Chewing gum
Reverence much? This restriction on gum chewing fits into the obligation that we not eat or drink anything (save for water) for atleast an hour before receiving Holy Communion (the Eucharistic fast). If it’s edible and you swallow it, you’re not fasting. Sure, you might not swallow the whole of the gum, but you swallow the part that dissolves. No, this isn’t scrupulosity.
Receiving Communion after unconfessed mortal sin
This is no joke. According to Scripture, people have died for receiving with the improper disposition, and no disposition is so improper as being in a state of mortal sin. Please, go to Reconciliation, and don’t even bother with scheduled times. Get thee to a rectory ASAP, or maybe just show up to Mass 30 minutes [yes, 30] early and ask for Reconciliation.
Clapping at the end of Mass
I’ll tell you what I want to clap right now…! Papa Emeritus wrote this before his pontificate:
Wherever applause breaks out in the liturgy because of some human achievement, it is a sure sign that the essence of liturgy has totally disappeared and been replaced by a kind of religious entertainment.
For the love of God — literally — don’t clap after Mass.
Relying on the priest as though he is cuing the people what to do and say
In case you haven’t grasped this yet, the priest is not there to guide you through a lengthy routine of gestures, words, and postures. This isn’t an exercise class. The priest is there to celebrate sacred mysteries. He’s going to do the work of God, the liturgy, whether you are present or not. If it helps, just imagine that he has his back to you (ad orientem).
Rushing through the motions
What’s the difference between thoughtfully drawing three tiny crosses on your head, lips, and heart, and doing it with the speed of a man on speed? Let the words and gestures wash over you. Think about them. Relish them. Thank God that you get to do them and join in the worship of the Catholics who lived almost two millenia ago.
Wearing revealing clothes
I don’t think you understood the call to lay yourself bare before God. Revealing clothing is distracting, sure, but that’s not the worst of it. It’s an offense against the virtue of modesty. Those sweatpants with writing across the bum draw attention to said bum, and present an opportunity for temptation. Build up other parts of the Body, don’t trip them up. Also, respect the solemnity, right?
Playing on your phone
Oh, I’m sorry, is the presence of God Almighty not enough to hold your attention? Do you find the Word of God and the sacred mysteries of the Church established by the Incarnate God boring? Stop. Just stop. This verges on sacrilege, and the best thing to do right now is leave that little black box in your car, lest a priest confiscate it and “accidentally” drop a thurible on it.
The half-a-genuflect
Do you half shake hands too? Maybe you half high-five. What does it feel like to half hug? Awkward, huh? “How do you know if you genuflected?” Did your knee touch the floor? Yes, good. No — Fail! You are never in a more holy or sacred moment than at Mass, in the presence of Jesus the Christ. On our knees is where we belong.
Not striking your breast at the Confiteor
Who told you this was optional? We don’t all have our acts totally together, so how abouts we get our acts together and start acknowledging not having our acts together. “Through my fault [pound],. through my fault [pound], through my most grievous fault [pound]…” Let this remind you that it ought to hurt your heart when you offend God.
With regard to “Playing On Your Phone”:
I am a Secular Franciscan. I have promised to pray the Liturgy of the Hours for the rest of my life. I do have a Breviary, but the evil genius who dreamed this up in the Middle Ages must have wanted to torture priests and Third Order members. It is nearly impossible to figure out where to go on the day in question at the appropriate time, unless you purchase an index guide every year. At least it is for a person of my low intellect!
Fortunately for me and my Secular brothers and sisters (and priests), there is a website (Divine Office) that has the Hours of the day at hand. It is much less cumbersome and confusing than the Breviary, and it is far easier to transport.
I often use the Divine Office website on my smartphone, sometimes in church before Mass or after Mass (NEVER during Mass!) I do not have to bring my Breviary to Mass, and I do not have to map out where I need to be in it before I get down to business. I pull up the website, click on the appropriate hour, read, and pray. Easy peasy.
I know you are referring to those who cannot cut the unbilical cord to their e-mail or Facebook pages (or sports coverage) while at church. But just so you know, some of us are legitimately doing our duty to the Faith and our vocation when we are looking at our phones (ONLY before and after Mass, NEVER during!!!!)
Peace and all good!
Right on. Navigating the breviary is hard, but it is awesome.
David – In addition to the Divine Office website, I believe there is another website called I-Breviary. I agree that the breviary is awesome, and it is nice to read from a book just as the priests, sisters, and third order members have done for centuries. But after two years of using it, I still get lost without the guide. If one has to travel or is somewhere where the breviary is hard to juggle, the website option is helpful.
BTW – I enjoy the blog and your articles! I like the lists. It reminds me of the things I need to work at!
Thank you. It’s encouraging to hear of even a little appreciation.
I occasionally attend mass near a local hospital and several different Drs are regular attendees…they are often in and out on phone and texting, this enables them to make it to mass without ignoring possible urgent problems….it allows them to be there instead of having to skip….
I too became a third order Franciscan when I was a teenager working in a Franciscan chapel. The Little Office of the Virgin was the norm. I was using My Daily Psalm Book, from the Confraternity of the Precious Blood. The psalms are arranged in the same order as the priests’breviary and I was in love with it. My confessor gave his blessing for me to continue with it. In any case, look for it. You’ll be glad you did.
Thanx for the suggestion, my fellow Franciscan! I do love the Liturgy of the Hours, it is just difficult to find where I need to be without the guide. Maybe in time it will become easier. I will look for the Little Office of the Virgin. Doesn’t it feel like we are praying as a family, even when we pray alone, knowing other Third Order brothers and sisters are praying all over the world?!
My Daily Psalm Book is a jewel. It contains the Psalter arranged according to the Breviary. Beautifully illustrated, it is easy to use and can be supplemented with a daily reading from the Gospel and Epistles. God bless and say one for me!
In general I agree with you about the half-genuflecting, but realistically some people aren’t aren’t as mobile. Imagine an older gentlemen or a pregnant women trying to go all the way down and then back up. Something (even a bow if possible) is better than nothing. I have on occasion done the quickest half bow ever before dashing after a sneaky and fast child. It’s not done because of a lack of respect. On the contrary given the situation of an individual a half-bow can be the most respectful thing ever.
Also the phone thing is annoying. But I try not to make a hasty judgement. Some people have the readings/missal on their phone and can read that better than the one in the pew (or projector) because you can zoom in. I just wish that people put them away during the homily.
As an Orthodox Christian, a deep bow is the norm. Notice that Pope Francis bows. In his case he has a bad leg. We also prostrate during penitential services. I have an assitant to help me get up and three times is done without fully standing. After many years (75) it’s the best I can do. God forgive me!
The whole NO is wrong…
Cranmer Service=Bugnini NO Mass
“With respect to the Mass, let’s consider a few of the changes to the liturgy that the Protestant heretics of the 16th century employed and see if there are any similarities to the new Mass.
1.) The heretics changed the language from Latin to the vernacular.
2.) The heretics began to receive communion under both forms.
3.) The heretics received in the hand while standing.
4.) The heretics stripped their churches of the statues, and replaced Gregorian chant with more secular style music.
5.) The heretics downplayed the sacrificial nature of the Mass, and focused on the community meal aspect.
6.) The heretics had the minister begin to face the people.
7.) And lastly they offered their service on a table, rather than an altar.
Let us consider if any of these changes are found in the new Mass. If so, we should ask ourselves if the heretics were correct in what they did? Were they being led by the Holy Ghost, but just a little ahead of their time? And let us also consider the “fruits” of the heretics “mass” and those of the Novus Ordo. In both cases the fruits have been generally the same: A loss of faith in the sacrificial nature of the Mass and in belief in the true presence. In short, a loss of the Catholic faith.”
It is not a heresy to speak a language other than Latin, it is not a heresy to receive communion in both forms, it is not a heresy to receive communion in the hand, or while standing. These are ancient practices and still present in liturgies as old or older than the Latin Mass, look to the Eastern Catholic Church.
The change in decorating and in music is not a heresy, even if regrettable, and the difference between a table and an alter is completely subjective, though it clearly can have deep and spiritual meaning, as can the posture of the priest…but these are not heresies either.
The downplaying of the Sacrice of the Mass….you are on to something here…stick to this
Why is it that it’s only when I start reading Catholic blogs and discussion forums, that I get concerned with what others are or aren’t doing at mass? Who bowed and who didn’t, why didn’t that person genuflect, oooh I wonder if that person should be going to communion.
This is all totally inapproriate thinking. It’s time for me to pull the plug again. I suggest the author think about doing the same, before those nosy attitudes get transferred into those three little girls of his.
Nobody has endorsed judging others or presuming to know the interior dispositions of anyone. Some people don’t follow the norms because they can’t, while some for inappropriate reasons. Never should we presume to know.
You’ve missed my point. I’m trying to tell you that the advice in these articles is, for the most part, bad. It makes no difference if you make crosses on your head, lips and heart – or no – or how quickly you make them. The “quality” of one’s genuflection. Whether you happen to be the first person to sit or stand.
You’ve titled this series of articles “Things You’re Doing Wrong”. You should have called it “Things I Don’t Happen To Like” or maybe “Things They Didn’t Do In My Childhood Parish, So I Think They Are Wrong”. But that doesn’t make you right, and doesn’t entitle you to hold your personal style preferences over the heads of others.
There is just no reason for you to make anyone suspicious about the “quality” of their mass attendance. Boo to you.
Larry, I think what is important is to remember to be sure to give it our best for God. Not to do anything thoughtlessly or half-heartedly when it is God we are worshipping. And to remember it is in His presence we are gathering. There is a reason for everything we do at Mass, and it is to praise God.
I think that is what David is reminding us of. Just a check up and encouragement, not a scolding. I do not think he was reprimanding anyone, and I did not detect condescension in the article.
I expect, like me, you try to be as pleasing as possible to God, or you would not be reading blogs like this. For myself, I appreciate reminders and explanations of why we worship and practice our Faith as we do. Maybe it was to someone like me, who is a not as well-catechized as I ought to be, for which this was written, and I am grateful.
Peace and all good to you.
Excellent suggestion, Things I don’t like, etc. Who says they are wrong.
Larry, when read this, I was thinking of what I might be doing wrong, not others. I think that is probably the spirit it in which it was written.
Personally, I appreciate being educated on the fine points of properly living my Faith. I can use all the help I can get. I enjoyed this and other articles on this subject because they educate me without making me feel ignorant.
Until we make it to heaven, God willing, we are all works in progress. I appreciate the help and encouragement others share with me. That is why I read blogs like this.
God bless you!
I totally agree Larry.
Some sick article. I mean really. Isn’t there more to worry about. Maybe you have too much time on your hands.
Rondre, this article was not sick nor insignificant. I, and perhaps others, appreciate the reminders David brought up. It was well-written, well-intended, and not preachy. I am not sure what you are objecting to.
In my opinion, nothing is more important than the Mass. It is important to me to pray well and properly. I am eager to learn how I can perfect my prayer life and correct my mistakes.
Perhaps it is you who have too much time on your hands if you insist on reading, and then criticizing, an article about a subject you find unimportant.
Peace and blessings to you.
I wish I had too much time on my hands too busy ministering and smelling like the sheep. You may want to broaden your views by getting out more.
Peace to you too.
Not sure what you are talking about. Peace.
smk629, you are making my point perfectly. Please do not concern yourself with imaginary “mistakes”. The attitude of these articles is poisonous. Yes they appeal to a certain element of “Catholic OCD” who imagines that nothing is good enough. Curiously, these people only voice their opinions online.
I am reminded of the conclusion of the homily at the church I attended this weekend. Given by a very kindly and holy priest of over 50 years. He said something like “Jesus has done 99.999% of the work of salvation, and he asks for you to do the remaining 0.001%. I think he would be pleased with the 0.001% we are showing here today. God bless you all.”
The last two are incorrect and a rash judgment. Especially the second to last one. Many folks cannot genuflect but their hearts are in the right place. So they 1/2 genuflect. It would be better if they gave a very reverent bow which is what I have to do now that I have a torn meniscus in my left knee. Unlike playing with your phone or wearing inappropriate clothes (even if not immodest clothing can be inapproriate), chewing gum, unworthily receiving the Eucharist which anyone with any maturity or a brain should realize is wrong, the genuflect is different. AND with the Confiteor, many people do not know this or have not been taught this. Lastly how about writing this to teach folks instead of commenting in a sacrcastic biting way!
I would love to do a full genuflect. However, I am not sure I would be able to gracefully get back up. I think sometimes, the intent matters just as much. I would appreciate some feedback on this though, I have always understood that the striking of the breast at the Confiteor is optional as it is really an action of the priest and not the laity. Does anyone have an opinion on this? I would be interested in knowing as I am a convert and I don’t see everyone doing it at Mass.
The interior disposition is what truly matters. That said, our outward actions ought to reflect that inward disposition. If physical limitations are an issue, then they’re an issue. That’s fine, and we certainly don’t endorse presuming that those who do a “half-genuflect” are necessarily being disrespectful.
The Order of the Mass currently reads, “All likewise…striking their breast, say…” So, I believe it is expected (for lack of a better word). That said, this was not always the wording. The prior wording implied that only the priest struck his breast. So, the respected liturgists that I’ve read have all said that it is optional for the faithful. My tendency is to go with the current instruction though.
Thanks so much for your reply…it was very kind of you. Sometimes as a convert I feel like such a newbie…I welcome articles such as yours to educate me. Though I learned a lot in the RCIA process, there is soooo much still to learn! God’s richest blessings to you!
I am actually glad to know that my “1/2 genuflect” causes scandal. I am disabled, but on the rare occasion I am able to attend Mass I will bow reverently instead – I hadn’t thought of that. I am also a ‘1/2 kneeler’ (bum on the pew) as I can’t kneel and I can’t bear not to kneel; I know it looks terrible, but I don’t have a solution.
I know we shouldn’t pay attention to what people are doing around us but sometimes we can’t help but see things and it is distracting.
No scandal caused, Teresa. We aren’t being legalistic or narrow-minded here.
Everything here is the norm. However, just like the hour-long fast prior to Mass doesn’t need to be observed by those who have medical reasons for not fasting, so too is it perfectly fine for people to not observe these lesser requirements if their situation prevents them.
The problem is that I don’t look disabled: I am only 49 and I am usually confined to my house/bed so nobody knows me. If I were to be judged by outward appearances I would seem to be irreverent.
I certainly understand. I’ve known people even younger whose outward appearance and behavior would look to many like irreverence. My wife’s tailbone injury is a prime example.
Nobody should be judging anyone by outward appearances, but outward appearances ought to reflect interior dispositions where possible. Where and when it’s not possible, we do what we can. God knows the heart.