September 22, 2002

FROM A CONCERNED PARISHIONER

This was received as a reflection from one of our own. I thought it had a lot of merit for all of us. So Augie's message takes a back seat to a concern from someone from the pew.

I am writing to see if the trend of talking before Mass bothers only me, or am I unique in this area. Several months ago I saw a letter in Miss Manner's column complaining of the same thing in Churches of various denominations around the country.

I initially thought this was the community's way of reconnecting after the events of September 11th, but I have points of reference that predate that faithful day. What I would like to know is, when did it become acceptable to chat about mundane topics in CONVERSATIONAL VOLUME in Church in anticipation of Mass?

I do not consider myself prudish, but Sunday's are my opportunity to attend Mass and receive the Eucharist, and I like to spend my time before Mass preparing for that. Unfortunately, I end up distracted by the general buzz or by specific conversations nearby. I have found myself moving around to different pews but the CONVERSATIONAL VOLUME carries itself to all ends of our small, but beautiful Church, but I have hearing deficiency.

I also get the feeling that some days that I not among the congregation, but among an audience awaiting a performance and their talking only subsides when the commentator begins to speak. Frankly, I am saddened that my co-parishioners are not moved to reverence in the presence of the Eucharist, and seem to have no need to prepare to receive the Lord's precious Body and Blood.

Even if this is the case, a show of respect for those who wish to prepare in a recollected prayerful way seems not too much to ask.

AUGIE SAYS: What does it really mean "TO LOVE ONE ANOTHER?" True love is not always harmonious and it is anything but easy. We find true love entails humility, hard work, and, yes, even confrontation. This issue of CONVERSATIONAL VOLUME CONTROL is an issue. We have been graciously challenged by one of our own to take ownership for RESPECT for the Eucharist first and foremost and then for each other's need for prayer and reflection.

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