my annoyed face, let me show you it

[zedland]

So at church today I sat next to a pack of wild dogs. At least, you would think they would be wild dogs from the way they behaved, but I bet the wild dogs who read this would take offense because they are better behaved in church than these guys. Which got me all riled up, and hence this e-outlet for my frustration

Comments

[weaklingrecords]

Sooo...you're saying you don't have kids

[zedland]

whether I had kids or not I would feel the same way. I'm not expecting children to be catatonic in the pew. I am expecting that if a kid is screaming bloody murder, the parent do something about it instead of ignoring the child because the parent is kneeling in prayer. I'm expecting Father to not have to stop the Consecration because a child is too noisy for too long. I'm expecting parents to have quiet conversations with their children that are not significantly louder than, say, the homily.

[weaklingrecords]

For whatever reason, this post and your response to my comment are really making me angry. And so rather than extend the back and forth, I'll just say that I hope that you can pray for those people whose children are screaming and they are "doing nothing." It might be all they have left in them. It might be significantly better than an alternative course of action if they really are at the end of their tether. I hope that Father enjoys the sounds of children in Mass, even during his homily--even during the consecration. I hope that the Church that places so much emphasis on life would welcome children into Mass, even if they are ill-behaved. Otherwise, what's the point?

[lady_morgaine]

This hit home for me because, although Thomas is usually very well behaved during Mass, he was simply AWFUL today, even though it was right after a really long nap and a very hearty lunch. I was alone (my husband was at work) which made it even more difficult, and it was Palm Sunday, so the Mass was extra-long. We ended up spending most of the time out in the foyer because Thomas wouldn't stop crying if I wouldn't let him crawl around between the pews

[liturgycochair]

I remember when I first heard these bits of advice from you a few years back. I particularly liked the 'whisper in your ear' bit. Not being a parent, I can't verify they work {unlike Doug Jr.}, but it's good to remember if such circumstances pop up. Good stuff.

[jewels772]

I'm not a parent, nor do I come from a large family with little children. All I have to offer in terms of experience is being a regular Mass-goer. I'm with Rita, though