\tThe Catechism of the Catholic Church states that \u201cto set about hunting down distractions would be to fall into their trap, when all that is necessary is to turn back to our heart, for a distraction reveals to us what we are attached to. Therein lies the battle, the choice of which master to serve\u201d (2729).<\/p>\n
\tDuring his very first Easter celebration as a priest, Father Jeremy Rodrigues, director of the Dioces of Providence Office of Worship, witnessed a parishioner suddenly collapse to the floor. Out of concern, the congregation\u2019s focus quickly turned from the Mass to the ailing parishioner.<\/p>\n
\t\u201cI was just at the end of my homily and someone just passed out,\u201d he recalled. \u201cI thought, \u2018maybe it was it something I said.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n
\tAs many attended to the needs of the parishioner, Father Rodrigues felt that it was appropriate to regain their spiritual attention and continue with the celebration of the liturgy.<\/p>\n
\t\u201cWe can continue as long as it\u2019s addressed,\u201d he said. \u201cIt doesn\u2019t do the congregation any good to sit there and it becomes mass hysteria. The best thing we can do is pray for them and the Mass is the best prayer we can offer.\u201d<\/p>\n
\tProvidence Director of Vocations Father Michael Najim said that in cases like this, the priest trusts that the people in the congregation can best respond to such situations, adding that there are often several nurses and even doctors who are present at Mass.<\/p>\n
\t\u201cMy experience is that the trained professionals are very good and very competent at handling these situations when they arise during the liturgy,\u201d he said. \u201cIt is appropriate for the Mass to continue. It's not that the priest is being insensitive. He can assess the situation to make sure it's being dealt with, but then he can continue.\u201d<\/p>\n
\tRegarding minor medical episodes such as fainting during Mass, there is no overall rule, said diocesan chancellor Father Timothy Reilly, other than the priest\u2019s own common sense and pastoral tact, to guide his response to such emergencies.<\/p>\n
\t\u201cIt's a balance between showing sensitivity and attention, and demonstrating calm for the other Mass attendees,\u201d he said. \u201cGenerally, while the Mass should not be interrupted, most priests would want to approach the pew, to show compassion and concern for the sick person. Usually, others offer help before Father even comes down from the sanctuary anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n
\tAfter assuring parishioners that \u201chelp is on the way,\u201d Father Reilly shared that most priests would then return to the altar and continue the Mass. When medical assistance does arrive in the church, the priest might quietly acknowledge and thank them.<\/p>\n
\t\u201cAt that point, everyone would be a bit distracted from the Mass anyway,\u201d he explained. \u201cCertainly, every parish has experienced these types of temporary interruption with no disrespect shown \u2013 either to the afflicted person or to the Mass.\u201d<\/p>\n
\tEven the most natural distractions like a crying baby might demand greater focus and patience from other parishioners. Father Thomas O\u2019Neill, pastor emeritus of St. Mary Church, West Warwick, RI, said that 90 percent of the time when a child cries loudly during Mass, they either need to be fed or have their diaper changed. Father O\u2019Neil suggests that parents of young children sit in cry rooms. A cry room is intended to serve as a temporary option for parents to retreat to when they feel that their little ones might start to disrupt the Mass.<\/p>\n
\t\u201cIt\u2019s an opportunity for charity,\u201d said Father O\u2019Neill, noting that worshipers need to be tolerant and charitable when a young child becomes agitated during Mass. He added that he has never asked parents to remove or not to bring a child to Mass.<\/p>\n
\t\u201cThe community can find ways to work with it,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\tSt. Philip Church in Greenville, RI has the largest cry room in the state, fit to hold 50-70 people, said Father Rodrigues. Some parishioners feel embarrassed when their children cry at Mass, but from his perspective as a priest, it\u2019s a sign of youth and joy.<\/p>\n
\t\u201cIt\u2019s beautiful when the babies are there,\u201d he shared. \u201cThe cry room is more for the family than the babies. Sometimes I even see people in there with no children, they just prefer it.\u201d<\/p>\n
\tWhen trying to ignore distractions, most important is that the priest remember what he is there for \u2013 to offer the sacrifice of the Mass.<\/p>\n
\t\u201cAt that moment that should be the most important priority,\u201d said Father Rodrigues. \u201cThe greatest gift of the Mass is supposed to be an other worldly experience in the midst of everyday life.\"<\/p>\n
\tParishioners are more easily distracted because they are not as immediately involved in the Mass as the priest is so they have to concentrate even harder on the prayers of the sacrament despite distractions from the pews.<\/p>\n
\t\u201cThey need to recognize what is taking place in the church and that takes practice,\u201d he said. \u201cIt takes a trained mind and heart to understand what is taking place at Mass. It\u2019s an act of prayer not just an event that we come to see or witness.\u201d<\/p>\n
\tPosted with permission from The Rhode Island Catholic<\/a>, official newspaper for the Diocese of Providence.<\/p>\n