Comments on: Happiness and heartache on the confession line

By: Fran Rossi Szpylczyn

Fran Rossi Szpylczyn — Wed, 25 Mar 2015 10:45:30 +0000

Your candor is a beautiful gift Mary. How could you not feel uncharitable in those circumstances? I’m all for church being social, but NOT ALL THE TIME! Sorry, I shouted. Ooops. Anyway, silence is a lost grace in the world, isn’t it?

Thanks for this post and for your thoughtful presence – and that of your family – in the world. You all live generously among us, what a gift.

By: Mary DeTurris Poust

Mary DeTurris Poust — Tue, 24 Mar 2015 12:27:31 +0000

In reply to Linda.

Linda,
I think what you did at your celebration makes all the difference — the music, the prayer guide, the concluding prayer and song, and, of course, the meeting with parents. Our children were told ahead of time that they would all have the same penance: to do something nice for someone. And so there was no reason for anyone to stay after confession to say a prayer. At least no reason as far as the kids and parents were concerned. Sounds like you’re doing exactly the right thing! God bless you.
Mary

By: Thomas

Thomas — Mon, 23 Mar 2015 23:11:18 +0000

Good point about laying out the rules at the parents’ meeting, Linda. Parishioners at my church have been admonished from the pulpit about too much chatter before and after Mass. I’m guilty myself, even when the discussion is church related. And we seniors have a tendency to talk above a whisper. I’ll take Mary’s story as yet “another” reminder to “take it outside” when I feel the urge to converse with a fellow congregants.

By: Linda

Linda — Mon, 23 Mar 2015 20:52:30 +0000

Hi Mary,
We just had our fourth graders celebrating the Sacrament on Saturday – the parents were present and quiet remained. We played soft music, and I gave out a parent prayer for meditation. The children had the chance to choose from two priests who had chairs set up on either side of the altar. Really, it was reverent and joyful. While children were waiting they sat in the front pews – and yes, they were quiet without any reminders. As each child finished they went back to the large Baptismal font, blessed themselves and received a candle to place on the table near the altar. They were given a small private card to write a personal prayer, smiles on all faces. We concluded together with a sign of peace and a song.
The key was the parent meeting which really prepared and educated the parents – the tone was set at that time. This has been my experience for the past 14 years at OLA.

By: Michael Ryan

Michael Ryan — Mon, 23 Mar 2015 17:58:18 +0000

In reply to Laurie. Well said.

By: Peter Ranalli

Peter Ranalli — Mon, 23 Mar 2015 13:12:04 +0000

The sad fact is that the liturgical mayhem you describe is has become a “normal” phenomenon in far too many of our parishes. I think many of us have sometimes witnessed a loud “buzz” from the congregation before Mass. Solemnity is the crux of the matter, and you have just given us another reason why the Extraordinary Form of the Mass and other sacraments is needed now more than ever as a healthy antidote to the casual attitude that runs rampant. This behavior is a symptom showing how meaningless many of our people find the sacraments. Pope Benedict XVI understood this very well.

By: Laurie

Laurie — Mon, 23 Mar 2015 12:57:43 +0000

Hi, Mary. I am often troubled by the seemingly impossible task of others to be silent. I have seen and felt that people just cannot do it. I am often frustrated when I go to church early to seek silence and pray and instead find, as you said, adults chatting up a storm!! I find the most peace in my home. After raising three children, I find the time I can be in silence, precious!! I’m afraid it isn’t ever going to get any better so I often just stay home and avoid the places that drive me crazy with all the noise. I really wish that church didn’t have to be one of them!!