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centurion50
Guest
A catholic church is not an auditorium, as are protestant church’s, it is Holy Place where the LORD is present in the Blessed Sacrament, I’m there to worship HIM not socialize.
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mdgspencer
Guest
I think it is a good thing for the people to greet one another after the mass. However, I am annoyed when people stand near me speaking loudly when I am trying to pray after mass. I think it can be good but sometimes it can be bad.
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Magnum_V8
Guest
Its a huge problem in my parish, and it seems like I’m the only one that thinks so. Its not just idle chit-chat, either…total irreverence for the Real and Substantial Presence of our Lord. How 'bout “high-fives” and hand-shakes in the communion line?
Or the choir director receiving communion in her hand, and holding onto it until the communion hymm is over?
Last Sunday, “let’s give a big hand for the ministers of song”…after a highly Protestant communion hymm, before the final blessing, and followed by a highly Protestant closing hymm.
A stranger (unfamiliar to us) walked in before mass one Sunday, apparently looking for someone she knew to join for the mass, and one of the aggressive older ladies yells out, “can I help you?” Uh, sorry, isn’t this God’s house?..not your’s?
On the upside, though:
A couple weeks ago I went to a TLM at a different parish, and the gospel was about Jesus throwing the money changers out of the temple. He told them it was a house of prayer.
The priest’s homily covered it perfectly. Of course, he was preaching to the choir…so much more reverence in a Tridentine Mass. But I have seen NO’s prayed reverently.
Or the choir director receiving communion in her hand, and holding onto it until the communion hymm is over?
Last Sunday, “let’s give a big hand for the ministers of song”…after a highly Protestant communion hymm, before the final blessing, and followed by a highly Protestant closing hymm.
A stranger (unfamiliar to us) walked in before mass one Sunday, apparently looking for someone she knew to join for the mass, and one of the aggressive older ladies yells out, “can I help you?” Uh, sorry, isn’t this God’s house?..not your’s?
On the upside, though:
A couple weeks ago I went to a TLM at a different parish, and the gospel was about Jesus throwing the money changers out of the temple. He told them it was a house of prayer.
The priest’s homily covered it perfectly. Of course, he was preaching to the choir…so much more reverence in a Tridentine Mass. But I have seen NO’s prayed reverently.
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Cat
Guest
Do you honestly think the Lord is offended because we are human beings and have lives?
He has given us those lives, and He has brought us together as brothers and sisters.
We are a family, and family like to hug and catch up on what’s happenng in each other’s lives.
To the person who asked if I would carry on the conversation with Jesus in front of me–Yes, if the conversation was wholesome and loving. I don’t think the Lord objects to my commenting on someone’s beautiful baby, asking about someone’s health, asking someone if they’d like to join us for dinner, or complimenting the musicians for a good presentation.
I see it over and over again on this Board–polls about what people admire about Protestant churches. Almost every time, the poll indicates that we would like to see friendlier parishes.
If you go to the Protestant online groups that allow Catholics, almost every time the question is asked, the posters will say, “Catholic churches are so unfriendly and cold. When I visit a Mass, no one speaks to me.”
The Lord has chosen to work through His people. When someone comes into a Catholic Church, they come to see the Lord, who is truly Present in the Blessed Sacrament. But the Lord is also present in His people. Is He warm and loving in the Blessed Sacrament, and cold and unfriendly in His people?
So many people are desperately lonely for human contact. Sometimes even people from large families are lonely for a kind word and a touch from a non-family member. The Lord always put people first, not “rules.” Saying “hi, how are you?” to someone is not irreverent.
Ignoring your fellow Christians IS irreverent. The Bible says that the world will know Christians by their LOVE for each other.
Greeting each other and inquiring about each other’s lives is a good way to encourage friendliness. I agree, it probably shouldn’t be a blow-by-blow account of the big game or an extended discussion about which restaurant serves the best drinks. But a little loving chatter is like a glue that holds people together.
He has given us those lives, and He has brought us together as brothers and sisters.
We are a family, and family like to hug and catch up on what’s happenng in each other’s lives.
To the person who asked if I would carry on the conversation with Jesus in front of me–Yes, if the conversation was wholesome and loving. I don’t think the Lord objects to my commenting on someone’s beautiful baby, asking about someone’s health, asking someone if they’d like to join us for dinner, or complimenting the musicians for a good presentation.
I see it over and over again on this Board–polls about what people admire about Protestant churches. Almost every time, the poll indicates that we would like to see friendlier parishes.
If you go to the Protestant online groups that allow Catholics, almost every time the question is asked, the posters will say, “Catholic churches are so unfriendly and cold. When I visit a Mass, no one speaks to me.”
The Lord has chosen to work through His people. When someone comes into a Catholic Church, they come to see the Lord, who is truly Present in the Blessed Sacrament. But the Lord is also present in His people. Is He warm and loving in the Blessed Sacrament, and cold and unfriendly in His people?
So many people are desperately lonely for human contact. Sometimes even people from large families are lonely for a kind word and a touch from a non-family member. The Lord always put people first, not “rules.” Saying “hi, how are you?” to someone is not irreverent.
Ignoring your fellow Christians IS irreverent. The Bible says that the world will know Christians by their LOVE for each other.
Greeting each other and inquiring about each other’s lives is a good way to encourage friendliness. I agree, it probably shouldn’t be a blow-by-blow account of the big game or an extended discussion about which restaurant serves the best drinks. But a little loving chatter is like a glue that holds people together.
S
Sheeniac
Guest
My parish church is an older one, and on the glass doors into the Church there’s a reminder for silence, that you are in the presence of the Lord.
We are very quiet before Mass, and overly chatty after Mass. Silence is the rule during Adoration as well. I don’t understand how people seem to read the sign and mentally add in ‘Not applicable after Mass’. Of course, our organist sometimes shifts into overdrive and plays tune after tune (not songs, that I can tell) after Mass.
We are very quiet before Mass, and overly chatty after Mass. Silence is the rule during Adoration as well. I don’t understand how people seem to read the sign and mentally add in ‘Not applicable after Mass’. Of course, our organist sometimes shifts into overdrive and plays tune after tune (not songs, that I can tell) after Mass.
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PatienceAndLove
Guest
Exactly! Before/After Mass, outside or in the Narthex, is an appropriate time to greet new comers, old comers, friends, family, etc. Not while in the sanctuary.
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Reformed_Rob
Guest
Actually, I’ve been to a Reformed Baptist congregation that when you entered the main room with the pews where the preaching was going to happen, you were quiet. Even babies were quiet!A catholic church is not an auditorium, as are protestant church’s, it is Holy Place where the LORD is present in the Blessed Sacrament, I’m there to worship HIM not socialize.
Also, the ministers wore liturgical garments, sort of unique among Baptists I believe!
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Philothea53
Guest
Not to pick on your response exclusively, but the community can go to the church hall and chat or on the steps out front. In many Churches that is the reason for coffee and donuts after Mass. I bet it isn’t held in the Chapel
If one would stop talking long enough and look around, I bet you would see people who are trying to pray. House of God = Prayer.
There is harm done. The church we attend is the House of God - a sacred, solem place of worship.
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centurion50
Guest
In my church some are saying the Rosary prior to Mass, others are praying, I always meditate on the LORD and adore HIM in the Tabernacle. It would be very RUDE to many of us even if the LORD didn’t mind. However it is clear from scripture that there is to be no chattering in church and the fear (reverence) of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.
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NewUlm1976_2000
Guest
What I did mention in my post is it is usually done on the way out. In pretty much ever place the church is quiet within 10 minutes for silent prayer if people choose to stay. The socializing starts but does not continue long in the church (except for rare instances of 1-4 people every now and then). They know the place to continue it is outside, so they often start in the line towards the exit and continue it after they get out.
This then leads to Cat’s recent well written post a couple up of this one.
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Philothea53
Guest
ChildofMary’s response was right on though: “Tell me why all that CAN’T take place outside of the main body of the Church? Is it charitable to your fellow Catholic to have a conversation near a person who wants to thank God for receiving Communion??”
At my Parish we usually always only sing two verses of the last song. As soon as the Priest passes by, even if singing is still going on, people start to leave the pews and start the chattering. Once the song is over, there are some, me included, who drop to our knees for prayers of thanksgiving before leaving. It’s hard to concentrate. It’s hard to feel the spirit.
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