Joe Doakes e-mails on Mass Manners:
Good post. Wish more people knew the old rules.
Went to Mass at St. Luke’s on Summit Avenue a few years ago; positively medieval. People wandering three rows over to shake hands, kids playing with toy trucks in the pews, and whining – I’m not talking about a baby crying, infants can’t help it – these were kids old enough to be swatted and told Sit Down And Shut Up. Couldn’t hear myself think, much less pray.
Yes, the Mass is a family event, but not a family event like going to Chuck E. Cheese, more like going to visit the maiden aunt whose sofa has crocheted antimacassars held on with hat pins. Different set of behaviors expected.
