Bizarre Occurrence at Mass

[ringil]

Folks shouldn’t bring cups into Church in general. When I have gone to pray in an open church, if I have a drink, I will drop it off in the vestibule. If a have a bottle of water I will put it in my bag- I was a student when I had access to an open church.

 

[TheRealJuliane]

I wonder how Jesus will behave if he came into a Mass…?

I wonder if we would even recongnise him?

Back at midnight mass we had the couple of drunk lads who were using language but not violently so. People were up in arms about them and someone came to get the vicar aiming for the vicar to ask them to leave

instead the vicar just went and sat alongside them, welcomed them to church and chatted to them for a bit and came back to the vestry.

The one church warden after the service was full of playing being bouncer - how sad.

Jesus mixed among people and our priest did show his minsitry’s worth by being able to just chat to them friendly. The people wanted them out. I think Jesus would be much more likely to go and sit with these guys as the priest did and chat to them in the way they could be reached a little rather than turfing them out. I think Jesus would have gone and sat with your guy and chatted to him etc rather than exclude him. Jesus would include him.

Its sad that how regular church goers want anyone who is not quite behaving right etc get instantly panicky and affraid. Affraid of what? Do you not trust in God to help you reach, out reach… You could have gone and sat with him and asked him up for a blessing. He may have refused but at least you would have invited him and included him and may have reduced his anger a little at the compassion you have shown him rather than fear you had off him. If he’s abused communion, yes its sad but God is more than aware of everything going off.

Next time anyone sees anyone different in church, do not treat them as untouchables but please reach out to them and show a little christian compassion. **Not be worried by the odd bruise or broken bone you may receive in retaliation. **That is minor in the work of the Lord in helping people to return or come to God. See the bruise/broken bone as a reward in doing the Lords’ work. Onward Christian soilders marching as to war…

Be there for our neighbour. Love God and Love your neighbour are we not taught? Then do so. Be there for who ever comes into church with whatever attitude they may bring. A little shy smile could help improve their day no end.

I don’t know too many people who would be willing to be beaten and have bones broken because they approached someone violent. Not to presume, but Jesus usually didn’t seek out the possessed, they sought him out or he was just in the area and they appeared. Correct me if I am wrong, but did Jesus ever seek someone out specifically to heal them, except for Lazarus? I can’t remember one instance…all I can bring to mind is either the sinner/ill person approached Jesus himself/herself, or the friends of the person brought him to Jesus (the lame man through the roof). So would Jesus go and sit down next to the man in my church? Maybe, maybe not. Maybe he would sit wherever and the man who needed healing would seek him out.

I think we can pick up other people’s emotions quite easily, actually. I don’t think my alarm bells went off for no reason. The posture, the expressions, the general attitude was hostile, somewhat belligerent. Sometimes that can also cover up nervousness, which could mean many things.

I would rather err on the side of caution, knowing that if violence was about to be committed, I had done something to help prevent it, than to have to say to myself and to God afterward, “Well I thought something was wrong, but I was too afraid to do anything.”

YMMV.

 

[SMHW]

Not to presume, but Jesus usually didn’t seek out the possessed, they sought him out or he was just in the area and they appeared. Correct me if I am wrong, but did Jesus ever seek someone out specifically to heal them, except for Lazarus? I can’t remember one instance…all I can bring to mind is either the sinner/ill person approached Jesus himself/herself, or the friends of the person brought him to Jesus (the lame man through the roof). So would Jesus go and sit down next to the man in my church? Maybe, maybe not. Maybe he would sit wherever and the man who needed healing would seek him out.

You are right that the scriptures do not suggest that Jesus went in search of people to heal. He said his mission was to preach the Good News.

But plenty of people were attracted to Jesus. Those he did heal included many sick and “possessed”. At least some of those possessed people were likely actually mentally ill. Of course there is no reason why a given person could not be both mentally ill *and *possessed but they need not go together.

In any case, it seems that the possessed and/or mentally ill *were *attracted to Jesus. And Jesus healed them.

I don’t think that anyone is suggesting that we let anyone into Mass and let them do whatever they want. Regardless of the reason why a person would behave in a dangerous or sacrilegious fashion they should be prevented from doing so as much as is possible. It seems that the parish might need to put more thought into dealing with people who have truly evil intentions or are dangerous for any reason.

But there is a difference between inappropriate and sacrilegious. Bringing a cup of soda to Mass is inappropriate but it may not be sacrilegious. Chances are we will never know what motivated this particular young man to come to Mass. We can only hope that he was seeking Jesus.

 

[englishredrose]

I don’t know too many people who would be willing to be beaten and have bones broken because they approached someone violent. Not to presume, but Jesus usually didn’t seek out the possessed, they sought him out or he was just in the area and they appeared. Correct me if I am wrong, but did Jesus ever seek someone out specifically to heal them, except for Lazarus? I can’t remember one instance…all I can bring to mind is either the sinner/ill person approached Jesus himself/herself, or the friends of the person brought him to Jesus (the lame man through the roof). So would Jesus go and sit down next to the man in my church? Maybe, maybe not. Maybe he would sit wherever and the man who needed healing would seek him out.

I think we can pick up other people’s emotions quite easily, actually. I don’t think my alarm bells went off for no reason. The posture, the expressions, the general attitude was hostile, somewhat belligerent. Sometimes that can also cover up nervousness, which could mean many things.

I would rather err on the side of caution, knowing that if violence was about to be committed, I had done something to help prevent it, than to have to say to myself and to God afterward, “Well I thought something was wrong, but I was too afraid to do anything.”

YMMV.

so what are you taught about judging others and sin and you just done it in a Mass:shrug: It shows to me how we are all sinners at the end of the day and we no different from the next guy. I

He hasn’t actually shown you any violence and you had no reason to think of violence but yet you were affraid. You could not trust God one second to handle the situation. You had to come over all judgmental about him. Think how affraid and angry he feels for being rejected and he has reason to fear rejection whereas you had no reason to feel affraid because you were just sitting in your pew minding your own business too afraid to give him a shy smile. You choose to prefer to treat him with deep suspicion rather than Christian love - in a Mass? I wonder where Christian Love has gone wrong?

 

[TheRealJuliane]

so what are you taught about judging others and sin and you just done it in a Mass:shrug: It shows to me how we are all sinners at the end of the day and we no different from the next guy. I

He hasn’t actually shown you any violence and you had no reason to think of violence but yet you were affraid. You could not trust God one second to handle the situation. You had to come over all judgmental about him. Think how affraid and angry he feels for being rejected and he has reason to fear rejection whereas you had no reason to feel affraid because you were just sitting in your pew minding your own business too afraid to give him a shy smile. You choose to prefer to treat him with deep suspicion rather than Christian love - in a Mass? I wonder where Christian Love has gone wrong?

OK, now who is judging?



See how silly that gets? What’s this about a “shy smile?” He was 2 sections over from me and totally focused on watching the priest, not looking around for any sort of smiles from the parishioners.

Whatever. You have your picture of things, I have mine.

 

[horselvr]

My 45 yr old nephew is one of those homeless by choice people and he came here to stay with me for awhile. He also decided to go to Mass with me and once we got to church told me he was going to receive communion. I know he didn’t make his Holy First Communion and also know he hasn’t been to Mass in many years so I explained why he couldn’t receive.

I had no idea the hatred he has for the Catholic Church but he told me he Would receive and No One is going to stop him.

By the way, he isn’t mentally ill, he is just a belligerent, and defiant ***. I could easily see him doing something similiar that the OP described happened at her church.

Does not mean all those that act this way at Mass are mentally ill.

 

[englishredrose]

OK, now who is judging?



See how silly that gets? What’s this about a “shy smile?” He was 2 sections over from me and totally focused on watching the priest, not looking around for any sort of smiles from the parishioners.

Whatever. You have your picture of things, I have mine.

If you read my post you would have seen I wrote, I learned we are all sinners… which means in this case I know I am judging you too for you judging the man. I admitt that and freerly admitt that. Can you

 

[englishredrose]

We do not know if he is mentally ill? Someone has just labelled him so as by a way of explaining or excusing him.

I wish the guy concerned was actually involved in this discussion and then he could say what he was angry about?

He could properly contribute since its kind of about him we are talking about. Is it fair to talk about someone when they can’t contribute to the discussion.

Is it more of a sin to be at Mass with an attitude or not to be at Mass at all?

Remembering that God loves us all

 

[catharina]

So at the Vigil Mass Saturday evening…During the homily my attention was drawn to a young early 20’s man sitting directly in front of the baptismal font…Almost directly in front of the pulpit…He was alone in his row, although there were people in the pew behind him. I noticed the McDonald’s drink cup on the seat next to him, and was somewhat concerned…He did not stand, kneel or do anything other than sit with his legs extended, and smile in a derisive way, and he had some folded papers that he would fiddle with.

The vibe I got while watching him was more hostile than confused, and I got a nervous feeling in the pit of my stomach.

I was afraid he would try to take communion. When I got back to my seat after receiving, I watched in horror as he took the top off his McDonald’s drink cup, picked it up, picked his papers up, and got in line for Father’s distribution of Jesus’ body… I prayed furiously for Father…

When the young man reached Father, there was obviously a problem, as Father refused him the Host…Father held firm for a few minutes and then, to my chagrin, gave the man a Host. The man then went over to the Cup Minister and tried that. That attempt did not work, so he had to walk away.

As he walked back to his seat, he threw the Host into one of the clay jars that are around the baptismal font. Fortunately, one of the ushers saw him and she and one other usher managed to get it out of the jar and one of them consumed it. After they had done this, the man got his things together and walked out into the narthex, where 2 male ushers confronted him. Eventually I saw him ride away from the church on a bicycle.

After Mass, I talked to the Cup minister, since I know him. He said the man was obviously unbalanced in some way, as when he said “The Blood of Christ,” the man said, “Thank you.” Then the Minister knew he could not give this man the Blood.

This Mass is the smallest one at that church, we have trouble getting any ushers, or that sort of thing might be dealt with much more effectively. At the other parish I attend, there are signs on the door that say “No food or drink,” as well as greeters at the doors, who would head off such a person before he ever got to the sanctuary. There is no security at this Mass. And the parish is located in an area that is filled with transient hotels, apartments, etc.

I was actually very frightened that this person was dangerous. His attitude was very negative and I was anticipating worse than just desecration of the Host. At least he didn’t get violent. You never know.

Terribly sad, juliane.

 

[Irishgal49]

Let’s pray for this man.

Lord, only You know the true state of this man’s mind and soul. We ask You that, if he is going through any emotional or mental disturbances, that You would completely heal him of any illnesses that are afflicting him. We know that no one ends up in Your house by accident Lord, and we pray that something this man heard or saw that day affected him and he will experience a true conversion of heart and soul. We ask that you please watch over him and keep him safe and help him through any trials he may be experiencing.

Amen!

The one time I seen anything close to that at our parish was when a non-Catholic went forward to receive. The Eucharistic Minister sensed she didn’t know what she was doing and gestured to the priest. He had her change places with him in his line and went over and very lovingly explained things to her, asked her to please stay after church so he could talk to her and that he wanted her to understand she was welcome but why she couldn’t be served.

Since everyone saw it and she had burst into tears, we all knew something was up. At the close of Mass the priest calmly said what happened and that “it is our duty to protect her soul and I want her to know how much we care and that we want her to keep coming to church”. It was so beautiful. After church he bypassed the handshaking and spent a good 30 minutes or more with her in the church talking. I had a meeting and they were finishing up when I came back.

I admire our church for its graciousness, kindness, and caring while holding the standard for what is the right thing to do. Mentally ill people are a challenge. I have a mental illness and, at times I get argumentative and angry. I thank my church and my friends who have stood by me and how they’ve set limits but still made sure I knew I was welcome to be a part of the family. I have some limitations I have to abide by but I just recently am learning to accept that as part of what needs to be done to ensure I can participate and others boundaries are respected. Sadly mental illness makes it so that people can’t all be treated the same, sometimes we have to set limits, draw boundaries, and work with where they are at. But we do it out of love so that they can come, and we can worship together. I understand that now, but there was a time I was where this young man is at, angry and hostile. I have my mood swings, my depressions and anxiety attacks and haven’t been able to take any meds that help but I hold out eventually they will invent something. In the meantime I rely on God’s grace so lovingly given by people with the patience of Job. I swear Ghandi would have strangled me by now. When I think about my outbursts, my carrying on, and the way I hurt myself and others, my heart breaks and I am reduced to tears, I genuinely feel remorse. He may feel embarassment and is not sure what to do.

A priest Tuesday reminded me that we are all sinners, and we are all broken, and we all need love and acceptance. I can accept that today. Yesterday was a bad day, I wouldn’t even have written this yesterday, but God is working and I’m better than I was. Each day God helps me get just a little better so maybe some day the feelings of shame and embarassement at my latest “escapade” will be a distant memory. Denial is the worst part, you don’t want to believe you are sick because then you are “crazy” and the horror of watching my grandmother being locked in an institution when I was little. Having had 2 total breakdowns (my son died in a car accident) while I was a minister myself --before I became Catholic-- I can say that my whole life was destroyed. I watched everything I worked for slowly fade away until all that was left was me, alone, divorced, and hurting.

I know the feeling of having people look at you and think “Crazy woman coming at us”. No one knows the agony, the deep heart-pain and aching lonliness that goes with knowing you are not “normal” and you can’t fix it. On days when I fail miserably I have a little magnet on my door that I read, it says:

“Sometimes courage is that small still voice that says, ‘I will get up tomorrow and try again.’”

I will pray for that mentally ill man. I pray for the people that pray for me, because they have dealt with my quirks and problems and I want them to be blessed for their patience.

On his having a McDonald’s cup in Mass: I didn’t know I couldn’t have beverages before/during Mass (other than water) until a few months ago (became Catholic in 2000). I was sipping out of a travel mug one morning in the pew–missellete in one hand and coffee travel mug in the other and the parochial vicar stared and pointed. I thought it was because the coffee could make a mess, not about Mass. At first I thought he was joking around, “Hey you got coffee” sort of thing. He told me afterward and I was totally embarassed. So maybe he truly did not know. Last summer I was eating a Sonic hot dog in the parking lot 5 minutes before Mass and everyone was hurrying into the Church and a friend said, “Hey Lorrie you aren’t going to Mass?” and I said that of course I was just wait a sec while I finish my hot dog. He then told me and I felt bad. It seemed I remember the food part but I had been out of the church for a long time.

God bless that mentally ill man, he’s in my prayers and please pray for me and for extra special blessings for my parish as they embrace me and others like me,

Lorrie

 

[anp1215]

The one time I seen anything close to that at our parish was when a non-Catholic went forward to receive. The Eucharistic Minister sensed she didn’t know what she was doing and gestured to the priest. He had her change places with him in his line and went over and very lovingly explained things to her, asked her to please stay after church so he could talk to her and that he wanted her to understand she was welcome but why she couldn’t be served.

Since everyone saw it and she had burst into tears, we all knew something was up. At the close of Mass the priest calmly said what happened and that “it is our duty to protect her soul and I want her to know how much we care and that we want her to keep coming to church”. It was so beautiful. After church he bypassed the handshaking and spent a good 30 minutes or more with her in the church talking. I had a meeting and they were finishing up when I came back.

I admire our church for its graciousness, kindness, and caring while holding the standard for what is the right thing to do. Mentally ill people are a challenge. I have a mental illness and, at times I get argumentative and angry. I thank my church and my friends who have stood by me and how they’ve set limits but still made sure I knew I was welcome to be a part of the family. I have some limitations I have to abide by but I just recently am learning to accept that as part of what needs to be done to ensure I can participate and others boundaries are respected. Sadly mental illness makes it so that people can’t all be treated the same, sometimes we have to set limits, draw boundaries, and work with where they are at. But we do it out of love so that they can come, and we can worship together. I understand that now, but there was a time I was where this young man is at, angry and hostile. I have my mood swings, my depressions and anxiety attacks and haven’t been able to take any meds that help but I hold out eventually they will invent something. In the meantime I rely on God’s grace so lovingly given by people with the patience of Job. I swear Ghandi would have strangled me by now. When I think about my outbursts, my carrying on, and the way I hurt myself and others, my heart breaks and I am reduced to tears, I genuinely feel remorse. He may feel embarassment and is not sure what to do.

A priest Tuesday reminded me that we are all sinners, and we are all broken, and we all need love and acceptance. I can accept that today. Yesterday was a bad day, I wouldn’t even have written this yesterday, but God is working and I’m better than I was. Each day God helps me get just a little better so maybe some day the feelings of shame and embarassement at my latest “escapade” will be a distant memory. Denial is the worst part, you don’t want to believe you are sick because then you are “crazy” and the horror of watching my grandmother being locked in an institution when I was little. Having had 2 total breakdowns (my son died in a car accident) while I was a minister myself --before I became Catholic-- I can say that my whole life was destroyed. I watched everything I worked for slowly fade away until all that was left was me, alone, divorced, and hurting.

I know the feeling of having people look at you and think “Crazy woman coming at us”. No one knows the agony, the deep heart-pain and aching lonliness that goes with knowing you are not “normal” and you can’t fix it. On days when I fail miserably I have a little magnet on my door that I read, it says:

“Sometimes courage is that small still voice that says, ‘I will get up tomorrow and try again.’”

I will pray for that mentally ill man. I pray for the people that pray for me, because they have dealt with my quirks and problems and I want them to be blessed for their patience.

On his having a McDonald’s cup in Mass: I didn’t know I couldn’t have beverages before/during Mass (other than water) until a few months ago (became Catholic in 2000). I was sipping out of a travel mug one morning in the pew–missellete in one hand and coffee travel mug in the other and the parochial vicar stared and pointed. I thought it was because the coffee could make a mess, not about Mass. At first I thought he was joking around, “Hey you got coffee” sort of thing. He told me afterward and I was totally embarassed. So maybe he truly did not know. Last summer I was eating a Sonic hot dog in the parking lot 5 minutes before Mass and everyone was hurrying into the Church and a friend said, “Hey Lorrie you aren’t going to Mass?” and I said that of course I was just wait a sec while I finish my hot dog. He then told me and I felt bad. It seemed I remember the food part but I had been out of the church for a long time.

God bless that mentally ill man, he’s in my prayers and please pray for me and for extra special blessings for my parish as they embrace me and others like me,

Lorrie

Sounds like a very great priest!

Hey, I work at Sonic! Our hotdogs are pretty awesome huh??!!

 

[sw85]

So at the Vigil Mass Saturday evening…During the homily my attention was drawn to a young early 20’s man sitting directly in front of the baptismal font…Almost directly in front of the pulpit…He was alone in his row, although there were people in the pew behind him. I noticed the McDonald’s drink cup on the seat next to him, and was somewhat concerned…He did not stand, kneel or do anything other than sit with his legs extended, and smile in a derisive way, and he had some folded papers that he would fiddle with.

The vibe I got while watching him was more hostile than confused, and I got a nervous feeling in the pit of my stomach.

I was afraid he would try to take communion. When I got back to my seat after receiving, I watched in horror as he took the top off his McDonald’s drink cup, picked it up, picked his papers up, and got in line for Father’s distribution of Jesus’ body… I prayed furiously for Father…

When the young man reached Father, there was obviously a problem, as Father refused him the Host…Father held firm for a few minutes and then, to my chagrin, gave the man a Host. The man then went over to the Cup Minister and tried that. That attempt did not work, so he had to walk away.

As he walked back to his seat, he threw the Host into one of the clay jars that are around the baptismal font. Fortunately, one of the ushers saw him and she and one other usher managed to get it out of the jar and one of them consumed it. After they had done this, the man got his things together and walked out into the narthex, where 2 male ushers confronted him. Eventually I saw him ride away from the church on a bicycle.

After Mass, I talked to the Cup minister, since I know him. He said the man was obviously unbalanced in some way, as when he said “The Blood of Christ,” the man said, “Thank you.” Then the Minister knew he could not give this man the Blood.

This Mass is the smallest one at that church, we have trouble getting any ushers, or that sort of thing might be dealt with much more effectively. At the other parish I attend, there are signs on the door that say “No food or drink,” as well as greeters at the doors, who would head off such a person before he ever got to the sanctuary. There is no security at this Mass. And the parish is located in an area that is filled with transient hotels, apartments, etc.

I was actually very frightened that this person was dangerous. His attitude was very negative and I was anticipating worse than just desecration of the Host. At least he didn’t get violent. You never know.

Very strange. Makes me think he might have been trying to smuggle the consecrated host out of there, possibly to desecrate it (possibly publicly, as PZ Meyers did).

 

[TheRealJuliane]

The one time I seen anything close to that at our parish was when a non-Catholic went forward to receive. The Eucharistic Minister sensed she didn’t know what she was doing and gestured to the priest. He had her change places with him in his line and went over and very lovingly explained things to her, asked her to please stay after church so he could talk to her and that he wanted her to understand she was welcome but why she couldn’t be served.

Since everyone saw it and she had burst into tears, we all knew something was up. At the close of Mass the priest calmly said what happened and that “it is our duty to protect her soul and I want her to know how much we care and that we want her to keep coming to church”. It was so beautiful. After church he bypassed the handshaking and spent a good 30 minutes or more with her in the church talking. I had a meeting and they were finishing up when I came back.

I admire our church for its graciousness, kindness, and caring while holding the standard for what is the right thing to do. Mentally ill people are a challenge. I have a mental illness and, at times I get argumentative and angry. I thank my church and my friends who have stood by me and how they’ve set limits but still made sure I knew I was welcome to be a part of the family. I have some limitations I have to abide by but I just recently am learning to accept that as part of what needs to be done to ensure I can participate and others boundaries are respected. Sadly mental illness makes it so that people can’t all be treated the same, sometimes we have to set limits, draw boundaries, and work with where they are at. But we do it out of love so that they can come, and we can worship together. I understand that now, but there was a time I was where this young man is at, angry and hostile. I have my mood swings, my depressions and anxiety attacks and haven’t been able to take any meds that help but I hold out eventually they will invent something. In the meantime I rely on God’s grace so lovingly given by people with the patience of Job. I swear Ghandi would have strangled me by now. When I think about my outbursts, my carrying on, and the way I hurt myself and others, my heart breaks and I am reduced to tears, I genuinely feel remorse. He may feel embarassment and is not sure what to do.

A priest Tuesday reminded me that we are all sinners, and we are all broken, and we all need love and acceptance. I can accept that today. Yesterday was a bad day, I wouldn’t even have written this yesterday, but God is working and I’m better than I was. Each day God helps me get just a little better so maybe some day the feelings of shame and embarassement at my latest “escapade” will be a distant memory. Denial is the worst part, you don’t want to believe you are sick because then you are “crazy” and the horror of watching my grandmother being locked in an institution when I was little. Having had 2 total breakdowns (my son died in a car accident) while I was a minister myself --before I became Catholic-- I can say that my whole life was destroyed. I watched everything I worked for slowly fade away until all that was left was me, alone, divorced, and hurting.

I know the feeling of having people look at you and think “Crazy woman coming at us”. No one knows the agony, the deep heart-pain and aching lonliness that goes with knowing you are not “normal” and you can’t fix it. On days when I fail miserably I have a little magnet on my door that I read, it says:

“Sometimes courage is that small still voice that says, ‘I will get up tomorrow and try again.’”

I will pray for that mentally ill man. I pray for the people that pray for me, because they have dealt with my quirks and problems and I want them to be blessed for their patience.

On his having a McDonald’s cup in Mass: I didn’t know I couldn’t have beverages before/during Mass (other than water) until a few months ago (became Catholic in 2000). I was sipping out of a travel mug one morning in the pew–missellete in one hand and coffee travel mug in the other and the parochial vicar stared and pointed. I thought it was because the coffee could make a mess, not about Mass. At first I thought he was joking around, “Hey you got coffee” sort of thing. He told me afterward and I was totally embarassed. So maybe he truly did not know. Last summer I was eating a Sonic hot dog in the parking lot 5 minutes before Mass and everyone was hurrying into the Church and a friend said, “Hey Lorrie you aren’t going to Mass?” and I said that of course I was just wait a sec while I finish my hot dog. He then told me and I felt bad. It seemed I remember the food part but I had been out of the church for a long time.

God bless that mentally ill man, he’s in my prayers and please pray for me and for extra special blessings for my parish as they embrace me and others like me,

Lorrie

Thanks for this account from the “inside.” I am sure the man was treated kindly by everyone in our church, was in no way “bounced,” or made to feel unwelcome. The cup minister said he didn’t appear to know what he was doing in receiving so it was obvious that he shouldn’t give the man the cup. After he was refused, that was when he threw the host into the jar, so perhaps he intended to intinct the host?? That is still done in Episcopalian churches, I know.

Well, whatever the cause was, I have prayed for him and for his family. And thank you again for sharing your story. I will add you to my prayers as well. I love your magnet saying! I think God is well pleased when we just get up tomorrow and try again…

 

[Irishgal49]

Sounds like a very great priest!

Hey, I work at Sonic! Our hotdogs are pretty awesome huh??!!

The Chicago style is the best and eaten well over an hour before mass.

 

[Irishgal49]

Thanks for this account from the “inside.” I am sure the man was treated kindly by everyone in our church, was in no way “bounced,” or made to feel unwelcome. The cup minister said he didn’t appear to know what he was doing in receiving so it was obvious that he shouldn’t give the man the cup. After he was refused, that was when he threw the host into the jar, so perhaps he intended to intinct the host?? That is still done in Episcopalian churches, I know.

Well, whatever the cause was, I have prayed for him and for his family. And thank you again for sharing your story. I will add you to my prayers as well. I love your magnet saying! I think God is well pleased when we just get up tomorrow and try again…

I am also sure God is well pleased at how well your parish handled the situation. God bless you all.

 

[anp1215]

The Chicago style is the best and eaten well over an hour before mass.

That is also my favorite!

 

[NeedsMercy]

As he walked back to his seat, he threw the Host into one of the clay jars that are around the baptismal font. Fortunately, one of the ushers saw him and she and one other usher managed to get it out of the jar and one of them consumed it. After they had done this, the man got his things together and walked out into the narthex, where 2 male ushers confronted him. Eventually I saw him ride away from the church on a bicycle.

I, too, believe that the man was ill; however, we may be missing something here. By tossing the Host into a clay jar, was not the Eucharist desecrated? I’m not even sure that the usher should have touched and/or consumed it. Assuming for the moment that this is considered desecration, are we not compelled to do penance for this? I do remember when my church was burglarized with the tabernacle being broken into, our pastor advised us to do penance and ask for forgiveness.

Eternal Father, I offer you the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your Dearly Beloved Son, Our Lord, Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.

For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

 

[odile53]

My heart truly does go out to those who suffer from mental and emotional illnesses. And let’s not forget that we are all wounded people: In addition to being sinners, we are all to some extent emotionally scarred, as well as being somewhat immature and frequently just wrong, into the bargain. May St. Dymphna intercede for those sufferers whose problems interfere with their ability to live well, to engage meaningfully, and to respond to the love of God and their fellows.

I think most of us, including cradle Catholics, have at one time or another forgotten such things as abstinence on Fridays in Lent or the one hour Eucharistic fast. I did both fairly recently, and had to refrain from communion when I realized that the tablespoon of cream in the cold coffee in my car mug left over from the previous day that I downed on the way to Mass counted as “food.” So all that eating that hot dog did, Irishgal, was to prevent you from receiving communion at that particular Mass. There was a time when everyone didn’t go to communion at Mass, and nobody thought the worse of them. It wasn’t a sin, in other words, nor was eating that hot dog, since you didn’t receive communion that day. Don’t beat yourself up over it, in other words!

The big problem is when someone does something obviously sacriligious or disruptive, like in the original post, or like when the inebriated man at my parish decided to try to turn the Mass into a standup comedy routine. God probably feels bad for these people, but He doesn’t want the rest of us distracted by someone’s shortsighted and inappropriate behavior.

 

[TheRealJuliane]

My heart truly does go out to those who suffer from mental and emotional illnesses. And let’s not forget that we are all wounded people: In addition to being sinners, we are all to some extent emotionally scarred, as well as being somewhat immature and frequently just wrong, into the bargain. May St. Dymphna intercede for those sufferers whose problems interfere with their ability to live well, to engage meaningfully, and to respond to the love of God and their fellows.

I think most of us, including cradle Catholics, have at one time or another forgotten such things as abstinence on Fridays in Lent or the one hour Eucharistic fast. I did both fairly recently, and had to refrain from communion when I realized that the tablespoon of cream in the cold coffee in my car mug left over from the previous day that I downed on the way to Mass counted as “food.” So all that eating that hot dog did, Irishgal, was to prevent you from receiving communion at that particular Mass. There was a time when everyone didn’t go to communion at Mass, and nobody thought the worse of them. It wasn’t a sin, in other words, nor was eating that hot dog, since you didn’t receive communion that day. Don’t beat yourself up over it, in other words!

The big problem is when someone does something obviously sacriligious or disruptive, like in the original post, or like when the inebriated man at my parish decided to try to turn the Mass into a standup comedy routine. God probably feels bad for these people, but He doesn’t want the rest of us distracted by someone’s shortsighted and inappropriate behavior.

As a matter of fact, I forgot it was Friday and ate some leftover steak at lunchtime!



Woops.

 

[Et_Cetera]

Something like this happened at my old church one time. A man got up during mass and starting walking around the front of the church. Luckily it was near the end of mass. I think the police might have been called, but he didn’t do anything violent. I think maybe the priest was concerned for his safety and mental state.