Do people chew gum during Mass at your parish?

[Spiller]

uch:

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

Oh? Just what “working world” do you live in? I had a meeting at 7:30 and a more formal one at 9 today. At both people brought in their coffee cups, water bottles and their dough nuts/muffins/bagels, etc. I didn’t notice, but if someone was chewing gum, it wouldn’t have been noticed or cared about.

If if would have been a meeting with customers, all the goodies would have been provided…

 

[Spiller]

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?

Don’t try to speak for Jesus Christ. At the very least you are making comments that you in no way can back-up.

There is no prohibition in the real world over chewing gum in school or in business meetings. To suggest they would “be expelled or fired” is to show you have no real grasp of the subject. Your “argument” of “Do you think teachers and bosses are more to be respected than God Himself?” goes right down the tubes because it’s not based on the truth.

 

[Spiller]

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

Who said anything about blowing bubbles in church? I have NEVER seen that. Then again my focus is in the sanctuary.

Thanks for the link. I was NOT AWARE that even if it was a fresh stick of Trident that it would not be breaking the fast per Michelle Arnold. I rather question that, but it does further substantiate my position that chewing a 2 hour old piece of gum is in no way consuming ANYTHING.

 

[Spiller]

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

The Church in no way prohibits gum chewing during Mass. People here have tried to suggest that it does using fasting and emotion, but it’s just not true.

Maybe some on here have no clue about how to chew a small stick of gum in a unobtrusive and discreet manner. Well I do. My gum chewing does not include “chomping”, or bubbles, etc. You might be able to detect that I was chewing gum if you studied my face over a minute of time. But if you did and became offended over it, that’s on you, not me and shame on you.

People are becoming emotional because it’s “chewing gum” and not sucking on a tiny pebble (or some other means) to keep one’s mouth moist. To me the Gum Police are being far more offensive and non-Christlike by foisting their personal beliefs of what is right or wrong on others. When you become perfect maybe then we can talk about my 2 hour old stick of Trident.

I have never seen people “chomp” on gum at Mass or blow bubbles. It wouldn’t be a good thing if anyone did that. But to equate all gum chewing to that is simply wrong.

 

[Spiller]

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.

I am very discreet. In fact if anyone ever noticed I had gum in my mouth, it would be their problem as they would have to study my face over a long period to notice and their eyes and minds should obviously be elsewhere during Mass.

 

[jmcrae]

I am very discreet. In fact if anyone ever noticed I had gum in my mouth, it would be their problem as they would have to study my face over a long period to notice and their eyes and minds should obviously be elsewhere during Mass.

Why would you have to “be discreet” if gum-chewing at Mass is above-board and okay?

I think, at some level, you do realize that it’s rude.

 

[jmcrae]

Who said anything about blowing bubbles in church? I have NEVER seen that. Then again my focus is in the sanctuary.

Thanks for the link. I was NOT AWARE that even if it was a fresh stick of Trident that it would not be breaking the fast per Michelle Arnold. I rather question that, but it does further substantiate my position that chewing a 2 hour old piece of gum is in no way consuming ANYTHING.

She is also saying that just because it doesn’t break the fast doesn’t mean that you should chew it in Church, just as you would not brush your teeth or use mouthwash in Church.

 

[Spiller]

She is also saying that just because it doesn’t break the fast doesn’t mean that you should chew it in Church, just as you would not brush your teeth or use mouthwash in Church.

Chewing gum during the Mass is not prohibited by the Church. It does not break the fast. It need not be noticed by anyone.

The mouthwash and toothbrush are red herrings in this discussion.

There is no problem with chewing gum at Mass so long as it is done discreetly and the gum is correctly secured before one receives communion.

 

[Spiller]

Why would you have to “be discreet” if gum-chewing at Mass is above-board and okay?

I think, at some level, you do realize that it’s rude.

Yet another attempt to make your point? OK, I’ll respond.

There are a GREAT MANY things that are quite acceptable at Mass (and in public in general) that can become unacceptable if executed incorrectly. Just a tiny number include:

• The use of too much perfume/cologne. No problem with either so long as they are used correctly.
• Singing. Singing is wonderful but if you have a horrid and loud singing voice that causes people to focus on you and not the liturgy then you should attenuate your vocals.
• Drinking water. If I see a cantor discreetly sipping from a cup or maybe even a small bottle there is no problem with that as we have discussed. If I see one chugging from a bright pink 1.5L sports bottle with “Go Yankees!” on it, it becomes objectionable.
• The crying of a baby. A little bit never hurt any Mass. But there comes a point where a parent needs to do something if it continues. I have seen parents definitely just sit their while their babies wailed away and that is wrong.
• The chewing of gum. I think it’s ALWAYS correct to chew gum in a discreet manner. What’s horribly wrong is to equate all gum chewing to “chomping” and bubble blowing. That’s just disingenuous.

 

[yessisan]

At my Parish, so many people chew gum, our Pastor has already told them to please throw away the gum before coming in. People in my Parish aresso rude! They come in chewing gum and before communion, they stick it behind the art work or under the seats, or throw them on the floor. So Fr. Robert said it was ENOUGH!

 

[jmcrae]

At my Parish, so many people chew gum, our Pastor has already told them to please throw away the gum before coming in. People in my Parish aresso rude! They come in chewing gum and before communion, they stick it behind the art work or under the seats, or throw them on the floor. So Fr. Robert said it was ENOUGH!

May God bless Father Robert!!

 

[rstegeman]

At my Parish, so many people chew gum, our Pastor has already told them to please throw away the gum before coming in. People in my Parish aresso rude! They come in chewing gum and before communion, they stick it behind the art work or under the seats, or throw them on the floor. So Fr. Robert said it was ENOUGH!

I would be willing to bet that the reason your Pastor banned gum is because of the polluting aspect of it…not the reverence/lack of reverence aspect.

Now, I don’t think the point of the OP was to say that ALL gum chewing was bad, but noticable gum chewing during Mass is. If you are doing it for a legitimate reason and you are being discreet about it, then fine. The objection, at least in my opinion, is with those that are “chomping” their gum.

As far as water is concerned, I’m not a big fan of people having water bottles in Mass either. The canter/choir is one thing since it’s their job to sing and lead the assembly. Most times, these people are out of normal view. As for the rest of us, have a drink before Mass starts. I think most of us can make it an hour without having a drink. Same goes for bathroom visits, although I do understand that some are affected with medical conditions that require more frequent use of the facilities.

 

[yessisan]

I would be willing to bet that the reason your Pastor banned gum is because of the polluting aspect of it…not the reverence/lack of reverence aspect.

He did say it was disrespectful to be chewing gum in Mass and more disrespectful to stick it on Church property when others have to clean up after them

 

[daeve]

What does the start time have to do with it?

If you get rid of your gum more than an hour before Holy Communion, then you’re fine. I don’t typically go to Masses that are that long, though.

Water is permitted during the hour before Holy Communion - and much more effective for moistening your throat.

I notice people who should know better chomping away on gum at Mass, too. I think it sets an extremely poor example to the young, besides being a violation of the Communion fast. In any case, why would anyone chew gum in public, let alone at Mass, even if it were not a violation of the fast? Would you chew gum in school, or at a meeting with your boss at work?

I don’t chew gum at Mass, but I do most other times, again for reasons of dry mouth. Sometimes I can’t even swallow without taking a drink of water. But as for the effectiveness, gum works much better. The chewing action is the difference. Once the water is swallowed, my mouth is totally dry again.

I remembered seeing something about this in Ask an Apologist. Here are some links in which Michelle Arnold says chewing gum and breath mints do not break the fast:

forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=141897&highlight=chewing+gum

forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=127757&highlight=chewing+gum

She advises against it, but says that “techinically” it is not food. I would agree that it’s not necessary for most people during Mass, but urge all to be charitable if you notice someone with gum or a lozenge or a water bottle. Putting your used gum under the pew or under a theatre seat or anywhere except the trash is ill-mannered and disgusting. I’m frequently amazed by the lack of common courtesy in people.

 

[MarieVeronica]

Chewing gum during the Mass is not prohibited by the Church.

Some things are just a matter of common sense and natural respect for the Lord. I don’t think there is anything within the laws of the Church which expressly forbids the wearing of roller skates to Mass, either. I think you get the point. If we look the other way with people chewing gum… what’s next? Cigarettes maybe? I can see it now… little ash trays, afixed to the pew in front of you (Smokers among us, I’m not bashing you. Just trying to make a point. Although, I do wish you’d quit… because I care :hug1: ).

I know one thing… my 5th grade teacher… Sr. William Ann… would rap your knuckles for this.

 

[Spiller]

I would be willing to bet that the reason your Pastor banned gum is because of the polluting aspect of it…not the reverence/lack of reverence aspect.

Now, I don’t think the point of the OP was to say that ALL gum chewing was bad, but noticeable gum chewing during Mass is. If you are doing it for a legitimate reason and you are being discreet about it, then fine. The objection, at least in my opinion, is with those that are “chomping” their gum.

As far as water is concerned, I’m not a big fan of people having water bottles in Mass either. The canter/choir is one thing since it’s their job to sing and lead the assembly. Most times, these people are out of normal view. As for the rest of us, have a drink before Mass starts. I think most of us can make it an hour without having a drink. Same goes for bathroom visits, although I do understand that some are affected with medical conditions that require more frequent use of the facilities.

I agree with your comments. The problem is that some people attempted to suggest that all gum chewing was wrong – due to fasting regulation, etc. etc. etc. and they are wrong.

 

[Spiller]

Some things are just a matter of common sense and natural respect for the Lord. I don’t think there is anything within the laws of the Church which expressly forbids the wearing of roller skates to Mass, either. I think you get the point. If we look the other way with people chewing gum… what’s next? Cigarettes maybe? I can see it now… little ash trays, afixed to the pew in front of you (Smokers among us, I’m not bashing you. Just trying to make a point. Although, I do wish you’d quit… because I care :hug1: ).

I know one thing… my 5th grade teacher… Sr. William Ann… would rap your knuckles for this.

Before you do this again, please read:

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Straw_man

 

[MusicMan]

I dare say that unless you witness vandalism of the church by used gum being discarded on things or in things (other than the trashcan), I dare say it’s none of your business if people chew gum at Mass. Leave it to the priest to address, and focus your attention at Mass on the readings, the liturgy, and your preparation to receive the Lord.

 

[AHapka]

smacks of excuse-making.

Not that I’m going to join the debate, but I take it no pun intended In a discussion about gum?

 

[dulcissima]

I don’t think I have ever seen anyone in my current parish chew gum. I know at the parish where I first became a Catholic, the priest, who was normally a pretty easy going person, really chewed out an usher that was chewing gum (privately, I heard this from another usher) saying that it was incredibly disrespectful and that no gum should ever be chewed at Mass. I totally agree.