PARISH REPORT: Church Designates “Peanut-Free Pews” For Kids Who Snack At Mass

(AoftheANews) SAN JOSE – Beginning next Sunday at St Hazel’s, parishioners whose children suffer from peanut allergies will have the option to sit in three ‘peanut-free’ pews. The parish council approved the proposal during their November meeting, in response to a mother’s petition to create a ‘safe snacking space’ for her three-year old daughter, diagnosed with a severe peanut allergy.

“We’re proud of our accomplishment,” Fr Al Mond told AoftheA News. “Our mission at St Hazel’s is to create a warm, hospitable environment for our parishioners and guests, where everyone is welcome. Families dealing with peanut allergies can be assured that their kids will be able to snack safely during Mass, without worry of contamination from some other kid’s trail mix or Cracker Jack.”

Parish Council President Phil Burt said the change was necessary. “We haven’t gotten any reports of a severe allergic reaction yet, so this is strictly a proactive change in response to our parishioners’ needs. We already have a “peanut-free” table in the school cafeteria. This is just an extension of that.”

When asked wouldn’t it better to simply request families from giving their children snacks during Mass, Fr Mond laughed nervously. “You’ve obviously never dealt with mothers of toddlers. I’d rather negotiate with a roomful of liturgical coordinators than suggest taking baggies of Cheerios away from a kid.”

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