ON Sunday morning at Mass recently a very curious incident occurred. As we stood and prayed before receipt of Holy Communion I observed a boy aged about 10 attending Mass with his parents and siblings.
What caused him to distract me and bring him to my notice? His dancing and jiving! I then noticed he was singing along with himself.
Then I saw something that made my jaw drop – he was wearing a pair of earphones connected to an iPod in his hands. He was listening to “music” whilst Mass was being celebrated.
Obviously he had the blessing of his parents as he was seated next to them and walked out of the church in front of them at the conclusion of Mass still jiving and singing along to his “music”.
As he walked out I drew the attention of another parishioner, who was seated next to me, to the boy. She laughed in response.
The church is being treated as an entertainment hall where weekly Sunday socials (the Mass) are held. Prior to Mass people wander around chatting with each other as well as others chatting together in the pews whilst awaiting commencement of Mass.
Respect for the Presence of our Lord in the Tabernacle is virtually non-existent. That respect for the Mass is seriously declining as well is evidenced by this recent incident with the boy.
Those who wish to pray and contemplate in respectful silence are being denied that right.
What can we do to restore the respect that is rightfully due?
JOHN McMAHON
Kolonga, Qld
