I recall a few years ago when our former pastor, dressed in his cassock, would walk the aisles of the church between Masses (obviously, at Masses where he was not the celebrant). Those who tended to treat these times as jovial social occasions, upon seeing him, would usually clam up. Anyone who didn't get the message would be gently reminded that this was a house of prayer, not an episode of "Cheers." It made a difference!
Those who tended to treat these times as jovial social occasions, upon seeing him, would usually clam up.
***
I'd like to see this in my parish. This past Sunday, right before Mass, I was straining to hear the instructions from the cantor regarding what we would be singing. Straining because there was a man who had walked down the side aisle and then stopped to talk with someone in a loud voice. I wanted to shush him, and then I realized that it was the pastor!
**Anyone who didn't get the message would be gently reminded that this was a house of prayer, **
What a wonderful suggestion! Unfortunately, too many parishes have only one priests these days.