"middle-pew" catholic

[tomarin]

Can someone define this for me? Yesterday I came across this term for the first time in a newspaper article about Tim Russert.

 

[IrishAm]

The faithful core of the church. Always fulfills their Sunday obligation, not there to be seen or feel important (front pew), not positioned to cut out as soon as possible (back pew).

 

[InLight247]

The faithful core of the church. Always fulfills their Sunday obligation, not there to be seen or feel important (front pew), not positioned to cut out as soon as possible (back pew).

I am usually front pew. But honestly my purpose has never been to be seen, neither have I ever felt important. I just like to be closer to the altar and the tabernacle. I like to directly look at my Lord while praying with as little distraction as possible. With no one in front of me, I concentrate better.

I have a friend who always sits on the last row. The reason is for his Protestant wife, so she would not feel awkard when all are kneeling and she just sits.

 

[Belle10]

The faithful core of the church. Always fulfills their Sunday obligation, not there to be seen or feel important (front pew), not positioned to cut out as soon as possible (back pew).

I am usually front pew. But honestly my purpose has never been to be seen, neither have I ever felt important. I just like to be closer to the altar and the tabernacle. I like to directly look at my Lord while praying with as little distraction as possible. With no one in front of me, I concentrate better.

I have a friend who always sits on the last row. The reason is for his Protestant wife, so she would not feel awkard when all are kneeling and she just sits.

I’m sure it’s just an old saying…as with anything else, it’s probably accurate in describing why some sit where they do, but not all. For instance, I usually sit very near the back in case I need to take my 2-year-old out to the lobby if she acts up.

 

[mercygate]

I don’t think the term has anything to do with where people sit. I interpreted it as meanng middle of the spectrum. Neither “right” nor “left”. But I know nothing about Russert’s Catholicity.

 

[lizaanne]

I don’t think the term has anything to do with where people sit. I interpreted it as meanng middle of the spectrum. Neither “right” nor “left”. But I know nothing about Russert’s Catholicity.

Uh - yeah. This has nothing to do with where the guy physically sat at Mass.

~Liza

 

[IrishAm]

The faithful core of the church. Always fulfills their Sunday obligation, not there to be seen or feel important (front pew), not positioned to cut out as soon as possible (back pew).

The description isn’t meant to be taken literally! The equivalent of “lace curtain Irish” – an expression that means something specific, based on certain behavior patterns or stereotypes, but not expression of something exact by which one judge’s someone else.

 

[wjp984]

Middle is the safest bet since you are both in the front and back. Middle is generally good in most places.