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Rogo
Guest
Detroit Sue:
What envelope?
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DeniseTOCarm
Guest
I think some people leave early to avoid the rush out of the parking lot. How is this for an idea, stay a little longer, say an extra prayer or two of praise and thanksgiving and have the parking lot to yourself as you leave!
A
ATeNumquam
Guest
Heck! I can’'t say I have EVER seen anyone chewing gum during Mass, and only once or twice in 3 decades of being a Catholic have I heard people talking during Mass. I’ve seen about one or two people leave Mass early each week (and I suspect one of these people suffers from a mental problem), but … it makes me think I must be on another planet!!! (Well, I am in another hemisphere!)
Even little kids behave! (Obviously, babies cry, but if they make too much noise, their parents take them out). Occasionally a little kid of 2 or 3 will rush down the aisle and then rush back to his/her parents, but that’s about it!!
It’s not just my parish. Maybe it’s because the half-hearted Catholics just aren’t even there - and that’s worse.
It has to be said that New Zealand is a FAR more secular country than the U.S., so I hope you don’t think I am making
“superior” comparisons!
A Te numquam separari permittas - never let me be separated from You
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Sir_Knight
Guest
agname said:
If you’re a nurse needed in an ER room, a rescue worker needed at a car wreck, a police officer responding to an attack, a fireman needed at a fire, etc.; five minutes CAN BE too long to stay.
J
Jason_Hurd
Guest
What I find disturbing about this topic is the great number of people who apparently are so easily distracted at Mass that they feel it necessary to observe the behavior and dress of other worshippers and then comment negatively thereon. People should be paying attention to the priest or praying or singing along with the choir, not allowing themselves to feel superior to others who may, as has been pointed out, have a very valid reason for leaving early. The Church endures enough attacks from the secular world and even from other denominations; we should be standing in unity with our Catholic sisters and brothers and showing charity toward them, not judging and criticising them. I would hate to see us become a church of busybodies with nothing better to do than keep notes of how our fellow Catholics are “falling short” in their worship life.
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Sheen
Guest
Jason Hurd:
is a big distraction. If someone is dressed immodestly or behaving badly, I am not disposed to think of such in a positive light.
Well, quite honestly Jason, inappropriate dress and behavior
is a big distraction. If someone is dressed immodestly or behaving badly, I am not disposed to think of such in a positive light.
J
Jason_Hurd
Guest
I don’t dispute that it can be a distraction. I’m saying that we should be learning how to not allow it to be a distraction. It’s like anything else: if we find ourselves thinking impure or salacious thoughts, we attempt to thrust them out of our minds and ignore them. Why should we not do the same with uncharitable thoughts? I’m not saying the attempt will be easy, but I do think it’s necessary in order for us to grow in charity and love, rather than shrink into legalism and finger-pointing, like the Pharisees.
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Grayton
Guest
agname said:
Yes. If you are “on the clock”, five minutes is too long to stay.
In my area, Mass generally lasts 70 minutes. A fair number of people ocassionally have to work Saturday afternoon and Sunday. So the choice is either leave early or fail to attend.
I know people in that position. No one should imply that they are like Judas. Anyway, I thought Judas had permission to leave
And if your parish organization is holding an event right after Mass, then you may have to leave five minutes early to get thing set up. So, I say, give people the benefit of a doubt.
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Fortiterinre
Guest
I honestly don’t see too much of this in my parish, but I think a note in the bulletin is a great way to make a dent in the problem. I agree with Jason et al that after Holy Communion is the worst time we should be looking around judging our neighbor–I’m so easily distracted that I make sure I don’t look around anywhere while making my thanksgiving. And in the suburban traffic snarl I live in, five minutes really can be the difference between arriving late or just in time. I find it ironic that for the daily Mass I attend, it is usually nuns and church employees who have to rush out to get to work on time!
J
JCPhoenix
Guest
For several years I drifted to occasional masses, and I attended communion ( don’t throw things at me, I know better now!).
Anyway, being unfamiliar with the various churches either because I was new to the area or it was a one time attendance, I would look for “landmarks” and that would include people.
Silly me, I thought that the other peopple around me who appeared to be so pious were actually so! So I would go to Communion, return to what I thought was my pew…and find myself sitting 3 rows ahead of my original spot!
How embarassing! But nontheless, in spite of strange looks from those remaining, I would kneel and pretend that I had not made any error at all!
I have to admit, though that since I saw so many people leaving early, I started to do so as well. But something in me told me it was wrong…so I would stand in back or kneel in the rear pew and end up staying at least until the final blessing. And sometimes I left because I was crying. It was as if God was calling me and recognizing me even though I was really seperated from the Church…and really questioning not only my faith but a lot of other things in life. I didn’t know anyone, I felt completely alone in and out of Church, so as soon as I could I would flee…and sometimes even cry all the way home.
Now when I cry at Mass I just try to deal with it and keep it to myself and ask God to keep others from noticing. I think the fact that veils are coming back are a good thing!
On Good Friday this year I HAD to leave early as my family was coming into town, they’d never been to my new home and as I couldn’t have my cell phone on in church, I ended up leaving very close to the time I thought they would be arriving.
I missed the veneration of the cross, which is one of the most meaningful moments, outside of Communion, throughout the year.
People’s reasons for leaving aren’t always apparent, and those who leave for good reason probably have God’s blessing just the same.
But those others…:tsktsk:
Anyway, being unfamiliar with the various churches either because I was new to the area or it was a one time attendance, I would look for “landmarks” and that would include people.Silly me, I thought that the other peopple around me who appeared to be so pious were actually so! So I would go to Communion, return to what I thought was my pew…and find myself sitting 3 rows ahead of my original spot!
How embarassing! But nontheless, in spite of strange looks from those remaining, I would kneel and pretend that I had not made any error at all!
I have to admit, though that since I saw so many people leaving early, I started to do so as well. But something in me told me it was wrong…so I would stand in back or kneel in the rear pew and end up staying at least until the final blessing. And sometimes I left because I was crying. It was as if God was calling me and recognizing me even though I was really seperated from the Church…and really questioning not only my faith but a lot of other things in life. I didn’t know anyone, I felt completely alone in and out of Church, so as soon as I could I would flee…and sometimes even cry all the way home.
Now when I cry at Mass I just try to deal with it and keep it to myself and ask God to keep others from noticing. I think the fact that veils are coming back are a good thing!
On Good Friday this year I HAD to leave early as my family was coming into town, they’d never been to my new home and as I couldn’t have my cell phone on in church, I ended up leaving very close to the time I thought they would be arriving.
I missed the veneration of the cross, which is one of the most meaningful moments, outside of Communion, throughout the year.
People’s reasons for leaving aren’t always apparent, and those who leave for good reason probably have God’s blessing just the same.
But those others…:tsktsk:
O
otm
Guest
Jason Hurd:
Well said!
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Mary3
Guest
This used to irk me, too, until I was humbled by two ladies in my parish. I attend the 6:30 am weekday Mass. These two ladies always arrive late, usually as we are standing to hear the Gospel. They receive communion then process right out.
One day I learned that neither of them has a car, and they ride the city bus line from quite a distance. Because of the bus schedule, they arrive when they do, then must leave when they do to catch a connection to their jobs.
R
randall_brown
Guest
Oh, I like that remark… .
Its the one thing that has always irked me at our parish, of people who leave early. . For one thing, they miss out on getting a blessing from the priest.
I have a friend who’s parish priest had a novel idea. He says the blessing at the BACK of the Church, and was able to "capture the escapees " trying to leave mass early.
Great post
R
randall_brown
Guest
JCPhoenix, as far as being in the wrong pew after communion. .For several years I drifted to occasional masses, and I attended communion ( don’t throw things at me, I know better now!).
Silly me, I thought that the other peopple around me who appeared to be so pious were actually so! So I would go to Communion, return to what I thought was my pew…and find myself sitting 3 rows ahead of my original spot!
How embarassing! But nontheless, in spite of strange looks from those remaining, I would kneel and pretend that I had not made any error at all!
I have to admit, though that since I saw so many people leaving early, I started to do so as well. But something in me told me it was wrong…so I would stand in back or kneel in the rear pew and end up staying at least until the final blessing. And sometimes I left because I was crying. It was as if God was calling me and recognizing me even though I was really seperated from the Church…and really questioning not only my faith but a lot of other things in life. I didn’t know anyone, I felt completely alone in and out of Church, so as soon as I could I would flee…and sometimes even cry all the way home.
Now when I cry at Mass I just try to deal with it and keep it to myself and ask God to keep others from noticing. I think the fact that veils are coming back are a good thing!
On Good Friday this year I HAD to leave early as my family was coming into town, they’d never been to my new home and as I couldn’t have my cell phone on in church, I ended up leaving very close to the time I thought they would be arriving.
I missed the veneration of the cross, which is one of the most meaningful moments, outside of Communion, throughout the year.
People’s reasons for leaving aren’t always apparent, and those who leave for good reason probably have God’s blessing just the same.
But those others…:tsktsk:
Been there, done that. . . .
But it does show that we are only human., after all.
And as long as we are there as a community, then where we are in the church during mass isn’t a real biggie…
But you’ve brought up a good point about not knowing the reasons why people leave mass early , and that they may have good reasons.
I noticed you mentioned veils coming back ? Could you explain this to a un-knowing person such as myself ?
Thanks
J
JCPhoenix
Guest
Women are starting to revive the tradition of wearing veils at mass. Some are wearing just little pieces of lace bobby pinned to the top of their heads…others are wearing black or white lace veils, and some and creating head coverings from items they have such as bandannas.
Our church is HUGE and has a gift shop…I’ve learned they are selling veils there.
It seems our church is crisis has brought about a renewal in the spirits of the faithful, and we are searching for our roots. Not to change the church, but to allow the church to change us. We are letting go of feminism and through an outward sign of respect, committing ourselves to God when we attend mass.
In a society that glorifies physical beauty, perfect hair, etc., woman are submitting to God, covering their expensive cuts and basically paying Jesus a sign of respect. That expensive hairstyle, new perm, newly-colored hair doesn’t matter and has no place being noticed in Church. So we cover it so as not to attract attention to our own physical beauty (for myself, it makes sense…I think my hair is my best feature).
Of course, as they start to appear the veils are attracting some attention…but I look forward to the day when we will see a sea of veils at Mass…and just so you understand context…I am a woman who has worked many years in male dominated fields, had to match strength (literally) and abilities against men and I KNOW that I have the training to physically defeat a man if my back is to the wall. I am not a traditional woman in my secular life…but when I stand before God, I know I am His creation and I don’t have to put up a front, prove anything…just be a simple woman in his presence. And at Mass, same goes…I’m not there to impress others or stand out. If I could go invisibly to everyone but God I would.
I’m not sure if this really explains it well enough, but I hope it helps! Sorry, I tend to be long winded but I have to express the fact that my observations are general, but my reasons may be personal…I’m not sure how other women who wear or plan to wear veils feel about it.
It actually goes a lot deeper that what I was able to express here.
D
dream_wanderer
Guest
Except some of us are ‘hat’ people.
I thought you all would get a kick out of this story. Last Saturday Night I was attending Vigil Mass. Beside me sat what looked like a Dad and some teen-agers. The kids gave me the impression that they knew what was going on but that they hadn’t been to church in a while.
Anyway…after the girl in the group took communion she acted like she was going to walk out the door but ‘dad’ gently grabbed her arm and directed her back over to the pew!
The girl looked faintly surprised but I don’t think she’s going to try that again anytime soon.
dream wanderer
I thought you all would get a kick out of this story. Last Saturday Night I was attending Vigil Mass. Beside me sat what looked like a Dad and some teen-agers. The kids gave me the impression that they knew what was going on but that they hadn’t been to church in a while.
Anyway…after the girl in the group took communion she acted like she was going to walk out the door but ‘dad’ gently grabbed her arm and directed her back over to the pew!
The girl looked faintly surprised but I don’t think she’s going to try that again anytime soon.
dream wanderer
K
kxaddiso
Guest
What we must not all forget though is that we are not here to judge others. Whilst we are encouraged to point out the wrong doings of others, it should always be done in a constructive way. We do not know what is going on in someones life, and at the end of the day, it is between that person and God. The best thing we can do is to lead by example and pray for people that we "suspect" are sneaking off for non valid reasons.
God Bless you all
Kim
God Bless you all
Kim
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maggiec
Guest
I believe because so many of us missed the true meaning of the eucharist during our classes for our 1st communion that we didn’t learn what was really in that bread. We said we understand, but did we really?
Since I’ve come back to the church I now know that the eucharist is really the Body and Blood of Our dear Lord, Jesus Christ.
And because I know what the truth is I don’t want to leave early. I want to stay and thank Him.
Lets pray that others will come to know Him and love Him more.
maggiec
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davefl
Guest
I agree there are some who have good reasons for leaving Mass early…BUT…
Our pastor often stops as people are leaving and asks, “Where are you going? The Mass is not finished” .
This accomplishes nothing…even irritates many…
Then there another “visiting” priest who says, “Hey, thanks for staying with me…”
Now which attitude do you think accomplishes more?
Yeah!! Right!!
Peace be with you…and you will have this Peace if you follow God’s Spirit within you…
Our pastor often stops as people are leaving and asks, “Where are you going? The Mass is not finished” .
This accomplishes nothing…even irritates many…
Then there another “visiting” priest who says, “Hey, thanks for staying with me…”
Now which attitude do you think accomplishes more?
Yeah!! Right!!
Peace be with you…and you will have this Peace if you follow God’s Spirit within you…
J
JCPhoenix
Guest
I think both approaches would be effective…but on different people. Some respond better to “shaming”, others to gentle reminding.I agree there are some who have good reasons for leaving Mass early…BUT…
Our pastor often stops as people are leaving and asks, “Where are you going? The Mass is not finished” .
This accomplishes nothing…even irritates many…
Then there another “visiting” priest who says, “Hey, thanks for staying with me…”
Now which attitude do you think accomplishes more?
Yeah!! Right!!
Peace be with you…and you will have this Peace if you follow God’s Spirit within you…
I don’t think Jesus would necessarily pull any punches if he himself were to speak out. I don’t think Jesus would hesitate to march down the aisle, confront the offending party and ask exactly WHY they are in such a hurry. (those with non-valid reasons)
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