Well, church was a nightmare

[Anonymous]

I went to Easter vigil last night. 2.5 hour mass, but I got so much more out of it. Much more than I would have at the overcrowded masses today.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:That is why, even though we go to mass on regular Sundays, we don't go on Christmas and Easter. Yes, I know it's a sin.

Op here. This is exactly how I feel. These are the two services I get nothing out of every year. It's just not worth it. I'd rather stay home and read the stories from the Bible and pray on our own. I mean really, our church has to hold enough services and give out tickets or something. You can't pack 1000 people in a space designed for 600. It's just ridiculous.

For the high holidays, many synagogues issue tickets and charge up to a couple hundred dollars for non-members.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I suspect there's another element to the OP's vent. It's sort of a backhanded way of saying she's better than all of these "fair weather" Christians who only come to church on Christmas and Easter. What would Jesus say? Anyone remember the Pharisees from the Bible?

Yes. This is why I told OP to shut up.

Furthermore if she wanted to get on a high horse, then she wouldn't be celebrating easter in the first place. Passover yes, the pagan holiday of easter no. So before you want to pat yourself on the back, you might want to actually read the Bible you claim to follow. Or just be happy that people are at least trying.

I give people like OP respect for at least trying even though Christians should not celebrate Christmas or Easter. I feel no need to make anyone feel bad if they choose to partake in pagan celebrations that have been disguised as honors to Jesus. It is an insult really but I know people mean well. That doesn't make me better than anyone who is ignorant of or who chooses to ignore the obvious contradictions.

You don't think this smacks of hostility and judgment? Really??

[Anonymous]

I honestly don't care what they do. It's not like I hate them. It's just not a very prayerful occasion to be packed in like a sardine, preschooler in tow, trying to hear the service over the din. They can pray at home every Sunday except Easter and Christmas, and I'll go every other Sunday and stay home to make room for them on our two holiest days. Maybe there's some heavenly award for the sacrifice.

OP, given your attitude, I suspect you're being . . . overly optimistic about what lies ahead for you in eternity, regular church attendance notwithstanding.

[Anonymous]

Our church had 5 services today... We chose the 8 am service, rather than one of the 9:30 or 11:00 services specifically because it wouldn't be crazy crowded.

[Anonymous]

OP one suggestion is to go to another church on E and C-one that is not so heavily attended. Our parish is always 3/4 full max

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

I don't think that. I just don't get why, if you never come any other time, being there on Christmas and Easter means so much to you. .

If you are Catholic you have a special obligation to receive communion on Easter. It's canon law.

Religion is the opiate of the masses.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

I don't think that. I just don't get why, if you never come any other time, being there on Christmas and Easter means so much to you. .

If you are Catholic you have a special obligation to receive communion on Easter. It's canon law.

Very true, it's just interesting that if canon law matters so much to these families that they only show up those two days of the year.

OP, I am Catholic and I appreciate the sentiment with which you are venting. We showed up at church 1/2hr early and had to let our normally wonderfully-behaved preschooler run around in the lobby to burn energy until Mass started simply so that we could get a seat. And, while I think it's wonderful any time families show up for church, it was full of kids who clearly didn't know how to behave since sitting quietly at Mass for an hour was a new experience for them.

I hope to see more of these folks more than once a year since we have a wonderful parish, but I agree it is a bit frustrating sometimes from a logistical standpoint for us regulars!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

I don't think that. I just don't get why, if you never come any other time, being there on Christmas and Easter means so much to you. .

If you are Catholic you have a special obligation to receive communion on Easter. It's canon law.

And you're telling me that Catholics who never show up any other time CARE about canon law? Really?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I suspect there's another element to the OP's vent. It's sort of a backhanded way of saying she's better than all of these "fair weather" Christians who only come to church on Christmas and Easter. What would Jesus say? Anyone remember the Pharisees from the Bible?

Yes. This is why I told OP to shut up.

Furthermore if she wanted to get on a high horse, then she wouldn't be celebrating easter in the first place. Passover yes, the pagan holiday of easter no. So before you want to pat yourself on the back, you might want to actually read the Bible you claim to follow. Or just be happy that people are at least trying.

I give people like OP respect for at least trying even though Christians should not celebrate Christmas or Easter. I feel no need to make anyone feel bad if they choose to partake in pagan celebrations that have been disguised as honors to Jesus. It is an insult really but I know people mean well. That doesn't make me better than anyone who is ignorant of or who chooses to ignore the obvious contradictions.

You are a bigoted asshole. Take your own advice and be quiet already.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP one suggestion is to go to another church on E and C-one that is not so heavily attended. Our parish is always 3/4 full max

Which one? I would happily take an open seat.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:That is why, even though we go to mass on regular Sundays, we don't go on Christmas and Easter. Yes, I know it's a sin.

Op here. This is exactly how I feel. These are the two services I get nothing out of every year. It's just not worth it. I'd rather stay home and read the stories from the Bible and pray on our own. I mean really, our church has to hold enough services and give out tickets or something. You can't pack 1000 people in a space designed for 600. It's just ridiculous.

For the high holidays, many synagogues issue tickets and charge up to a couple hundred dollars for non-members.

An excellent idea.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We're often with my parents for holidays. While I've made a choice to leave the Catholic Church for political reasons, I often attend Christmas or Easter mass to make my mother happy. My leaving the church troubles my mother, which I regret, so I "honor my father and mother" by going on those days if we're together. If DH and the children and I spend the holidays on our own, we don't go.

Sorry for making conditions at your mass unpleasant for you, OP. I do it for unselfish reasons, if that makes you feel any better.

Happy Easter and peace be with you.

+1 I could've written this. I go on the holidays because it means a lot to my parents to attend together.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP one suggestion is to go to another church on E and C-one that is not so heavily attended. Our parish is always 3/4 full max

Which one? I would happily take an open seat.

Nativity in DC- we go to the 12 pm mass which is a gospel mass- if that's not your cup of tea the 10 o'clock is
more traditional. It is a very welcoming diverse parish run by Salesians

[Anonymous]

It occurred to me that I think OP has the totally wrong attitude, although I don't fault her for it because holidays are stressful. But on those days where new people are in church, you should take the opportunity to make them want to come every week, you should say hi to all the new people you see and greet them and make them feel GOOD about going to church so that they will want to come every week. You should say hello to the families of people that you know and be kind and welcoming, not upset that they're taking up your precious space!