Problem Getting A Seat At Mass

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You are mixing up posts and responding to different parts.

Yes, the OP was at their regular mass. They wanted someone to move out of “their” seat. But it’s not their seat.

How would a visitor or someone that goes to mass at a different time know where the regulars sit, since you implied that people are wrong to sit in someone else’s regular seat?

Then you brought in the kindness factor, saying that people should be kind and move out of a regulars seat. I asked why the regular, that found “their” seat occupied, shouldn’t also exhibit kindness by just sitting elsewhere, but you answered with something about ushers asking people to move.

I don’t have a horse in this race. I move when an usher asks, or my pastor asks. I sit in the middle and shove over as needed.
 
BartholomewB said:
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Irishmom2:
so people that still would still be coming in for Christmas could find seats.
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Ah, that explains it! It was an exceptional case.
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In my parish, at that time, yes. But not in the OP’s case.
 
All I really wanted people to do was either move over or perhaps get up and let me through! I was very late one day and stood at the back until I saw a seat. However, I was there before the service started, this time.
 
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I went up and genuflected but the lady there had a stern look and didn’t do anything. I don’t know her. Anyway, I am going to try to be early in future!
 
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No one moved or stood up to let me through except a man at the back. I absolutely did not demand anything!
 
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That sounds quite unkind of the woman sitting. Did you actually ask her to let you by and she refused?
 
attaininggrace said:
All I really wanted people to do was either move over or perhaps get up and let me through! I was very late one day and stood at the back until I saw a seat. However, I was there before the service started, this time.
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It’s not “your seat”. That statement alone is very, very wrong.

If all desirble seats are taken, “could I get into X open seat” is appropriate. Not “I want to sit where you are”.

excuse me

“I want to sit where you are, please”
 
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of course I got up, and I was more surprised than anything else. fwiw, I’m familiar with the family through ccd and none have special needs, and I was asked in a rude manner. It’s not always kind to give into bullies, imo, but I certainly would not create a scene in church or anywhere else.
 
You arrived late. You then expect others to move.

Take it as a small penance. Offer it up to God.
 
ShowersofRoses said:
Did you actually ask her to let you by and she refused?
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Yes, I wondered this too. You have to ask, “Excuse me, may I please get by to sit in the middle there?” You don’t just genuflect and hover over somebody and expect them to know what you are doing there. I know sometimes when I’m sitting in church I’m praying and actively trying to tune out distractions such as other people in the aisle. Sometimes people are walking past pews looking for their family or friends. If somebody stopped at my pew and genuflected and looked at me I might not automatically realize they wanted to get past me and sit unless they said something explaining that.
 
brishen said:
“excuse me, my family always sits here…”
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I thought about this. What would have been really cool would be to give up the seat, and then just stand in the aisle next to them for the rest of the Mass (assuming it was crowded up front). The other thing would have been to take the statement at face value, as if it were a bit of trivia. Also:
“I’ll let you know how I like it.”
“Where are you sitting today?”
“Do you have your ticket stub?”
 
Tis_Bearself said:
Yes, I wondered this too. You have to ask, “Excuse me, may I please get by to sit in the middle there?” You don’t just genuflect and hover over somebody and expect them to know what you are doing there. I know sometimes when I’m sitting in church I’m praying and actively trying to tune out distractions such as other people in the aisle. Sometimes people are walking past pews looking for their family or friends. If somebody stopped at my pew and genuflected and looked at me I might not automatically realize they wanted to get past me and sit unless they said something explaining that.
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Yes, exactly. I got the impression that the OP just genuflected and hovered. You have to ask to be let in. Now you’ll know for next time, OP.
 
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