My moms criticizing my Parish, help!

[CountrySteve]

Ok, so today there is a hog roast after Mass right, and there having a beer garden, she fliped out saying “thats wrong” im like its not wron even Jesus drunk, but did not get drunk, and shes likes, " well you know there gonna get drunk," and she also said Jesus drunk wine, not beer, and thats not different, i know that its not different, idk, what to say now, she dislikes my Church even more sigh

 

[JuantheTuba]

I’m assuming you’re in the US, my apologies if your not, but unfortunately the US religious culture is informed by Protestant sensibilities, so there’s still a strong belief that a good virtuous Christian life and alcohol don’t mix. Just pray for your mother to hopefully see otherwise. My parish had a beer tent at their feast day festival too, and I didn’t see anybody get drunk, I mean come on, it’ s a church event I really doubt anybody is going to let themselves go that far.

 

[BVMFatima]

Steve i know how you.feel, I’m in CCD to come in full communion and my family also talks trash about how my church is wrong. just ignore it and live a good life as a Catholic

 

[BVMFatima]

Ask you’re mother where in scripture does it say drinking its wrong? The church teaches we can drink, but not too much where we get drunk which causes us to sin.

 

[coachdennis]

We are a church that has a tradition of moderation and celebrate all the good gifts from God, yes, even wine and spirits.

Not to be too harsh, the problem is definitely with your mother. Perhaps there are reasons she is so against alcohol from her background, and yes, sometimes people do abuse alcohol (even at Church functions).

It sounds like a fun event. I hope you get to go.

 

[JRKH]

Ok, so today there is a hog roast after Mass right, and there having a beer garden, she fliped out saying “thats wrong” im like its not wron even Jesus drunk, but did not get drunk, and shes likes, " well you know there gonna get drunk," and she also said Jesus drunk wine, not beer, and thats not different, i know that its not different, idk, what to say now, she dislikes my Church even more sigh

Well - I’d invite her to go with you…have a nice dinner and she can “count” how many are there and how many are “drunk” - but they have to be clearly drunk…

IF she takes you up on the matter (highly unlikely), then she will see that the vast majority of people do not drink irresponsibly at these get-togethers. Most are too busy visiting with friends - or making new ones - to get around to on drinking too much.

Of course if she refuses to go then simply remind her that it is not polite (or Christian) to judge people you have never met.

Those are about the only options - other than just shrugging and walking away…

Peace
James

 

[tabycat]

When I was little (under nine years old) my family lived in a small town where the no-drinking, no-dancing, no-carding playing Baptist paster and his wife would come to some of the Catholic social events and have a 'hymn sing, and then when the things that they did not agree with started they would go home. The members of the two churchs simplely agreed to disagree on these things and not to be judgementle on them.

 

[EasterJoy]

I’ve actually not seen any problem with drunkenness at parish events where alcohol is served. Since this is quite different than some of the weddings I’ve been to, I guess people who want to get drunk choose a different venue.

There’s not much you can say except “sorry you feel that way, Mom”. Volunteer for the clean-up crew, and you’ll be in a position to tell her whether her fears were unfounded or not. I can’t be sure, but I think it will turn out that you were right.

 

[1AugustSon7]

Ok, so today there is a hog roast after Mass right, and there having a beer garden, she fliped out saying “thats wrong” im like its not wron even Jesus drunk, but did not get drunk, and shes likes, " well you know there gonna get drunk," and she also said Jesus drunk wine, not beer, and thats not different, i know that its not different, idk, what to say now, she dislikes my Church even more sigh

In Canada our Diocese had an after-Mass event (Mass in celebration/honour of Catholic Education), with the Bishop presiding, celebrated at the bar across the street.

It’s cultural; of all the English countries, it seems to be only in America that Christians are scandalized by beer. It is a complete novelty in all of the 2,000 years of Christian history.

Pray for your mother, and do everything you can to console and assure her: the best thing you can do is “honour your mother and father.” And God will love you for it.

 

[ringil]

Ok, so today there is a hog roast after Mass right, and there having a beer garden, she fliped out saying “thats wrong” im like its not wron even Jesus drunk, but did not get drunk, and shes likes, " well you know there gonna get drunk," and she also said Jesus drunk wine, not beer, and thats not different, i know that its not different, idk, what to say now, she dislikes my Church even more sigh

WOW, I need to join your parish!

 

[vivseekingtruth]

Well, I think you should understand your mother point of view. It’s not a custom that might appeal to her (drinking alcohol for “fun”). Don’t directly confront her, after all she’s your mom, you should express your opinion with respect.
You can try to talk nicely, and present your argument politely.
Remind your mom that there were days where eating chocolate is considered as sin, as being lost to temptation. Now, nobody will accuse you sinner by ‘loosing to sweet temptation’ (thanks God for that ). But consider this: you eat 20 bars of chocolate a day, seven days a week… now I can say you’re committing sin, since you are destroying your body (obviously). With this illustration, perhaps your mom can get the point: few glasses of beer (less than 5% alcohol) would harm nothing. The quantity does matter.
Then, focus on telling her how the social gathering has benefits you.
Regarding her concern that you may become used to drinking, emphatically ensure her that you are mature enough to know your limit. Ask for her trust, and more importantly, keep the trust with your responsibility.
The key point is: if you want to be understood, you should understand her first.

 

[George_Stegmeir]

If you don’t want to light the fuse on the dynamite and not blow your mothers mind, don’t let her see the photograph of the Pope, when he was Cardinal Ratzinger, holding a large stein of beer in his hand at the Munich Oktoberfest!!!