Did You Know

Every table where a family gathers to “break bread together” deserves respect – the table is the sign (not the t.v.) of the family’s unity and care for one another. Table manners are important, as a sign of respect for one another and a way of ‘bonding.’ Social scientists are telling us that one of the greatest pressures on family life and stability is the growing infrequency of family mealtimes: quality time spent together without the distractions of smartphones or earbuds or other electronic devices! The importance of the meal taken together has enormous significance in the Sacred Scriptures. Check out all of the references to meals in the Scriptures – and especially in the Gospels! This brings us to the Mass – the Holiest Meal – in the life of the Church! How we dress, how we speak to one another, the attention that we give to what this Meal is about – these are also indicators of our reverence for our Lord, the Host of this Meal and our respect for those with whom we share it – our “companions on the Journey” – our fellow worshippers!

Perhaps we have become a little careless about our “table manners” at Mass, and if so, we ought to make some needed adjustments. For instance, “beach wear” is not appropriate attire for this Sacred Meal. Neither are “sports water bottles” appropriate in church. Chewing gum is never appropriate, any more than at a dinner party!

In American culture, arriving late for a dinner engagement is considered an act of rudeness – a gesture of disrespect – and it is disrespectful to arrive late for Mass and distracting and inconveniencing other worshippers. Now, we certainly understand that if there are small children in a family, unforeseen delays are the norm, and we are just happy that they made it here to be with us!

And while it is always good and even necessary to greet others as we arrive and leave, prolonged or loud conversations which intrude upon the prayer-filled quiet of the church are intrusive, as our fellow worshippers are quietly preparing for or thanking for the Gift of the Eucharist,

Likewise, during the Mass when the congregation is kneeling, we should not move around in the church. In the event of a sudden “necessity”, we should wait to come back to our place until after the congregation is again standing. Put simply, we should try never to be a distraction to others during the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. It really comes down to reverence for God and respect for our fellow “Table guests”!

Our children and our visitors, (perhaps some who are not Catholics), are observing us, and our actions speak louder than our words. Our “table manners” are a statement about our respect for our Lord and for our sisters and brothers in Christ – our

companions! Please think about it – our God and our fellow worshippers deserve our respect!