Ask A Priest Question:
You mentioned that there are various resources discussing what one should and shouldn’t do during Mass, as well as how to show respect and honor to the Lord. Recently, a friend of mine attended Mass, and a young couple seated in front of her caught her attention. Although they appeared deeply in love, they engaged in excessive public displays of affection (PDAs), such as kissing each other on the cheek, and were constantly on their phones during the service. This behavior proved to be quite distracting for my friend and others around her, making it difficult to focus during the Liturgy of the Eucharist. Do you have any advice on how to handle such situations? I understand the importance of not making anyone feel unwelcome, but it’s still a challenging issue.
In my experience, encounters like these tend to occur frequently, especially during significant religious celebrations such as Christmas and Easter Mass. When the congregation is larger and more diverse, such behavior can become more noticeable and disruptive. In such cases, politely addressing the issue can sometimes be an option. If the opportunity arises and you feel comfortable doing so, you could kindly request that they minimize their distractions during the service, emphasizing that it affects others’ ability to participate fully. However, most of the time, it may be necessary to simply tolerate the distraction and try to focus on personal prayer and reflection.
As a priest, I’ve observed that some parishes address this issue with reminders to refrain from phone use during Mass. While I try not to be too stringent about phone usage myself, I understand the necessity of maintaining a reverent atmosphere. Our parish offers various resources through a mobile app, including readings, scripture passages, and a platform for tithing. Although I empathize with the challenges posed by PDAs during Mass, I believe it’s essential to prioritize reverence and respect for the sacred space we share.
Addressing disruptive behavior during Mass requires sensitivity and discernment, it’s essential to maintain reverence and respect for the sacredness of the Mass.
