writing during mass?

[PatriceA]

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.

Or perhaps she’s not so unobrtusive in her writing, that could be the difference between the average parishoner taking an occasion note during the homily and someone that is actually drawing unneeded attention to herself. The part that may have distrubed the other parishoners and why the woman in question was asked to leave a particular Mass is because of the way she conducted herself while she was writing, not the actual writing of poetry itself.

 

[Kathryn_Ann]

This is a very interesting thread!:heaven::harp::heaven:
Is there anything in Church Rules/CCC, Magisterium about this?
Kathryn Ann:curtsey::curtsey:

 

[poorsinner7]

A friend of mine writes in her journal during mass. She always uses a pen and a spiral journal. Mass and adoration always stirs her soul in amazing ways. God seems to communicate with her in unique ways and the poetry she writes during these times is just amazing. She usually stops writing just after the homily. I don’t personally have a problem with it since it’s where she communicates with God. I’m wondering is it alright that she writes?

I know she has been kicked out of one church because the priest doesn’t like her writing. Apparently people have complained about it, so the priest’s way of handling it was telling her to either refrain from writing or don’t attend mass. Those who know her, understand writing is part of her spirit and don’t question it. I don’t personally see how it could be a problem if someone is writing in a journal (pen and paper.) Any type of electronic device ex: ipad, iphone, tablet, I could see and so does she hence the pen and paper. She also likes to take notes of the pastor’s homily. Her present pastor understands her writing and her unique connection with God. What are your thoughts on this matter?

My wife writes poetry during adoration. But she pays attention during mass. She’s a convert. The priest has a right to do as he did; however, I do believe it was imprudent. If she’s Catholic, she really needs to participate in mass completely. But, if she’s bothering those around her there is just cause for the priest’s steps. Participating in worshiping of God trumps self-expression. The community vs the individual. We are a community. Tell her to stay an extra hour in the orator to get her creativity flowing and to spend the hour in mass paying attention to worshiping God as prescribed by the Church, not her.

 

[gh4]

I am amazed at the people here who want to tell other people how they should act and react during mass. Why would you care if someone is writing notes, poetry, or in their journal? If it bothers you, don’t sit near them. Let them deal with God and their own souls and if you feel it’s sin, then don’t write. I refuse to believe that not one person has never ever had their mind wander during a homily or even during other parts of the mass. If someone wants to write poetry quietly, let them write. Ignore them. If someone wants to take notes, let them, be glad that they are interested enough in the homily to take notes and if the homily inspires someone to write poetry, then that’s what they get from the homily. Not everyone who hears the same words will get exactly the same thing from those words, we are all different, and what inspires me may not inspire you etc. and so forth.

Edited to add that this is during the homily from what I understand. And yes, writing when one is supposed to be kneeling etc. is not good, but during the homily it shouldn’t be an issue.

 

[LilyM]

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.

Obviously the writing of the OP’s friend was obtrusive enough for it to bother her previous priest. So you can’t say everyone does it unobtrusively.

So Mass is all about us as individuals expressing our thoughts, huh? Not really. We have 166 or 167 other hours in the week to do that.

Yes we sing hymns - as a community, together, hymns that have been chosen beforehand for us by the music director. We don’t get to each sing whatever we want.

Yes we say prayers - the words of which are pre-written for us and set out in the Missal. We don’t each get to say whatever we want.

Yes we have a homily - which is for us to listen to. We don’t get to hear whatever we want.

 

[LilyM]

I am amazed at the people here who want to tell other people how they should act and react during mass. Why would you care if someone is writing notes, poetry, or in their journal? If it bothers you, don’t sit near them. Let them deal with God and their own souls and if you feel it’s sin, then don’t write. I refuse to believe that not one person has never ever had their mind wander during a homily or even during other parts of the mass. If someone wants to write poetry quietly, let them write. Ignore them. If someone wants to take notes, let them, be glad that they are interested enough in the homily to take notes and if the homily inspires someone to write poetry, then that’s what they get from the homily. Not everyone who hears the same words will get exactly the same thing from those words, we are all different, and what inspires me may not inspire you etc. and so forth.

Edited to add that this is during the homily from what I understand. And yes, writing when one is supposed to be kneeling etc. is not good, but during the homily it shouldn’t be an issue.

No one has said it’s a sin for starters.

Secondly - why NOT when everyone else is kneeling? Why not while she’s walking up the aisle to receive Communion (assuming she can write and walk at the same time)? Why not any blessed time she feels like it?

Is the homily somehow less a part of Mass than Communion or the bits where we kneel? Or somehow less important than the bits where we kneel?

If the homily is any of these things, then why is it mandated that every Sunday Mass MUST have a homily? If it is equally or more important, then why not write during other portions of the Mass?

 

[gh4]

Uncle. I give up. You all take the cake.
I am going to go and join a religion allows me to write in peace during the sermon if I want to do so.

 

[Kathryn_Ann]

Dear SecretGarden, this is a hard question, and I think quite important. :angel1:

Although I would not judge the lady, and she may be a very special person, I would not encourage the practice. I say this as a writer, and someone who is also on the autism spectrum. I am very sorry that such a drastic action was taken, that of her being “thrown out” of a parish. My heart goes out to her. That said, I also would simply find it odd to see an adult take out a pen and paper and start writing during Mass, for whatever innocent or well- intentioned reason.

I recall that there were saints who had some differing reactions during the Mass, one who swooned and seemed to stop breathing, etc. God does sometimes deal with people in very unusual ways, so I think we must tread carefully here.

Is the lady aware that some people may still find her actions distracting? Does she care about this? I understand writers being inspired by the Muses, but I also understand that Mass is a communal event. If she is writing only during the homily, I might think she is simply taking notes. But all during the Mass? The music may inspire her, but could she not come to a choir practice or is her inspiration found only in the presence of others? Why? Is there any selfish reason involved, wanting to stand out and be different? What is her motive? Those would be my questions.

The question you have posed is an important one, because we want to be compassionate and considerate,* yet so should she. * If she is an adult fully capable of seeing reactions all around her, I would ask her if she is at all worried that her writing might cause someone to be distracted.

While we do not need “blinders” on as some might suggest, to keep all of us looking straight ahead, I don’t think it’s harsh or judgemental to think about this. I will really pray about this, as it’s touched off a number of feelings in me as a writer. A scripture comes to mind that might be helpful:" Let all things be done decently and in order." Is this a question of causing another to take his or her attention and focus away from Our Lord? Or are we judging too harshly?

I can only comment as a writer here and as a Catholic poet:
*
As inspired as I might become during the Mass, I simply would not pick up pen and paper until afterward, feeling that the attention should not be about my reactions to what is happening around me, but to The Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist.*

To believe in that Holy Presence is to be in awe, and because of that, my pen would fall from my hands as surely as my knees bend in worship and my eyes open and close moving from praise to prayer.

And so , I will pray about this further,
Kathryn Ann:heaven:

 

[Irishgal49]

It’s not a question of whether you can, it’s a question of whether you should.

You may perfectly well understand that I am able to listen to you AND my IPod both at the same time, but if I do it, it’s still sending a message to you that you’re not worthy of my complete attention. Which is very rude.

As for the poetry - I used to do a bit myself in my younger days. If I thought of something even half-decent I was certainly always able to remember it for at least an hour or so. Meaning your friend can easily commit her deathless verse to paper when outside Mass.

Stopping after the homily really doesn’t mean anything. The Mass is composed of TWO parts. The Liturgy of the Word is so important that without it there’s no Mass. So it deserves her undivided attention as much as the Eucharist. To be consistent, if she’s goin to scribble away during the homily, she may as well do so during the Eucharistic prayer and in the communion line too. she could probably wrote some fantastic stuff if she did so.

What if God told her to write something down? What if she’s taking notes on what’s said? I see nothing wrong with it. I guess I’m too busy with my own issues to worry about what everyone else is doing during Mass.

 

[LilyM]

What if God told her to write something down? What if she’s taking notes on what’s said? I see nothing wrong with it. I guess I’m too busy with my own issues to worry about what everyone else is doing during Mass.

Many of the great Saints did receive inspiration from God, which they wrote down. I don’t doubt that some received the inspiration while at Mass. However, I know of none who didn’t or couldn’t, wait until outside the Mass to do the actual writing.

What did God say to the great Moses and Elijah, when they were with Jesus at the Transfiguration? “HEAR Him”. Not "Hear Him and write down everything He says - and by the way make sure to do it right now or I’ll be very cross!’

 

[elizabeth_anne_1]

Well…I am one of those who will jot down notes for further meditation during the homily…and I don’t feel the least bit bad about it. If someone has a problem with that then they really need to take a look at why they are harboring judgment in their heart when what I am doing is not harming anyone and is helping me to pray. It helps me to pray, to be attentive and to retain the message of the preaching. It is actually a virtue to think the best of others and I guess I have always believed that those around me would be more concerned about their own prayer during the mass and less about mine.

 

[Irishgal49]

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?’

So YOUR opinion is the correct one and everyone else is wrong? What about the person with short-term memory loss or someone that has an urgent appt or family need after Mass? Is it really going to tear you up if I write a few notes? I say focus on your own worship and let others do the same.

 

[Irishgal49]

I believe she should talk to her pastor and ask him for his spiritual direction in this matter. If he tells her no, not to write poetry during the Liturgy of the Word, she should obey. If she chooses to do it anyway, it seems not to be something God is calling her to do. Sounds like she needs some spiritual guidance.

It couldn’t be that the priest could actually be wrong??? I’d simply sit out of eyeshot and write anyway. If it’s distracting, I’m sure she could find a place to sit where it’s not hurting anyone. Most churches are more than 1/2 empty. It’s not like you can’t sit in the balcony or cry room or something.

 

[Irishgal49]

I am amazed at the people here who want to tell other people how they should act and react during mass. Why would you care if someone is writing notes, poetry, or in their journal? If it bothers you, don’t sit near them. Let them deal with God and their own souls and if you feel it’s sin, then don’t write. I refuse to believe that not one person has never ever had their mind wander during a homily or even during other parts of the mass. If someone wants to write poetry quietly, let them write. Ignore them. If someone wants to take notes, let them, be glad that they are interested enough in the homily to take notes and if the homily inspires someone to write poetry, then that’s what they get from the homily. Not everyone who hears the same words will get exactly the same thing from those words, we are all different, and what inspires me may not inspire you etc. and so forth.

Edited to add that this is during the homily from what I understand. And yes, writing when one is supposed to be kneeling etc. is not good, but during the homily it shouldn’t be an issue.

I sum up my feelings to everyone telling her what constitutes paying attention and how to act in Mass this way: Mind your own business and then you won’t be minding hers. If my priest says I can’t write during Mass and I feel that is essential and IS an act of worship then I will go somewhere else. She did and guess what? Her current priest is OK with it. I think people try to inflict their ideas for what is right for them on everyone else. I don’t care if you pick your nose, balance your checkbook, or sleep, that’s your problem. I tend to read during Mass but that’s because I get restless feeling and that’s how I keep myself seated. If the parish was “offended” because she has a gift (sounds like jealousy to me) then good riddance. Nice thing about our faith, lots of churches to go to.

 

[Irishgal49]

Many of the great Saints did receive inspiration from God, which they wrote down. I don’t doubt that some received the inspiration while at Mass. However, I know of none who didn’t or couldn’t, wait until outside the Mass to do the actual writing.

What did God say to the great Moses and Elijah, when they were with Jesus at the Transfiguration? “HEAR Him”. Not "Hear Him and write down everything He says - and by the way make sure to do it right now or I’ll be very cross!’

That is so taken out of context I will laugh now.

 

[Daizies]

Obviously the writing of the OP’s friend was obtrusive enough for it to bother her previous priest. So you can’t say everyone does it unobtrusively.

So Mass is all about us as individuals expressing our thoughts, huh? Not really. We have 166 or 167 other hours in the week to do that.

Yes we sing hymns - as a community, together, hymns that have been chosen beforehand for us by the music director. We don’t get to each sing whatever we want.

Yes we say prayers - the words of which are pre-written for us and set out in the Missal. We don’t each get to say whatever we want.

Yes we have a homily - which is for us to listen to. We don’t get to hear whatever we want.

I’m not talking about self expression - I’m talking about someone writing in a notebook. I have sat through enough lectures in my life to know that taking notes while someone is talking means by necessity you have to pay attention. Whether your notes are written in bullet form or haiku really shouldn’t matter. We’re not talking about someone who is dancing in the aisles or standing on their head or singing Ave Maria while everyone else sings the Gloria. It completely baffles me that this makes you so angry.
Some people don’t have a good memory, and they forget things quickly. Some people have a short attention span and need to do something to pay attention. Why is this so bad?

 

[LilyM]

I’m scratching my head about all this pleading of bad memory.

See, I’m ADD and so know all about what it’s like to have shocking short-term memory - in fact shocking long-term memory and shocking every-other-term-of-memory-there-is too. I know all about having to write down shopping lists, to-do lists and reminders of what day of the week it is.

And yet, and yet … when something strikes me during Mass it STRIKES. And stays struck - at least long enough for me to get it down on paper afterwards if I feel the urge.

Do you honestly think all those Saints, particularly the evangelists, who wrote were all possessed of brilliant memories? Of course not. Yet somehow, some way, the Spirit managed to make sure they remembered everything that needed remembering - and for decades, not just the half an hour or so between the homily and the end of Mass. And THEN ensured that they were able to write it all down accurately when they wanted.

I am put in mind of the verse from the Old Testament ‘trust in God and lean not on your own understanding’. I think ‘trust in God and lean not on your own memories/notebooks’ might be an apt substitution here.

I also find the comparison with lectures a bit concerning.

Firstly - we take notes in lectures because for the most part we are expected to regurgitate or semi-regurgitate a sizable chunk of their contents in the form of exams or other assignments. I can’t for the life of me see our salvation or anything else of real import hinging on how accurately we recollect the minutiae of each week’s homilies.

Secondly - when I was at university we were fortunate enough to have our lectures recorded and available on the Internet for those unable to attend a particular one. Similarly on the Internet were the overhead PowerPoint slides used by the lecturers during their lectures.

I know that on numerous occasions when I went back to the recorded lectures and PowerPoints I found that my own notes were either inaccurate or missed chunks of significant data - so much so that I would on quite a number of occasions have been far better off simply listening and looking.

 

[Holly3278]

I don’t think Mass is the right time to be doing your journaling. You need to be fully focused on the Mass when you are at Mass.

 

[CB_Catholic]

Uncle. I give up. You all take the cake.
I am going to go and join a religion allows me to write in peace during the sermon if I want to do so.

So you are going to let those who disagree with you chase you out of the Church just because a few people on an internet forum out of a billion Catholics in the whole world don’t like something? Don’t let others walk around in your head. They have no authority whatsoever over you.

You go to another church (and believe me I’ve been there) and you will just get criticized for things far more innocuous than writing down one’s thoughts during Mass. You have a conscience, use it. To allow others, even Catholics, tempt you to leave means, IMO, that your attachment to Christ in the Eucharist needs some working on. People have died in order to practice Catholicism and continue to receive the Eucharist rather than give in to others.

In my opinion, anyone who is so inspired to write religious poetry during that part of Mass is probably far more engaged with Christ at the moment than most of the people there. People are always talking about worshipping as a community, yet these forums are full of people who talk about “my time with Jesus” and how they don’t like to be interrupted during their time by crying babies, people wishing to give the sign of peace, or someone offering a hand to them during the Our Father. I don’t get it.

 

[TrueLight]

Do you honestly think all those Saints, particularly the evangelists, who wrote were all possessed of brilliant memories? Of course not. Yet somehow, some way, the Spirit managed to make sure they remembered everything that needed remembering - and for decades, not just the half an hour or so between the homily and the end of Mass. And THEN ensured that they were able to write it all down accurately when they wanted.

Very good question. Because of course, you have a play by play of every second of their lives and know everything they did.

In my Grandma’s day she had to memorize whole chapters of books word by word. In this day and age, do we have these skills of memorization?

Do you have a brilliant memory? Good for you. Not everyone does.

Apples and Pears.