Do people chew gum during Mass at your parish?

[jmcrae]

“Legalistic?” Are you serious? Look at your own comment. I’m not consuming anything. It’s a non-starter.

Yes you are; you are consuming gum.

I have never heard a prohibition of chewing gum in public for “civilized people.” Again, when you chew gum you might equate it to a “cow”, but that’s simply not how I or millions (billions?) of others chew gum.

It takes a caning penalty in Singapore - I’m not for having gum chewing take a caning penalty (although there are features in its favour, I think), but there are others besides me who consider it “uncivilized behaviour.” (And Singaporeans are noted for their fine singing, so the lack of being allowed to chew gum in public apparently doesn’t actually hamper one’s singing abilities.)

There is nothing impolite about the way I chew gum. Notice how your comments have changed. First it was all about the fast.

It still is.

When that was shown to be a non-issue you are now suggesting that chewing gum must be an impolite process.

It’s that, too.

Now it’s a matter of inferring that you think I must consider myself to be “special” because I chew gum at Mass.

Because apparently you lose your inherently human ability to sing, if you can’t chew gum. That sounds pretty “special” to me.

 

[Cat]

Why can’t Catholics be nicer to each other?

No wonder people aren’t lining up to become Catholic. A bar is a friendlier place.

And for the person who said something to the effect that “other people don’t need to chew gum to keep their mouth moist, so why do you?”–please, I beg you to remember that there are medical conditions and various meds that result in a painfully dry mouth. Someday when YOU have to suffer these conditions or take these meds, then you will perhaps be more charitable. It’s not fun, believe me. I wish I were young again and had a healthy, strong body that required no meds.

 

[MarieVeronica]

Cat, I agree with you. This seems to be one of those threads “used” for the sake of getting an argument going. (e-catholic, not saying that it was your intent. Your concern seemed genuine).

It is inappropriate and disrespectful to Our Lord, to be chomping on gum… during the Mass, under normal circumstances. And absolutely wrong to have gum in your mouth (or cheek… or hand) when receiving the Precious Body and Blood of Jesus Christ.

If you have a medical “dry mouth” condition which chewing gum helps… then, you can probably look at it as therapeudic to your condition… and not worry. Although, I agree… that it should be discreetly taken out of the mouth, well before receiving Holy Communion.

I’m going to be more careful about these types of “threads”. I mean, this is just one of those common sense things that ALL Catholics should know.:doh2:

 

[jmcrae]

Why can’t Catholics be nicer to each other?

No wonder people aren’t lining up to become Catholic. A bar is a friendlier place.

And for the person who said something to the effect that “other people don’t need to chew gum to keep their mouth moist, so why do you?”–please, I beg you to remember that there are medical conditions and various meds that result in a painfully dry mouth.

Why can’t they drink water, or take appropriate medication? These things are not forbidden.

 

[Spiller]

Yes you are; you are consuming gum.

You are wrong. Any part of the gum that is consumed has LONG since been consumed by the time Mass begins. You continue to be mistaken on this matter.

It takes a caning penalty in Singapore - I’m not for having gum chewing take a caning penalty (although there are features in its favour, I think), but there are others besides me who consider it “uncivilized behaviour.” (And Singaporeans are noted for their fine singing, so the lack of being allowed to chew gum in public apparently doesn’t actually hamper one’s singing abilities.)

So? Please don’t go off on a silly tangent. Singapore is not the Catholic Church – thanks be to God.There is absolutely nothing intrinsic that makes gum-chewing an impolite or offensive process – except perhaps your own personal values or opinions and those do not concern me.

Because apparently you lose your inherently human ability to sing, if you can’t chew gum. That sounds pretty “special” to me.

Now you’re simply being offensive. You fail to make your argument so you attack in that manner? How come? Go back and read our postings. You have tried to condemn my gum chewing from several angles and each time you came up empty. Now you resort to this? Why?

 

[mamax3]

Okay – time for a deep breath & a little relaxation here…

Here’s my take on this issue, which I had the opportunity to share with my Confirmation Team a few weeks ago in a most intolerant fashion!

I had taken my Team (my son is the only one from our parish school on the team – the others are from our neighborhood public school) to First Friday Mass as one of our team spiritual works of mercy. None of them had ever been taken to a First Friday Mass and ours always includes veneration & adoration of the Blessed Sacrament for the following 24 hour period. My goal with my Team has been to introduce them to all opportunities that our Parish provides so that they will feel comfortable & not avoid anything in the future.

Imagine my shock & displeasure to note that 5 of 7 of my kids were loudly & rudely chewing gum, texting to one another on their cells & constantly leaving for the restroom! To top it all off, the gum-chewers (who had NO excuse for chewing mind you!) stopped chewing while in line for the Blessed Sacrament & resumed chewing after consuming… I got an ovation from a group of elderly women after Mass when I collared my little darlings in the vestibule & proceeded to relate to them that their behavior was rude & disrespectful as well as explaining that they were committing a sacrilege – that bits of the body of Christ would inevitably end up in their gum which they would later dispose of in the trashcan. They looked completely shocked and dumbfounded & admitted that it had never crossed their minds… Was I insensitive to their feelings?? I’m thinking not! My son (who is an altar server) was afraid to approach when he saw me - to me it’s just common sense.

As for the issue with those who are taking meds – those who are sick receive a dispensation from the fast if I remember correctly, as do pregnant & nursing mamas…

I’m feeling that original post was more to point out those who chew gum out of ignorance of the faith or just because they don’t see it as being rude to chew gum in God’s house. I hardly think that anyone was truly thinking of those who had medical issues. Would you light up a cigarette in Mass? Just asking… not trying to start anything… I’m pretty strict with my own kiddos about behaviors in Mass so I don’t think my opinion should be counted here…

 

[e-catholic]

Okay – time for a deep breath & a little relaxation here…

Here’s my take on this issue, which I had the opportunity to share with my Confirmation Team a few weeks ago in a most intolerant fashion!

I had taken my Team (my son is the only one from our parish school on the team – the others are from our neighborhood public school) to First Friday Mass as one of our team spiritual works of mercy. None of them had ever been taken to a First Friday Mass and ours always includes veneration & adoration of the Blessed Sacrament for the following 24 hour period. My goal with my Team has been to introduce them to all opportunities that our Parish provides so that they will feel comfortable & not avoid anything in the future.

Imagine my shock & displeasure to note that 5 of 7 of my kids were loudly & rudely chewing gum, texting to one another on their cells & constantly leaving for the restroom! To top it all off, the gum-chewers (who had NO excuse for chewing mind you!) stopped chewing while in line for the Blessed Sacrament & resumed chewing after consuming… I got an ovation from a group of elderly women after Mass when I collared my little darlings in the vestibule & proceeded to relate to them that their behavior was rude & disrespectful as well as explaining that they were committing a sacrilege – that bits of the body of Christ would inevitably end up in their gum which they would later dispose of in the trashcan. They looked completely shocked and dumbfounded & admitted that it had never crossed their minds… Was I insensitive to their feelings?? I’m thinking not! My son (who is an altar server) was afraid to approach when he saw me - to me it’s just common sense.

As for the issue with those who are taking meds – those who are sick receive a dispensation from the fast if I remember correctly, as do pregnant & nursing mamas…

I’m feeling that original post was more to point out those who chew gum out of ignorance of the faith or just because they don’t see it as being rude to chew gum in God’s house. I hardly think that anyone was truly thinking of those who had medical issues. Would you light up a cigarette in Mass? Just asking… not trying to start anything… I’m pretty strict with my own kiddos about behaviors in Mass so I don’t think my opinion should be counted here…

I can’t believe that more people aren’t offended by this. Finally someone who feels the way I do.

I would also be curious to know if the fast is violated by chewing gum if the gum is chewed for 2 hours before. I would bet that it doesn’t matter, barring any medical condition that cannot be dealt with any other way. Water might be a better solution, it does not violate the fast, and the issue isn’t really that people are irritated, it is that there is disrespect to the Body and Blood of Christ.

 

[grammy_112008]

I’ve seen entire families chewing gum in church, They can’t all be on meds and smokers, since some of the chewers are grade school aged. It doesn’t matter if I’m deep in prayer and don’t see this irreverance, it’s still an indication of how little they regard Jesus and His house.

 

[e-catholic]

it’s still an indication of how little they regard Jesus and His house.

And more particularly, His Body and Blood.

 

[Spiller]

I’ve seen entire families chewing gum in church, They can’t all be on meds and smokers, since some of the chewers are grade school aged. It doesn’t matter if I’m deep in prayer and don’t see this irreverance,** it’s still an indication of how little they regard Jesus and His house**.

It need not be.

 

[Spiller]

And more particularly, His Body and Blood.

Why? The gum is securely ensconced in a tissue in my pocket when I receive Holy Communion.

 

[Spiller]

:I can’t believe that more people aren’t offended by this. Finally someone who feels the way I do.

Yes, you are not the only person that has reacted emotionally. If I said I kept a small pebble in my mouth to stimulate saliva like the gum does, not one person would have said it’s a bad thing. But because it’s gum it upsets some who clearly have no idea about what’s going on.

I would also be curious to know if the fast is violated by chewing gum if the gum is chewed for 2 hours before. I would **bet **that it doesn’t matter, barring any medical condition that cannot be dealt with any other way. Water might be a better solution, it does not violate the fast, and the issue isn’t really that people are irritated, it is that there is disrespect to the Body and Blood of Christ.

“Bet” all you want, but I’m not consuming anything. I could just as well chew on a bit of non-toxic polymer instead of wax/paraffin and you would only be upset if I called it “gum.”

No, water would not be a “better” solution. It’s rather distracting and I’m rather serious about keeping the fast – and that includes water.

 

[japhy]

No, water would not be a “better” solution. It’s rather distracting and I’m rather serious about keeping the fast – and that includes water.

Natural water does not break the Eucharistic fast. (cf. Christus Dominus, Rule I, of Pope Pius XII; Sacram Communionem, n. 2, of Pope Pius XII.) Although you are free to adhere to stricter fasting regulations than the Church holds!

Honestly, if you suffer from dry-mouth or you have some other condition that necessitates use of a salivating agent, by all means, use one. But be as discreet as possible (and it sounds like you are) because other people might see you “chewing gum” and get the wrong idea, and causing scandal is still a sin.

 

[Deacon_Ed_B]

What I see are some “OLD SCHOOL” like myself who were raised with a respect and awe of the Eucharist and others who were raised without the depth of religious education that some older people have had. It is from this lack of religious education that this small bit (and growing) of irreverence has come in. If anyone had tried this back in the 40’s, 50’s or even 60’s, they would have had a come to Jesus talk with the priest and probably others. It’s almost like someone wanting to know how far they can go before they sin, instead of avoiding the occasion of sin altogether. Medical reasons bring a dispensation. But I know of no cases where they have to chew their gum constantly in order to get their medicines. Whether one accepts it or not, it is irreverent, impolite and rude, not only to those around them, but more especially towards the Eucharist, the very source and summit of all that is Catholic. . I am sure there will be those who will vociferously disagree with this statement, but stop and think about what is being done.
Deacon Ed B

 

[rstegeman]

What I see are some “OLD SCHOOL” like myself who were raised with a respect and awe of the Eucharist and others who were raised without the depth of religious education that some older people have had. It is from this lack of religious education that this small bit (and growing) of irreverence has come in. If anyone had tried this back in the 40’s, 50’s or even 60’s, they would have had a come to Jesus talk with the priest and probably others. It’s almost like someone wanting to know how far they can go before they sin, instead of avoiding the occasion of sin altogether. Medical reasons bring a dispensation. But I know of no cases where they have to chew their gum constantly in order to get their medicines. Whether one accepts it or not, it is irreverent, impolite and rude, not only to those around them, but more especially towards the Eucharist, the very source and summit of all that is Catholic. . I am sure there will be those who will vociferously disagree with this statement, but stop and think about what is being done.
Deacon Ed B

I for one, would most definitely agree with you. I’m far from perfect at Mass, but I am trying whole heartedly to improve every time.

 

[jkatpc]

It really bothers me, mostly because it is a distraction for those around the chewer, especially when he’s blowing and popping bubbles.

FWIW, the question of gum breaking the fast was answered by one of the staff apologists here: forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=141897

 

[jmcrae]

Why? The gum is securely ensconced in a tissue in my pocket when I receive Holy Communion.

It’s the chewing in front of the Tabernacle beforehand, and during the Gospel and the Consecration, that Jesus would find offensive.

People are not allowed to chew gum in class at school, or in a business meeting at work; they would be expelled or fired. Why on earth would you consider it okay to chew gum at Mass? Do you think teachers and bosses are more to be respected than God Himself?

 

[Phemie]

People are not allowed to chew gum in class at school, or in a business meeting at work; they would be expelled or fired.

While I feel the same way you do about chewing gum at Mass, I have to ask when’s the last time you were in a high school? Pyjama pants & belly shirts, hats, coffee, snacks, all found in class. Most teachers couldn’t care less.

 

[jmcrae]

While I feel the same way you do about chewing gum at Mass, I have to ask when’s the last time you were in a high school? Pyjama pants & belly shirts, hats, coffee, snacks, all found in class. Most teachers couldn’t care less.

uch:

Well, all I can say is, they will be in for a rude shock when they get into the working world.

 

[Cat]

jmcrae, the medical condition for which people take Enablex is “incontinence” or “spasmodic bladder” or “frequency of urination.”

Are you getting the idea that just drinking water during Mass isn’t exactly a good plan for people like me?!

I know there are other medical conditions that require a reduction of fluids.

I know, I know, we could go on and on coming up with “exceptions.” And many of them are genuine, as strange as they sound! So again, let’s be charitable! There are so many new meds out for so many medical conditions, we shouldn’t be passing judgement on our brothers and sisters Doctors are constantly putting people on something new to try it out. I’m telling you, everyone!–someday YOU will be in the same boat, and then you will think back on this conversation and feel very bad over some of your comments!