This was a letter in Newsday to the “God Squad” that astounded me. Notice the self righteousness.
I’d like to get your opinion about a very strict priest I encountered during my nephew’s first Communion. It was recommended that we be at church an hour before the Mass. With about half an hour to go, the pews were nearly full. Our two rows were filled with family members from around the country, most of whom had not seen each other in years. It seemed reasonable to think we could all talk to each other. Members of the whole congregation were also engrossed in conversations. During this time, the priest came out to tell us we were all in the presence of Christ and needed to be reverent. He said we were breaking the First Commandment that we should have no other Gods before us, and because we were not being silent, we were putting chit-chat before Christ. He told us we were sinning and were only to speak if it was absolutely necessary, adding that we were setting a bad example for the children. Then, he hastily walked away. As soon as he left, the talking resumed. The priest returned and stared at everyone. When they quieted down, he repeated the same things as before. I’d think that Jesus would love to see families gathered at church for such special occasions. Do you think this priest was out of line? Did we really violate the First Commandment? The priest from my hometown encourages parishioners to greet the people around them before Mass. – S., via e-mail
Notice he calls him a “very strict priest.” You gotta’ love how this guy says proudly how everyone went back to talking as soon as the priest walked out. What kind of people are these? But then comes the rationalization that Jesus loves to see us talking to each other.
Is there really this little awe and reverence of the Eucharist? Or is it simply no belief?
Father Tom Hartman responded that perhaps the priest had been too severe but added:
The treating of holy spaces as if they were corner bars is a growing problem, and the priest was right to say something to you and your family about proper decorum in church. Your family had plenty of time to catch up on things after Mass.
The communion rails are gone. We run through Communion like it’s just “Drive-Thru Jesus.” We receive from Eucharistic Ministers in sneakers and shorts. We hide the tabernacle in a closet. We can’t really be shocked that the people show no reverence towards the Eucharist when too often the Church has ignored Jesus.
September 26, 2007 at 1:28 pm
This is unfortunately true all over the US. Our parish (small parish in rural Virginia) is getting this way…after Mass has ended, the priest “presses the flesh” outside, but many in the church remain and instantly start yammering away, despite many of us praying to St Michal the Archangel or to the Blessed Mother, or (dare I say) GOD himself! I brought this up to the pastor, but it got waved off, like most things brought to his attention.
The “protestantizing” of the Mass has brought us to this point in time…only the people can fix this, since the bishops and pastors for the most part will not. Once we turn the church back into a place of worship and adoration (and not a meeting hall) will we see reverence and BELIEF return to the faithful.
September 26, 2007 at 3:56 pm
The problem is not with the “very strict priest,” rather its with all the semi-protestant priests who either do not believe in the Real Presence or do not respect Him. And there is no better example than that of a priest who has just Consecrated the Host walking around shaking hands. Those priests and bishops who, over the last 40 years have failed miserably to catechize the Faithful.
Not only do most of those attendees at the NO Masses not know how to behave in the presence of Our Lord, I wonder if they even believe that Our Lord IS present?
80% of the Faithful no longer even attend Mass and those who ran them off will answer to Our Lord.
September 26, 2007 at 6:03 pm
God be praised that this holy priest had the guts to point out what should be obvious to even moderately cathechized Catholics!
It seems apparent that this particular group of people were not only lacking in respect for our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament (which their child was about to receive for the first time), but were also lacking in common courtesy. They were asked to stop talking and continued to talk! How childish, not to mention rude!
It truly frustrates me when Catholics fall into the habit of telling everyone that their bad behavior is “what Jesus would want.” Self-righteous justification. God have mercy.
September 26, 2007 at 7:18 pm
I do believe it is a sign of our times. Nothing is sacred to us.
This priest was within his rights to do as he did. But I wonder if, when looking around within those walls, one would come away with the impression that there was anything sacred about the place.
Winston Churchill once said that our buildings help define us. Maybe that’s the problem.
September 26, 2007 at 7:44 pm
I experienced a similar situation at one of my niece’s First Communion earlier this year. At a suburban St. Louis parish, my family found our assigned pew and squeezed in. As my mom & I tried to pray our rosaries silently, we were surrounded by a DIN of noise. People were not just conversing, but loudly talking (sometimes yelling), leaning on the backs of the pews like it was a bar, guffawing, blah blah blah. More of my family showed up, so I opted to sit in the back of the Church. OMGOSH it was WORSE DURING the Mass! During the Consecration, there were people in front of me turning & talking about their kids OUT LOUD – not even whispering – catching up, etc., ad nauseum (literally). I was incensed. None of the priests made any requests for silence. Kudos to this priest for his bravery. We need more like him.
September 26, 2007 at 8:24 pm
If I come late to a Mass, and there is nothing left except the back row, I will leave and attend a later mass and get closer to the front.
IMHO, if you go to the back rows, and expect to get anything out of the Mass, except a headache, you will be disappointed.
I remember a college professor telling the class that in sporting events the FRONT rows are always the most popular, but in college courses, and church, the BACK rows are the most popular.
September 26, 2007 at 9:40 pm
when i walk into church with my brood of five I am forced to seek out the back row. In case of eruption I need to be close to the exits.
September 27, 2007 at 4:04 am
I want that priest’s name, and I want to be his campaign manager for Bishop (don’t tell me those guys don’t campaign…)
Actually my priest does this at 1st Communions, Confirmations, Graduation Masses; it has been a losing battle so far.
(Save the Liturgy, Save the World)
September 30, 2007 at 11:50 am
The only Catholic churches that seem to be an exception to this clamor and noise are those who offer the Traditional Latin Mass.
Right now I have the same issue, a very strict priest who does not like any noise, including babies quietly babbling. My poor husband has to spend the entire Mass outside because the gray hairs and the priest require perfect silence.