"Christmas Catholics"

[puzzleannie]

I This is what bothers me. They never attend mass except for those two days a year and when they do get there they act like they have never been taught any manners. Is this common with so called “Christmas Catholics”? My wife and I looked at each other and agreed to leave and try again in the morning.

When we were in the parking lot leaving we notice a few more people leaving as well. I can’t help but wonder if they felt how I felt. Mass to me is a very sacred thing and I felt like it turned into a huge circus. I am trying not to judge those people, but I am weak in that area.

Any advice or general comments would be appreciated. I am literally angry about this and I should not be.

they are there for many reasons, but one of the most important is to benefit by your good example.

they were called, just as at one point you were called.

what response would you expect from others if you had come to Mass for the first time in a long time?

do they know how to behave? no because people are not taught how to behave properly in public in any venue any more, they would be just as obnoxious in the movie theater or wal-mart, you just notice it more at Mass because as you say of the sacredness of the occasion.

 

[anodos]

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

Alan

 

[TheRealJuliane]

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…

The other parish I attend, which is now going to become my parish, has signs on all the doors “No food, drink or gum chewing.” They are quite serious about it.

I thought my son was joking when he said the guys came in with Starbucks cups. But then I saw Starbucks Dude tip his cup WAY up to get the last of his coffee or whatever, and in full view of the priest and most of the congregation. It was a really in your face move, which makes me think he is at best a lapsed Catholic. I would say he acted like an atheist, but I did see him and his friend or relation kneel and pray before the rest of the crowd arrived.

 

[demetrios423]

It should be a rule at every Church, and really shouldn’t have to be said.

 

[MartyrForJesus]

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…

Oh, forgive me.

 

[wild_thing]

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…

I think this eating and drinking during mass is a carry over from the non-denominational churches- y’know, the ones with bookstores and coffee shops built in? They probably don’t realize how utterly rude it is.

 

[Mrs_Sally]

Yes, there are “cultural Catholics” who only come to Mass a few times a year. They usually attend the most convenient of the Christmas and Easter Masses, so try attending the early morning Christmas Day Mass.

Or as we do, arrive very early for the Mass you want to attend and get seats right up front. Then even though the gum-chewers and short skirts are still there, you have a better chance of screening them out. Don’t become proud though, that you are “not like other men”, that is also a sin, and since you do know better, you will be judged accordingly.

 

[Joans_Soldier]

I completely understand what you are going through. I dread going to midnight Mass on Christmas for the incredible crowds that show up for the sake of cultural tradition and not God worship. I decided to go to the next days Mass instead. I know where the midnight mass tradition came from and I think it’s wonderful, but the great crowds really put me off. Especially when I know that I can attend mass the next day and still full fill my obligation. I noticed that the normal church goers attended the 11:00 a.m. Christmas Mass. I think most of the cultural Catholics won’t want to bother going to the Christmas day Mass. Too much of a bother and not enough bragging material.

 

[maryjk]

Everyone has to start somewhere.

Glad no one gave me the cold shoulder some 25 years ago.

Believe it or not, even though I had no idea to be quiet before Mass, people actually spoke to me after Mass. Welcomed me, and even invited me back.

Hard to believe, I know, but some even treated me like the prodigal son returning. :ehh:

 

[AlanFromWichita]

I think this eating and drinking during mass is a carry over from the non-denominational churches- y’know, the ones with bookstores and coffee shops built in? They probably don’t realize how utterly rude it is.

I suppose it doesn’t matter too much to me if others do it, but it wouldn’t occur to me at all, especially since I sit where a lot of people can see me. I have been distracted before, though, by people who brought their little toddlers and a little bag of food such as dried fruit or cereal, but instead of being quiet about it the kids make noise, goof off and drop the food and stuff. (Since I get to clean the church from time to time I have experience in these matters.) I have seen it done skillfully (feeding toddlers snacks to shut them up) by some parents, but they are the exception not the norm.

If others did it and the pastor didn’t like it, though, I would conspire with him to help him stop it. In our parish I’ve never seen it done except for babies and the ubiquitous gum chewers. You could probably threaten the gum chewers with eternal punishment and they wouldn’t stop. I think I’ve actually seen that tried, and it failed.

Actually gum chewers don’t bother me as much as gum chompers.

If they are lectors or cantors, that’s another 10 points against them IMO.

Alan

 

[Samson01]

Glad no one gave me the cold shoulder some 25 years ago.

Believe it or not, even though I had no idea to be quiet before Mass, people actually spoke to me after Mass. Welcomed me, and even invited me back.

Hard to believe, I know, but some even treated me like the prodigal son returning. :ehh:

Yeah, imagine that.

 

[LightBound]

Oh, forgive me.

Hey, no problem! I remember reading somewhere that sarcasm is lost on the pure of heart, so not getting the post was a good thing

I have to agree with this whole “bringing food and drink in” is a carryover from those evangelical megachurches that have coffee and snack bars in the vestibules.

 

[TowardTruth]

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.

We attended during our normal time (15 min before mass starts) and there was standing room only. Our church has an overflow 2nd mass in our hall with it televised at the 2nd hall. We ended up in the 2nd hall. It was odd, but I’m sure Jesus understands.

We’re normally early for Christmas mass, but this year my kids aren’t participating in the children’s Christmas mass, so that’s why we didn’t get there early.

Just enjoy what you can enjoy and remember it’s Jesus who died for us.

BTW, for Easter, we won a raffle prize that entitles us to a reserved parking space and area to sit during mass for Easter 8:30am mass. I’m looking forward to showing up 15 min before mass and getting a good seat and parking spot.

 

[Mrs_Sally]

BTW, for Easter, we won a raffle prize that entitles us to a reserved parking space and area to sit during mass for Easter 8:30am mass. I’m looking forward to showing up 15 min before mass and getting a good seat and parking spot.

That is a GREAT idea. Terrific fundraiser, although I bet it’ll be tough going to keep those spots open for you!

 

[anodos]

BTW, for Easter, we won a raffle prize that entitles us to a reserved parking space and area to sit during mass for Easter 8:30am mass. I’m looking forward to showing up 15 min before mass and getting a good seat and parking spot.

There will be a gum-chomper with a mega-gallon of Starbucks parked there, you wait and see.
(He’ll need to be close to the bathroom, so let him have your spot, okay?)