Reverence at Mass

[allhers]

I agree with you margetto. I don’t think anyone of us should get angry and I do pray for those who are distracting, but sometimes we do need to correct them especially if they are loud. For example, I have a niece, 21 yr. old, who went to Mass one time with one of my sisters and her kids. Sitting in back of them were three teens talking about their time at the mall and they were saying things like “for sure,” “oh my God” and it was throughout the Mass. My niece prayed for them but more people were turning their hands to these girls. My niece turned around and softly told them to please be quiet for it was the time of the Consecration. They than proceeded to say, “Oh my God, did that girl tell us to be quiet.” At that point an older lady turned around and said, “Yes, she did and we would all appreciate it if you are quiet for we want to listen.” They were all shocked, but the older lady looked at my niece and both smiled. It was quiet during the Consecration time. The girls did not apologize, but hopefully they learned that they were being rude and distracting others. So yes, sometimes we need to pray for the person or persons and sometimes we need to say something and pray for them as well.

I agree with you completely, and if done in a soft and not mean mannered way, it usually works. I also think that at First Communion, Confirmation Masses that we have lots of fallen away Catholics and others in the family that attend other denominations and that for them they have no sense of the Sacred-Jesus’ Real Presence and sometimes even when Priest do make announcements to that affect before Mass they either don’t hear or don’t care because that isn’t their belief. It would be nice though if they would respect our belief and be quiet. Sometimes just a shhhh is all that is required, sometimes more, but I would never attempt to correct someone else’s young children as I know that even the most devout parents have trouble sometimes.

 

[dove51]

I have no advice, only sympathy. It sucks when people go to Mass like they are going to hang out. It makes me sad.

 

[kristie_m]

I cant help but think that the same people who have a lack of reverence at mass themselves get upset over small children at mass.

Sometimes…Though I, personally, am really only bothered by the behavior of those who are old enough to know better. I think most parents of small children will take their kids out if they’re screaming, but not necessarily if they’re moving around a lot, or even doing a stage whisper. (My own kids know “church voice”). I mean, an hour is a long time to expect a three or four or even five year old to be still and quiet. They ought to be given some slack.

But for older kids, teens and adults (and yes, I’ve seen the older ladies do it to!!) to sit and have a conversation during Mass is just not right. If you’re that desperate for a discussion…move it outside!!

Last weekend at the first communion Mass, I had to shoo an amature videographer out of the sanctuary!

 

[Monsterkittie]

I actually recall going to mass at a shrine and there were some children (and NOT little ones) playing, shoving, pinching, etc. as brothers and sisters would do. “Older Female Relative” didn’t do a thing to settle the kids down. I had seen several people before mass with usher badges, so I was slightly surprised to see an older gentleman walk up to the kids and tell them that Mass is not a playground and to please pay attention or go outside.

Then he went back to his seat. His regular “I’m-a-parishioner-and-not-an-usher” seat.

Wow.

 

[maryj]

The devil sure does work hard, especially after receiving the Eucharist. Like another poster said pray for the people that are being disruptive. Pray and ask for the strength to overcome these distractions that take away from Jesus during this blessed sacrament. Try to stop worrying about what others are doing and to focus on God. I used to get angry and annoyed but I remember that at Mass my venial sins were forgiven, during confession all of my sins were forgiven as bad as they were. If God could forgive ME why shouldn’t I forgive these others and move past it. Why waste any effort in being angry with them? Pray for them. Let this become another opportunity to show God how much I love him.

:yup: and that’s the truth. great answer.