Mass Etiquette

Folks, I am usually a very easy going person in public places. I understand that people, by nature, are not quiet beings. Trust me, my family are not wallflowers. However this weekend I think the Lord was testing me, because no matter how hard I tried to concentrate on the service, I just couldn't. So here are a few helpful reminders for people that are attending an event where others are trying to concentrate on the message:

1) If you are looking for a place for you and your family of 5 to sit, don't choose the pew where the person is kneeling in prayer. I dare anyone to continue to pray whilst 6 people trample over them, and inadvertently step on them. ESPECIALLY if the pew directly in front of this person is EMPTY. Now I know the first row is scary to some people, but if you sit in the second row and the first row is empty...it is just like you are sitting in the front row...without the hassle of having to trip over the poor person on the kneeler praying. Just saying.

2) If you have a hacking cough that is so bad that you continuously cough throughout mass then you should go. God will understand. And if you choose not to leave, maybe you should sit back and cough into your hand. Leaning forward and not covering your mouth will not, let me repeat, WILL NOT make you feel any better. It will only cause the person in front of you, the person who is receiving your gift of germs, to be distracted beyond belief & want to run home and shower.

3) Now I have the utmost patience for children in mass. I get it, mass is hard for kids. But if you have a fussy infant, and you proceed to talk & laugh with this baby all through the readings & sermon, did you really participate in mass? A parent trying to pacify a baby is one thing, but to have a full blown conversation with the baby & then laugh when it does something cute? You could have done that at home, and the rest of us could have heard what the Father was saying. Again, I think God would understand if you took the baby out.

I know that I am rule follower, but I honestly don't believe that just going to Mass and being in the pew counts. I try my best to be attentive throughout the service, and have my heart and mind participating in what is going on around me. But man, today was rough. And to have all this going on directly behind me was killer. Like I said, maybe it was a test that I failed. Then again maybe it was a reminder of what that hour is supposed to be about, and help remind me that 11:30 mass is not for me. :) Thanks for letting me vent!