Why do old people talk so much before Mass?

[catharina]

I agree that idle chatter is not reverential.

So how would you answer those questions? Just out of curiosity.

My point was that there are many distractions in church. My right to do “what I need to do” does not override other’s rights to “do what they need to do.”

If you want a church which has nothing going on before & after Mass, I just don’t think you’re going to find one. Except perhaps at a monastery.

Truly I think it’s as likely that some folks would be distrubed by an old nun’s coughing or an old monk’s squeaking walker. It’s baffling that anyone could imagine that he/she alone is behaving properly. If you bring a reflective spirit to Mass you will find that reflection comes quite easily.

 

[fix]

I agree that idle chatter is not reverential.

So how would you answer those questions? Just out of curiosity.

My point was that there are many distractions in church. My right to do “what I need to do” does not override other’s rights to “do what they need to do.”

If you want a church which has nothing going on before & after Mass, I just don’t think you’re going to find one. Except perhaps at a monastery.

Look at this way. If the pastor has said the Church may be used for the things you mentioned then that is the way it is. If I only have time to pray in Church at 11:00am and there is a mass scheduled I have no option. That is the way it is.

But, those issues are not the same as when the Church is not scheduled for use and one wants to pray.

The issues of rights is interesting here. Why do you hold the only “rights” that matter are of those who wish to talk when they are disturbing others? Where do the “rights” of those praying come in?

 

[ricmat]

The issues of rights is interesting here. Why do you hold the only “rights” that matter are of those who wish to talk when they are disturbing others? Where do the “rights” of those praying come in?

Did I say that? Where?

I’m saying that some here seem to think that their rights supersede all other rights. I’m not saying that people should be holding cocktail parties in the pews.

Do you have an absolute right to silence before (or after) Mass. No. Do you disagree?

My main point is that many things happen at a typical church. Yes, there may be some few churches where it is possible, and reasonable that there be no distractions before Mass, after Mass, during confessions, etc. But most churches are busy places and even the “normal” flow of people coming into church for mass or after mass can be very distracting.

So, live with it.

I’m retired, and so I have more flexibility than most people, but what works for me is to get up an hour earlier than the rest of the household, and say Morning Prayer from LOTH. Then I read the daily mass readings. THEN I go to Mass. Most days, there are few distractions but if there are any, I’m already in a good frame of mind. So good, in fact that this morning, the children’s choir was - let’s say, not too good. Very distracting in fact (some might even say painful), since I was trying to sing too and they make it difficult. But then I remembered that these children’s voices, no matter how untrained, sing praises which to God’s more superior ears are very beautiful. So they became beautiful to me too.

 

[benedictgal]

Truly I think it’s as likely that some folks would be distrubed by an old nun’s coughing or an old monk’s squeaking walker. It’s baffling that anyone could imagine that he/she alone is behaving properly. If you bring a reflective spirit to Mass you will find that reflection comes quite easily.

Nobody has mentioned anything about a nun’s cough or a squeaking walker, only you. Obviously, you did not read the other posts that have been written.

It is difficult to maintain a reflective spirit before Mass begins if idle chit-chat is happening all around you. Please re-read some of the posts prior to what you have written. Coughing was not even mentioned in the OP. You are the only one who keeps bringing that up. It is the useless and idle chatter that is very disconcerting before Mass begins. I’m afraid that you are still not getting the point.

 

[Jean_Anthony]

Please keep the discussion civil, everyone, or I will have to close the thread. Thank you.

 

[Wolseley]

If you want a church which has nothing going on before & after Mass, I just don’t think you’re going to find one. Except perhaps at a monastery.

Oh, I don’t know about that. Methinks the days of chatter-happy Masses are numbered:

In September, Pope Benedict XVI relaxed restrictions on celebrating Latin Mass, frequently called the Tridentine Mass, citing “a new and renewed” interest in the ancient Latin liturgy, especially among younger Catholics.

Spoken or sung entirely in sometimes inaudible Latin by priests who face the altar instead of the congregation, it is a radical departure for most Catholics, who grew up attending a more informal Mass celebrated in their native tongue.

"It’s the opposite of the cacophony that comes with the [modern] Mass," said Ken Wolfe, 34, a federal government worker who goes to up to four Latin Masses a week in the Washington area. "There’s no guitars and handshaking and breaks in the Mass where people talk to each other. It’s a very serious liturgy."

And it is a hit with younger priests and their parishioners.

washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/11/23/AR2007112301549.html?hpid=moreheadlines

 

[fix]

Di
Do you have an absolute right to silence before (or after) Mass. No. Do you disagree?

Of course not. I am simply asking for courtesy and respect for others. I am still amazed we cannot have a common ground on this issue. In another post I mentioned a culture that has developed where lack of quiet in Church is the norm.

So, live with it.

I do. We all do.

I do not think folks are arguing against the common distractions. What seems to be at issue is an attitude that one is free to chatter in Church when an attitude of quiet is needed out of respect. Truly a simply notion and not that novel.

Out of respect for the moderator’s warning I hope my post is seen as civil and I hope the thread continues.

 

[catharina]

Nobody has mentioned anything about a nun’s cough or a squeaking walker, only you. Obviously, you did not read the other posts that have been written.
It is difficult to maintain a reflective spirit before Mass begins if idle chit-chat is happening all around you. Please re-read some of the posts prior to what you have written. Coughing was not even mentioned in the OP. You are the only one who keeps bringing that up. It is the useless and idle chatter that is very disconcerting before Mass begins. I’m afraid that you are still not getting the point.

Confused, aren’t you? You say you think:

1. I haven’t even read the other posts.
2. I have read them but should re-read them.

I read every post and if you think it’s fine to agree that old people present a great disturbance at Mass - and let that go until it’s forced into your brain that you’ve done so, then the problem is yours. People who are intent in getting their full quota of silence at Mass would almost certainly be disturbed by an old nun’s chronic cough or a monk’s squeaky walker or a baby crying or toddlers yelling now and then - because it goes with their silence-required notion of personal territoriality at Mass - at a parish church no less. Usually I attend 7:30am Mass on Sundays and the church is quiet as a church. … or as a tomb. You require silence, you’ll find it. If your parish is out of control, pray about it and if need be, talk to your priest. I’m of the mind that we are graced by the presence of the elderly and children at Mass. So there.

 

[catharina]

Please keep the discussion civil, everyone, or I will have to close the thread. Thank you.

Jean, sorry. I only saw your post now.

It makes me very sad to imagine that people can’t manage a bit of leniency in regard to the behaviors of the aged at Mass. I feel the very same way about children who are still learning how to pray and be reverent.

Life is too short for disrespect regarding those who might be unable to help themselves…

 

[Jean_Anthony]

This thread is closed. Thank you all.