Housecleaning during adoration

[Elizabeth502]

Am I weird to be annoyed by the clanging of brooms against wooden pews (in an uncarpeted church) during Adoration? We’re not talking all-night Adoration, btw. We’re talking one three-hour period, once a month.

(I’ve already been told that I’m weird for being annoyed by flashing PDA’s, clicking electronics, and audibly vibrating cell phones during Mass and Holy Hours, so I just wanted a reality-check on my responses to choosing Adoration time to clean the chapel.)

There were no spills, emergencies, etc. It was just, “Hey, here’s a good opportunity.” This is a volunteer job, btw, not paid. (Parish is trying to economize, understandably.)

 

[Bob_Aliano]

Am I weird to be annoyed by the clanging of brooms against wooden pews (in an uncarpeted church) during Adoration? We’re not talking all-night Adoration, btw. We’re talking one three-hour period, once a month.

(I’ve already been told that I’m weird for being annoyed by flashing PDA’s, clicking electronics, and audibly vibrating cell phones during Mass and Holy Hours, so I just wanted a reality-check on my responses to choosing Adoration time to clean the chapel.)

There were no spills, emergencies, etc. It was just, “Hey, here’s a good opportunity.” This is a volunteer job, btw, not paid. (Parish is trying to economize, understandably.)

Is there another parish nearby? I agree with you about all the nuisances you described and would be looking for a different church to attend. I have done that myself over less aggravation, the move has ended my frustration and restored my peace. In my case I reverted to the TLM but that’s fairly drastic for most.

 

[roveau]

This is obviously some sort of misunderstanding. You should see the priest about it, he may not be aware. The volunteer cleaners may on community service or from the unemployment service and may not be Catholic and aware of the significance of Adoration. I bet the priest will sort this out when you tell him.

 

[Elizabeth502]

This is obviously some sort of misunderstanding. You should see the priest about it, he may not be aware. The volunteer cleaners may on community service or from the unemployment service and may not be Catholic and aware of the significance of Adoration. I bet the priest will sort this out when you tell him.

Actually that would have been a good theory, except that it’s incorrect. Volunteer cleaners were solicited right from the congregation. (I was there on both occasions when the announcements were made.) Now, the question is, does the person cleaning today get it that Adoration is about The Real Presence, or is she one of those Catholics who believe that Christ is merely “represented” or “symoblized” by the Host? That I do not know.

 

[po18guy]

Am I weird to be annoyed by the clanging of brooms against wooden pews (in an uncarpeted church) during Adoration? We’re not talking all-night Adoration, btw. We’re talking one three-hour period, once a month.

(I’ve already been told that I’m weird for being annoyed by flashing PDA’s, clicking electronics, and audibly vibrating cell phones during Mass and Holy Hours, so I just wanted a reality-check on my responses to choosing Adoration time to clean the chapel.)

There were no spills, emergencies, etc. It was just, “Hey, here’s a good opportunity.” This is a volunteer job, btw, not paid. (Parish is trying to economize, understandably.)

Amazingly enough, some people are actually in deep prayer before our Lord, and others are paying rapt attention to His presence. I try to remain silent while I enter, remain and depart. Yes, the sounds of kneelers clunking to the floor, keys jingling, zippers zipping, audible sighs, sniffing runny noses, phones ringing etc., can all be annoying. But, to dishonor worshippers during our Lord’s presence by sweeping is a case of Martha worrying about spiffing up, while Mary chooses the better part by paying attention to Jesus.

Please mention this to the custodian, if there is one. Also consider making your own sign asking for “Silence, please!” and taping it to the broom it if you must. Even better, take the broom with you to your pew.

 

[Elizabeth502]

Amazingly enough, some people are actually in deep prayer before our Lord, and others are paying rapt attention to His presence.

Oh I know that. I can handle the usual distractions. This seemed a little too extraneous to me.

Please mention this to the custodian, if there is one.

There isn’t.

Also consider making your own sign asking for “Silence, please!” and taping it to the broom it if you must.

You’re certainly creative.

Even better, take the broom with you to your pew.

If the priest balks at changing the cleaning time, I may offer to sweep myself, not during Adoration.

 

[Cathryn]

Talk to the pastor. I bet the he does not know this is going on. There is no excuse for this.

 

[TheMc]

Yes, talk to the pastor. For a three hour adoration period? No excuse for this. Even in our perpetual adoration chapel, we process the blessed sacrament to the main church from about 9am every Wednesday to clean the chapel, then back down at 5pm. It’s a good arrangement. Adoration all the time, & the chapel gets vacuumed, candles changed, tided up, etc…