"Christmas Catholics"

[AlanFromWichita]

This is the first time I left before mass started. The scene was literally out of control. I don’t think I have properly expressed how bad it was.

I’m glad you left before it started, and with the intent of returning. There would probably actually be a lot more of “them” except “they” know how obnoxious Christmas Mass could be – so if we could actually accommodate all of those people, probably twice as many of them would show up!

For some reason, this reminds me just a bit of the play/movie Guys and Dolls.

This isn’t the song I was thinking of from Guys and Dolls, but it’s the first one in a youtube search I checked out and it’s one of my favorites where Nicely Nicely sings: Sit Down You’re Rocking the Boat.

…

They are lurking everywhere, everyday, and at every Mass. Sometimes they sit in front of me.

Not just at Mass, though. They’re everywhere! Lately I’ve noticed a lot of them in front of microphones. I wonder what my voice teacher would have said if I had begun a singing lesson while chewing gum?

Once, and only once ever, I was giving one of my kids a shoulder ride when it turns out there was gum being chewed. Can you guess whether it ended up in my hair?

What is worse, sometimes they sit behind me, which is barely tolerable, as I can’t SEE which one is annoying me, and whether they are really chewing gum or if they are only rustling in their purse or a book.

OMG I feel your pain. When I hear a curious noise, I want to know if it’s a benign one or a disgusting one, and I hate it when I can’t figure out which it is.

… it will make me feel better when I can tell someone that they are actually SINNING instead of merely being annoying.

http://bestsmileys.com/lol/5.gif

 

[JimR-OCDS]

Be thankful you can go to Mass.

I’m sick this year, and not able to attend Christmas Mass.

Jim

 

[demetrios423]

I went to our 730am mass and while it was full the people were very respectful of where they were. It was very beautiful and dignified.

 

[Cyclophile]

I’m going to the 830 mass at my parish… a latin rite one. I’m hoping for no huge crowds but… I plan on being there early… and I’m not going to let the CE Catholics detract me.

Think of it like the gym (that…ugh… I need to visit more often)… When I was a regular gym rat, I always put on weight during January and early Feb. because I avoided the heck out of the gym. During the first two months of the year, it is full of what I call “Resolutionaries” that have no idea of gym etiquette and they’re gone after a couple weeks.

Don’t deny yourself a good thing.

 

[AlanFromWichita]

I’m going to the 830 mass at my parish… a latin rite one. I’m hoping for no huge crowds but… I plan on being there early… and I’m not going to let the CE Catholics detract me.

Think of it like the gym (that…ugh… I need to visit more often)… When I was a regular gym rat, I always put on weight during January and early Feb. because I avoided the heck out of the gym. During the first two months of the year, it is full of what I call “Resolutionaries” that have no idea of gym etiquette and they’re gone after a couple weeks.

Don’t deny yourself a good thing.

Please excuse my ignorance, but what is a “CE Catholic?”

Alan

 

[AlanFromWichita]

Another way to look at “CE” Catholics is, you only have one chance to make an impression on them, in an unlikely but possible event you may evangelize one or more.

For myself, I’m happy because I get to play music for these Masses, and I know they like to hear Christmas carols sung in Church because even though they may not be called to go to Mass every Sunday, there is something that “feels right” to them about the whole matter. Perhaps we can give them reason to “feel right” in church more often, but at least they are not totally lost – just strays.

I treat people like the prodigal son every time I see them at Mass, regular church-goer or not. To single out people who seldom make it for special treatment betrays the fact that you took notice of their church attendance. That isn’t intrinsically bad, as in “haven’t seen you at Mass lately – been feeling all right,” you can paint it neutral at least, but not so much the attitude of “gee we all notice you only show up once in a while, well at least you’re here now so yay I guess.”

Who knows if that might be the only hospitality they receive during the season? And here they found it in the House of God – I’d like to help make that happen if I can.

Alan

 

[iloveangels]

Another way to look at “CE” Catholics is, you only have one chance to make an impression on them, in an unlikely but possible event you may evangelize one or more.

For myself, I’m happy because I get to play music for these Masses, and I know they like to hear Christmas carols sung in Church because even though they may not be called to go to Mass every Sunday, there is something that “feels right” to them about the whole matter. Perhaps we can give them reason to “feel right” in church more often, but at least they are not totally lost – just strays.

I treat people like the prodigal son every time I see them at Mass, regular church-goer or not. To single out people who seldom make it for special treatment betrays the fact that you took notice of their church attendance. That isn’t intrinsically bad, as in “haven’t seen you at Mass lately – been feeling all right,” you can paint it neutral at least, but not so much the attitude of “gee we all notice you only show up once in a while, well at least you’re here now so yay I guess.”

Who knows if that might be the only hospitality they receive during the season? And here they found it in the House of God – I’d like to help make that happen if I can.

Alan

Yeah, I just try not to notice it too much. They get out of it what they get out of it, I guess. I just wish they’d invite them back to a potluck or a free movie or something. They might not come, but some might. And then maybe regularize what they’re doing a little bit, and thereby clean it up. It’s pretty crazy just to show up at Mass on Christmas and Easter you know.

 

[AlanFromWichita]

Yeah, I just try not to notice it too much. They get out of it what they get out of it, I guess. I just wish they’d invite them back to a potluck or a free movie or something. They might not come, but some might. And then maybe regularize what they’re doing a little bit.

Now you’re talking like a fisher of men.

When they are in the neighborhood, cast out some bait they just might want to “nibble” on, figuratively and/or literally. And then go up and ask them right in front of other people right there at Mass, “are you going to the dinner Saturday night? We wouldn’t miss it!”

Then when they show up, if they are having fun, ask them to another event – but this time ask them if they bring a covered dish, come early to help set up chairs, etc. That is, if you think you can push your luck that far.

Alan

 

[HonoraDominum]

On days where I anticipate a lot of “Chreasters”, I just get there early and sit as close as I possibly can to the front. There are many, many less distractions during mass when the only thing ahead of you is an altar rail. If you’ve never sat in the front row or second row, you should really give it a try.

And with all that extra time, I pray for the Holy Spirit to touch the hearts of the Chreasters and that they will come back into full communion with the Catholic church.

 

[AlanFromWichita]

Funny thing … when I was not practicing for a few years (way back when) it never occurred to me to go to Christmas or Easter Masses – with so many extra people there it seemed that would just have been more of what didn’t appeal to me in the first place; a room full of people going through motions they hope will bring them closer to God. I did go to a few Masses, for example with friends, but they were just “random” Masses – like weekday Masses especially. As long as I’m going to church, may as well make it quick and painless and get in and out in 20 minutes, eh?

'That’s why I’m thinking the true “Chreasters” or whatever they are, actually have some sort of calling or they wouldn’t come out on the worst days of the year to come out. There is some sort of unity there – maybe we can leverage off of it.

Another way to look at it is this: you know they want somebody to talk them into coming back. They probably feel all guilty inside, even if they are smiling and apparently sociopathic on the outside. Somebody just has to show them there is a reason to come back.

Another way to look at it is, if we can charm even 50% of them into coming back regularly and giving an average of $25/week or more plus some volunteer time, that would help out a lot.

Alan

 

[iloveangels]

Funny thing … when I was not practicing for a few years (way back when) it never occurred to me to go to Christmas or Easter Masses – with so many extra people there it seemed that would just have been more of what didn’t appeal to me in the first place; a room full of people going through motions they hope will bring them closer to God. I did go to a few Masses, for example with friends, but they were just “random” Masses – like weekday Masses especially. As long as I’m going to church, may as well make it quick and painless and get in and out in 20 minutes, eh?

'That’s why I’m thinking the true “Chreasters” or whatever they are, actually have some sort of calling or they wouldn’t come out on the worst days of the year to come out. There is some sort of unity there – maybe we can leverage off of it.

Another way to look at it is this: you know they want somebody to talk them into coming back. They probably feel all guilty inside, even if they are smiling and apparently sociopathic on the outside. Somebody just has to show them there is a reason to come back.

Another way to look at it is, if we can charm even 50% of them into coming back regularly and giving an average of $25/week or more plus some volunteer time, that would help out a lot.

Alan

Well, I don’t know that it would be 50%, but it’d be worth it even if we only brought a few back. Or brought a few new ones in.

Honestly, Alan, I think you’re more forthright than most. I’m convinced that many Christmas catholics are there as an extension of their Christmas habits…ie. going to Midnight mass being something like putting up the Christmas tree for them, or buying those awful candy canes nobody really eats. I don’t think religion has much to do with it for many of them.

There are some who are there for religious reasons though, a few. And I think inviting them back for something gentle and neighborly could be a good idea. It certainly couldn’t hurt to try. It could break the ice, and give them a reason to hang around long enough to make it into the church, and even be a good Catholic.

I’m a convert myself, a Christmas convert, in fact. You can blame my grandfather, who was a protestant minister. And a pesky Christmas movie I just couldn’t get over, among other things. I’ve been Catholic now 26+ years. I’m happy and have never really looked back. The only thing I really miss is the music. Catholic music is, well, mind-shatteringly bad.

I think that picnics on the lawn and open invitations to things are a good idea. Catholics don’t evangelize well at all. They don’t seem to know how. It’s kind of painful to watch. I’d volunteer to help since as a preacher’s grand-daughter I was raised knowing how, but they don’t seem to want practical help. Odd, but true.

 

[demetrios423]

Catholics don’t evangelize well at all. They don’t seem to know how. It’s kind of painful to watch. I’d volunteer to help since as a preacher’s grand-daughter I was raised knowing how, but they don’t seem to want practical help. Odd, but true.

I have found this to be true as well. Strange especially since the new mass indstructs us to share the gospel at the end of mass.

btw- does anyone else have a hard time holding back tears when they hear the story of the Lords birth?

 

[Pax2u]

I share your annoyance at the lack of respect…my DH was an usher at the 4:00 vigil Mass, and it felt like being in a stadium before a game…people talking in normal conversational voices all throughout the church prior to the start of Mass. There was no way you could pray in that noise.

That being said…I do believe it’s important to be warm and welcoming to people, especially those who may not be regular churchgoers. If they are met with a dirty look or annoyed glance…is that was Christ wants us to do? I don’t think so.

I think it would be very helpful if a minute or two before the start of Mass the lector got up and said, “in preparation for Mass, we will observe a few moments of silence” so people could recollect themselves before the entrance. I’ve seen that done at churches occasionally, and would at least quiet things down a bit!

 

[demetrios423]

Our church makes that request a few minutes before every mass. The problem with this crowd is it was HUGE. Even before this morning mass it was large, but it was quite. While the announcements were being made did come in talking and laughing loud. Halfway through they started with their drinks. I don’t get it.

 

[TheRealJuliane]

I have found this to be true as well. Strange especially since the new mass indstructs us to share the gospel at the end of mass.

btw- does anyone else have a hard time holding back tears when they hear the story of the Lords birth?

Me. I cry on Good Friday and Easter as well. And sometimes, I cry for no good reason at all, other than my gratitude for my Lord and Savior Jesus and the grace to receive Him in the Eucharist. I try to control it because my husband hates it when I get emotional in church. I teared up as Mass started last night, during Adeste Fidelus.

As for Mass, my older son and I decided to attend an 11 p.m. Mass at the boys’ Jesuit high school because the 4:30 p.m. Mass at our old parish was more performance than worship. Saw something I’ve never seen - 2 hipster 20 somethings walked up to the front pew carrying Starbucks cups. They were joined after a while by a bunch of family members. I can’t remember if it happened just after the priest started his homily or a couple of minutes into it, but one of the hipsters picked up his cup, drained it, tipped it ALL the way up to get all of whatever was in it!!!



The guy that came with him was chewing gum through most if not all of Mass. I believe he DID go up for the Eucharist but Starbucks Dude did not (thank God!). Like you, these are people I had never seen in church before. To their credit, they did not talk that much during Mass itself. (Last year, my SIL talked a WHOLE LOT and she ought to know better!)

The choir sang before Mass and the songs they performed during Mass were not hymns (except Adeste Fidelus as the entrance hymn). The songs after Communion were completely WRONG for the moment (very lighthearted). Last year, the choir actually did a FULL SONG as the priest stood waiting to start the consecration. It’s not a concert!

There were only a few men in suit coats, two of whom were my sons. Most people were in jeans, some in khakis, a few women with nice sweaters on, not much more than that.

The homily was much too long, as is usual with this priest, and there was applause afterward. It happens regularly during the entire liturgical year, and he does nothing to discourage it. The Mass was almost 90 minutes long and then before the procession, there was a presentation by and about St. Nicholas, put on by one of the parish staff, even though NO children come to that Mass ordinarily and there may have been 10 young kids in the whole church last night.

The 2nd Mass we attended was reverent and nothing out of the ordinary happened. I saw no gum chewing and even though the auditorium was packed, you could have heard a pin drop once Mass had begun.

The boys and I agreed that last night was the straw that broke the camel’s back and we are going to the more orthodox parish from now on.

 

[demetrios423]

There is no place in mass for snacks. Honestly they should be called on it. I could never eat or drink while in church. Think of where we are…

 

[AlanFromWichita]

There is no place in mass for snacks. Honestly they should be called on it. I could never eat or drink while in church. Think of where we are…

Yeah, that’s rude. If they’re going to bring food, they should bring enough for everyone. That what I say.

Alan

 

[Kathryn_Ann]

I am definitely praying for your parish. Some might think this is not a serious issue, but we do need to reverence God’s house. As to coming just once or twice a year, I’m glad they’re coming, but anytime people are dis-respectful, I think the issue needs to be addressed by the Pastor.

People new to the faith are often very sensitive, as we all should be, to the way people are acting in His Presence. I wouldn’t want you to lose that! I hope you will find a Mass time that is as solemn and reverent as possible (with joyful hymn singing included, of course!) and that you will never stop attending Mass because of other people. God wants us all there, and nothing should keep us from Him. Blessings.

Our Father who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us,
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
Amen.

 

[MartyrForJesus]

Yeah, that’s rude. If they’re going to bring food, they should bring enough for everyone. That what I say.

Alan

They shouldn’t bring food whatsoever. It breaks the fast.

 

[LightBound]

They shouldn’t bring food whatsoever. It breaks the fast.

He was being sarcastic! Back in the old days, when you weren’t allowed to chew gum in school, the teachers would ask “did you bring enough for everybody”? if they caught a student with gum. Of course, no kid wanted to share their stash of gum with 25 other kids in the class…