Modesty and courtesy are cast to the winds:
Lack of common manners and courtesy when parading around the church:
As the laity form a religious procession in a kind of secular chow line, they greet and talk to parishioners as they approach the reception of Holy Communion:
And finally, the laity leaving Mass immediately following their reception of Holy Communion, especially if the Communion station is positioned near the exits of the church. They also depart as the final blessing and dismissal are taking place, before the priest and other ministers exit:
10 comments:
OK Father, guilty as charged.
I HAVE done the "Judas Shuffle" (walk out right after Communion) a few times, but very few, when I was really pressed for time. I disapprove of it, so I suppose doing the very thing I disapprove of is hypocritical of me.
I am far more guilty of leaving immediately after the final blessing before the priest and his entourage process back down the aisle. (of course I sit in the back, so as not to draw attention). Is that really wrong? When the priest says, "The Mass is ended, go in peace" is it truly ended or not?
I only ask because I try to get out as soon as I can so that I don't have to listen to any more rotten music or make myself angrier by watching all the irreverent loudmouths start talking to each other loudly in the church as soon as the music stops. And it is VERY anger-provoking to watch people do this week after week and see the priests, who know better, remain silent instead of reminding us WHOSE Presence we are in.
Yup. Guilty as charged. If exiting before I have to listen to another rendition of "Anthem" is sinful, please convince me now. I'm open-minded enough to listen.
One more thing...I never find myself wanting to exit right after the TLM. But then again, there's no Glory and Praise schlock, everyone reverently exits in silence and the folks in the vestibule are far more interesting to stay and talk to!
Dress is one the most common and visible challenges for people. They get pretty defensive and dissembling when confronted about it, “I don’t see anything wrong with cutoff shorts”, “I like my MEGADETH t-shirt”, “well, my belly button doesn’t show while I’m in the pew.”
What I see in those responses is a little hope because they took time from the rest rest of their busy Sunday to fulfill what they know is an obligation. So there is a bit of hope and we should treat it that way.
These pics are all true and I'm guilty of a few, namely greeting people who are friends.
The folks clustered in the back, spot on!
Plant/flowers on one side of the altar, candles on the other, spot on!
The lady with the exaggerated crossing/genuflecting while holding communion, spot on!
I've rarely done "eat and run". On the few occasions, it's been to get somewhere that usually involves a drive.
To make this more "real, Fr's alb needs to be much shorter and the servers sneakers should be blinking.
Bonus points for one of those plus sign processional crosses, felt banners, applause pie-anna/keyboard near the altar, sand in the holy water fountains, some dead branches as we head into lent and eleven greeters lined up like a receiving line....I just want my bulletin.....can I leave now?
I confess I have been guilty of these “crimes” in the past but my justification is generally I can no longer tolerate what I have just witnessed and heard (G & P music). Fortunately I am rarely in this situation now because we have an exemplary pastor.
I find there are as many varieties of reception on the tongue as there are in the hand. There's the "lip grab" and the "insert host into mouth slot" varieties, for example. People have all sorts of strange things they do in church, no matter what the form of Mass.
I belong to a Novus Ordo parish, with a very faithful young pastor. None of these things are common to my parish, nor in the parishes of my Diocese (Cleveland). Maybe in other parts of the country, but not here. Respectfully, it may be a mistake to make generalizations of a large part of the holy Catholic Church, whose Masses are valid, licit, and holy.
I've been a Priest over 40 years, born in 1948. I've seen many of these things in N.O. parishes, but to say that they didn't happen before Vatican II betrays a short memory. I remember people streaming out after receiving Holy Communion and it was widely thought that if you made it to Mass by the time of the Gospel or even the Priest's Communion. I remember the steps of the Church covered with cigarette butts after every Mass and the Pastor with a broom between Masses cleaning them up. I remember alter boys filling the cruets with whiskey and the Pastor not realizing it.
None of these were the fault of the MASS, but because of the sinfulness and laziness of human beings.
So, you can continue throwing stones or put your rocks back in your box and remember we ALL live in glass houses.
Fr. John Higgins
Of course this post as with many of my posts include hyperbole. But we have to stop comparing the TLM as it was in the time prior to Vatican II. It is celebrated today with greater care by clergy and laity and some Vatican II principles are included including actual/active participation.
ocg,
I'm a dullard and am not sure how to take your comment on dress in church.
I read it to say,"Well at least they know their obligation to come to Mass, we should be happy they're here."
If that is the case,"No."
How we dress says much about a person. Dressing to get attention as in the bare midriff, too short shorts, or torn up a clothing are for the club or rave (or better, the garbage can).
This type clothing is distracting to many. Most people are at Mass to worship God not enjoy a skin show.
As to the kid in the Megadeath shirt, he obviously can't figure out that the very building he is in refutes the shirt and the songs of the group.
Certain types of dress are a sign of lack of awareness of what the Mass is, respect for others and non preparation for Holy Communion.
"God doesn't care how I dress." is a favorite retort.
Our pastor's response is to offer them a printed copy of the Parable about the Bridal Feast and clothing.
The paper also includes St. Paul's words on modesty.
Also, a dress code is posted and in the bulletin and social media.
Father also offers an assortment of sweaters, scrubs and other cover ups. Or, rather some of our tactful, kind ladies offer these to those dressed inappropriately.
Rarely do they take the cover up. They do often leave yelling about how awful the Church is, how they can do whatever they want or other self centered verbage. Thus proving the point that they are not properly disposed for worship or Holy Communion.
Judgemental? Yes and no. If it is wrong to judge a lack of respect, a desire to be noticed and a misformed conscience then it's judgemental. If certain ways of dressing and behaving are expected in many places both secular and religious then no it is not judgemental.
Dress appropriately. How would you dress if,you were going to a wedding or a visit to the White House.
Why not do the same for the house,of the King of Kings and Presidents.
Ministers of communion. Double shame! Ratty old sweaters and blue jeans just doesn't cut it. Men in suits with ties. Women in dresses to just below the knees with a nice blouse. Also this is going to turn some women into a screaming banshees a head covering.
Yes God doesn't care He's just happy you are there. However show respect and reverence to Him our creator dress appropriately.
Post a Comment