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Maureen_Fiore
Guest
I would not give up my husband.lol Just in case people read my post wrong. He would give up his seat. Just clarification of my post. 
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AlanFromWichita
Guest
Maureen Fiore:
At first glance, I thought you were giving up your husband! :bigyikes:
No explanation needed; I know what you meant!
Alan
OMG!
At first glance, I thought you were giving up your husband! :bigyikes:
No explanation needed; I know what you meant!
Alan
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AlanFromWichita
Guest
Maureen Fiore:
By the time I’d posted you’d already clarified so I deleted my other reply.
Alan
I was going to ask about that!I would not give up my husband.lol Just in case people read my post wrong. He would give up his seat. Just clarification of my post.
By the time I’d posted you’d already clarified so I deleted my other reply.
Alan
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CarolAnnSFO
Guest
I would, and I have. I don’t often get the opportunity, though, since I’m usually seated in the choir loft, where there are plenty of extra seats (and nobody who isn’t in the choir ever wants to sit there, due to the number of steps you have to climb to get there.
)And shame on those women who sneer and give dirty looks to men who are just trying to be polite!
Crazy Internet Junkies Society
Carrier of the Angelic Sparkles Sprinkle Bag
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DaveBj
Guest
(I wish I knew where this originated so I could credit the person.) I remember reading about a gentleman who did something chivalrous for a female (not a lady), who, in turn, reacted very badly, as you described above. His comment: “I didn’t do that because of what you are, but because of what I am.”
This is a little off-track, but this topic reminds me of when I spent a few months as a temp worker in Cairo. I had to ride the metro a couple stops to get closer to my job site. It always seemed to surprise the locals when I would give up my seat to a woman.
Also, I was there when al-Qa`ida bombed the embassies in the two African capitals. For a few days I was really watching my six. Then the Clinton administration did their misguided attempt at retaliation, and all of a sudden the locals started offering me their seats. Go figure. :hmmm"
DaveBj
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jbuck919
Guest
I’d like to know where you go these days to find a church that’s packed.
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StacyS
Guest
Our 11:15 Mass on Sundays is normally more crowded than the others, but when the children’s choir sings…it is PACKED! Folks end up sitting in the floor out back.
A few weeks ago, an older lady (whose granddaughter was singing in the choir) laid out her coat and sweater, end to end, to save about 4 seats on the pew. She** refused** to allow a family of 4, with small children, sit in those seats and held them until the Gospel reading when her family showed up!
I tried desperately to get the attention of the ushers, but they were no where to be found. If it would have helped, I would have gladly given up my seat, but it was just me, and I was in the middle of the row.
I try not to be judgemental in Mass. The things that bother others, like crying babies, or what people are wearing don’t bother me, because it is none of my concern. BUT, this really bothered me!
A few weeks ago, an older lady (whose granddaughter was singing in the choir) laid out her coat and sweater, end to end, to save about 4 seats on the pew. She** refused** to allow a family of 4, with small children, sit in those seats and held them until the Gospel reading when her family showed up!
I tried desperately to get the attention of the ushers, but they were no where to be found. If it would have helped, I would have gladly given up my seat, but it was just me, and I was in the middle of the row.
I try not to be judgemental in Mass. The things that bother others, like crying babies, or what people are wearing don’t bother me, because it is none of my concern. BUT, this really bothered me!
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LeahInancsi
Guest
In a heartbeat!!!How many of you would give your seat in church to an elderly person or a woman with a baby in arms?
I’m just curious. I arrived on time for mass the other day, but church was packed, and I stood throughout while several young men sat a couple of feet from me. Granted, I’m not decrepit, but am old enough to be their grandmother. So i just wondered if my church is typical.
I did see a young woman with a baby who got to sit.
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DreadVandal
Guest
It depends on how much money the woman has. If she’s loaded, I can usually get a $20 off of her for the seat.
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G_S
Guest
At Franciscan University of Steubenville, the young men always yield their seats and will stand in the aisle – kneeling, of course, when appropriate. This is often necessary even at a weekday Mass. No PC at FUS.
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Red_Meg
Guest
I have to chime in here as one who has been the recipient of offered seats on numerous occasions at Mass while juggling an infant and toddler.
I am always deeply grateful to those who can be so thoughtful. Standing through a crowded (=hot) Mass with lil’ ones is exhausting and stressful. Breastfeeding an infant is basically impossible without a seat.
I hope there is a special crown in Heaven reserved for those who give up their seats.
And yes, I know, we should always arrive early. In our family we always do try to arrive early. But the circumstances that make me really need a seat sometimes (lots of small children) can be exactly the reason I am running late for Mass. It’s a logistical challenge trying to make sure everyone has shoes on, clean diapers, etc. and then herd them all into the car, strap into car seats, and unload at Church. I do have a system for all this, and it normally works. But sometimes things just happen and we do end up late. So please don’t think too badly of us latecomers!
Margaret
PS And yes, I certainly hope that in the theoretical case that I was at a crowded Mass and didn’t have a baby to hold, that I would give up my seat. I just can remember the last time I’ve actually been in that situation.
I am always deeply grateful to those who can be so thoughtful. Standing through a crowded (=hot) Mass with lil’ ones is exhausting and stressful. Breastfeeding an infant is basically impossible without a seat.
I hope there is a special crown in Heaven reserved for those who give up their seats.
And yes, I know, we should always arrive early. In our family we always do try to arrive early. But the circumstances that make me really need a seat sometimes (lots of small children) can be exactly the reason I am running late for Mass. It’s a logistical challenge trying to make sure everyone has shoes on, clean diapers, etc. and then herd them all into the car, strap into car seats, and unload at Church. I do have a system for all this, and it normally works. But sometimes things just happen and we do end up late. So please don’t think too badly of us latecomers!
Margaret
PS And yes, I certainly hope that in the theoretical case that I was at a crowded Mass and didn’t have a baby to hold, that I would give up my seat. I just can remember the last time I’ve actually been in that situation.
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estesbob
Guest
But everyone doesnt take this apporoach and i ALWAYS have a seat seat at the most crowded Mass. If you have a problem that makes it difficualt for you to stand ior the entire mass you should get there in time to get a seat.
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JohnnyK
Guest
I have given up my seat on several occasions to those needing it more–it’s the right thing to do. 
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UtahMaggie
Guest
Red Meg:
We have never had to give up our seats at our parish, however, when I was pregnant with our daughter, I made my husband promise me that he would forever give special attention to pregnant women out of respect for me. Not that I needed to tell him that. He was raised to be a gentleman. We are raising our children the same way. I have told my kids to let others sit down at other places like waiting in line at restaraunts. But we would give up our seats at Mass if ever necessary.
I know how you feel. When you have small children, arriving earlier is easier said than done no matter how hard you try. Even if you get up earlier, it still doesn’t work out.I have to chime in here as one who has been the recipient of offered seats on numerous occasions at Mass while juggling an infant and toddler.
I am always deeply grateful to those who can be so thoughtful. Standing through a crowded (=hot) Mass with lil’ ones is exhausting and stressful. Breastfeeding an infant is basically impossible without a seat.
I hope there is a special crown in Heaven reserved for those who give up their seats.
And yes, I know, we should always arrive early. In our family we always do try to arrive early. But the circumstances that make me really need a seat sometimes (lots of small children) can be exactly the reason I am running late for Mass. It’s a logistical challenge trying to make sure everyone has shoes on, clean diapers, etc. and then herd them all into the car, strap into car seats, and unload at Church. I do have a system for all this, and it normally works. But sometimes things just happen and we do end up late. So please don’t think too badly of us latecomers!
Margaret
We have never had to give up our seats at our parish, however, when I was pregnant with our daughter, I made my husband promise me that he would forever give special attention to pregnant women out of respect for me. Not that I needed to tell him that. He was raised to be a gentleman. We are raising our children the same way. I have told my kids to let others sit down at other places like waiting in line at restaraunts. But we would give up our seats at Mass if ever necessary.
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Caritas13
Guest
G&S:
the young men there are very admirable.
I’d definitely give my seat up, to anyone… not just someone elderly or pregnant or disabled. I don’t get the opportunity because my church never gets crowded, but I definitely would. Plus, I’d rather stand that be crammed into a pew.
great school.
the young men there are very admirable.
I’d definitely give my seat up, to anyone… not just someone elderly or pregnant or disabled. I don’t get the opportunity because my church never gets crowded, but I definitely would. Plus, I’d rather stand that be crammed into a pew.
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LeahInancsi
Guest
If you’re church has standing room only, most likely you have good clergy. This is not necessarily a bad thing.
Currently, I have a reserved seat. After Easter or, at the latest, June, I’ll have to find my own seat. The first Mass on Sunday and the Vigil Mass on Saturday does not have the attendance that the other Sunday Masses.
I plan to be up front on Saturday evening.
Currently, I have a reserved seat. After Easter or, at the latest, June, I’ll have to find my own seat. The first Mass on Sunday and the Vigil Mass on Saturday does not have the attendance that the other Sunday Masses.
I plan to be up front on Saturday evening.
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LeahInancsi
Guest
AMEN. One of our priests (maybe both) and the director of religious education are from Franciscan U.great school.
the young men there are very admirable.
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Viki59
Guest
It’s a great thing. We have about . . .maybe sixty people standing at the 1230 mass. Our priests are excellent – the last two homilies were about how to receive the Eucharist respectfully.If you’re church has standing room only, most likely you have good clergy. This is not necessarily a bad thing.
But as Alan says, if everyone arrives early, some will still be left standing. Musical chairs.
I just wanted to be sure I’m living on the right planet. Thanks for the replies.
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Lorrie
Guest
If I saw someone who was elderly, someone pregnant or holding a baby then I would definitely give up my seat, not sure I would notice though since I usually sit towards the front.
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AlanFromWichita
Guest
I agree. It wouldn’t work for everyone, but in a practical sense it will work for any one person who tries.
In my case, my seats are always reserved so I don’t have to worry about it. If I gave my seat up to someone they’d need to know how to play a keyboard.
Alan
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