writing during mass?

[CB_Catholic]

After reading this and other numerous threads about what goes on at Mass, I am convinced that every person entering the church building should be issued a pair of blinders like they use on horses, to keep them from being distracted by what others may or may not be doing during Mass. I may even go out and buy myself one of those old-fashioned sunbonnets with the long brims that cuts off your peripheral vision.

 

[gh4]

I often wonder how many people could tell you on Wednesday or Thursday, what the homily was about on the past Saturday evening or Sunday morning, or the one 3 weeks ago. What good points did your priest tell you about, any suggestions from him about your faith and how to live it? Any scripture quoted? Most can’t answer that. But if you take notes during the homily, you can go home and read the scripture again, look at your notes and think about what your priest has told you during his homily. It makes his homily come alive and be with you all week or month or year if need be.
I wasn’t raised where people took notes, but after I was out on my own and searching for the “right” church for me, I noticed that a lot of churches encourage and expect you to take notes during the sermon. I still have notes in my bible from 30+ years ago when I attended a church and took notes on post a notes, and you know, when I read them, I can actually remember the sermons much of the time.
I cannot imagine why on earth that would offend anyone. And if someone can write poetry that is inspired by the homily, I sure wouldn’t find any problems with that either.
And if we aren’t supposed to learn anything in church, why does the priest go to all that work every week to write a homily?

 

[grasscutter]

Isn’t he talking about during the homily? I listen and try to find something to take from the homily which I write done in a note book–but only during the homily–the rest of the mass is prayer and worship–not journal time.

Peace of Christ,
Mark

Actually, I’m not entirely certain what he meant. It was a bit unclear to me but it makes sense that it would be during the homily. However, I’m not a note-taker because while I’m writing down an insight I’m missing the next sentence.

Often, I close my eyes during the homily because reducing visual stimuli helps me to focus on what’s being said. I sure hope my poor priest doesn’t think I’m sleeping!

 

[LilyM]

I often wonder how many people could tell you on Wednesday or Thursday, what the homily was about on the past Saturday evening or Sunday morning, or the one 3 weeks ago. What good points did your priest tell you about, any suggestions from him about your faith and how to live it? Any scripture quoted? Most can’t answer that. But if you take notes during the homily, you can go home and read the scripture again, look at your notes and think about what your priest has told you during his homily. It makes his homily come alive and be with you all week or month or year if need be.
I wasn’t raised where people took notes, but after I was out on my own and searching for the “right” church for me, I noticed that a lot of churches encourage and expect you to take notes during the sermon. I still have notes in my bible from 30+ years ago when I attended a church and took notes on post a notes, and you know, when I read them, I can actually remember the sermons much of the time.
I cannot imagine why on earth that would offend anyone. And if someone can write poetry that is inspired by the homily, I sure wouldn’t find any problems with that either.
And if we aren’t supposed to learn anything in church, why does the priest go to all that work every week to write a homily?

If you are inspired to write down poetry or insights from a homily, fantastic - all that is asked is that you wait a little (it’s usually not much longer than half an hour) until AFTER
Mass to do it. I’m sure the Spirit will keep the homily and your insights fresh enough for that!

As I said earlier, the Apostles and disciples didn’t write a single word of Jesus’ teaching
down while He taught, but the Spirit ensured that they remembered it well enough to compose the Gospels decades afterwards.

Perhaps I don’t remember the homily from three weeks ago word for word. I’m sure the priest doesn’t either. And if he did speak from notes, he probably won’t personally look at them again until next time the same Gospel comes around in three years time.

See, the main point is to listen to and absorb the Gospel itself. THAT is easy enough to
remember and be inspired by. The homily is not the high point of the Liturgy of the Word, as Scripture is the Word referred to rather than the priest’s wordS about it.

And not every word of a homily (or even every homily) needs to be remembered - not all is equally helpful or pertinent.

Let’s say the Gospel is about the wedding at Cana, and the priest offers some reflections on married life. Wonderful for the married people - what about those who have no intention of marriage? And do you think those married people who do benefit aren’t going to absorb the message even if they can’t recall every single word or don’t remember
whether the homily was two weeks ago or two months?

What if his homily is about the importance of frequent confession? Does anyone really need to write down ‘go to confession more often?’

 

[Mrs_Sally]

After reading this and other numerous threads about what goes on at Mass, I am convinced that every person entering the church building should be issued a pair of blinders like they use on horses, to keep them from being distracted by what others may or may not be doing during Mass. I may even go out and buy myself one of those old-fashioned sunbonnets with the long brims that cuts off your peripheral vision.

I want one too! If you find an online site will you post it here?

 

[Padraig1972]

I don`t know about you and can only speak for myself. But: i am at mass to worship God, pay respect and show my deepest love to Him and participate in the Liturgy.

Taking notes, showing off or other stuff belongs to cafeterias and ballrooms. But: that is my personal opinion and i am old fashioned.

 

[gh4]

If you are inspired to write down poetry or insights from a homily, fantastic - all that is asked is that you wait a little (it’s usually not much longer than half an hour) until AFTER
Mass to do it. I’m sure the Spirit will keep the homily and your insights fresh enough for that!

As I said earlier, the Apostles and disciples didn’t write a single word of Jesus’ teaching
down while He taught, but the Spirit ensured that they remembered it well enough to compose the Gospels decades afterwards.

Perhaps I don’t remember the homily from three weeks ago word for word. I’m sure the priest doesn’t either. And if he did speak from notes, he probably won’t personally look at them again until next time the same Gospel comes around in three years time.

See, the main point is to listen to and absorb the Gospel itself. THAT is easy enough to
remember and be inspired by. The homily is not the high point of the Liturgy of the Word, as Scripture is the Word referred to rather than the priest’s wordS about it.

And not every word of a homily (or even every homily) needs to be remembered - not all is equally helpful or pertinent.

Let’s say the Gospel is about the wedding at Cana, and the priest offers some reflections on married life. Wonderful for the married people - what about those who have no intention of marriage? And do you think those married people who do benefit aren’t going to absorb the message even if they can’t recall every single word or don’t remember
whether the homily was two weeks ago or two months?

What if his homily is about the importance of frequent confession? Does anyone really need to write down ‘go to confession more often?’

You know, maybe it’s a good thing I am reconsidering my cathoic status. I just cannot even imagine why on earth anyone would care what I do during the homily as long as I’m quiet doing it. I mean, kids cry, people sneeze and cough and clear throats, people whisper, kids make a lot of noise, and people would care that I write? I just can’t imagine why anyone would care if someone writes down points of the homily. And darn it, if I ever go back to Mass, I’m going to take copious notes during the homily if I want to do so and I bet NO ONE will even notice. After all, I’m allowed to take pictures during the mass or video tape the mass, why not write my thoughts out?

 

[LilyM]

You know, maybe it’s a good thing I am reconsidering my cathoic status. I just cannot even imagine why on earth anyone would care what I do during the homily as long as I’m quiet doing it. I mean, kids cry, people sneeze and cough and clear throats, people whisper, kids make a lot of noise, and people would care that I write? I just can’t imagine why anyone would care if someone writes down points of the homily. And darn it, if I ever go back to Mass, I’m going to take copious notes during the homily if I want to do so and I bet NO ONE will even notice. After all, I’m allowed to take pictures during the mass or video tape the mass, why not write my thoughts out?

Actually many if not most churches require permission before anyone can take photos or video. Of course such will be routinely granted for occasions like weddings, first communions and whatnot.

The other things you’ve mentioned are things that either a) cannot be helped (eg kids) or b) things that people should not be doing either (loud chatter)

Let me put it another way. Look at film or tv footage of pretty much any person making a speech. How often are those nearby to the speaker shown chatting animatedly to each other or head down doodling in a notebook? Rarely. Why? Because it sends the message to the speaker and those who see the footage that what they are saying is not particularly important or worth devoting 100% attention to. And that is the same message you are sending to the priest. It’s plain rude.

 

[GwenL]

Some people don’t remember things unless they write them down immediately. If someone is quietly writing, why would that bother anyone else? I suggest, that if someone writing does bother you–sit where you don’t have to be bothered by the sight.

People here have assumed that the person writing is not worshipping, not participating in communal worship, not paying attention, being irreverent, etc. I’m not clear on how people came to those conclusions. Are you mind readers? Perhaps the woman is inspired at Mass, and wants to write down the inspiration immediately. Just because her mind works differently from yours is no reason to assume the worst.

I have a hard time believing that a priest would throw someone out who was quietly writing at Mass. First, he does not have that authority. A church is a public place. You can’t just “throw someone out” unless they are disturbing the peace, interfering with Mass, soliciting, harassing people, etc. Sitting in the pew writing doesn’t qualify, sorry.

By the way, our rector is a terrific homilist. I record most of his homilies, as well as those of our bishop and our deacons (all with their permission) and post them on a website. I put my microphone on the mic arm on the ambo.

 

[TrueLight]

Taking notes, showing off or other stuff belongs to cafeterias and ballrooms. But: that is my personal opinion and i am old fashioned.

Seriously?

Some people don’t remember things unless they write them down immediately. If someone is quietly writing, why would that bother anyone else? I suggest, that if someone writing does bother you–sit where you don’t have to be bothered by the sight.

People here have assumed that the person writing is not worshipping, not participating in communal worship, not paying attention, being irreverent, etc. I’m not clear on how people came to those conclusions.

Thank you!

I particularly find offensive the implication that if one is taking notes during a homily that one has spiritual pride or is showing off. I don’t know what kinds of homilies some of you listen to, but if a a priest gives a homily with poignant points that I want to maybe remember later on or read up more on, if I happen to have a pen, I will jot down a note on the program, notebook etc.

I once listened to a homily where the priest gave like 20 or more biblical references. Some of the references I knew, but some of them I jotted down to meditate on later.

So that means I wasn’t worshiping God?

 

[LilyM]

Firstly - the OP is NOT a situation where it is merely a matter of jotting down bible references or salient points for later reference.

Secondly - I for one do not presume to judge whether such a person really is participating or not. I’m talking about the message it sends, the impression it gives, to a speaker when such a thing is done while they are speaking.

Part of being a polite member of an audience is that you pay attention, and are also SEEN to be paying attention, to the speaker. Being head down writing in a book, in the context of most public speaking, does not LOOK like you are paying attention, it LOOKS like the opposite.

For that reason it would be inappropriate in many contexts outside Mass as well as within.

Yes it is about appearance but appearances matter. We are humans, visual creatures. Many aspects of the Mass such as the vestments and candles and whatnot are employed specifically because what we see affects us.

You probably wouldn’t wear mud-smeared overalls and bare feet to meet the President or attend a job interview - or to Mass. Why? Because to do so LOOKS like you don’t appreciate the significance and importance of the occasion.

 

[TrueLight]

Firstly - the OP is NOT a situation where it is merely a matter of jotting down bible references or salient points for later reference.

Doodling is one thing, but the responses also spoke of taking notes during a homily.

Part of being a polite member of an audience is that you pay attention, and are also SEEN to be paying attention, to the speaker. Being head down writing in a book, in the context of most public speaking, does not LOOK like you are paying attention, it LOOKS like the opposite.

I guarantee you, if I am listening to a homily or any type of public speaking and my eyes are focused on the speaker’s face, and I’m nodding and every now and then jotting something down, it is quite obvious that I am VERY interested in what the speaker has to say.

 

[acadian]

Weighing in to say…during the Liturgy of the Word - God is speaking to us. It seems rude to spend that time writing something else. When someone speaks to you, you give them your undivided attention.

That being said, I DO often take notes on the homily. I want to remember them for later, and if I don’t write something right then, it will be gone from my mind inside of 2 minutes. Often, there are tidbits from the homily that are worth savoring later. I have a missalette with my daily Mass readings in it, and will write my notes right there on the page. I try to be as discreet as possible.

My 2 cents. (among many others’)

 

[LilyM]

Doodling is one thing, but the responses also spoke of taking notes during a homily.

I guarantee you, if I am listening to a homily or any type of public speaking and my eyes are focused on the speaker’s face, and I’m nodding and every now and then jotting something down, it is quite obvious that I am VERY interested in what the speaker has to say.

Or … you could be nodding politely every so often to look interested while jotting down groceries you need to buy, signing pay cheques for your employees or a million other things …

 

[Padraig1972]

Seriously?

Thank you!

I particularly find offensive the implication that if one is taking notes during a homily that one has spiritual pride or is showing off. I don’t know what kinds of homilies some of you listen to, but if a a priest gives a homily with poignant points that I want to maybe remember later on or read up more on, if I happen to have a pen, I will jot down a note on the program, notebook etc.

I once listened to a homily where the priest gave like 20 or more biblical references. Some of the references I knew, but some of them I jotted down to meditate on later.

So that means I wasn’t worshiping God?

Yes. I often write things too, but after mass and build my reflections on the homilies. But at mass i pay attention too mass (even if it is difficult these days, but…that is not for this thread really) and worship God.

 

[Oneofthewomen]

Sounds like many people in this thread need to practice “custody of the eyes”!

I mean, really people, you are going to let someone jotting down some thoughts, ideas, whatever distract you from Mass???

We are supposed to be meeting Jesus through the Liturgy of the Word, the Liturgy of the Eucharist AND in the body of believers that are joined together for communal prayer, from the attitudes on this thread is sounds like some are forgetting the last part.

 

[Padraig1972]

Sounds like many people in this thread need to practice “custody of the eyes”!

I mean, really people, you are going to let someone jotting down some thoughts, ideas, whatever distract you from Mass???

We are supposed to be meeting Jesus through the Liturgy of the Word, the Liturgy of the Eucharist AND in the body of believers that are joined together for communal prayer, from the attitudes on this thread is sounds like some are forgetting the last part.

I did not say it distracted me. I said what my preference during mass is. They are crystal clear and cannot be misunderstood. That is if you actually read what i write.

 

[SecretGarden]

To Padraig1972-How can writing in a journal distract anyone when they are writing quietly?
I think that people forget that God speaks to people in different ways. In this person’s case, it is through her writing. God has shown his ways through many saints lives. Many have used the written word to show his glory through it. For example Sr Faustina, Hildegard of Bingen, Teresa of Liseaux, God touched them through the written word. (Not that this person is a saint) But as Catholics we forget that God manifests himself in the arts. Our churches are decorated by thousands of years of artists and we have also benefited from writers as well. Mass is supposed to be a time where people spend time with God and if a person finds God inside the mass and her writing, she should be allowed to have that freedom. Writing after mass is difficult because people are leaving and the priest wants to lock the church. As for the posting that claimed the person was showing off, how can one show off when they are writing quietly in a journal?

 

[maryjk]

To Padraig1972-How can writing in a journal distract anyone when they are writing quietly?
I think that people forget that God speaks to people in different ways. In this person’s case, it is through her writing. God has shown his ways through many saints lives. Many have used the written word to show his glory through it. For example Sr Faustina, Hildegard of Bingen, Teresa of Liseaux, God touched them through the written word. (Not that this person is a saint) But as Catholics we forget that God manifests himself in the arts. Our churches are decorated by thousands of years of artists and we have also benefited from writers as well. Mass is supposed to be a time where people spend time with God and if a person finds God inside the mass and her writing, she should be allowed to have that freedom. Writing after mass is difficult because people are leaving and the priest wants to lock the church. As for the posting that claimed the person was showing off, how can one show off when they are writing quietly in a journal?

So you would be equally okay with someone painting during Mass? As long as that is how God spoke to the painter? Or with someone dancing? As long as that is how God spoke to the dancer?

The OP indicated that the friend is writing poetry during Mass, not just taking notes.

 

[Daizies]

How would any one else know she was writing poetry unless they were reading what she was writing? If I saw someone writing, I would assume they were taking notes. I think too much focus is being put on the poetry part. As I said before, some people express their thoughts better in poetic form - it’s not really that big of a deal. Writing is not comparable to painting or dancing since writing can be done unobtrusively, while painting and dancing cannot.