The answer
In the spirit of love and understanding, the priest can invite the parents, children, and servants to a calm and constructive meeting where these concerns may be addressed. There will need to be some compromise from all parties.
If these children are not members of the church, but live in the neighborhood, then they need to have permission from the priest or board to be on the premises. While I understand your concerns about irresponsibility, developing programs to meet the needs of the entire community may actually be an evangelism tool.
Below are a few possible suggestions that may help in developing a comprehensive social, learning, and fun program for the entire family and community throughout the week, if necessary. Cooperation and responsibility may not happen immediately, but these efforts may help to reinforce the idea that the church can remain open, not only for prayer, but also for a positive, cheerful, and social environment, in an organized manner and within specific boundaries:
- *Every program must begin and end with prayer.
- *Everyone in attendance must help with the clean-up.
- *Enrollment or registration must be acquired. This can be a short form stating the activity which parents must sign or the child is sent home.
- *Develop a 'Youth Club' for tutoring. Recruit older youth and young adults to help. Many serious students seek to earn community service hours to meet graduation requirements or to earn scholarships. This will provide them the experience of positive leadership while helping the younger or struggling student to achieve (Tutoring programs may actually be subsidized by the state. Inquire in your jurisdiction).
- *Recruit parents to volunteer as part of the supervision team (This can indirectly teach the parents to be proactive and have a responsible sense of cooperation and ownership).
- *While one group of parents are supervising along with the usual servants, provide a light-hearted parenting class for the other group, then alternate every week, so each group learns one week and then serves the other.
- *Develop an athletic program and enter in competition leagues in your community. For those not interest in athletics, provide classes in art/crafts/theater/music/cooking/etc.). Children and youth are full of energy and are looking for an outlet in a safe environment.
- *Create a 'Men's Club' and designate an evening for socializing amongst the men and young boys to learn and be active in a positive way in the church. Provide dinner, discussion, and activities.
- *Create a 'Women Club' and designate an evening for socializing, etc.... (same as above).
- *Enclose the playground area, post signs, and only open it when it is well supervised. If servants are unavailable or unwilling, this may be the only resort.
Answered by His Eminence Metropolitan Youssef (opens in a new tab)