'blue Christmas' Church Services Attract The Depressed, Joyles

[suuran]

[quote]I think that you are a very articulate person. I happen to be an adult, and I agree with your view. I don't think that you are judging the person, but rather the idea itself. [/quote]

Thanks, prose...I appreciate that. I agree wholeheartedly with your post.

[quote]I most certainly DO have the right to pass judgment on you because I checked your profile and you are not an adult yet whereas I am and have more life experience under my belt. Listen to the life experience of your elders, you might actually learn something.[/quote]

Norseman, it's obvious I've touched a nerve with you, and for that I'm sorry. But you don't know me. For the sake of Christian charity I'd ask you not to assume so much about me based on very, very limited information (my age and some interests). "Cliques"? "pharisee"? I realize I've made you angry, and I again I apologize, but I didn't say anything to deserve such a raking across the coals.

I'm not going to air my dirty laundry on a public forum, but being from the "right side" of the tracks doesn't bar anyone from pain, even great pain. I can tell you that much from personal experience.

I've thought about this a little more, and I think you may be right to some degree. I've never had any sorrow particularly associated with Christmas, although Lord knows my family has had it's problems. I also have never felt attracted to this particular form of grieving, although I would again ask you not to assume I haven't had anything significant to grieve. I don't understand the particular need for masses catered to those who have a strong pain associated with Christmas. I'm not saying I don't understand grief, just that I don't have first-hand experience with this particular area.

So, although I'm still uncomfortable with the idea, for the reasons I gave above, I think it might be best if I officially reserved judgement. I would still be interested in hearing explanations as to why my concerns aren't valid or don't apply, but I think I might just have to trust you guys on this one.

Merry Christmas .

[cmotherofpirl]

If you read the article its a non-denominational service in a chapel, NOT a mass.

It is a formal way to ackowledge the grief brought on in a season where society says you should walk around with a smile on your face and merry christmas in your heart.
Meditate on the parents of the Holy Innocents for a bit. Think of picking out funeral flowers amidst red and green decorations.

May you never lose three family members in 2 weeks [ little cousin, a best friend and sister-in-law] and find out how grief-stricken people deal with the yearly reminders of their loss.

I hope every diocese incorporates this into their schedule.