance, and sacred relics. Often, these places have been centers of faith for hundreds of years, welcoming people who come to pray, reflect, and celebrate special occasions. For children, visiting a basilica can be like stepping into a grand story of faith, surrounded by beautiful artwork, statues, and candles that help them feel connected to God in a special way.
Lighting a votive candle, like Ella did, is a way to say a special prayer for someone dear. The candle symbolizes our prayer continuing to burn brightly even after we leave, showing our love and hopes for those we care about. Encouraging children to pray—whether at home, in a church, or a basilica—helps them build a lifelong habit of turning to God with their hopes, worries, and gratitude. It’s a wonderful way to let them know that God is with them, always listening, and that their prayers can be a gift to others, like a beautiful light shining in the dark.
Understanding Baptism and the Baptismal Font
Baptism is one of the most important moments in a Catholic’s faith journey. It’s a special ceremony where someone is welcomed into the Church, and it’s seen as the first step toward living a life of faith. During a baptism, water is poured over the person’s head as a sign of cleansing and new beginnings. Through this sacrament, we are freed from original sin and become part of God’s family. It’s a way of saying, “You belong to God,” and it marks the start of a lifelong relationship with Him.
The place where this important step happens is called a baptismal font. A baptismal font is usually a large basin or bowl filled with holy water. At Mission San Diego de Alcalá, Ella and I saw a baptismal font from 1772, which means many people throughout history have started their own journeys of faith right there. Standing near something so old and meaningful is like touching history itself. It’s a beautiful reminder that just like those baptized centuries ago, each person welcomed into the Church is part of God’s family.
For children, seeing a baptismal font and learning about baptism helps them understand that they are connected to a loving community that goes back hundreds of years. Baptism reminds us of God’s love and how our faith began—a message children can carry with them always.
Explaining the Crucifix to Children
The crucifix is a very important symbol in the Catholic faith and can be found in almost every church. It shows Jesus on the cross, reminding us of the love and sacrifice He made for everyone. Jesus willingly gave His life for us, which is why the crucifix is a symbol of hope and love that reminds us of how much we are loved by God.
Seeing a crucifix helps children understand that even though life can be hard sometimes, Jesus is with us, helping us through every challenge. It’s also a reminder to love others the way Jesus taught us to—with kindness, forgiveness, and compassion. When children look at the crucifix, they can remember that Jesus’ story didn’t end on the cross; it continued with His resurrection, bringing the promise of eternal life and the hope that one day, we’ll be with Him forever.
Encouraging children to look at the crucifix when they pray can help them feel close to Jesus, knowing that He is always there, listening to their prayers and loving them unconditionally.