Do people chew gum during Mass at your parish?

[Lovemyfaith]

There are a few reasons I don’t like it. The first is when children see an adult chew gum, they think it is okay to do so and will. Most likely that is the gum that will end up under the pews or on the floor. Not to mention there will be nothing discreet about their chewing. The second is, the church itself is a holy place to me. I would never consider eating in there, even if Mass was not being Celebrated. I wouldn’t read the comics in there, file my nails or take an asprin if I had a headache. I would lump chewing gum in with all those other distractions. The third is I can’t picture myself at the foot of the church watching our Lord die for our sins while I have anything in my mouth, especially a piece of gum.

By the way, how do people who have severe dry mouth sleep? If you have a problem that requires movement in the mouth, you can’t go to bed chewing.

 

[Spiller]

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.

The thing that bothered me about this thread was the misinformation. First some suggested that chewing gum broke the fast. It does not. Then some inferring that one should never chew gum in public – particularly at school or work and that too is malarkey. Then were were told that chewing gum upsets God – as if the person making the statement was God. Then gum in the holy water fonts – as if the only odd thing that ever ends-up in holy water fonts is gum. Then we heard about “chomping” and blowing bubbles – neither of which I do with gum.

Then it was suggested that I must consider myself “special” for chewing gum at Mass which I found downright offensive. Now we are talking about facility maintenance and the horrors of gum which have absolutely nothing to do with me and most gum chewers. Finally we were treated to a staw-dog about how chewing gum leads to smoking and roller skating at Mass.

Keep trying different angles until one has made their case. Yeah, right. No wonder it’s so difficult to take some people seriously. Their credibility is shot on matter like gum chewing.

This is all a bunch of hooey from people who have been erroneously taught that gum chewing is necessarily bad. I wish they could just admit they were wrong.

 

[peary]

In our church paper this week our Pastor expressed his displeasure with finding several (10 or more) people chewing gum during Mass on Easter. He was even more surprised when he found that people pushed it into their cheek when they wen to communion, in order to hide the fact that they were chewing it.

I was surprised at this, I haven’t known this to happen before. Has anyone else ever witnessed this. This has to be the most disrespectful thing you could do especially if you are receiving Communion.

Not only have I observed parishoners chewing gum at Mass, they go up to Communion with the gum still in their mouths! Also, some bring coffee in with them to the pews…but the cell phones are the worse, especially when they go off at inappropriate times. The priests of the parish have instructed people about this, but it goes in one ear and out the other. People have a habit of dumping on priests, but the people are responsible for their own inappropriate behavior. Adults should know better since they pass manners down to their children. Then again, you can’t teach something you don’t have within yourself, either.

 

[jkatpc]

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.

I mentioned bubbles because I have seen it–not big ones, but the little ones people sometimes unconsciously make and pop.

I guess the yardstick I would use is if you were going to a face to face meeting with the President or the Pope, would you be chewing gum? If so, then that’s what you would do. If not, how much more important is a face to face meeting with Jesus?

 

[Cat]

I mentioned bubbles because I have seen it–not big ones, but the little ones people sometimes unconsciously make and pop.

I guess the yardstick I would use is if you were going to a face to face meeting with the President or the Pope, would you be chewing gum? If so, then that’s what you would do. If not, how much more important is a face to face meeting with Jesus?

I would not be chewing gum during the actual meeting. But I would definitely chew gum and suck on mints BEFORE the meeting because I would want my breath to be fresh and sweet-smelling. Hope this doesn’t sound vain, but to be honest, I really find foul breath objectionable. I realize that there are medical conditions that can cause an unpleasant breath (e.g., diabetes) so I try to be charitable.

 

[rstegeman]

but the cell phones are the worse, especially when they go off at inappropriate times.

A few months back, we were sitting in the second row and a cell phone went off right in front of us…just after the consecration and just before the Our Father no less. After what seemed like minutes (or an eternity for her, I’m sure), she finally got it turned off. I for one was actually holding back laughter first of all because I know her and secondly because she is a NUN!! What made it even harder, was when I looked up at Father. He was obviously distracted, but when he saw who it was, you could tell he was wanting to laugh himself.

I know she felt absolutely horrible and I know it was a complete mistake as she has the utmost reverence for Mass.

 

[Spiller]

There are a few reasons I don’t like it. The first is when children see an adult chew gum, they think it is okay to do so and will. Most likely that is the gum that will end up under the pews or on the floor. Not to mention there will be nothing discreet about their chewing. The second is, the church itself is a holy place to me. I would never consider eating in there, even if Mass was not being Celebrated. I wouldn’t read the comics in there, file my nails or take an asprin if I had a headache. I would lump chewing gum in with all those other distractions. The third is I can’t picture myself at the foot of the church watching our Lord die for our sins while I have anything in my mouth, especially a piece of gum.

By the way, how do people who have severe dry mouth sleep? If you have a problem that requires movement in the mouth, you can’t go to bed chewing.

Are you serious? You believe most people who chew gum at Mass will spit it out on the floor or stick it to a pew? That’s ridiculous.

How do you know that no one will chew their gum in a discreet manner? Again, that’s ridiculous.

Discreetly chewing gum is neither filing one’s nails or eating. Yet another ridiculous comment.

Yes I am sure you believe you are “better” than gum chewers because you cannot imagine yourself “at the foot of the church (Calvary?) watching our Lord die for our sins” with gum in your mouth, but again this is a ridiculous comment.

 

[Lovemyfaith]

Are you serious? You believe most people who chew gum at Mass will spit it out on the floor or stick it to a pew? That’s ridiculous.

How do you know that no one will chew their gum in a discreet manner? Again, that’s ridiculous.

Discreetly chewing gum is neither filing one’s nails or eating. Yet another ridiculous comment.

Yes I am sure you believe you are “better” than gum chewers because you cannot imagine yourself “at the foot of the church (Calvary?) watching our Lord die for our sins” with gum in your mouth, but again this is a ridiculous comment.

I am not sure you read or understood my post correctly. My thought was the children who mimick the adults will put their gum on the pews and not chew in a discreet manner. If that is the case, please refrain from name calling “ridiculous comments”. I’ve seen gum under pews (I used to volunteer cleaning my parish church). I hope it was not the adults, but the children who actually stuck the gum there.
My point was when I am in a church, I try to keep my thoughts on God without some silly piece of confectionery in my mouth.

In answer to your comment if I think I am better than gum chewers- well I see myself as no better than anyone. The point of this thread is comments on gum chewing. I stated my opinion, without by the way any name calling of people who don’t agree with me.

 

[Spiller]

I am not sure you read or understood my post correctly. My thought was the children who mimick the adults will put their gum on the pews and not chew in a discreet manner. If that is the case, please refrain from name calling “ridiculous comments”. I’ve seen gum under pews (I used to volunteer cleaning my parish church). I hope it was not the adults, but the children who actually stuck the gum there.
My point was when I am in a church, I try to keep my thoughts on God without some silly piece of confectionery in my mouth.

If they are mimicking the adults, why wouldn’t they chew gum in the same discreet manner? Further, what sort of child would stick gum to church furniture or spit it on the floor? Both presume extremely poor formation of said child.

Further, why is gum now “silly” and why are your trying to infer that one cannot keep their thoughts on God and chew gum at the same time?

In answer to your comment if I think I am better than gum chewers- well I see myself as no better than anyone. The point of this thread is comments on gum chewing. I stated my opinion, without by the way any name calling of people who don’t agree with me.

Just look at the comments on this thread. People have tried to come at every angle to attack gum chewing in church to no avail. They have tried outrageous linkages and inferences to bolster their personal opinions with no success. That’s what I find disturbing about this thread.

Posting #52 made a great deal of sense. Many of the others seem like nothing more than bigoted noise and that’s a shame. I’m not calling anyone a name, but some of the comments here have been rediculous from a logical standpoint.

 

[MarieVeronica]

Before you do this again, please read:

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Straw_man

I’m sorry, but I fail to see how my comments were a “straw man argument, based on misrepresentation of an opponents position”.

First of all, you are not my “opponent”. I do not view anyone here as my “opponent”. My comments were based on the statement made that there is nothing in Church Law which forbids the chewing of gum during Mass (#48). Using the example of wearing roller skates… I merely pointed up the fact that this is one of those common sense things. Church Law does not expressly “forbid” any number of behaviors or activities, during Mass. But plain old common sense should fill us in on proper decorum during this most Sacred Event. Would it be ok to use a toothpick or dental floss, during Mass? Most people wouldn’t. Is there anything in Church Law which expressly forbids those activities? Not that I know of. But to many people, gum chewing is similar.

I was brought up in the Church… and attended Parochial School in the 1960’s. I was taught by the good Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondolet… and we were instructed… in no uncertain terms… that it is inappropriate to chew gum, during Mass. Gum chewing is certainly understandable, if (as one poster said) a person needs it… to help with a severe, painful dry mouth problem. As long as the gum is discarded, well before reception of Holy Communion.

I am simply doing, what you’re doing. Voicing my opinion on the subject. God bless.

 

[agapewolf]

Why do I do it? So my mouth and throat do not go dry and I can therefore sing.

sorry, but THIS is ridiculous. Gum does not aid anyone in singing. Gum gets in the way of singing. I am a music director, and my choir does not keep gum in their mouth to keep their mouth from going dry. Words can’t be formed correctly, there is a risk of choking.

Try again.

 

[daeve]

There are a few reasons I don’t like it. The first is when children see an adult chew gum, they think it is okay to do so and will. Most likely that is the gum that will end up under the pews or on the floor. Not to mention there will be nothing discreet about their chewing. The second is, the church itself is a holy place to me. I would never consider eating in there, even if Mass was not being Celebrated. I wouldn’t read the comics in there, file my nails or take an asprin if I had a headache. I would lump chewing gum in with all those other distractions. The third is I can’t picture myself at the foot of the church watching our Lord die for our sins while I have anything in my mouth, especially a piece of gum.

By the way, how do people who have severe dry mouth sleep? If you have a problem that requires movement in the mouth, you can’t go to bed chewing.

It’s not the movement. Chewing gum stimulates production of saliva. As for sleeping, I wake up every hour or two, drink some more water, go back to sleep. When I’m sleeping, it’s just as bad, but less noticable because I’m asleep! But wake me it does. Sometimes my tongue is actually stuck to the roof of my mouth. It’s very unpleasant, and can be bad enough to cause a panic attack. Try not swallowing for a while and imagine not being able to swallow. Yes, I’m exhausted most days because I don’t get restorative sleep. Then of course I have to get up for other reasons because I’m drinking all that water.

I’m not happy about needing water at Mass. It’s important to me to sing in the choir, as it’s the only service I can render. I have a small gift, and I want to use it for the glory and honor of Our Lord. So I sip. I’m very short, and I’m usually behind the piano and organ, so very few people can see me. I never drink water at Mass if I’m not the singer. I can stand it for an hour or so for Mass. But you can’t sing if you can’t swallow.

I know I’m the exception, not the rule, but it won’t hurt you to consider you may not have all the facts before you judge someone.

 

[jmcrae]

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.

The pastor at my geographical parish forbids altar servers from serving if they show up for duty with gum in their mouths. He simply directs them to, first, remove the gum and put it into the trash can, next, wash their hands, and next, go and sit with their parents. He leaves it to them to explain to their parents why they are not serving on their shift, and why there are no altar servers (or not enough, depending on the situation) at that Mass.

I don’t think he has ever had any repeat offenders.

 

[Lovemyfaith]

It’s not the movement. Chewing gum stimulates production of saliva. As for sleeping, I wake up every hour or two, drink some more water, go back to sleep. When I’m sleeping, it’s just as bad, but less noticable because I’m asleep! But wake me it does. Sometimes my tongue is actually stuck to the roof of my mouth. It’s very unpleasant, and can be bad enough to cause a panic attack. Try not swallowing for a while and imagine not being able to swallow. Yes, I’m exhausted most days because I don’t get restorative sleep. Then of course I have to get up for other reasons because I’m drinking all that water.

I’m not happy about needing water at Mass. It’s important to me to sing in the choir, as it’s the only service I can render. I have a small gift, and I want to use it for the glory and honor of Our Lord. So I sip. I’m very short, and I’m usually behind the piano and organ, so very few people can see me. I never drink water at Mass if I’m not the singer. I can stand it for an hour or so for Mass. But you can’t sing if you can’t swallow.

I know I’m the exception, not the rule, but it won’t hurt you to consider you may not have all the facts before you judge someone.

Well my question was directed to people who chew gum during Mass, not to those who sip water. I was wondering how a person would chew gum while trying to sleep. By the way, my daughter is a Cantor and keeps a water bottle by her during Mass, so I think I am the last person who would “judge someone” about sipping water during Mass.
I certainly sympathize with any person who has a vitamin deficiency, salivary gland disorder, Sjogren’s syndrome or any other problem that caused severe dry mouth. I would hope they would seek medical treatment and keep them in my prayers.

 

[daeve]

Well my question was directed to people who chew gum during Mass, not to those who sip water. I was wondering how a person would chew gum while trying to sleep. By the way, my daughter is a Cantor and keeps a water bottle by her during Mass, so I think I am the last person who would “judge someone” about sipping water during Mass.
I certainly sympathize with any person who has a vitamin deficiency, salivary gland disorder, Sjogren’s syndrome or any other problem that caused severe dry mouth. I would hope they would seek medical treatment and keep them in my prayers.

I’m perhaps a bit sensitive about this, especially here where there have been many threads about drinking water, etc. Nor can I kneel, but since Father Sinz (great name for a priest, isn’t it) can’t either, it’s not a problem at my parish.

I chew gum during the day. It’s better than sugarless mints or lozenges. My problem is diabetes, and all the medication I have to take causes dry mouth. Gum was a suggestion from the dentist (sugarless, of course) because lack of saliva leads to problems there too. Diabetes really messes up your whole everything.

 

[Jea9]

I’ve kept up with this thread, but have yet to post and thought I’d put in my :twocents: I think that when people get into this “it doesn’t break the fast because I started chewing my gum (or drank my latte, or ate a donut, etc.) at 7:02am and I’m not going up to receive Holy Communion until 8:03am woohoo I beat the clock again!” it takes away from what is meant by the fast. We need to be in a prayerful state, thinking about receiving our Lord. And, though I was not raised Catholic, I hear that it used to be from midnight on. I, personally, think it’s about obedience to the rules of the church and preparation to receive our Lord in the Eucharist. I will not say anything to those with medical conditions that cause them to need gum in their mouth to stimulate saliva, but I WILL ask, as others have, the person who uses gum for singing. Now, you can’t call the noise I make singing, but I’ve been close to several people who were avid singers and NONE of them would have gum in their mouth to sing. Or anything. Why not have a cough drop or hard candy? That’s what I’ve seen any singer in choir or otherwise do. And, by the way, I always see them remove it when they start to sing. How DO you sing with gum in your mouth? Do you remove it to sing? If so, why not a piece of hard candy or cough drop?

 

[daeve]

I’ve kept up with this thread, but have yet to post and thought I’d put in my :twocents: I think that when people get into this “it doesn’t break the fast because I started chewing my gum (or drank my latte, or ate a donut, etc.) at 7:02am and I’m not going up to receive Holy Communion until 8:03am woohoo I beat the clock again!” it takes away from what is meant by the fast. We need to be in a prayerful state, thinking about receiving our Lord. And, though I was not raised Catholic, I hear that it used to be from midnight on. I, personally, think it’s about obedience to the rules of the church and preparation to receive our Lord in the Eucharist. I will not say anything to those with medical conditions that cause them to need gum in their mouth to stimulate saliva, but I WILL ask, as others have, the person who uses gum for singing. Now, you can’t call the noise I make singing, but I’ve been close to several people who were avid singers and NONE of them would have gum in their mouth to sing. Or anything. Why not have a cough drop or hard candy? That’s what I’ve seen any singer in choir or otherwise do. And, by the way, I always see them remove it when they start to sing. How DO you sing with gum in your mouth? Do you remove it to sing? If so, why not a piece of hard candy or cough drop?

Like I said earlier, I don’t chew gum at Mass. But as for singing, Guy Penrod of the Gaither Vocal Band always has gum in his mouth when he sings. I’d be afraid of choking on it, but I’ve seen him hundreds of times on TV and 4 times in person, and there’s always gum in his mouth. I didn’t notice it until someone else told me, so I guess he’s discreet about it.

By the way, you’re right about the fast starting at midnight. That ended in the early 50s. By the time I started school in 1956, it was 3 hours for food or water. I think. Food for sure, but you know what, that was a long time ago. Before that, the water fountains in the schools would be wrapped up in the morning before Mass, so there was no temptation.

 

[Spiller]

I am glad this thread came about. It confirmed that I am not breaking the 1 hour fast by chewing 2 hour old gum. According to CA apologists it could be brand-new gum and it still wouldn’t be breaking the fast although that differs with the advice given from Web of Faith on EWTN.

In addition to the fasting, it’s nice to know the Church has no prohibition on chewing gum during Mass. Not one person could show that it does and I’m sure there was a fair amount of digging once some were shown to be wrong.

It was also nice to see that others “get it” – that gum can be discreetly chewed – that it not be “chomped”; that bubbles need not necessarily be blown; that not all people spit their gum out on the floor, in baptismal fonts or stick it to church furnishings. I’m not sure what sorts of communities some people live in but that sort of stuff just doesn’t take place around here.

It was also good to hear that others also benefit from chewing gum during Mass. As for myself I will continue to chew gum as it keeps my singing voice from failing-away during the Mass. I won’t be afraid of offending others because I actually know how to chew gum in a gentlemanly manner and I know how to turn a deaf ear to the personal judgments of others.

 

[Spiller]

I’ve kept up with this thread, but have yet to post and thought I’d put in my :twocents: I think that when people get into this “it doesn’t break the fast because I started chewing my gum (or drank my latte, or ate a donut, etc.) at 7:02am and I’m not going up to receive Holy Communion until 8:03am woohoo I beat the clock again!” it takes away from what is meant by the fast. We need to be in a prayerful state, thinking about receiving our Lord. And, though I was not raised Catholic, I hear that it used to be from midnight on. I, personally, think it’s about obedience to the rules of the church and preparation to receive our Lord in the Eucharist. I will not say anything to those with medical conditions that cause them to need gum in their mouth to stimulate saliva, but I WILL ask, as others have, the person who uses gum for singing. Now, you can’t call the noise I make singing, but I’ve been close to several people who were avid singers and NONE of them would have gum in their mouth to sing. Or anything. Why not have a cough drop or hard candy? That’s what I’ve seen any singer in choir or otherwise do. And, by the way, I always see them remove it when they start to sing. How DO you sing with gum in your mouth? Do you remove it to sing? If so, why not a piece of hard candy or cough drop?

1.) The fasting has been shown on this thread to be a non-issue.

2.) Plenty of PROFESSIONAL singers sing with gum at concerts. Plenty of amateurs too.

3.) A cough drop or hard candy would break the fast if I were not ill. Beside, how would either be any “better?”

4.) I don’t remove the gum until I get in line for communion.

 

[agapewolf]

1.)

2.) Plenty of PROFESSIONAL singers sing with gum at concerts. Plenty of amateurs too.

QUOTE]

Um, professional singers? As I said before, try again. You will not find ONE choir director who allows it. I am a professional musician/singer, and it is impossible to sing correctly with anything in the mouth. Choking hazard as well. This is a joke.