Bringing lunch to Mass

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Myfriendbvm

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I’m not sure this is the correct forum, but as a newbie here I am not sure exactly where to post this. Since my family is conservative Catholics, I figured I can start here!

I have never been compelled to join a message board but I am absolutely floored by something I saw at Mass today and I need some outside perspective. I am usually a quiet member of the parish and I am just not sure what to do!

Today I went to the 11:30 liturgy (it’s ordinary form.). Normally I go to 8 AM, but needed to kick a bad headache this morning. My husband and two of our children went and found our seats and began to penitentially pray before the start of Mass… Once Mass started and about the time of the first reading, a family of four comes in and sits directly in front of us. Their children were approximately 8 and 12… And they brought lunch!

Now, I am fine with a mother feeding a little baby during Mass if needed, but these kids were old. And they brought Taco Bell. A whole bunch. Each person had a large soda. The mom had a Mexican pizza, the dad had two burritos with sour cream and he added hot sauce. The children had an array of tacos that my son pointed out had shells made out of Doritos chips. They ate for about 20 minutes, crunching, slurping, adding packets of hot sauce. People were looking at them like they were nuts!

I was so appalled, but even more so when they left their trash in the pew and accepted the Eucharist!!! They did clear their garbage at the end of Mass, but so much for honoring the Holy Trinity with the fumes of Taco Bell wafting through the air. They were not even discreet, and trust me, this family was not “starving.” The usher was oblivious.

I admit, I have not been to the “family Mass” in a long time and am probably spoiled by the routine and quiet reverance of the 8:00 AM liturgy. Is this what is going on in parises these days??? What should I do?? Just be happy they came to Mass?
 
Myfriendbvm said:
I’m not sure this is the correct forum, but as a newbie here I am not sure exactly where to post this. Since my family is conservative Catholics, I figured I can start here!

I have never been compelled to join a message board but I am absolutely floored by something I saw at Mass today and I need some outside perspective. I am usually a quiet member of the parish and I am just not sure what to do!

Today I went to the 11:30 liturgy (it’s ordinary form.). Normally I go to 8 AM, but needed to kick a bad headache this morning. My husband and two of our children went and found our seats and began to penitentially pray before the start of Mass… Once Mass started and about the time of the first reading, a family of four comes in and sits directly in front of us. Their children were approximately 8 and 12… And they brought lunch!

Now, I am fine with a mother feeding a little baby during Mass if needed, but these kids were old. And they brought Taco Bell. A whole bunch. Each person had a large soda. The mom had a Mexican pizza, the dad had two burritos with sour cream and he added hot sauce. The children had an array of tacos that my son pointed out had shells made out of Doritos chips. They ate for about 20 minutes, crunching, slurping, adding packets of hot sauce. People were looking at them like they were nuts!

I was so appalled, but even more so when they left their trash in the pew and accepted the Eucharist!!! They did clear their garbage at the end of Mass, but so much for honoring the Holy Trinity with the fumes of Taco Bell wafting through the air. They were not even discreet, and trust me, this family was not “starving.” The usher was oblivious.

I admit, I have not been to the “family Mass” in a long time and am probably spoiled by the routine and quiet reverance of the 8:00 AM liturgy. Is this what is going on in parises these days??? What should I do?? Just be happy they came to Mass?
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I can’t hardly believe this. Wow. I can’t help but wonder if they were not Catholic and thought that they could eat during mass. My reason for saying that is that some non-Catholic churches allow eating during their service. Some even offer food.

That is a very wild situation. I guess if I saw it again I would either politely tell them they have to take their food outside and are not allowed to eat during mass or discreetly go and get an usher.
 
Myfriendbvm said:
I’m not sure this is the correct forum, but as a newbie here I am not sure exactly where to post this. Since my family is conservative Catholics, I figured I can start here!

I have never been compelled to join a message board but I am absolutely floored by something I saw at Mass today and I need some outside perspective. I am usually a quiet member of the parish and I am just not sure what to do!

Today I went to the 11:30 liturgy (it’s ordinary form.). Normally I go to 8 AM, but needed to kick a bad headache this morning. My husband and two of our children went and found our seats and began to penitentially pray before the start of Mass… Once Mass started and about the time of the first reading, a family of four comes in and sits directly in front of us. Their children were approximately 8 and 12… And they brought lunch!

Now, I am fine with a mother feeding a little baby during Mass if needed, but these kids were old. And they brought Taco Bell. A whole bunch. Each person had a large soda. The mom had a Mexican pizza, the dad had two burritos with sour cream and he added hot sauce. The children had an array of tacos that my son pointed out had shells made out of Doritos chips. They ate for about 20 minutes, crunching, slurping, adding packets of hot sauce. People were looking at them like they were nuts!

I was so appalled, but even more so when they left their trash in the pew and accepted the Eucharist!!! They did clear their garbage at the end of Mass, but so much for honoring the Holy Trinity with the fumes of Taco Bell wafting through the air. They were not even discreet, and trust me, this family was not “starving.” The usher was oblivious.

I admit, I have not been to the “family Mass” in a long time and am probably spoiled by the routine and quiet reverance of the 8:00 AM liturgy. Is this what is going on in parises these days??? What should I do?? Just be happy they came to Mass?
Click to expand...
Thats not that unheard of in Evangelical Mega Churches. A lot of them even have concession stands or coffee bars. 🤷

Maybe that is what they are used to, but it seems highly inappropriate. At the very least he fasting 1 hour before Eucharist rule should have been honored right!

Today I was sitting in the back with my kids (2, 4, 5) and I sometimes bring quiet books for them during the homily although I forgot today, but there was a kid about 10 in front of us reading a book the whole time. Even when kneeling for the consecration he was there kneeling with his book. I thought he was way too old for that. Even my 2 year old is pretty good about kneeling with her hands on the pew back.

😊🤷
 
Jon_S said:
Thats not that unheard of in Evangelical Mega Churches. A lot of them even have concession stands or coffee bars. 🤷

Maybe that is what they are used to, but it seems highly inappropriate. At the very least he fasting 1 hour before Eucharist rule should have been honored right!

Today I was sitting in the back with my kids (2, 4, 5) and I sometimes bring quiet books for them during the homily although I forgot today, but there was a kid about 10 in front of us reading a book the whole time. Even when kneeling for the consecration he was there kneeling with his book. I thought he was way too old for that. Even my 2 year old is pretty good about kneeling with her hands on the pew back.

😊🤷
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Oh and I would say something to the Usher since they should be policing that type of stuff. If he doesn’t seem to care, talk to the priest about it!
 
I’m absolutely stunned by this. I have NEVER seen or heard of anything like this.
How very, very disrespectful.
And nobody said anything??? :eek:
The most amazing part is that the adults were eating too.
Wow.
Just… wow.
 
IrishRush said:
I’m absolutely stunned by this. I have NEVER seen or heard of anything like this.
How very, very disrespectful.
And nobody said anything??? :eek:
The most amazing part is that the adults were eating too.
Wow.
Just… wow.
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I think everyone was too stunned or polite to say anything. The 11:30 liturgy is a little crazy, lots of kids, and a less reverent Mass…

It was very shocking. The bags crumpling, the sauce packets, the smell, the sodas… Then the kids arguing over whose taco was whose! Then wiping greasy hands and receiving the Holy Eucharist…
 
Myfriendbvm said:
I think everyone was too stunned or polite to say anything. The 11:30 liturgy is a little crazy, lots of kids, and a less reverent Mass…

It was very shocking. The bags crumpling, the sauce packets, the smell, the sodas… Then the kids arguing over whose taco was whose! Then wiping greasy hands and receiving the Holy Eucharist…
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Wait a minute!!!

There was soda too!?!??!?

How ridiculous!

:eek:
 
Myfriendbvm said:
I’m not sure this is the correct forum, but as a newbie here I am not sure exactly where to post this. Since my family is conservative Catholics, I figured I can start here!

I have never been compelled to join a message board but I am absolutely floored by something I saw at Mass today and I need some outside perspective. I am usually a quiet member of the parish and I am just not sure what to do!

Today I went to the 11:30 liturgy (it’s ordinary form.). Normally I go to 8 AM, but needed to kick a bad headache this morning. My husband and two of our children went and found our seats and began to penitentially pray before the start of Mass… Once Mass started and about the time of the first reading, a family of four comes in and sits directly in front of us. Their children were approximately 8 and 12… And they brought lunch!

Now, I am fine with a mother feeding a little baby during Mass if needed, but these kids were old. And they brought Taco Bell. A whole bunch. Each person had a large soda. The mom had a Mexican pizza, the dad had two burritos with sour cream and he added hot sauce. The children had an array of tacos that my son pointed out had shells made out of Doritos chips. They ate for about 20 minutes, crunching, slurping, adding packets of hot sauce. People were looking at them like they were nuts!

I was so appalled, but even more so when they left their trash in the pew and accepted the Eucharist!!! They did clear their garbage at the end of Mass, but so much for honoring the Holy Trinity with the fumes of Taco Bell wafting through the air. They were not even discreet, and trust me, this family was not “starving.” The usher was oblivious.

I admit, I have not been to the “family Mass” in a long time and am probably spoiled by the routine and quiet reverance of the 8:00 AM liturgy. Is this what is going on in parises these days??? What should I do?? Just be happy they came to Mass?
Click to expand...
The usher should not have been “oblivious,” and he probably should rethink being an usher. He should have asked the family to take their food outside and alerted the priest, who should have denied them communion. Please say something to the priest. Breaking the Eucharistic fast with such carelessness is a sacrilege and a scandal. If the priest does not seem to show concern when you tell him what happen, contact the bishop.
 
If this were to happen again, I would (politely) inform the parents that packing a lunch to Mass is not acceptable. If they throw a tantrum (which happens occasionally when someone is told what to do), I’d refer them to the pastor.
 
Only in America. (Sorry my American friends for the presumption!)

We English are a bit more tame when it comes to being disrespectful in mass. One man next to me a few weeks ago answered his cell phone in the middle of mass and had a LOUD conversation/argument with someone about an Ikea purchase they were about to make (I think it was a new kitchen suite. He eventually opted for the marble counter tops). But your story takes the biscuit. Or rather the Burrito.

I would say something to your parish priest, but it sounds like there’s a broader issue at reverence at this mass which may have given a cue to the Taco Bell posse. I would also try to find something out about this family, since it sounds like they need some catechetical mentoring from non-judgemental friends, which the parish should provide or organise. And let’s not forget to pray for them too, and for a greater return to reverence in mass everywhere.
 
That tops the family that sat in the front pew Christmas Eve before last, with the young adult male drinking a Starbucks drink during Mass…I was scandalized by that, I probably would have spoken to the family you saw before I knew what I was doing!

:eek:

Yes, tell the usher and whoever is responsible for training the ushers, as well as the priest. This sort of performance must be addressed from the pulpit, during Mass. The priest needs to talk to the congregation about the standards for Mass.

Shocking. Someone should have said/done something.
 
Why worry about such things. Surely they are all good people and probably do good deeds and works. And that is what is really important. Not externals and slavish adherance to rituals and legalism. Don’t judge them.

You don’t know what is in their hearts or conscience.

Maybe their bellies, but nothing else:thumbsup:
 
Some questions to ponder…

Do You know there was no reason for this?

Could the family just have walked in off the street? In which case be glad they were there!

Do you know no one followed this up later?

There is often far more going on in a church than it right for members of the congregation to know about.

Trust your pastor and trust God.
 
Well, I think the reason no one said anything was that the family appeared to be Filipino or similar. They were obviously from the US as they spoke English (“I need a napkin” “Is there any more fire sauce in the bag?”) but maybe no one wanted to offend them if it was a cultural thing. Or maybe it happens a lot - I don’t normally attend that Mass!

I will phone the Pastor on Tuesday!
 
Myfriendbvm said:
I’m not sure this is the correct forum, but as a newbie here I am not sure exactly where to post this. Since my family is conservative Catholics, I figured I can start here!

I have never been compelled to join a message board but I am absolutely floored by something I saw at Mass today and I need some outside perspective. I am usually a quiet member of the parish and I am just not sure what to do!

Today I went to the 11:30 liturgy (it’s ordinary form.). Normally I go to 8 AM, but needed to kick a bad headache this morning. My husband and two of our children went and found our seats and began to penitentially pray before the start of Mass… Once Mass started and about the time of the first reading, a family of four comes in and sits directly in front of us. Their children were approximately 8 and 12… And they brought lunch!

Now, I am fine with a mother feeding a little baby during Mass if needed, but these kids were old. And they brought Taco Bell. A whole bunch. Each person had a large soda. The mom had a Mexican pizza, the dad had two burritos with sour cream and he added hot sauce. The children had an array of tacos that my son pointed out had shells made out of Doritos chips. They ate for about 20 minutes, crunching, slurping, adding packets of hot sauce. People were looking at them like they were nuts!

I was so appalled, but even more so when they left their trash in the pew and accepted the Eucharist!!! They did clear their garbage at the end of Mass, but so much for honoring the Holy Trinity with the fumes of Taco Bell wafting through the air. They were not even discreet, and trust me, this family was not “starving.” The usher was oblivious.

I admit, I have not been to the “family Mass” in a long time and am probably spoiled by the routine and quiet reverance of the 8:00 AM liturgy. Is this what is going on in parises these days??? What should I do?? Just be happy they came to Mass?
Click to expand...
There are strange things going on at the family Masses these days (people bringing water bottles, cheerios for their kids, and applauding the choir), but this is way, way over the top. I was surprised to read that the family was Filipino, since my experience of Filipinos up until now is that they are typically very, very reverent, and although they sometimes forget the law of fasting (which apparently doesn’t exist in the Philippines due to the poverty of the people) it would not occur to them to eat or even chew gum in Church. Right beforehand, yes, but not during Mass.
 
Ya hear something new every day and, assuming that this wasn’t at the Usus Antiquior, (and if it was, what I say goes triple), I have to pipe-up here with a comment.

Maybe I’m mistaken, but I don’t think that having lunch (or breakfast, or brunch, or dinner, or a midnight snack for that matter) during Mass is acceptable in any culture. Who cares if it’s a “family Mass” or anything else? It’s not a carnival. What? People can’t wait 45 minutes to an hour to stuff their faces? If they’re that hungry, by all means eat, but please, go outside.

This is a new one on me, and I’ve been around for a good while. As a poster noted earlier, I can deal with cheerios and such to keep little kids (i.e. under7 years) quiet and occupied, and I’ve seen that even in the Usus Antiquior. OK, fine. But tacos/burritos/pizza??? Including for daddy??? I don’t think so. :mad: Had it been me, and absent any intervention by the ushers, I probably would have headed straight to the sacristy after Mass right then and there. It’s unacceptable behavior, as bad as, if not worse than, people being scantily clad. That latter would have caught others (including the ushers and probably the priest’s) attention. But for this everyone turns a blind eye? Maybe it’s just me but I don’t get it. :confused:
 
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