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Hi, guys —
Good day,
I am a Protestant on a journey of discovering the historical roots of my Christian faith. I feel drawn to the Catholic Church and have started online RCIA classes. (Our local Catholic parish doesn't run any at the moment). I have also begun attending mass as often as possible, trying to worship and pray with the local Catholic community, as recommended in the RCIA classes.
Our local parish isn't particularly traditional, and it is not uncommon to see people (even ladies) attend Mass in running shorts. I have had the opportunity to attend beautiful, reverent Masses during recent trips to Portugal and France (even a Latin Mass in France), and I find that those really resonate with me. I don't mind the more contemporary feel of our local parish, though, especially as the atmosphere is generally reverent during prayers.
Last Sunday, however, I sat behind two men who were obviously more than just best buddies. I tried to ignore them and focus on God and the prayers, telling myself that I shouldn't judge. However, they were quite shameless and left no doubt about their romantic attachment. At times, one put his arm around the other, one would lay his head on the other's shoulder, and I once even saw one winking at the other. Not even married couples (as in, man and woman) seem to feel that the Mass is the time or place for such shows of affection. And then these two went forward and received the Eucharist!
From this post in your knowledge base, I gather that I am right in understanding that openly gay couples (i.e. people who openly and obstinately persist in the sin of extramarital sexual relations) should not be admitted to Holy Communion:
I do take the point, though, that a careful, nuanced response is called for, not least because I cannot know exactly what is going on in their lives nor what would be beneficial for their salvation.
I must confess, I would be horrified if my children, especially the younger ones, witnessed such brazen shows of homosexual affection in church. My wife and children have been to Mass with me a couple of times, although none of them are really excited about it. One thing they do respect is the Catholic Church's adherence to the same truths throughout millennia, some of which have fallen by the wayside in most Protestant denominations.
We have always thought of the Catholic Church as family-friendly and family-oriented, but this really left me nonplussed and sad. My whole journey to the Catholic faith so far has felt like a return to ageless truths and practices, like a kind of journey home. For a long time, I have dithered between Eastern Orthodoxy and the Catholic Church, but I have come to see the authority of Peter (and, hence, his successors) as a point that can't be easily dismissed. Now it seems that the Catholic Church is also caving in to modern, depraved culture. Here is my question:
- What can/should I do about this?
The right thing to do seems to be to speak to the local priest about my experience and ask him to explain the situation to me, but he is on leave, and there was a visiting priest who said Mass. I really don't want to stir, especially as I am not even a parishioner, hence my question on this forum. I would appreciate any clarification and/or guidance you can give me at this difficult point in my faith journey.
Yours in Christ,
Seeking but confused,
Pererin Neb
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Mike replied:
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Dear Pererin,
My personal view, based on what you have said, is to find another pew in the Church where you and your family can focus and enjoy Mass more.
You said:
I do take the point, though, that a careful, nuanced response is called for, not least because I cannot know exactly what is going on in their lives nor what would be beneficial for their salvation.
This is a good point. You may be dealing with people who are ignorant of Church teaching or are just in a growing stage. The best advice for now is to talk you your pastor when he comes back, about this situation, ask for suggestions (if he has any), and share with him your interest in the Church. I would be surprised if this was a reoccurring thing at your parish, but even if it was, you can always find another local Catholic parish. I’m sure other faith denominations face the same problem.
Since the Holy Spirit is calling you into the Church, I would seek the counsel of a Catholic Spiritual director. You can find them at both monasteries and convents. A Spiritual Director cannot only advise in situations like this one but for others throughout your life.
You said:
Now it seems that the Catholic Church is also caving in to modern, depraved culture.
I would constructively say that we have to separate the Teachings of the Church which can never change from the bad, scandalous behavior among both the clergy and lay people. The depraved culture you mention come from the clergy and lay people, not the Teachings.
Finally, if you do find that the Latin Mass resonates with you, you can call your local diocese and see what parishes in your diocese have a regular Latin Mass (All dioceses should have at least one.) (See the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter)
Mike
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