Should alcohol consumption be allowed at parish meetings?

[Cat]

No, alcohol consumption should not be allowed at parish meetings.

Why take a chance on offending someone like a Protestant who might be visiting that day? This person could stalk out the door and never come back to the Catholic Church–what a shame.

Why is drinking necessary? If you can’t have a good time without alcohol, you’ve got a problem.

And stop making fun of teetotalling Protestants. No teetotaler has ever killed anyone in a drunk driving crime.

Alcohol is totally unnecessary to have a happy, healthy life. If Catholics need the crutch, fine. I drink Coke, and it’s a crutch, so I kind of understand why you want to consume something like alcohol. But at least no one dies in Coke-drinking/driving disasters, and no one pickles their liver with Coke. Teeth rot, yes. Liver rot, no. And to my knowledge, Coke isn’t responsible for breaking up families, losing jobs, and ending up on skid row or Betty Ford Rehab.

Live dangerously if you wish, but do it at home, not in the Church. Have a care for your teetotalling and alcoholic brothers and sisters.
This is another one of those situations where Catholics should try very hard to appreciate how others see them. Just because we have Jesus in the Eucharist doesn’t entitle us to offend others with something like alcohol.

 

[Sure]

No, alcohol consumption should not be allowed at parish meetings.

Why take a chance on offending someone like a Protestant who might be visiting that day? This person could stalk out the door and never come back to the Catholic Church–what a shame.

Why is drinking necessary? If you can’t have a good time without alcohol, you’ve got a problem.

And stop making fun of teetotalling Protestants. No teetotaler has ever killed anyone in a drunk driving crime.

Alcohol is totally unnecessary to have a happy, healthy life. If Catholics need the crutch, fine. I drink Coke, and it’s a crutch, so I kind of understand why you want to consume something like alcohol. But at least no one dies in Coke-drinking/driving disasters, and no one pickles their liver with Coke. Teeth rot, yes. Liver rot, no. And to my knowledge, Coke isn’t responsible for breaking up families, losing jobs, and ending up on skid row or Betty Ford Rehab.

Live dangerously if you wish, but do it at home, not in the Church. Have a care for your teetotalling and alcoholic brothers and sisters.
This is another one of those situations where Catholics should try very hard to appreciate how others see them. Just because we have Jesus in the Eucharist doesn’t entitle us to offend others with something like alcohol.

Drinking is a good that should be enjoyed, as all things, in moderation. The best way to teach children that there is a right use of alcohol is to let them SEE the right use of alcohol. The wrong way is to teach them that alcohol is something adults use behind closed doors without children along. ALL traditionally Catholic cultures were built on fasting and feasting (with alcohol) together as a family!

A visiting protestant would to well to see that Catholics have a completely Nature based idea of the human person and that food, drink and merriment have their place in TRUE christian hospitality.

 

[djrakowski]

Why take a chance on offending someone like a Protestant who might be visiting that day? This person could stalk out the door and never come back to the Catholic Church–what a shame.
…
And stop making fun of teetotalling Protestants. No teetotaler has ever killed anyone in a drunk driving crime.
…
Live dangerously if you wish, but do it at home, not in the Church. Have a care for your teetotalling and alcoholic brothers and sisters.
This is another one of those situations where Catholics should try very hard to appreciate how others see them. Just because we have Jesus in the Eucharist doesn’t entitle us to offend others with something like alcohol.

It’s frustrating that I can’t bring my dad, a recovering alcoholic, to virtually any social function held at my parish. This is especially sad, since he’d most likely desire to return for the social connectedness offered by parish membership.

This is one of those cases in which we might want to examine whether our Christian liberty ought to be restrained to remove a stumbling block from our separated (and perhaps even fallen-away) brethren.

 

[chewchoo]

i agree alcohol at meetings is a no-no.
alcohol at social functions, that’s a whole different matter.

as for the OP’s example, she could use it as an example of what not to do, ie. excessive alcohol is loud and obnoxious. but i think the onus of that training falls on the parents, they have to bring their children up knowing the difference between moderation and excess. a one hour a week RE class is destroyed by bad examples at home.

in the concern of being offensive to recovering alcoholics or visiting protestants, that doesn’t fly. as we have seen in our secular culture, we can’t offend anyone (except the christians, and especially the catholics).
something always offends somebody. if you don’t have alcohol, some will be offended. if you do have alcohol, some will be offended. what is the solution to not offend anybody? there isn’t one.

and then someone else said that alcohol can be as dangerous as a gun!! it’s not the alcohol or the gun, it is the user of such items that is the danger. and eliminating one or both of those items still does not make said user any less dangerous, they will just find another “item” to carry out their crime, be it intentional or neglectful.

 

[stringbeanduck]

I agree with moderation. The church events we have(that serve alcohol) are not ones that minors are encouraged to go to. A few brews just for taste is fine at a church event. Best judgment is important for the event organizer. Is this an event where kids will attend? How serous is this event? Is it a mingling event or a planning meeting?

You know, things like that should be considered.

And if you do plan to have a ‘good time’ once in a while just remember to be responsible. Although I don’t think people should be having a ‘good time’ at church event what ever type it is. Keep it below .08 I’d say.

 

[THurifer2]

No, alcohol consumption should not be allowed at parish meetings.

Why take a chance on offending someone like a Protestant who might be visiting that day? This person could stalk out the door and never come back to the Catholic Church–what a shame.

Why is drinking necessary? If you can’t have a good time without alcohol, you’ve got a problem.

Alcohol is totally unnecessary to have a happy, healthy life. If Catholics need the crutch, fine. I drink Coke, and it’s a crutch, so I kind of understand why you want to consume something like alcohol. But at least no one dies in Coke-drinking/driving disasters, and no one pickles their liver with Coke. Teeth rot, yes. Liver rot, no. And to my knowledge, Coke isn’t responsible for breaking up families, losing jobs, and ending up on skid row or Betty Ford Rehab.

Live dangerously if you wish, but do it at home, not in the Church. Have a care for your teetotalling and alcoholic brothers and sisters.
This is another one of those situations where Catholics should try very hard to appreciate how others see them. Just because we have Jesus in the Eucharist doesn’t entitle us to offend others with something like alcohol.

you post seems very narrowminded and downright snobby towards those who responsibly imbibe. . I must inform you that unlike you the WORD OF GOD says alcohol is good. Who am I to believe? YOU or THE WORD OF GOD.
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If you could refrain from staring down your nose at those of us who have the ability to recognize a gift from god and enjoy one of his blessings I must point out to you that there are 145 POSITVE alcohol references in the bible and only 40 negative alchohol references in the bible. Perhaps you could lighten up a bit and realize the BEHAVIOR IS THE PROBLEM not the substance. Do you think people should blame their pencils for poor spelling?

 

[mikeledes]

Though alcohol consumption per se, is not sinful if it is done in moderation (i.e. without getting drunk), I think that - to be on the safe side - a parish should not be serving alcohol in its meetings. It is not necessary and can lead to a host of problems. What if there are people attending those meetings who are recovering alcoholics? Should the church expose them to that kind of temptation?

God Bless,
Michael

 

[THurifer2]

What if there are people attending those meetings who are recovering alcoholics? Should the church expose them to that kind of temptation?

God Bless,
Michael

What about serving cookies and brownies? Certainly you have heard about those with eating disorders.

 

[rayne89]

It’s frustrating that I can’t bring my dad, a recovering alcoholic, to virtually any social function held at my parish. This is especially sad, since he’d most likely desire to return for the social connectedness offered by parish membership.

This is one of those cases in which we might want to examine whether our Christian liberty ought to be restrained to remove a stumbling block from our separated (and perhaps even fallen-away) brethren.

Uh yeah…good luck at our Slovakian Parish with that idea. I read recently that Slovakians consume the most alcohal, more than the Germans.
It was a bit of an eye opener for my hubby because when we first joined our parish he took our daughter to a family movie night. The couple next him brought their own beer. They drank beer and watched Veggie Tales. They offered my hubby some but he’s a recovering alcoholic so he declined. Our previous parish wasn’t like that but they also were full of liturgical and other errors so we picked the drinking Slovaks.
Hubby does do ok at our church functions but he has been sober for about a decade so it’s not difficult like it once was. I’m sorry about your dad, I know it can be such a struggle.

 

[dessert]

Not to derail the subject but…

A nearby state…Wisconsin beer is interwoven into the cultural landscape…in many places in wisconsin not having beer at a church picnic or celebration would seem extremely odd.

The old saying is the Wisconsin state law that each town small or large MUST have at least 3 bars pers 100 residents.

I have found the above to be somewhat true…even the smallest villiages in Wisconsin have two bars, a Catholic Church and a post office…along with those dern Lutherans…who sometimes act more Catholic than the Catholics.

This is true yeah you bet :yup:

All the liquor liscensces are used up in every town and there is usually a waiting list. It’s Milwaukee’s fault
Beer helps the Brat and sauerkraut go down. Yumm I mean the Brat:thumbsup:

 

[Cat]

THurifer, you won’t change my mind. I come from a family that has been teetotallers for several generations, as far back as anyone knows. I grew up with absolutely NO alcohol at any family events.

It has nothing to do with the Bible or religion. It’s just the way we are. Actually, there have been two people in the family who drank, and both ended up dead at young ages from alcohol-related problems. So it’s probably something in our genes that makes alcohol poison for us.

Over the years, I’ve seen too many people wreck up their lives and the lives of OTHERS because of alcohol for me to have any tolerance at all for it. My great-aunt and uncle were killed in the middle of the day by a stinkin’ drunk driver who walked away uninjured from the crash. I’ve seen families split up because one of the spouses drank and partied. I know people that haven’t spoken to their parents in decades because of alcohol abuse during their childhood. I’ve worked with kids who were permanently retarded due to fetal alcohol syndrome. I’ve done labs on many people who were terribly injured in drunken driving crashes. I’ve visited the Pacific Garden Mission in Chicago and been introduced to former doctors, college professors, and other working people who ended up in the gutter because of alcohol abuse.

Alcohol is a factor in many crimes of passion, including the rape of women.

And you say it’s GOOD? I agree that the substance itself is not evil, but it’s a terrible gamble to take. According to the Pacific Garden Mission experts (who have worked in the streets of Chicago for decades), two percent of all people who drink (not two percent of alcoholics) will end up on Skid Row. Is that a chance worth taking?

And who can say whether they have inherited genes like ours, which make alcohol a poison that kills mercilessly and painfully at a young age?

And who can predict whether a feel-good buzz will impair judgement enough to get you to climb into bed with a perfect stranger, or drive your car into a schoolbus, or simply say something to your spouse or kids that hurts them too bad to forgive?

It’s just not necessary to drink to have fun. There are so many other harmless ways to get high.

I personally hate being around people who drink. They act silly, talk too fast or slow, stand too close to me, and laugh (or cry) at nothing. They smell bad. They tell secrets that shouldn’t be told. In fact, my father used to go to bars with his buddies; the bartender would give him free food because he was willing to drive his drunken buds home. And the bonus–my father would learn things about these friends that they really shouldn’t have told him, and then afterwards, he had a “bargaining chip” to use against them when they realized that HE knew something that they didn’t want certain other people to know.

But I agree, you should listen to the Bible, not a human being like me.

And I assure you that I don’t attend functions where alcohol is served, so just go ahead and have fun without me.

 

[dessert]

No we don’t have any alcohol at any meetings, we had it at the fall festival along with the sodas being offered and it actually wasn’t partaken of much, too expensive, I guess. Now our parks completely outaw it, go figure! Not even for picnics receptions etc. This has been a big arguement at the meetings of the city council, some day us baby boomers will win. Or maybe it is a good idea to keep it out.

 

[rayne89]

I personally hate being around people who drink. They act silly, talk too fast or slow, stand too close to me, and laugh (or cry) at nothing. They smell bad. They tell secrets that shouldn’t be told.

You are confusing people who drink with drunks. They are not one and the same. You are describing some who has drank too much not someone who drinks. Trust me I know the difference my husband is a recovered alcoholic. I grew up in family where my parents had a glass of wine with dinner or a beer at a barbaque.They never exibited any such behavior. I drink a glass of wine or have a mixed drink on occasion. I do not do any of the things you describe.
My husband grew up in a family where alcohol was banned although his extended family has several members that see the only purpose of drinking is to get drunk. I grew up in a family that drank socially -and responsibly. My husband is the alcoholic and I am not. You can not lump all people who drink with obnoxious drunkards.

 

[THurifer2]

THurifer, you won’t change my mind.
It has nothing to do with the Bible or religion.

I don’t want to change your mind.

And you say it’s GOOD?

No, I didn’t say it was good…I pointed out the bible said it is good.

I personally hate being around people who drink. They act silly, talk too fast or slow, stand too close to me, and laugh (or cry) at nothing. They smell bad. They tell secrets that shouldn’t be told.

People who drink or people who are drunk.

And I assure you that I don’t attend functions where alcohol is served, so just go ahead and have fun without me.

I rarely drink and have never been drunk, but thanks for grouping mev(and the holy father) into the category of those who act silly, talk to fast, stand to close, and laugh or cry and smell too bad. Oh and tell secrets.

I dont’ drink but I do have a problem with judgemental people.

 

[djrakowski]

Uh yeah…good luck at our Slovakian Parish with that idea. I read recently that Slovakians consume the most alcohal, more than the Germans.

Believe me, I know I don’t plan on suggesting it to our pastor any time soon!

It was a bit of an eye opener for my hubby because when we first joined our parish he took our daughter to a family movie night. The couple next him brought their own beer. They drank beer and watched Veggie Tales. They offered my hubby some but he’s a recovering alcoholic so he declined.

I wouldn’t have expected that either - what a surprise! I know our parish is capable of throwing a rip-roaringly good party, but at a movie night for kids? Wow. I’m a bit surprised at that one.

Our previous parish wasn’t like that but they also were full of liturgical and other errors so we picked the drinking Slovaks.

Our Slovak brothers and sisters sure know how to pray properly, don’t they?

Hubby does do ok at our church functions but he has been sober for about a decade so it’s not difficult like it once was. I’m sorry about your dad, I know it can be such a struggle.

Thanks… I really wish I could bring him to our parish for socials, but I can’t. He nearly died of alcoholism, and though he’s been sober for a number of years, he can’t be around the stuff without being tempted by it. I’d love to take him to our men’s club, as there are tons of great guys in it, but I can’t, because I understand they drink at most of their meetings. There goes another opportunity for me to encourage him to reconcile with the Church

Years ago, my father was released from an extended hospital stay, and came to stay with myself and a roommate as he recovered. My roommate had a large, full bottle of whiskey, and my dad finished it while we were away at work. And that was after the doctor told him that he’d most likely die if he were to take up drinking again. Yup, for some people, it really is that serious of a temptation.

 

[THurifer2]

Believe me, I know I don’t plan on suggesting it to our pastor any time soon!
I wouldn’t have expected that either - what a surprise! I know our parish is capable of throwing a rip-roaringly good party, but at a movie night for kids? Wow. I’m a bit surprised at that one.
Our Slovak brothers and sisters sure know how to pray properly, don’t they?
Thanks… I really wish I could bring him to our parish for socials, but I can’t. He nearly died of alcoholism, and though he’s been sober for a number of years, he can’t be around the stuff without being tempted by it. I’d love to take him to our men’s club, as there are tons of great guys in it, but I can’t, because I understand they drink at most of their meetings. There goes another opportunity for me to encourage him to reconcile with the Church

Years ago, my father was released from an extended hospital stay, and came to stay with myself and a roommate as he recovered. My roommate had a large, full bottle of whiskey, and my dad finished it while we were away at work. And that was after the doctor told him that he’d most likely die if he were to take up drinking again. Yup, for some people, it really is that serious of a temptation.

I believe this the the type of drinking CAT should be weary of.
I’ll add you and yours to my prayers.

 

[djrakowski]

I believe this the the type of drinking CAT should be weary of.
I’ll add you and yours to my prayers.

Much appreciated, my friend.

Alcohol has always been a sticking point for me and many people in my family, and my dad isn’t the only alcoholic (recovering or otherwise). It caused tons of problems for my entire household, and I really don’t like being around it any more. I was able to drink frightening amounts of alcohol while in college, and I wonder sometimes how I made it out of that experience without becoming an alcoholic.

 

[mikeledes]

What about serving cookies and brownies? Certainly you have heard about those with eating disorders.

Those who have eating disorders will probably avoid the cookies and the brownies.

No one is saying alcohol is evil or bad. However, there is a time and a place for everything. If you want a drink, buy yourself a bottle or go to a bar. Alcohol in no way advances a person’s spiritual life and can potentially lead to a whole host of problems. Therefore, it should not be served in church meetings. The potential cost outweighs the benefits.

God Bless,
Michael

 

[stringbeanduck]

It’s just not necessary to drink to have fun. There are so many other harmless ways to get high.

I agree like, video games, shopping, sometimes word problems. When the brain completes something or passes something it will reward it self with dopamine. You go to the store by a 50$ game play it at home, complete all the levels and what was the purpose of it? Answer: to get that dopamine. That reward feeling. I sometimes chug down one of those energy drinks just to feel the rush of energy. :bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

 

[Jeanette_L]

It seems that possibly what should dictate this is: what is the cultural norm in the community that this is taking place? Because let’s face it, the consumption or non consumption of alcohol is basically a culturally driven affair.

The Protestants (Fundamentalists mostly) will swear that in order to be a good Christian, you can’t drink any alcohol. But we know that this is not a true spiritual standard, but a cultural one, their culture.

If a parish is in a community that is very sensitive to or opposed to the consumption of alcohol, maybe in order to be a good witness to charity, they should consider against it, for the sake of Christ and their weaker brothers.

But, if the parish is in a community where the consumption of alcohol is not considered taboo or inappropriate, then abstaining from alcohol at social events should not be forced.

St. Paul gives us tons of advice concerning the difference between liberty in Christ and license, between freedom and abstainence for Christs sake or the sake of a weaker brother.

Common sense should prevail in these matters. Now if we can just find some in the average group of people…