Why are Catholics so eager to leave once mass has ended? - Page 2

**po18guy** · #16 Jun 11, '12, 11:38 pm

In Latin, at the end of the mass, the Priest announces "Ite, missa est" or, "Go, you are sent (on mission). It probably traces back to that, although we are seeing more and more "fellowshipping" afterward, as our non-Catholic brethren do.

odile53 · #17 Jun 11, '12, 11:57 pm

That was one Mass change that I wasn't all that crazy about, when the dismissal became "Go, the Mass is ended." Of course, it just is the English form of "Ite, Missa est."

If you're so disposed, it sounds a little like "Get outta here!" Maybe they should have held on to "go in peace to love and serve the Lord." I don't know.

A lot of older churches are constructed so that all there is in the church building is the church (meaning, no gathering place, no social area.) Those things are located in other buildings on the church complex, if you have them in the first place. In the case of my home parish, we're in the final stages of the building fund for a new parish center actually attached to the church, meaning you can access it from the right-hand side entrance. I've seen the plans, and they look great. They're razing the old school building, which has been vacant for probably twenty years, and is far beyond repair and restoration. The parish school closed some thirty years ago in favor of a regional Catholic academy, apparently (I only moved to this town about five years ago.)

I recall the parish I grew up in when I was a child: It was a temporary structure, and when they started the building fund, halfway through they decided to build a parish center rather than a church. The church didn't come along for another twenty years after they built what people derisively called "the bingo palace." There were a lot of hurt feelings over that change in plans.

But before we dismiss Catholics as not interested in fellowship after Mass, take a look at the physical plant of your parish: Does it even lend itself to getting people together? In my old parish (childhood) the parish hall is over a hundred yards away from the church. Little old ladies with walkers, harried parents shepherding a large group of children, and those disinclined to slog their way across a packed parking lot with people leaving in a hurry in bad weather aren't going to head there for a donut and a cup of coffee.

If the parish covers a large geographic area, chances are a lot of people have no clue as to who each other is, especially if there are only a couple of Masses on the weekend. Sitting there looking alone and hopeful with a cup of coffee in a styrofoam cup after Mass probably doesn't cut it for a lot of people.

onmyknees · #18 Jun 12, '12, 12:17 am

At my parish about half of the people get up and leave right after the blessing and before the last hymn. The priest isn't even out of the sanctuary yet. I try not to let it bother me but it really does. They are stepping over you to get out while the rest of us are trying to sing the song.

I don't think it is very respectful to the clergy either. I wish I knew why they were in such a hurry to leave.

When I was young my father always used to have us arrive at church early to pray/prepare before the mass started. Then we would stay for a while and pray to the Blessed Sacrament after mass.

We would all socialize down in the school gym when the KOC had pancake breakfasts, or we were having parish potlucks, carnivals, and bake sales. My parents would go to the dances they held on the Saturday nights.

Now at my parish we have coffee and donuts downstairs in the hall after mass but whenever I go down there there are just a few people down there. It is really sad.

Pitcharan · #19 Jun 12, '12, 12:27 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by khuldar

I've only attended two churches since my journey started into the Catholic faith but one thing I have noticed is that most catholic's seem so eager to leave once Mass has finished and not hang about in fellowship with the congregation?

Is this happening worldwide or just symptomatic to New Zealand? In most if not all protestant churches I attended prior to coming into full communion most people stayed behind for at least 20 minutes to catch up with people?

Curious to see what people have to say about it.

If i've posted this thread in the wrong place please let me know, i'm still getting used to the forum's...

I've come across a few parishes where members spend quality time after mass socializing and sharing. I guess that those who want to get away quickly want to make the most of their weekly rest. Having had this sharing background, you may try and promote fellowship after mass as it is also a beautiful way to spend our Sunday off.

Seira · #20 Jun 12, '12, 12:40 am

When I was younger I always wanted to get out of there ASAP. I was hungry. since I hadn't eaten since the night before. I'm positive that more than a few occasions the priest noticed my tummy growling when recieving Communion. Talk about spiritually hungry. It also didn't help that one of the priests was notorious for giving 1 1/2 hr homilies. It wasn't unusual that you came out realising you were in mass for over 2 hrs.

MissRose73 · #21 Jun 12, '12, 2:35 am

Every church is different. Not all parishes offer fellowship of any kind after Mass, some do so every weekend, others perhaps once a month. If there is to be any type of fellowship after Mass like refreshments after, the priest should announce it especially if its only once a month.

Yes, I sometimes leave after Mass immediately. Yes, there are times I participate in the fellowship activity. It all depends on my schedule for the day too.

john78 · #22 Jun 12, '12, 2:46 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by khuldar

I've only attended two churches since my journey started into the Catholic faith but one thing I have noticed is that most catholic's seem so eager to leave once Mass has finished and not hang about in fellowship with the congregation?

Is this happening worldwide or just symptomatic to New Zealand? In most if not all protestant churches I attended prior to coming into full communion most people stayed behind for at least 20 minutes to catch up with people?

Curious to see what people have to say about it.

If i've posted this thread in the wrong place please let me know, i'm still getting used to the forum's...

Nope not just where you are, here in Florida to,,, I remember one time in West Palm Beach I must have been driving a bit too slow out of the parking lot and someone actually yelled at me to hurry up.

It seems some in congregations are Catholic for one hour and as soon as they exit the doors , POOF !

It appears to be a race out the door and also the parking lot,

I usually dont pay attention to it any more, and I mean no one knows if someone has pending matters at home to tend too, or maybe the persons heart is in turmoil.

For me personally it is because i do have pending matters at home or my heart is in turmoil, but even then i try to leave as calm as possible as to not be rude or disturbing to others.

Ah and if the OP is speaking in regards of fellowship at times my parish does offer a pancake breakfast or something of the sort, and a lot of people do attend it, personally I just enjoy eating at home mainly because i live in a big community , i would imagine in a small town where things are tighter it might be nice to share a meal with a community of friends and neighbors.

**po18guy** · #23 Jun 12, '12, 2:50 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by john78

Nope not just where you are, here in Florida to,,, I remember one time in West Palm Beach I must have been driving a bit too slow out of the parking lot and someone actually yelled at me to hurry up.

It seems some in congregations are Catholic for one hour and as soon as they exit the doors , POOF !

It appears to be a race out the door and also the parking lot,

I usually dont pay attention to it any more, and I mean no one knows if someone has pending matters at home to tend too, or maybe the persons heart is in turmoil.

For me personally it is because i do have pending matters at home or my heart is in turmoil, but even then i try to leave as calm as possible as to not be rude or disturbing to others.

In the 1960s, before I was Catholic, there was a new parish built across the street from my house. When mass was over, we used to marvel at the competition to get out of the lot. We called it the "Catholic Grand Prix"

Lost Wanderer · #24 Jun 12, '12, 3:06 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by khuldar

Is this happening worldwide or just symptomatic to New Zealand? In most if not all protestant churches I attended prior to coming into full communion most people stayed behind for at least 20 minutes to catch up with people?

This is indeed more of a social thing than a religious thing. I can understand why someone like you would like to hang around people who share your eagerness for the faith. But as LilyM said, just because everyone attends mass it means we're all familiar with each other. (By the way, I say this as someone who attends Mass at the neighborhood chapel. Even then, not everybody knows everyone else.)

I don't think it's a sad thing either. People are just different. I go to Mass to get some wisdom, try to talk to God, briefly reflect on my life etc, etc. You know? The whole contemplative package. On the other hand, it'd be hard to socialize with someone like me unless you're uber friendly, eager to know me as an individual... oh and at least realize that I'm a geek who's a member of not one but several highly underestimated and highly underrated, modern-day subcultures. :P

khuldar · #25 Jun 12, '12, 12:22 pm

I guess it's the small town syndrome, I live in one of those small towns if you blink for 5 min you miss it

The Lord has called my family to shift here but it's almost like we've got to prove ourselves first and even then alot of people seem facetious, maybe it's just the whole catholic for an hour thing mentioned above...

I'm still finding my feet & looking to Jesus but it makes it hard when people can't/won't take the time to say hello to anyone that is so obviously new, maybe i'll just start staying around afterwards and chat to Jesus... I know he doesn't mind

DawnInTexas · #26 Jun 12, '12, 3:08 pm

A thought came to me:

Protestant "Services" serve? Whom? The people?

Catholic Mass-is all about Him.

I really don't know. What's the definition of "Service" to a Protestant?

Here is just one such answer from the Web:

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_th...atholic_Church

...Answer
Christian service is the act of doing work for God with a willing heart. For example, willingly spending your time and resources to aid the propagation of the gospel. See Deut 6:13 and Psalm 2:11...

God Bless you.
+Jesus, I Trust in You!
Love, Dawn

ricmat · #27 Jun 12, '12, 4:14 pm

At our parish, we have masses back-to-back. Coming back to the pews from communion you're lucky if somebody hasn't taken your seat (so they have one for the Mass that immediately follows). How can you be sociable when people are stampeding into the church before your Mass is even over?

rant over

PS I forgot to mention that if you don't get out quick, you can't move your car because somebody has parked behind you and in front of you......

rant really over now

TheCartoonist · #28 Jun 12, '12, 7:21 pm

My mom has to work on Sunday's, so we usually attend the earliest Mass and leave right after so she has enough time to get ready. My dad has one or two friends he likes to talk to when we have the time but we're always in such a rush. It is sad though, since I'd like to make more friends at the church. However, since we do go to the earliest Mass (7:30) there's not many younger people. While I could attend a later Mass in order to stay, I'm torn because I like to go with my family, and I sometimes have to work on Sundays as well.

7 Sorrows · #29 Jun 12, '12, 7:48 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by po18guy

In the 1960s, before I was Catholic, there was a new parish built across the street from my house. When mass was over, we used to marvel at the competition to get out of the lot. We called it the "Catholic Grand Prix"

that is funny - the Catholic Grand Prix!!

there definitely is a rush to get to the parking lot and be the first one headed home in my parish too. on sunday mornings, they do serve donuts, coffee and punch after each Mass, and a few people will hang around for that. some will socialize and others just stand there and consume the food and drink. they don't even have anything after the 5pm Mass because those people just want to get out of there and don't want to hang around. maybe they go out to dinner, i am not sure.
i do find it sad and i think another poster made a good point when he/she said that for many people attending Mass has become just an obligation - something to get out of the way and get over with. i am sure that is not how Jesus intended the celebration of the Mass to be.
i mysef have been guilty of rushing out of Mass - although i do wait until the priest has left the sanctuary, but i don't usualy wait until the last hymn has finished.

Eric Casey · #30 Jun 12, '12, 7:58 pm

simply to have a larger selection at the doughnut shop. why else?