Didn't go to Mass today...

[JFK]

I am going to go to confession this week and confess missing Mass. But I am going to ask my priest about this matter. Right now I have no choice about working 6 days a week; we are trying to keep a business afloat in seriously bad economic times, and I have over 20 teachers and 275 students counting on me to pay the bills and keep this studio open. I really was tired nearly to death! but I know that is no excuse.

There are some people because of the type of work they do cannot make Mass on the weekends; Saturday or Sunday.

This is not a new phenomenon; certainly your not the only person who this has every happened to. If you fall into this category than by all means go during the week preferably Monday either in the morning or the afternoon.

That may be sufficient under certain circumstances but yes check with your Priest.

But many churches have morning, afternoon and one church I go to has a rotating Sunday evening scheduled Mass on Sunday. So there is always an opportunity to attend.

We take the Eucharist for strength and protection. No reason to miss out on the great gifts our Lord has given us.

 

[Califman831]

My fiance is similar to you. He has the strongest faith in the Real Presence that I’ve ever come across, and there are certain Eucharist-related liturgical abuses that he can’t take. If it happens in his presence he just closes his eyes and prays and doesn’t feel that he’s properly disposed at that point to receive Communion.

Missing Mass entirely though, because of liturgical abuses, is not a valid reason to miss Mass. Watching on EWTN or listening on the radio doesn’t fulfil the obligation either. (That one I know for sure, I asked the same thing awhile back. )

The thing with the kids you mention, I’ve experienced that a couple times, where a family has been so ill-behaved and distracting that I got up and moved clear to the other side of the sanctuary. You could try that sometime, or you can endure it and offer it up. Do what you have to do, but don’t actually leave Mass because of it. You do that and you’re risking putting yourself in sin. You didn’t ask for it, but there’s my advice.

You are correct, I must stay in the temple and follow the example of our Lord who rose up against the money changers and put the fear of God into them. Given that many of these so-called children come from from single parent households the parent may be overwhelmed. Many of these children wind up joining gangs.

I may have to learn tolerance. In the past I have yanked the legs of the little demons with the hook of my walking cane when they dare to put their sneakers on the backs of the pews. That really scares them into behaving, but there must be better ways of handling the situation. We must guide parents into proper child rearing. We must also bring back corporal punishment. I doubt the Muslim churches experience these type of problems. That is one thing I will give them, they do know how to instill the fear of God into their young ones.

 

[christianlove]

Matthew 19:14
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

Mark 10:14
When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

Luke 18:16
But Jesus called the children to him and said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

Oh now, lift yourself up to the strength and grace of God. Listen to Jesus and his sacred heart that patiently carreid his cross to his death to atone for your and our sins. Christ himself would not judge, instead he said, “My Father will judge.” Let yourself be open to love and be thankful it is not your child that has beaten you down all week long so that you dont have the strength to fight, instead you just want an hour to focus on Christ and the blessed thanksgiving of the Eucharist.

Those parents, those children, and everyone around you are your brothers and sisters in Christ. One body. They are part of you. Would you thrown down and condemn any part of your body if it needed attention? Mend yourself, help others in need, be patient, kind, loving, hopeful…these are the fruit of the Spirit.

Galatians 5:22
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

If these things are lacking in you, pray harder and ask God for help.

Matthew 21:22
If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer."

Mark 11:24
Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

As to missing mass because you are tired, your conscience and your heart are telling you it was wrong. So it was wrong. Find the grace in the Lords mercy and forgiveness He offers in the celebration of the Sacrament on Penance, amend your ways, and go to mass to find STRENGTH to lift you up out of the emotional and physical empty you are in. The spiritual tank on full can lift these two back up to new heights. Find strength in him:

1 Peter 4:11
If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

In love with you all, my fellow brothers and sisters of Chris’s body,

Christian love

 

[yellowbird]

I may have to learn tolerance. In the past I have yanked the legs of the little demons with the hook of my walking cane when they dare to put their sneakers on the backs of the pews. That really scares them into behaving, but there must be better ways of handling the situation. .

You could really hurt a small child by “yanking their legs.” PLEASE do not touch someone else’s kid. Especially with your cane. I am certain you are scaring them. I’m also suprised the parents haven’t said something to you. I would bite your head off if you touched my child.

If you feel you must say something, say it to the parents. It’s THEIR fault if their child is putting his shoes all over the pews.

And yes, you should learn tolenance. And don’t call children “demons.” That’s just awful.

 

[maryjk]

You could really hurt a small child by “yanking their legs.” PLEASE do not touch someone else’s kid. Especially with your cane. I am certain you are scaring them. I’m also suprised the parents haven’t said something to you. **I would bite your head off if you touched my child. **

If you feel you must say something, say it to the parents. It’s THEIR fault if their child is putting his shoes all over the pews.

And yes, you should learn tolenance. And don’t call children “demons.” That’s just awful.

I would own the cane. And if he wanted it back he could call the police and we could talk about the battery of my child.

 

[ac_claire]

I like to think my kids wouldn’t have their shoes and feet all over the back of the pews in the first place. That’s how I would avoid this situation.

 

[christianlove]

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Why is their so much judgement on these forums? Are we seeking to improve one anothers holiness? Dependance on God allows us the peace to know that He will show each of us his ways. His ways are not ours. Let your hearts open up and live for eachother, hold your stones, and let Jesus write our sins in the sand so that the Spirit’s Wind can blow them away!

Titus 3:1-7
Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.
At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.

Good and loving Father has freed us of sin, shown endless mercy and kindness to all men. Ought we not do the same?

1 Peter 3:8
Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.

1 John 4:12
No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.

Let God live in you; God would not scare a child into behaving, God would not take a mans cane for revenge, God would not scold a parent for trying their best to raise a difficult child…We are not God, but try to “Be Holy as [He] is holy]”

Ephesians 1:4
For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love

1 Peter 1:13
Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.

1 Peter 1:15
But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do;

1 Peter 1:16
for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”

Do you all see it, can you feel the truth in your heart. If you can not, I pray for you. Pray my brothers and sisters that you will feel something today, and that it will continue to grow forever. And pray for me, too, that I may do the same (especially when my children act up in church).

Peace,

Christian Love

 

[christianlove]

And let me add,

2 Peter 1:4-8 (New International Version)
4Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

5For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. 8For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

I can’t say anything better than that. Furthermore,

Philippians 2:3
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.

Romans 12:10
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.

John 13:35
By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

Romans 12:10
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.

Romans 13:8
Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law.

Galatians 5:13
You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature ; rather, serve one another in love.

Ephesians 4:2
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

Hebrews 10:24
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.

1 Peter 1:22
Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart.

1 Peter 3:8
Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.

1 Peter 5:14
Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.

I struggle all the time with these things, I try to be humble…there are so many closer to God and Christ in their journey than I am in mine. I strive to become like them, I ask God to help me, Christ walks beside me and lifts my face all the time, I fall, He picks me up, I cry and the Spirit Consoles me, I am loved, so are you, so love one another. If Chirst, your King and mine, was in front of you on his throne of glory and commanded you to love, you would do it immediately and without any more thouht. Guess what? He is right there, close your eyes, listen to you conscience, there he is, the King of Glory, your God!, my God, who was, is, and will be forever, and he commanded you to love one another as he loves us…(John 13:34)

1 John 4:8 (New International Version)
8Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.

I know, I rant and rave, because I love you all so much and search for love all over, even when my heart can not be filled with kindness because of fleshy anger and disobedience, but I always know what I want and where I am going. Life is not a destiny, its a journey. Walk in His path and feel that peace!

Now, thinking about all this, how serious is it that you missed mass one day, you are sorry, he forgives you, move on to LOVE.

Everlasting peace will be given to those who love,

Christian Love

 

[yellowbird]

I like to think my kids wouldn’t have their shoes and feet all over the back of the pews in the first place. That’s how I would avoid this situation.

I watch that my children don’t put their feet where they do not belong (like the back of a pew) but if I’m preoccupied with praying and happen to miss my toddler with her shoes up, I certainly do NOT want someone yanking her little legs with their cane.

 

[ac_claire]

I watch that my children don’t put their feet where they do not belong (like the back of a pew) but if I’m preoccupied with praying and happen to miss my toddler with her shoes up, I certainly do NOT want someone yanking her little legs with their cane.

Of course, naturally.

 

[Califman831]

would it be better to ignore their transgressions during mass which will lead them to believe that there is no consequence to sin? Look at the society that has resulted from such a mindset, a greater number of kids believe they can do whatever they like, its permissiveness. Among adults fewer are actually attending mass. In the good ole days of the church a nun would cracked a ruler across the little darlings fingers and justly so. Good parents instill discipline in addition to love in their children so little johnny wouldn’t even think of acting out.
The old saying is very true, if you spare the rod you will spoil the child. Without discipline the child will never learn to fear God. Without fear of God that child will not fear damnation and stands a greater chance of his or her soul entering that realm. Our Lady of Fatima showed the little children hell for a reason, so they will not end up there and so they can warn others of the horror of that destination. Let us also remember the great flood where our Lord wiped out the inhabitants of the world except for one just family.
Omission of discipline in proper child rearing leads to impeding children from entering the glory of heaven and being with our Lord.

 

[christianlove]

Califman,

God bless you. I think in many ways you are right, but disciplining children to the point of fear is wrong. I don’t know if you have children, but I suspect not. Nonetheless, from a personal standpoint, I do use corporeal punishment and negative punishment to discipline my children, albeit sparingly. Instead, I believe it is more important to teach them the reason things are wrong. It is not easy to do most of the time. Children ages 3-8 are hard to reason with, they have not really reached that “age of reason,” and this is why we break down (usually out of anger, which makes it most wrong) and spank the child. By the time they are 8-10 (depending on the nature of the children) they are capable of grasping right and wrong, holiness, sacred, obedience, etc. Before the age of reason, many children are just self centered. No matter how hard you try, some children just wont get it and all you will get from “sister cracking rulers over hands” in the “good ole days” is a generation who grew up and became the adults who are the “fewer…actually attending mass.” Negative punishment has been proven to be inferior in child rearing compared to positive reinforcement. Like most things, the harder it is to do successfully, the better it is.

There is no need for me to restate what I have already said. Love came to show us the way! Why fight against the teachings of Christ if you are a Christian. I am the least when it comes to my children acting up in church. It drives me crazy, sometimes I lose it. I leave church after mass upset and both kids are in time out, and there is wailing and gnashing of teeth! Well, I think to myself, that is not how it should be. I then turn to my Father, reflect on His mercy and forgiveness for the disobedient things I do all day long, I pray for his patience and strength, and then get back into the Truth. I tell my children to try and understand what they did was wrong, forgive them, and move on witht the day. Maybe they dont learn a “hard” lesson and fear me the next time they think about acting up in church. But they learn forgiveness and mercy, and they learn to control themselves, they learn to from me to pray to God for help, and maybe they begin to understand one day why it is wrong to do this or that.

When I look back on my days of Catholic school, with the nuns and brothers, I dont remeber the ones who would wield the whip. I remeber the ones who spent a little extra time with me, to redirect me, to show kindness. It was the peaceful ones I would turn to when I needed advice, guidence, a shoulder, and a friend. Please, all of you take this to heart, if you raise the child to be strict and behave because they fear your punishment, there will be a day they rebell (they all do) and get in serious trouble. Then, do you think the day they are faced with the prowling devil waiting to devour them (drugs, pornography, social sin in general), will they come to you for advice? Or will they be scared that you will beat them down for trying marijuana for example? I want my children to know that I will always try to understand them. I may get mad, yell and scream, but in the end, I always try to be fair, have kindness, patience and love.

1 cor 13:13 In the end there is faith, hope, and love: the greatest of these is love!

PS, after flooding the earth, God was sorry, promising never to do that again. Will you continue to inflict your wrath? see Jonah 4:1-11. Overwhelmingly, God is mercy, patience, and love. He is slow to anger. Refusing to discipline your children is a sin of omission, but there are better ways to do it than others. Remeber, Love came to show us the way.

The Church is always in my prayers,

Christian Love

 

[CWBetts]

would it be better to ignore their transgressions during mass which will lead them to believe that there is no consequence to sin? Look at the society that has resulted from such a mindset, a greater number of kids believe they can do whatever they like, its permissiveness. Among adults fewer are actually attending mass. In the good ole days of the church a nun would cracked a ruler across the little darlings fingers and justly so. Good parents instill discipline in addition to love in their children so little johnny wouldn’t even think of acting out.
The old saying is very true, if you spare the rod you will spoil the child. Without discipline the child will never learn to fear God. Without fear of God that child will not fear damnation and stands a greater chance of his or her soul entering that realm. Our Lady of Fatima showed the little children hell for a reason, so they will not end up there and so they can warn others of the horror of that destination. Let us also remember the great flood where our Lord wiped out the inhabitants of the world except for one just family.
Omission of discipline in proper child rearing leads to impeding children from entering the glory of heaven and being with our Lord.

It is not your job to discipline another’s child, unless you are placed in a position to act in place of the parent, such as in your example of the nun. And just for clarification: unruly children are not a liturgical abuse