“They begin to recognize that being a role model means showing kindness, patience, and reverence, which are all skills that carry far beyond the classroom.” - Madison Witulski, fifth-grade teacher at St. Joseph School in Beatrice
By S.L. Hansen
for the Register
When preschoolers from St. Joseph School in Beatrice attend daily Mass, they have a special buddy alongside of them: a fifth-grader.
Like many other Catholic schools in the diocese and around the nation, this “Mass buddy” system is more than just handing a tissue to a little one, or reminding a younger student to be quiet and respectful. It is an effective way to shape both students in faith and in character.
Fifth-grade teacher Madison Witulski, who is a member of the parish as well as faculty, said, “It gives the fifth-graders a chance to be leaders and role models. They begin to recognize that being a role model means showing kindness, patience, and reverence, which are all skills that carry far beyond the classroom.”
She added, “I’m proud of the way the fifth-graders rise to the occasion. They take their role seriously.”
Though her daily role at school is working with 10- to 11-year olds, Witulski empathizes with how the preschoolers must feel when they attend a school Mass without their parents.
“I imagine it can feel big and unfamiliar at their age, but I hope sitting with an older student helps them feel calm and supported,” she said. “I also think as they watch their Mass buddy participate, they naturally learn by example, so they grow more confident and comfortable each time.”
That’s something that parent Cassie Warneke has seen in her own preschool daughter, the third of her children to be part of this pairing at St. Joseph School.
“One of the biggest benefits of this program for our preschooler has been having great role models teach her the appropriate Mass behavior during the week at school, which then carries over to attending Mass on the weekends as a family,” she said.
As most Catholic parents know, unless they can be one-on-one with their young children in Mass, it can be difficult to make sure that each child is tuned in and participating according to his or her ability. The personal, direct coaching that younger kids get from an older student is a big help.
“Our preschool daughter has really started to participate in Mass as the school year has progressed.” Warneke said. “I credit this to her Mass buddies helping guide her.”
Her 4-year-old daughter, Myla, chimed in.
“It makes me happy because I get to sit with my big brother Lane sometimes,” she said.
Warneke has also seen growth in Lane.
“It holds him to a higher standard during Mass,” she said. “He understands that he has little eyes watching his behavior, and he knows it is up to him to teach them how to act during Mass.”
Lane accepts that role without a grumble.
“I like helping the kids to do the right thing during Mass and to follow along,” he said.
Though the preschool Mass buddy arrangement started after Lane was an older student, his brother Owen, now in the third grade, remembers having a Mass buddy.
“I got to sit with my cousin Josilyn, and she showed me how to act during Mass,” Owen recalled.
Witulski noted that being a Mass buddy for a preschooler gives the fifth-graders more than a sense of leadership and responsibility.
“The experience deepens their own faith because when they have to explain, model, and participate, they become more aware, more engaged, and more connected to what’s happening themselves,” she explained.
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Dr. Ken Heinz, principal of St. Joseph School in York, has seen the same effect among Mass buddies there.
“It sets an example for the younger kids, and it gives the older kids a sense of responsibility,” he said.
He has witnessed young students adopt an “I can do that, too” attitude as they emulate their buddy.
Sister Mary Alma, C.K., principal of St. James School in Crete, agreed that the benefits are strong for both students: the older ones growing in leadership and the younger ones increasing in attention and participation. This kind of mentorship can lead to a growth in faith for both students.
“The older children show them how to kneel, how to fold their hands, how to say the responses,” she said, “and becoming a mentor who is responsible for a little person heightens their own engagement.”
On top of that, Sister Mary Alma also sees another benefit.
“Church is about community, and this is a good community-builder,” she said.
In the school hallways and on the playground later in the day, she has seen students smile and wave to their Mass buddies.
“The little children look up to the older ones,” she added.
Cassie Warneke has nothing but positive things to say about Mass buddies.
“I am grateful for the Mass buddy program that all three of our children have had the privilege of being a part of,” Warneke concluded. “I love being able to say the Our Father during Mass and have all three of our children say it with us.”
