Beef, Beer and Catholic fundraisers

[ethelzguy]

Well now if anyone’s Parish has beer breakfasts we might have something else to talk about

Peace
James

I can see the banner now:

“Beer, it isn’t just for breakfast anymore”…

 

[juhothenero]

I do not know why drinking a couple of beers in a evening is an issue even done in a church occasion, just seems silly to have such an huge thread and fight about it.

Maybe this is then the American way and me being from Europe doesn’t really get it, since people drink what like Monday to Sunday on dinner in some parts of this continent and they are considered those who drink the right way. In some parts people drink like what 15 beers in an evening plus maybe something stronger (especially in my own country) for taste.

It is an issue of perspective. Alcohol consumption is a bad thing when done excessively but this kind of way that is discussed in this forum seems downright hypocritical. It is easy to understand why some strong European background people in America wouldn’t mind drinking too much and there probably has been never any real harm for non-drinkers by the people who take a couple of beers.

Of course non-drinkers should always have beverages available. And alcoholics won’t mind i know for sure since alcoholism runs in the family and my father has been out from drinking for 1,5 years since he has been drinking 35 years daily to get drunk which means 20 bottles beer plus stronger every day. I been watching it 22 years of my life and now he is out of it and doesn’t mind at all others drinking in social occasions (in here non-drinking social occasion is impossible). Also some other relatives are alcoholics who stay away from that stuff now but don’t mind even their sons and daughters drink a bit. Alcoholism is disease and it works a bit differently then many people think.

 

[graceandglory]

We usually did traditional games, like sack races, pass the hat, relays, egg-tosses, etc. Sigh–those were good times and I’m not ashamed to say that I miss them.)

sounds like some of the old Catholic Church picnics I attended as a kid.
I sure like that kind of fun better than the bouncy houses that got set up at my former evangelical mega-church.

 

[Ignatius]

That’s nothing, I’ve heard that Catholics even have wine during Sunday services

Actually, it is wine. I’ve even seen the wine bottle that they pour it from into the decanter before the mass. I’ve also seen the people bring that same wine and the bread gifts up to the alter prior to the consecration.

 

[omegabane]

Actually, it is wine. I’ve even seen the wine bottle that they pour it from into the decanter before the mass. I’ve also seen the people bring that same wine and the bread gifts up to the alter prior to the consecration.

This really doesn’t belong in this thread, it belongs in the thread on Transubstantiation, but I brought it up in this one to clarify a very important point - it is not wine that Catholics consume during the celebration of the Eucharist.

Before Mass - wine.
During the presentation of the gifts - wine.
Immediately before the consecration - wine.
Following the consecration and forever thereafter - Precious Blood of Christ under the appearance of wine.

Again, this is not a topic for this thread, but it deserves the clarification here because this is truly the source and summit of our faith. If you have other questions about this, let’s move it to a different thread.

 

[ALLGIRLS]

That’s a fact. Evangelicals don’t see past the booze. If that is a stumbling block, and they say it is, then we’re not doing a very good job.

Like someone else mentioned, many don’t see past birth control. Many also don’t see past Statues, Mary, and the Saints. Do we get rid of them as well? Most are also so obsessed w/ the alcohol issue that they can’t get past us using wine at Communion, but we can’t change that, it would render the Consecration invalid.

The Church has never looked to other religions, or the world for that matter, in forming her teachings (whether disciplines or doctrines, traditions or Sacred Tradition), just like the “liberals” are never going to get their way regrading b.c., abortion, women’s “ordination”, etc., Fundamentalists aren’t going to dictate this aspect of our faith, either.

In Christ,

Ellen

 

[AHapka]

Someone had earlier brought up Theology on Tap.

Here is a link to the Theology on Tap series for my Archdiocese (Milwaukee). Note how it specifically states “There is no pressure to drink at any of the sites.” Also “all sites offer alternatives such as soda and water for those that do not wish to drink.”

I think this is an excellent middle ground and is a good example of the way it should be.

livingourfaith.net/DefaultFilePile/pdf/TOT_Brochure_2008.pdf

 

[cecilia97]

“There’s a hose around back if you’re thirsty.” No, I say that in jest - that’s from a movie I was in back in my days as a childhood actor, and the line just popped into my mind when I read your post.

While it is hard to believe that people would lack foresight in this way, I have no reason to doubt that what you say is true, and I will admit that this was a mistake. While I am not opposed to having alcohol available at Parish-sponsored events, I do feel it is in bad taste to offer nothing besides. I have several friends at my Parish that do not drink at all for a myriad of reasons, and whenever we host events I make sure that I think of them and other like them in order to offer a suitable range of options for those who do not drink.

If you mention this at your parish, you’ll be volunteered for the refreshments committee at the next fundraiser. That’s how that works.

Seriously, though…this sounds like an oversight made by a few people, not a deliberate, institutional slight against anyone who doesn’t drink. Most people don’t have the time or spare bra(name removed by moderator)ower to go out of their way to offend people like that. If you got involved in planning the next event youd have the benefits of 1) meeting more parishoners, 2) making it more comfortable for others with your views on drinking and 3) quietly being the light of Christ for others.

Win-win-win!

 

[cecilia97]

I’m a very very infrequent drinker myself, so don’t tell me I don’t know.

I’m trying to be as understanding as possible here, but it seems to me that carbonated water wouldn’t be that difficult to recognise - it’s clear and has bubbles in it. And that since it seems you didn’t even ask if they had any, you have no call to say ‘they probably wouldn’t have given me anything if I did ask’.

And if it turned out to be lemonade instead so much the better. Everything else (tonic water for example) has colour or sediment in it to let you know it’s not just water.

I have to say it doesn’t occur to me that Coke syrup simply stirred into a glass of soda water would be undrinkable, or even unpalatable, or that it requires any special training to do. Having said that, I’ve never done so, so I’m willing to admit I may be wrong on that one.

Well, as a frequent drinker, I can say I’ve NEVER seen a bar or been to a function where someone had to mix syrup with carbonation BEFORE making a mixed drink with alcohol. A rum and coke is rum + coke to me…not rum + syrup + seltzer water…um, that’s totally 1950. Sounds like this function had some planning or shopping issues?

 

[LilyM]

Well, as a frequent drinker, I can say I’ve NEVER seen a bar or been to a function where someone had to mix syrup with carbonation BEFORE making a mixed drink with alcohol. A rum and coke is rum + coke to me…not rum + syrup + seltzer water…um, that’s totally 1950. Sounds like this function had some planning or shopping issues?

I don’t doubt they did muck up the shopping, whether the omission is intentional or not.

But that’s beside the point. Are you seriously saying that if you wanted your rum and coke and the only things available were rum, seltzer water (aka soda water to us Aussies) and coke syrup, that you’d be too lazy or ignorant to be able to mix the three together? Or that you’d get angry with the organisers because they didn’t provide pre-mixed coke instead?

Sheesh!

 

[cecilia97]

I don’t doubt they did muck up the shopping, whether the omission is intentional or not.

But that’s beside the point. Are you seriously saying that if you wanted your rum and coke and the only things available were rum, seltzer water (aka soda water to us Aussies) and coke syrup, that you’d be too lazy or ignorant to be able to mix the three together? Or that you’d get angry with the organisers because they didn’t provide pre-mixed coke instead?

Sheesh!

I’d probably just ask for a beer. Or even just a glass of water.

 

[LilyM]

I’d probably just ask for a beer. Or even just a glass of water.

Oh man, that is so weak …

 

[Thunderbird]

Alright, I’m throwing my hat into the ring!

Speaking as a former Baptist and the daughter of a Baptist Minister (who, as of her ordination, is now a Teetotaler), it was absolutely amazing to go to a Fish Fry and finding not only Lemonade and Iced Tea being served (something I was used to as a protestant) but Corona to boot! I had to restrain myself from leaning outside to make sure I hadn’t stumbled into some sort of Bar. Add to that the fact that my parish also sponsors a Theology on Tap (Talking to my pastor with a beer in my hand?) and you’ve got one flummoxed RCIAer.

It occurred to me after a time though that the bible teaches moderation in things like this… and if the Parish is doing its job, the issue of not having events or at least alternative beverages available for non-drinking people will never come up. I can see how it might be a minor stumbling block to some people but at the same time, if you’re going to seriously stumble over something like that then you’ll never be able to wrap your head around Transubstantiation and Papal Infallibility.

Yes, a plethora of us Catholics do enjoy a drink or two but I’ll step out there and say that if they (continually) allow their drinking to become excessive, then chances are they were only lukewarm Catholics to begin with.

I also want to note that Baptists also imbibe… at least, in the area I grew up in. They just treat it like its something to be ashamed of. If I were trying to speak with a known Teetotaler or Recovering Alcoholic about joining the Catholic Church, would I take them to a bar to discuss? Of course not. But rather than give it up altogether, I would do my best to explain why we believe the (moderate!) consumption is amoral at its worst.

Hokay, hopefully I was clear with what I’m trying to say here.

 

[catharina]

I don’t doubt they did muck up the shopping, whether the omission is intentional or not.

But that’s beside the point. Are you seriously saying that if you wanted your rum and coke and the only things available were rum, seltzer water (aka soda water to us Aussies) and coke syrup, that you’d be too lazy or ignorant to be able to mix the three together? Or that you’d get angry with the organisers because they didn’t provide pre-mixed coke instead?

Sheesh!

Hi dear Lily.
Believe it or not, Americans might be a bit spoiled.
I’m 62 yrs old and I’ve never seen a seltzer-syrup set-up in my life.
(I’m a bit sheltered though.)
I’d sure know how to ask for a soft drink or a water.

 

[catharina]

Alright, I’m throwing my hat into the ring!

Speaking as a former Baptist and the daughter of a Baptist Minister (who, as of her ordination, is now a Teetotaler), it was absolutely amazing to go to a Fish Fry and finding not only Lemonade and Iced Tea being served (something I was used to as a protestant) but Corona to boot! I had to restrain myself from leaning outside to make sure I hadn’t stumbled into some sort of Bar. Add to that the fact that my parish also sponsors a Theology on Tap (Talking to my pastor with a beer in my hand?) and you’ve got one flummoxed RCIAer.

It occurred to me after a time though that the bible teaches moderation in things like this… and if the Parish is doing its job, the issue of not having events or at least alternative beverages available for non-drinking people will never come up. I can see how it might be a minor stumbling block to some people but at the same time, if you’re going to seriously stumble over something like that then you’ll never be able to wrap your head around Transubstantiation and Papal Infallibility.

Yes, a plethora of us Catholics do enjoy a drink or two but I’ll step out there and say that if they (continually) allow their drinking to become excessive, then chances are they were only lukewarm Catholics to begin with.

I also want to note that Baptists also imbibe… at least, in the area I grew up in. They just treat it like its something to be ashamed of. If I were trying to speak with a known Teetotaler or Recovering Alcoholic about joining the Catholic Church, would I take them to a bar to discuss? Of course not. But rather than give it up altogether, I would do my best to explain why we believe the (moderate!) consumption is amoral at its worst.

Hokay, hopefully I was clear with what I’m trying to say here.

I think I undersatnd what you’ve said. However, I’ll add my own aside to your thoughts. You say “…if they (continually) allow their drinking to become excessive, then chances are they were only lukewarm Catholics to begin with” wheras I would say that it’s likely that drinking can (and will) become excessive if one carries the genetic predisposition for alcoholism. This was stated more clearly by the medical community in the States beginning in the 1950s.

 

[Thunderbird]

I think I undersatnd what you’ve said. However, I’ll add my own aside to your thoughts. You say “…if they (continually) allow their drinking to become excessive, then chances are they were only lukewarm Catholics to begin with” wheras I would say that it’s likely that drinking can (and will) become excessive if one carries the genetic predisposition for alcoholism. This was stated more clearly by the medical community in the States beginning in the 1950s.

This is true. Alcoholism runs in my extended family, in fact, so I’m just going to retract that statement as being excessive.

I wonder though, if someone knows that alcoholism runs in their family, why they would want to drink excessively in the first place? I have a beer every now and then but the main reason why you’ll never see me drink more than that is because of that family history.

 

[LilyM]

Hi dear Lily.
Believe it or not, Americans might be a bit spoiled.
I’m 62 yrs old and I’ve never seen a seltzer-syrup set-up in my life.
(I’m a bit sheltered though.)
I’d sure know how to ask for a soft drink or a water.

‘We can put a man on the moon but heaven help us if we have to mix three ingredients to make a rum and coke instead of two!’

 

[catharina]

This is true. Alcoholism runs in my extended family, in fact, so I’m just going to retract that statement as being excessive.

I wonder though, if someone knows that alcoholism runs in their family, why they would want to drink excessively in the first place? I have a beer every now and then but the main reason why you’ll never see me drink more than that is because of that family history.

Excellent. A retraction. Rarely happens.
My family too … PLUS clinical depression.
Why do some “take the chance” with alcohol?
Main symptom of drug-dependent personality type? DENIAL.

However, I raised my son - now 33 yrs old - with all points of reality in place.
It seems to have worked.

Blessed be God.

 

[catharina]

‘We can put a man on the moon but heaven help us if we have to mix three ingredients to make a rum and coke instead of two!’

Go on now. Just say it. I’ll say it for you.

“Folks in the States seem to be wimps.”

 

[LilyM]

Go on now. Just say it. I’ll say it for you.

“Folks in the States seem to be wimps.”

Oh I always knew that - you just need to compare your padded-and-protected-up-the-wazoo football players to our Aussie Rules or Rugby boys.