By Christiaan Collins • Posted November 5, 2026

For parents of young children, finding their place in a parish can come with questions. Will our toddler be too noisy? Can we join a Bible study with a baby in tow? Is there a place for us in this busy season of family life?

The Gospel answers plainly. In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus says, “Whoever receives one child such as this in my name, receives me; and whoever receives me, receives not me but the One who sent me” (Mark 9:37).

At the Phoenixville Missionary Hub at St. Ann Parish, missionaries are helping families discover that they belong—and that growing in faith can begin with something as simple as a conversation over coffee.

“My missionary focus is to create opportunities for moms and young families in Phoenixville to grow in their faith,” said Missionary Emily Frederick. “Often the first step is as simple as showing up and getting to know people by name. Everyone loves to be known, and it’s how God calls us, by name.”

That approach shapes everything about the Hub’s outreach. There is a way in for families exploring faith for the first time, for those returning to parish life, and for those hoping to deepen an already active faith.

For some, the first invitation comes at a library or park. That invitation might lead to the Hub’s monthly Play Café, where toddlers’ laughter fills the room while their parents enjoy coffee and conversation. The gathering gives families a reason to step onto the parish grounds, meet other parents, and begin building friendships.

Relationships are where the missionaries begin.

“For me, evangelization starts with relationships,” said Hub Director Lauren Joyce. “Before I can invite someone deeper into the faith, I need to know them. I need to know their story, their family, what they care about, and where they are in their relationship with God.”

As friendships grow, families have opportunities to take another step. Last spring, the Hub helped launch 15 Bible studies in English and Spanish at St. Ann. Three specifically serve young families: a daytime study for mothers with children in tow, an evening study for moms, and an evening study for dads. Other adult groups bring men and women together to explore Scripture and grow in faith.

“We’re creating spaces where moms can build friendship first and then ultimately discover that there’s a whole community here that wants to walk with them in their faith,” Frederick said.

The Hub is also helping families make room for prayer together, including Eucharistic adoration. For parents with restless toddlers or crying babies, attending a typically quiet time of prayer can feel intimidating.

Family Praise and Pizza gives these parents a gentle place to begin.

The Hub brought the monthly event to St. Ann, building on a pilot by youth minister John Kinuthia at St. Eleanor Parish in Collegeville. Families take part in toddler-friendly adoration with music, and parents can also receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Afterward, everyone gathers for pizza and fellowship in the cafeteria at Holy Family Regional Catholic School.

The September gathering welcomed 15 young families—more than 50 people—for prayer and time together.

Each gathering has the same goal: helping families grow closer to Christ right in the middle of real, busy family life. Kids are welcome, parents make friends, and prayer and friendship grow side by side.

For the Phoenixville missionaries, accompanying young families begins with really seeing the people in front of them and offering an invitation that fits their season of life.

Sometimes that invitation is to a Bible study or an evening of adoration. Sometimes it is to coffee while the children play.

And sometimes, the first step is simply being known by name.

To learn more about young family ministry at the St. Ann Hub, reach out to info@ChurchOfSaintAnn.org.