Motivating people to come for Mass..

[Guest]

These Priest molestation cases are destroying the Church.This is a big reason people stopped going to Mass. All these kids are molested and people who are supposed to morally guide us try to cover it up. It's in the news again. It never ends. These men are sick.

Edited March 2, 2016 by Guest

[Gabriela]

7 hours ago, Josh said:

These Priest molestation cases are destroying the Church.This is a big reason people stopped going to Mass. All these kids are molested and people who are supposed to morally guide us try to cover it up. It's in the news again. It never ends. These men are sick.

Josh, you're angry. Try to contain outbursts to the two threads you already started on this topic.

[Guest]

Just now, Gabriela said:

Josh, you're angry. Try to contain outbursts to the two threads you already started on this topic.

Or else? I'll post wherever and whenever I like.

On 2/28/2016 6:52:33, Norseman82 said:

Remind them that it's a mortal sin to miss Mass on a Sunday or Holy Day of Obligation without a valid, serious reason.

Yeah you can throw that out the window when in 2016 we still have in the news new cases of the Church trying to cover up kids who were molested and hide it from the public and authorities.

[beatitude]

5 minutes ago, Josh said:

Or else? I'll post wherever and whenever I like.

It's not charitable to vent your anger by hijacking a thread made by a sister who is trying very hard to create a welcoming spiritual environment for the people in her care. I think when you're calmer you will see this. I don't think Gabriela was threatening you with an 'or else', she was suggesting that you try and head this off at the pass.

[Guest]

Just now, beatitude said:

It's not charitable to vent your anger by hijacking a thread made by a sister who is trying very hard to create a welcoming spiritual environment for the people in her care. I think when you're calmer you will see this. I don't think Gabriela was threatening you with an 'or else', she was suggesting that you try and head this off at the pass.

I apologize I'm not trying to hijack this Sister's thread. Although my replies relate 100 percent to the topic. It's sad and depressing this is why people don't go to the Catholic Church but it's the truth. 

[sr.christinaosf]

I don't think there's just one reason, but our society tends to be drifting.

[beatitude]

11 minutes ago, Josh said:

I apologize I'm not trying to hijack this Sister's thread. Although my replies relate 100 percent to the topic. It's sad and depressing this is why people don't go to the Catholic Church but it's the truth. 

I think as a general rule you have a point, but this thread is about elderly residents in a Catholic assisted living home. If they've chosen to go to a place run by religious sisters, they must have some affinity with their faith, even if they're not the daily-Mass-and-rosary kind of Catholic. In their specific case I doubt they're not attending Mass because they're disgusted by abuse and cover-ups, or else they wouldn't live where they do.

Sister Christina, have you tried giving each resident a booklet with the monthly Mass readings in it? In my parish they distribute a pocket-sized little booklet called My Day by Day, which has the day's Gospel plus a little space at the end for people to write their thoughts in. I don't know if it's available in the US, but there must be an equivalent. Having the readings to look at in their own time might inspire them to come. You've mentioned that some of your residents have cognitive difficulties or memory loss, so this might not be appropriate for them. Another option might be to ask residents to choose hymns for Mass, and let them know at which Mass the hymn of their choice is being sung. You can't force people to Mass but you can let the liturgy into their daily lives.

[Guest]

Just now, beatitude said:

I think as a general rule you have a point, but this thread is about elderly residents in a Catholic assisted living home. If they've chosen to go to a place run by religious sisters, they must have some affinity with their faith, even if they're not the daily-Mass-and-rosary kind of Catholic. In their specific case I doubt they're not attending Mass because they're disgusted by abuse and cover-ups, or else they wouldn't live where they do.

 

You're right. Although it makes the comment about threatening them with hell even worse. God saves us by grace through our faith not works. Especially old elderly women like my 86 and 84 y/o grandma's who believe in and love Jesus Christ but don't go to Mass.

[MIKolbe]

Maybe ask the residents why they don't come?  Maybe some additional sacraments are needed?