Was I wrong? question about Christmas & Easter Catholics

[nova147]

grandiosa - I think you did the right thing here. It’s NOT unchristian to correct other Christians. In fact, Galatians 6:1 encourages us gently correct those who are sinning. It’s unfortunate that this family took your comment so negatively. And no matter how rarely one attends Mass, there is no excuse for an adult allowing/encouraging loud play, especially during the consecration.

DH and I were also frustrated by the C&E Catholics this weekend. I tried not to be, but it was frustrating! We have worked hard with Jack to get him to sit quietly most of the time and even pay attention occasionally during Mass. But he was totally drawn to the books the kids next to us had and argued with DH several times about it (the arguing is what really got him in trouble!). (BTW, I have no problem with books in Mass – we’ve chosen not to go that route, but I know it works well for many and is usually not distracting to others – Easter Mass just left us in very close quarters!) And Grace . . . she’s at a horrid age anyway, but with so many “extra” people at Mass, we had very little space to go to when she got loud. DH was frustrated by many people talking throughout Mass. He summed up my feelings well – during what should be the most reverent Mass of the year, there is substantially less reverence than usual. It’s just frustrating!

I pray all of you have a blessed Easter season!

 

[wanner47]

Grandiosa, I think you handled the situation admirably. I am appalled that parents would bring any noisy toys to church. Hopefully that mother will think twice next time.

An unChristian response would have been yelling at the top of your lungs, “Will you shut the &@#$ up?!” In comparison, your response was very charitable!!

 

[Irishmom2]

“BTW: I once sat at Mass with a small (maybe 4 year-old) child directly behind me, who kicked my pew during the ENTIRE Mass. His mother was right beside him and never said a word to the child…”

We had that happen to us once and when it was time for the sign of peace, my sister turned around and said to the mother “Peace be with you …and also with your children.”

 

[jmcrae]

When I protested, she told me, “Be quiet! Act like a Christian!”

I would have said, “How come I have to be quiet, but you can make all the noise you want to? What’s up with the double standard?”

 

[KCT]

Don’t think so, But then some people use Biblical quotes to support the view that Christians should always turn the other cheek and take everything they get.

ugh!

We’re supposed to be charitable, not stupid!

 

[JanetF]

They are too afraid that someone will call DFS on them if they even look sternly at their children, let alone discipline them!

 

[JanetF]

ugh!

We’re supposed to be charitable, not stupid!

Oh, I am so going to keep this one in my head for future use!

 

[takers]

Or maybe the parents are picking their battles and that happens to not be the best battle to win at the moment. I think most parents do the best job they can and sometimes this means that you catch them at a bad parenting moment or you see them parent differently than you would parent. There were definitely some examples of kids out of control on this forum thread, but I’d hate to think that anyone who has a child that gets out of control on Christmas or Easter is immediately assumed to be a CandE Catholic. It may just be a very bad day for them.

 

[EvelynEVF]

To the OP: I think you were right to speak up, but let me point something out.

What she heard was you accusing her of being disrespectful. (I know you said the toy was disrespectful, but that’s not how she heard it) She might have been more receptive if you had said something about yourself, like maybe you were having trouble hearing, or you felt distracted. That gives her “permission” to correct her children while still helping her save face. I’m sure that’s why she and the other woman responded rudely–they felt insulted.

I nearly always carrying something little and quiet and lose-able in my purse for times like this. Certain happy meal type toys are ideal, or polly pocket from a yard sale. Nope, I shouldn’t have to entertain other people’s kids, but sometimes that’s what it comes down to.