Time for fragrance-free masses!

[fnr]

Many people with asthma are very sensitive to perfume, cologne, or other fragrnced products. Members of my family have had asthma attacks in restaurants, hospitals, and our church because of their exposures to others’ fragrances. How can we make a fragrance-free mass a reality?

In occupation asthma problems, fragrance is amont the top causes of serious respiratory attacks. Why don’t we talk about this stuff?

 

[SMHW]

Many people with asthma are very sensitive to perfume, cologne, or other fragrnced products. Members of my family have had asthma attacks in restaurants, hospitals, and our church because of their exposures to others’ fragrances. How can we make a fragrance-free mass a reality?

In occupation asthma problems, fragrance is amont the top causes of serious respiratory attacks. Why don’t we talk about this stuff?

I sympathize. This tends to be an issue for choir members, even if they don’t have respiratory problems otherwise. (I have very mild asthma.)

But for every person who has a problem with fragrances, there are more who like them.

 

[5Loaves]

You can include Divine Liturgy on that, too. I get hugs after DL and the rest of the day I can smell it, until I get home and take my clothes off and toss them in the washer, then jump in the shower to get it off my hair.

We of course have a great deal of incense so as regards asthma there’s nothing to be done about that, other than opening the doors. Our priest calls it a “successful liturgy” when the smoke alarm goes off.

 

[DaveBj]

You can include Divine Liturgy on that, too. I get hugs after DL and the rest of the day I can smell it, until I get home and take my clothes off and toss them in the washer, then jump in the shower to get it off my hair.

We of course have a great deal of incense so as regards asthma there’s nothing to be done about that, other than opening the doors. Our priest calls it a “successful liturgy” when the smoke alarm goes off.

LOL.

We sit in the front, because SU’s father has to receive Holy Communion in his pew, so we get the full blast of the incense. I love it, but SU almost has to wear a respirator. (However, she is not allergic to “social scents.”)

DaveBj

 

[DeepeningFaith]

I’m just glad that this thread isn’t about bashing the use of incense.

In regards to other fragrances, I say simply make mention of it to the Priest. Have him make an announcement (at the proper time) that one squirt of perfume or cologne is more than enough. LOL Also, that it is not necessary what you smell like, Mass is not the time to try and impress others.

Pax!

 

[fnr]

I’m just glad that this thread isn’t about bashing the use of incense.

In regards to other fragrances, I say simply make mention of it to the Priest. Have him make an announcement (at the proper time) that one squirt of perfume or cologne is more than enough. LOL Also, that it is not necessary what you smell like, Mass is not the time to try and impress others.

Pax!

Thank you for the suggestion about bringing the issue to the Priest.

Unfortunately, incense is another asthma trigger for people I know!
Fortunately, there are some local parishes that offer at least one mass where it’s announced in advance that no incense will be used. That certainly helps!

I really view this issue overall similarly to the issue of how people with gluten intolerance (e.g, Celiac’s disease) have been able to participate in the Eucharist through the blood of Christ (through the accident of the wine). I know a few families with highly prevalent Celiac’s disease, and the children have never been able to consume the body of Christ (due to the accident of the bread) in their lives. Thankfully, there is another way for them to participate in the sacrament.

Similarly, for my family, having mass options that are asthma-friendly is a very important way to ensure that they can take part! If one Sunday mass per week were deemed an “asthma friendly” service, I think that would help so much! I’d guess that would also help people who are sensitive to perfume and cologne for other reasons.

 

[zab]

Similarly, for my family, having mass options that are asthma-friendly is a very important way to ensure that they can take part! If one Sunday mass per week were deemed an “asthma friendly” service, I think that would help so much! I’d guess that would also help people who are sensitive to perfume and cologne for other reasons.

That may be more difficult than you think. What about the flowers? Some people are allergic to the pollen especially from the lilies and roses, too! As far as the lilies, our pastor had the ladies to remove all of the parts of the blossoms that contain the pollen. But we can’t do away with the real flowers!

 

[Famule]

Many people with asthma are very sensitive to perfume, cologne, or other fragrnced products. Members of my family have had asthma attacks in restaurants, hospitals, and our church because of their exposures to others’ fragrances. How can we make a fragrance-free mass a reality?

In occupation asthma problems, fragrance is amont the top causes of serious respiratory attacks. Why don’t we talk about this stuff?

Or we could just start building churches correctly with high ceilings and then it won’t be such a problem. Why would we cut out the part of the Mass that we get from heaven itself?

 

[daeve]

My choir sits right next to the windows and if there’s incense we open them no matter how cold it is outside…it’s seldom cold in the church even in the dead of winter.

The idea of an asthma friendly Mass is wonderful, but probably not possible. Even if it’s announced in advance, there are still people who won’t know and show up with tons of perfume or cigarette smoke or whatever all over them. I can’t imagine we’d have the scent police at the door to turn them away.

In general, people need to be aware of others when they use scent. I’ve been on elevators with so many intense fragrances that I just had to get off at the next floor. My theory is if you can smell my perfume and you’re not kissing me, I’m wearing too much.

My sensitivity isn’t any one else’s problem, and I don’t expect people to stop wearing perfume for a stranger, but I think we can all be more considerate of others in all our behaviors including the smells we exude. Like Brillcreme, a little dab’ll do ya.

 

[fnr]

My sensitivity isn’t any one else’s problem, and I don’t expect people to stop wearing perfume for a stranger, but I think we can all be more considerate of others in all our behaviors including the smells we exude. Like Brillcreme, a little dab’ll do ya.

I’d agree with you, but someone else’s behaviors may affect your health.

• Exposure to second-hand smoke results in lung and heart problems, including lung cancer.
• A house holding an all-night party with the stereo blasting can interrupt neighbors’ sleep.
• Fertilizer applied to corn fields in Iowa runs down the Mississippi River to the Gulf of Mexico, where it created a “dead zone” where fish can’t live the size of New Jersey (wiping out the fishing industry in the area).

Also, there are problems of scale. One person with subtle perfume or cologne probably wouldn’t affect someone at the other end of a church. But 100 people? From personal experience, I know it’s tough to draw a clear line. With my family, I’ve had to move tables in restaurants 2-3 times to avoid being beside a table where one or more people is wearing cologne/perfume. Sometimes we can find a place, sometimes we need to leave the restaurant. For some reason, in churches, it seems to be a different problem, possibly brought about by high ceilings, where all the air from around the church mixes together and is blown back down by ceiling fans. I feel awful having to sit with my family in an adjoining hallway or basement to “participate” in the mass, which has happened on more than one occasion. I’ve resorted to using a pyx to bear the eucharist for members of my family sitting outside the main church.

I’m not addressing the practical issues that other people have raised, but I do very much appreciate them all.

 

[basenji]

Blessed Sacrament parish in Seattle has a fragrance-free sitting area for three of their Sunday Masses, bless them!

 

[twopekinguys]

I am a severe asthmatic, and have several triggers, including perfume or cologne fragrances. There are also occasions where incense has been a trigger.

I always, always,always, have my rescue inhaler with me. (every asthmatic should)

With that said, I should mention, that there are hypoallergenic incenses that are available. While it isn’t a 100% guarantee that someone won’t be triggered by it, the chances are greatly reduced.

Just to be on the safe side, if I know that incense is going to be used, I do my best to be situated as far away from it as possible, and to be on an aisle. I sit on the aisle in case I have to leave to get to clean air quickly.

As far as frangrances, that can be a tricky thing. I have 2 general rules when it comes to cologne/perfume fragrances.

1. If a gallon of your perfume is cheaper than a gallon of gasoline, you probably shouldn’t buy it. (cheaper colognes/perfumes are my trigger)
2. Your fragrance should not arrive before you do, and it should leave shortly after you do. (Meaning, If everyone in the congregation is wondering what that smell is, and you haven’t even walked in yet, chances are, you’re wearing too much.)

The bottom line is, I have the illness, and I am the one who has to manage it. I can’t rely on others to change their behaviors because I have asthma.

 

[joe_cool]

Many people with asthma are very sensitive to perfume, cologne, or other fragrnced products. Members of my family have had asthma attacks in restaurants, hospitals, and our church because of their exposures to others’ fragrances. How can we make a fragrance-free mass a reality?

In occupation asthma problems, fragrance is amont the top causes of serious respiratory attacks. Why don’t we talk about this stuff?

You know what kills me?

I was once very, very sick with cancer, and for many years had no immune system for all practical intents and purposes. I understood that it was my burden that I could not socialize with friends, hang out at the mall, or attend social functions, because I was sick. It would be impractical, and rude, for me to have asked everyone before attending an event, to not go if there’s any remote possibility they’ve been around a sick person.

It is not the world’s job to cater to me. I understood this, and I was young when this happened: I was deprived of quite a bit.

Now there’s all this talk of fragrance-free masses… and I can relate: I can. You are also excused from mass, and can receive communion at home. Mass is a nicety - the point is not the music, the people, the style of dress… the point is to receive our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. So while I understand that you would certainly like to attend mass, I also know that you don’t need to. I’m sorry if it’s not enough for you to receive Christ in the Blessed Sacrament… but that’s a whole different matter entirely.

Michelle Arnold also responded similarly in the AAA forum.
forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=432837&highlight=perfume

 

[daeve]

I’d agree with you, but someone else’s behaviors may affect your health.

• Exposure to second-hand smoke results in lung and heart problems, including lung cancer.
• A house holding an all-night party with the stereo blasting can interrupt neighbors’ sleep.
• Fertilizer applied to corn fields in Iowa runs down the Mississippi River to the Gulf of Mexico, where it created a “dead zone” where fish can’t live the size of New Jersey (wiping out the fishing industry in the area).

Also, there are problems of scale. One person with subtle perfume or cologne probably wouldn’t affect someone at the other end of a church. But 100 people? From personal experience, I know it’s tough to draw a clear line. With my family, I’ve had to move tables in restaurants 2-3 times to avoid being beside a table where one or more people is wearing cologne/perfume. Sometimes we can find a place, sometimes we need to leave the restaurant. For some reason, in churches, it seems to be a different problem, possibly brought about by high ceilings, where all the air from around the church mixes together and is blown back down by ceiling fans. I feel awful having to sit with my family in an adjoining hallway or basement to “participate” in the mass, which has happened on more than one occasion. I’ve resorted to using a pyx to bear the eucharist for members of my family sitting outside the main church.

I’m not addressing the practical issues that other people have raised, but I do very much appreciate them all.

You can call the cops when the neighbors are noisy. The fertilizer and fish have become kind of moot with what’s happening in the Gulf. I don’t guess the fish will fare any better than the birds and beaches. That’s a huge problem that’s going to take some serious inspiration from the Lord to get fixed.

Smoking is a different issue for me, and I’d like to see it banned in all indoor circumstances, except in your own home or the home of other smokers who don’t mind the stench. A lot of the municipalities around here have banned it. I think it needs to be kept away from children at all costs. Parents need to be aware that just their clothes can make a kid have an asthma attack. I did smoke back in my early 20s but once I got married the smoke in my hair would irritate my husband’s eyes so badly that I just had to quit. It was hard at work, because most of the people in my office smoked and you could smoke in offices, classrooms and even the movies back then. But it made such a difference to him, that it was worth the effort. My frangrance sensitivity was developed as an adult and now my eyes can really burn in an elevator with a dozen different scents.

I can see how we could stop public smoking, but not how we can prevent people from wearing perfume. Even if Mass is supposed to be frangrance free, do we turn people away? Do we have the ushers sniff them? I just can’t think of a practical way to do it, other than all people suddenly becoming considerate of all other people’s needs, and I don’t think that’s going to happen.

 

[Newbie2]

You know what kills me?

I was once very, very sick with cancer, and for many years had no immune system for all practical intents and purposes. I understood that it was my burden that I could not socialize with friends, hang out at the mall, or attend social functions, because I was sick. It would be impractical, and rude, for me to have asked everyone before attending an event, to not go if there’s any remote possibility they’ve been around a sick person.

It is not the world’s job to cater to me. I understood this, and I was young when this happened: I was deprived of quite a bit.

Now there’s all this talk of fragrance-free masses… and I can relate: I can. You are also excused from mass, and can receive communion at home. Mass is a nicety - the point is not the music, the people, the style of dress… the point is to receive our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. So while I understand that you would certainly like to attend mass, I also know that you don’t need to. I’m sorry if it’s not enough for you to receive Christ in the Blessed Sacrament… but that’s a whole different matter entirely.
Michelle Arnold also responded similarly in the AAA forum.
forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=432837&highlight=perfume

Um…yeah, we need to. Sunday mass is an obligation, and it’s not just to receive the Eucharist. Mass is not merely a “nicety”. Hence the wish to be able to go to mass without it being an asthma trigger.

 

[twopekinguys]

Um…yeah, we need to. Sunday mass is an obligation, and it’s not just to receive the Eucharist. Mass is not merely a “nicety”. Hence the wish to be able to go to mass without it being an asthma trigger.

Actually, Joe is correct.

If attending the Mass would put your health, or the health of someone else in jeopardy, then you are not obligated.

That doesn’t mean that every little sniffle should be a reason to miss Mass, but, a person with Asthma that have their Asthmas triggered at the Mass are not obligated to attend. An Asthma attack can be, and is quite often fatal. Especially in children.

 

[joe_cool]

Um…yeah, we need to. Sunday mass is an obligation, and it’s not just to receive the Eucharist. Mass is not merely a “nicety”. Hence the wish to be able to go to mass without it being an asthma trigger.

For a healthy person, Sunday mass is an obligation: for you it is a nicety - a quite possibly sinful indulgence of your personal desires that only serves to place your personal health and well-being at risk out of a selfish desire to have what you want on your terms.

See CCC 2180-2181
2180 The precept of the Church specifies the law of the Lord more precisely: "On Sundays and other holy days of obligation the faithful are bound to participate in the Mass."117 "The precept of participating in the Mass is satisfied by assistance at a Mass which is celebrated anywhere in a Catholic rite either on the holy day or on the evening of the preceding day."118

2181 The Sunday Eucharist is the foundation and confirmation of all Christian practice. For this reason the faithful are obliged to participate in the Eucharist on days of obligation, unless excused for a serious reason (for example, illness, the care of infants) or dispensed by their own pastor.119 Those who deliberately fail in this obligation commit a grave sin.

Now go see your priest, explain the situation, and receive your dispensation.

 

[benedictgal]

As some of you might know, I suffer from migraines. My triggers are excessive odors like cigarette smoke and heavy perfumes. I am very careful with what I wear. I cannot stand the stuff by Estee Lauder, Chanel and most of the department store variety. I avoid Macy’s because I don’t want to be sprayed by the perfume brigade. That is why I wear scents exclusively by philosophy (not Inner Grace, though).

There was an occasion where a woman was wearing a lot of perfume while at Mass. In fact, everyone in the back rows could smell the perfume. It triggered one mother-in-law of a migraine on me. I got home, took my medication and just lay in wait for the meds to work.

Now, oddly enough, I do not have a problem with incense, neither does my dad, who is asthmatic. In fact, I rather like the incense that smells like the essence of Chrism. Now, if someone could just bottle that essence and turn into perfume, I would buy that in bulk. But, that is just me.

 

[Newbie2]

Yes, to clarify, I meant mass is obligatory for people for whom it would not cause or potentially cause serious illness or the exacerbation of an illness.

 

[psr13]

As some of you might know, I suffer from migraines. My triggers are excessive odors like cigarette smoke and heavy perfumes. I am very careful with what I wear. I cannot stand the stuff by Estee Lauder, Chanel and most of the department store variety. I avoid Macy’s because I don’t want to be sprayed by the perfume brigade. That is why I wear scents exclusively by philosophy (not Inner Grace, though).

There was an occasion where a woman was wearing a lot of perfume while at Mass. In fact, everyone in the back rows could smell the perfume. It triggered one mother-in-law of a migraine on me. I got home, took my medication and just lay in wait for the meds to work.

Now, oddly enough, I do not have a problem with incense, neither does my dad, who is asthmatic. In fact, I rather like the incense that smells like the essence of Chrism. Now, if someone could just bottle that essence and turn into perfume, I would buy that in bulk. But, that is just me.

Incense doesn’t set everyone one off. Everyone has different triggers. Mine are cologne/perfume, incense, and oddly enough cut wood. I can’t go anywhere near that side of Home Depot. This was a huge problem in high school because many girls would drench themselves in perfume. There was no seat that was good for me, and I had many breathing problems. Couple that with the fact that we weren’t allowed to have our inhalers with us, and it didn’t equal anything good. Around here incense is only used on Christmas Vigil and Easter Vigil.