[Polycarp]

Email this Pastor

[Polycarp]

Do not be a hostgrabber. Put both hands out for the Eucharistic minister (ordained or not) to place in your hand. Say "amen" loudly so all around you can hear. Look at the Body and Blood as you receive it.n No looking at the priest, or closing your eyes, and certainly not making the sign of the Cross, genuflecting, or other meaningless actions. You blessed yourself in the Baptismal Font at the beginning of Mass, and before the opening Prayer–that's enough.

I need to increase my blood pressure meds ping!

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[Desdemona]

Un-be@#$%ing believable.

1. Everyone in this parish should receive a piece of the consecrated Bread, and drink from the common cup. Jesus (not the Church) instituted the Mass in ratione coenae (in the nature of a meal), not in the form of a snack. Nine hundred years of host ("What’s that?" Jesus would say.) history does not excuse us from the twofold facet of communing as Jesus intended and the Bible handed on.

Is this guy kidding? Everyone? Everyone who's been to Confession. Come on, we all know the rules.

2. People who enter the building, which their presence in Faith will make into a church, should reach into the Baptismal Font and bless themselves, educating their children to do the same. This applies to the innumerable latecomers. Incidentally, if you are ten minutes late (look at your watch in the parking lot), go to another Mass. Missing the three Bible readings manifests your misunderstanding of what Mass is: Word and Meal.

Or Liturgy of the Word and Liturgy of the Eucharist. And sometimes being late ain't our fault. If the Gloria is sung, we won't miss any readings by being ten minutes late anyway.

3. Do not leave early. The priest should always be the first one out of the church. If you have prescheduled appointments, reschedule your Mass. Last week I confronted three people leaving early. And one of them, to add insult to injury, had blessed herself on the way out–a meaningless, pietistic gesture.

It's called the Sign of the Cross, you moron, and it's timeless. Every now and then, something happens at Mass that's not previously announced (like 34 Candidates for Confirmation signing their contracts) which makes some of us late for work. Therefore, we have to leave early and go to another Mass because we know we didn't fulfill our Sunday obligation.

4. Do not bring any games, toys, Cheerios, etc., to the church building. Little children belong in the nursery, and younger children at the Liturgy of the Word. If you have uncontrollable children, consult psychiatrist listings, or arrange with your life-sharing spouse to go to separate Liturgies until control is restored in the family (which is usually the problem). There are a few exceptions–autistic children, et similia, who are more than welcome.

Okay, I have some sympathy here, but you could use a little TACT in talking about young children who are full of energy.

5. When the cantor introduces the service, answer the "Good Morning" or "Good Evening". That’s the cue to stop conversation. In our parish, the older people seem to be the chief offenders. When the cantor leads the singing, or the lector is reading, they are presiding at that part of the Mass. Look at them and pay attention to them. The overall presider is the presbyter (Priest), but not the only one. Notice that when the cantor is leading the Hallelujah how the priest turns and faces him/her, an acknowledgement of presidency.

Hallelujah? That's number 44 in Handel's "Messiah". The Gospel Acclaimation is "Alleluia". Three of them. And, please, read the literature on the role of the cantor. No where does it say ANYTHING about a cantor presiding. The attention is appreciated and screaming children are just a bit distracting.

Skpping 6.

7. When it is time to sing, everyone sing. When it is time to be silent, everyone should be quiet. The Mass has ups and downs built into it. You should have ups and downs in your moods, singing, and actions.

If you don't want to sing, don't.

8. Do not be a hostgrabber. Put both hands out for the Eucharistic minister (ordained or not) to place in your hand. Say "amen" loudly so all around you can hear. Look at the Body and Blood as you receive it.n No looking at the priest, or closing your eyes, and certainly not making the sign of the Cross, genuflecting, or other meaningless actions. You blessed yourself in the Baptismal Font at the beginning of Mass, and before the opening Prayer–that's enough.

Look, dude, you're way out of line here. None of this is meaningless, and if you think so, you shouldn't be a priest.

Sorry, had to get that out of my system. Writing a more appropriate letter now.

[ArrogantBustard]

I lived for a number of years in Norfolk, Va. I used to (sort of) know Fr. Quinlan. He was a nut, the sort of priest who turned the Mass into a circus. He was a pioneer in the use of bizarrely coloured vestments, inane felt-banner decorations, bad music with semi-pelagian lyrics, ad-libbing the Order of the Mass, etc. In many ways, he was one of the creators of the very sort of irreverent mess that he now decries. I've rather lost touch with him. He may, in his old age, seen the errors of his youth; he may be trying to correct them. While I cannot 100% endorse what he says, here, I strongly agree with the general thrust of it. Congregational behaviour in the Dreadful Diocese of Richmond is generally very irreverent. Priestly behaviour, though, isn't much better. The people have learnt from their leadership. The whole Diocese needs to be cleansed.

OBTW, the DDR has a serious 'priest shortage'. Gee, I wonder: "Why"?

[COBOL2Java]

Perhaps this parish priest could make use of this book by James Aiken:

As described:

Using the church's official sources, James Akin explains the do's and don'ts of Catholic worship clearly and concisely in Mass Confusion. Thousands of parishioners and their priests find this book invaluable. This book distill answers form a mountain of liturgical documents and silences personal misrepresentations of the Church's liturgical law.

"Mass Confusion" is available at the catholic.com bookstore

[ArrogantBustard]

From #6: However, the chattering, laughing, howling, and conversation before the cantor signals the beginning of the service is highly encouraged.

Wow. Missed that on the first go-round. Kooky Quinlan hasn't learnt a thing. It's called "Reverence", Father. It applies any time you're in Church, before the Blessed Sacrament.

I wonder where the Tabernacle is hidden. It certainly isn't behind the Altar, where it belongs. That's reserved for his highness' throne.

Not the ugliest Sanctuary I've ever seen, but close.

[ArrogantBustard]

From #2

Missing the three Bible readings manifests your misunderstanding of what Mass is: Word and Meal.

Fr. Quinlan, have you ever heard the term "Holy Sacrifice of the Mass"?

[Onelifetogive]

And one of them, to add insult to injury, had blessed herself on the way out–a meaningless, pietistic gesture.

...and certainly not making the sign of the Cross, genuflecting, or other meaningless actions.

Another Catholic almost stumbling and falling into Biblical truth.

[ArrogantBustard]

From #8

Look at the Body and Blood as you receive it.n No looking at the priest, or closing your eyes, and certainly not making the sign of the Cross, genuflecting, or other meaningless actions.

Once again, Fr. Quinlan misses the point. The problems he objects to relate to insufficient reverence for, or even failure to believe in, the real presence of Our Lord in the Eucharist. So what does he do? Denigrate signs of reverence! The lack of overt signs of reverence invariably leads to overt irreverance.

[heyheyhey]

Nice pick! ;-)

One more example of the "liberal," or "modernist," or "progressive" [choose your favorite] idiocy in action.

The whole thing above is terribly confused, yet resembles a misbegotten attempt to bring some kind of an "order" by disseminating even more confusion.

I wish to point out only two [out of many] fallacies in the above "instruction."

-- Fallacy #1. The Eucharistic Sacrifice [the Mass] referred to as a meal.

The Code of Canon Law and numerous other documents of the Church present the holy Eucharist as a Sacrifice. Referring to the Holy Mass as to a meal only demonstrates the lack of faith in its union with Calvary and Christ's Redemption.

Fallacy #2. 5. When the cantor introduces the service, answer the "Good Morning" or "Good Evening". That’s the cue to stop conversation.

Firstly, "Good Morning" or "Good Evening" are not especially Christian greetings to write regulations and fuss about.

Secondly, what has ever happened to the silence in the church? Silence as a sign of respect for the presence of the Sanctissimum, and respect for our fellow parishioners who may wish to pray in church in a moment of silence?

The General Instruction of the Roman Missal says this,

SILENCE
45. [...] Even before the celebration itself, it is praiseworthy for silence to be observed in church, in the sacristy and adjacent areas, so that all may dispose themselves for the sacred rites which are to be enacted in a devout and fitting manner.

The Adoremus Bulletin has an informative article on the topic of church silence, Silence and the Sacred.

[SoothingDave]

And one of them, to add insult to injury, had blessed herself on the way out–a meaningless, pietistic gesture.

I wouldn't exactly call such things "meaningless" nor use "pietistic" as an insult. (Piety is to be discouraged now?).

But blessing oneself on the way out of Church is not strictly necessary. On the way in, we are "cleansing" ourselves and preparing to enter into the Presence of God.

On the way out we have the Presence within, or at least have been given a blessing. (Assuming one stays for the entire Mass.)

Blessing oneself with holy water on the way out certainly does no harm, but symbolicly it is not necessary to purify oneself on the way out to the world.

SD

[Flying Circus]

1. Everyone in this parish should receive a piece of the consecrated Bread, and drink from the common cup.

EVERYONE??? How about an admonishment to examine one's conscience prior to recieving? Of course that would remind people of the need for confession and penance... and most priests seen to feel the burden of showing up for 15 minutes on Sat. to be too burdensome these days.

Also, communion is valid in either form- we don't need to take both forms for it to be valid communion- thought the Mass needs both the wine and the bread. Personally, I would be much more comfortable with the cup if the eucharist was distributed like the Byzantines do- the communicant recieves the bread and wine mixed together from a spoon. A tincturn would be a good alternative too. I am happy to recieve the blood of Christ, it is what the fellow with bleeding gums left behind ten seconds ago I can do without.

2. People who enter the building, which their presence in Faith will make into a church, should reach into the Baptismal Font and bless themselves, educating their children to do the same. This applies to the innumerable latecomers. Incidentally, if you are ten minutes late (look at your watch in the parking lot), go to another Mass. Missing the three Bible readings manifests your misunderstanding of what Mass is: Word and Meal.

Agreed and agreed.

3. Do not leave early. The priest should always be the first one out of the church.

Agreed.

4. Do not bring any games, toys, Cheerios, etc., to the church building. Little children belong in the nursery, and younger children at the Liturgy of the Word. If you have uncontrollable children, consult psychiatrist listings, or arrange with your life-sharing spouse to go to separate Liturgies until control is restored in the family (which is usually the problem). There are a few exceptions–autistic children, et similia, who are more than welcome.

Cry rooms are your friends. Children should be present for as much of the word as possible though, but I agree that keeping them entertained with books and games isn't good and can be distracting to other around them.

5. When the cantor introduces the service, answer the "Good Morning" or "Good Evening". That’s the cue to stop conversation.

6. When there is a lull, it is not a signal to start chattering. However, the chattering, laughing, howling, and conversation before the cantor signals the beginning of the service is highly encouraged.

Parishioners should take their discussions outside- before, during and after Mass. Have some respect others, especially Christ who is present in the tabernacle. Many people like to pray while they are there and that isn't easy when people are chattering nearby. Chatter inside of the church should not be encouraged.

7. When it is time to sing, everyone sing. When it is time to be silent, everyone should be quiet. The Mass has ups and downs built into it. You should have ups and downs in your moods, singing, and actions.

I will sing if I want to. I will sing the prayers of the Mass. I will not sing to campy new age crud, nor will I sing the complicated lyrics of some new song that is handed to me on a sheet as I enter the church, nor will I ever participate in kum-ba-ya or We Shall Overcome or any similar nonsense. Give me a beautiful hymn that I know the words to and I will belt it out with the best of them.

8. Do not be a hostgrabber. Put both hands out for the Eucharistic minister (ordained or not) to place in your hand. Say "amen" loudly so all around you can hear. Look at the Body and Blood as you receive it.n No looking at the priest, or closing your eyes, and certainly not making the sign of the Cross, genuflecting, or other meaningless actions. You blessed yourself in the Baptismal Font at the beginning of Mass, and before the opening Prayer–that's enough.

Extraordinary Eucharistic ministers should be avoided. Father, you avoid putting them out their when they are not needed and I will not have to avoid receiving from one. You are right that crossing or genuflecting are not needed afterwards, but correct posture IS needed immeadiately beforehand ie. kneeling or a deep bow.

[yendu bwam]

Actually, while this is way over the top, there has been a downward movement in many Catholic Churches with regard to civility and respect and politeness during Mass. I have routinely seen kids eating breakfast in the pews; I have routinely heard people engaging in conversation during mass; people routinely, in our parish, leave the Church just as the final hymn starts to be sung. When children are misbehaving, parents seem increasingly reluctant to remove them - resulting in the priest trying to speak at times above the din of several children crying or having temper tantrums. In short, I have noticed over the years, a steady decline in respect for the Mass itself.

[american colleen]

You think this priest is a bit off? Look at this story for another one of Bishop Sullivan's band in the poor, benighted Diocese of Richmond.

On Heaven:
``There's just God and me and you. No devil. No angels. But there is a heaven, and Jesus is in it. And I can't wait to get there.''

On his inattention to his health:
``People ask me `Who's your doctor?' I say, `Franklin Funeral Home.' ''

On the Rosary:
``I hate the Rosary.''

On his priorities as a Catholic: ``To me, if you don't serve the poor, then forget it.''

On celebrating marriages:
``The sermon could be seven minutes longer or 27 minutes. If I don't like the bride and groom, I'll talk even longer.''

On himself:
"I hope I haven't scandalized you. I wouldn't mind if I did."

On being a free-thinker:
``When you come to the Catholic church and dip your finger in the holy water, don't throw your brains out at the same time.''

On the design of his last church:
``I hired a Jewish architect. I told him, "If you make it look like a church, I'll kill you.''

Recommendation for his epitaph:
``He was odd.''

[B Knotts]

Is this the same guy?

"FOOL FOR CHRIST": PRIEST WHOSE BEHAVIOR SOMETIMES SHOCKS BRINGS HIS UNORTHODOX MINISTERIAL WAYS TO BEACH CHURCH

[Antoninus]

certainly not making the sign of the Cross, genuflecting, or other meaningless actions.

Grrrrr... This priest is so far out of line here. He could learn a few things if he read about the saints. Like this one:

Extract from the Jesuit Relations, ca. 1646

"...Father Jogues blessed the food and himself with the Sign of the Cross. 'Stop that', the old [Iroquois] chief snapped at him. 'That gesture is no good. The Dutchmen have told us of it....They hate these ceremonies of yours, and we hate them also. It is the making of that sign which caused the death of your comrade [St. Rene Goupil]; and it will be the cause of your death if you continue to form it among us.'

'That doesn't make any difference to me,' Jogues answered. 'I shall continue to form this Sign of the Cross, since the Author of our lives commands it. Let the people do whatever they please about it.'

I chose the advice of a Saint and Martyr over this priest's, personally.

[Dusty Rose]

if you are ten minutes late (look at your watch in the parking lot), go to another Mass. Missing the three Bible readings manifests your misunderstanding of what Mass ...

10 minutes! Must be a quickie Mass.