In Search of a Clever Response

  • Thread starter Thread starter Anonymous
  • Start date Start date
Status
Not open for further replies.
A

Anonymous

Guest
My mom attends Mass, alone, regularly as Dad does not choose to go. At one time he did attend regularly and from time to time he will surprise us and go. Mom does not badger him about not attending. She accepts that it is his choice and goes on without him most of the time.

Mom has informed me that the constant questioning by other churchgoers about where my dad is has and continues to bother her. Mom has changed her seat to avoid the questions altogether but she is asked time and time again by different members where my dad is. Some of these members are in regular contact with Dad and could ask him themselves. Their questions do not always seem charitable in Mom’s opinion. It is clearly a sore spot for her.

I am trying to help Mom figure out a clever response to, “Where’s John?” I told her I would come on-line to Catholic Answers, as I was sure some of you would come up with responses that would be useful and/or comical.

I look forward to your replies. Mom does too. Thanks in advance.

Daughter
 
Tell them, “He’s with his other wife and family today”. 😉

or tell them, “He gave up Mass for Lent.”

Sorry-it’s the best I could do on short notice. I’ll have to give it some more thought.
Scout :tiphat:
 
“He’s right where he wants to be at this time.”

Followup questions would be rude, and it would be proper to treat them as if they were not even heard.

DaveBj
 
“That’s a good question! Perhaps you should ask him sometime.”
 
She could start with:

Why are you asking?

If they are asking to be nosy or rude, it will probably shut them up or lead them to change the subject.

If they are asking out of sincere concern, then they might also be willing to join your mother in prayer that he will be with her next week.
 
Smile gently, look 'em straight in the eye, and say in the mildest possible voice: “Oh. He didn’t come today.”

The. End.
 
40.png
Scout:
Tell them, “He’s with his other wife and family today”. 😉 or tell them, “He gave up Mass for Lent.”
Scout :tiphat:
Click to expand...
LOL. Cute. Thanks.
He’s right where he wants to be at this time."
Click to expand...
I like that. Mom will probably like it too.
“John is down the stairs and to the left.”
Click to expand...
Oh if only his name were really John!
That’s a good question! Perhaps you should ask him sometime
Click to expand...
This has been used. It’s a fair response.
Perhaps the truth…?
Click to expand...
Yeah, been there done that. It gets old. This happens EVERY week. Mom needs a break.

Thanks. Please keep them coming. I am going to link Mom to this site. I think she’ll enjoy it!
 
Perhaps it is really an inquiry about how John is. If an older person’s spouse hasn’t been seen in awhile you might wonder if they were too ill to come.

Answer, “John is just fine.” (smile politely)

Supply some info about John if it is an old friend of his. “John is well…He’s taken up woodcarving in his free time”.

If someone (whom you know has an agenda) persists, “But where is John right now?” Then you are free to answer all sorts of fun stuff. I’m sure Miss Manners has plenty of pert responses.

You could always burst out crying and weep copiously, being sure to get part of them wet. Either that or say “Satan couldn’t drag that answer from me.” 😃
 
How about “he’s attending the mass for the shut-ins.”

Or if they won’t give up, “just say, he won’t be coming to mass for a while.” If they don’t stop pestering you, maybe it’s time to stop finding a new seat and start finding a new parish. No one should ruin your Sunday worship.
 
Dear friend

Unless it is genuine concern for the welfare of your father, it really is none of their business why your father is not at Mass. If they ask or they’ve already asked once and been told, then say, ‘that’s private, if that’s ok with you’, they won’t ask anything else, I guarantee it.

I used to have a very nosey work colleague who asked ALOT of questions about my personal life, which I never used to discuss at work (I’m a very private person), probably this made that particular person all the more curious. Everytime she asked me something I’d just wink, smile at her and walk off and that was it! She gave up asking me 😃 ! When folks ask us questions we always feel compelled to answer them, but if it is none of their business you have no need to answer them. It isn’t rude, it is them who are rude for prying into your father’s and mother’s business, REPEATEDLY

God Bless you and your family and much love and peace to you all

Teresa xxx
 
“Uh… He’s standing right next to me. Can’t you (pause) see him?”

It helps if you can imitate Jimmy Stewart.
 
Well, she could try, “Oh, I don’t know. He says the parish has too many busy bodies.”
 
Everytime she asked me something I’d just wink, smile at her and walk off and that was it! She gave up asking me 😃 !
Click to expand...
I love it! Thanks.
“Uh… He’s standing right next to me. Can’t you (pause) see him?”
Click to expand...
HYSTERICAL! That’s rich.
Well, she could try, “Oh, I don’t know. He says the parish has too many busy bodies.”
Click to expand...
Wow! That is Brilliant!

Many thanks.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top