I went to Mass this morning and at the end the priest asked all the mothers to stand for a blessing.

[rug]

This guy behind me was dozing and automatically stood up.

His wife glared at him, elbowed him and he sat down.

I gave him one of these :thumbsup:

[LibDemAlways]

1. That's funny. I frequently see guys who've nodded off. They

generally end up with an elbow in their ribs once they let out the first snore.

On a more serious note, I don't like singling out certain individuals for a blessing. I know priests mean well, but the situation can't help but create some hard feelings or bring up painful memories.

Once a year there's a mass at my mom's parish in which the priest makes a big deal out of asking married couples to stand up for a blessing. I think of those who've been widowed, divorced, or maybe are separated sitting there feeling bad. It's just somewhat insensitive. Likewise with the mothers. Some are sitting there surrounded by their children. Others haven't heard from theirs in years or maybe suffered the painful loss of a child. I think asking the congregants to keep all mothers in their prayers is appropriate and the priest should leave it at that. Just my 2 cents.

[old mark]

2. Priests may not be the best people for sensitivity - what can you expect from

a guy who is either celibate or a pedophile?

mark

[LibDemAlways]

3. Some are neither celibate nor pedophiles. There are those who

are in relationships with women. Others are in relationships with other men.

One of the most holier than thou priests ever at the parish my mother attends ran off with a married choir director. She left her husband and five kids for him. They eventually married and he now hires himself out as a "rent a priest" for non-denominational weddings, etc. The man who married Hugh Hefner and his former wife back in the 80's was another priest who had gotten married, had a large family, and become a marriage and family counselor. The church doesn't like to talk about these situations, but they are not unusual.

What's kind of a shame is that a married protestant clergyman who converts to Catholicism can become a Catholic priest and stay married, while Catholics who become priests cannot marry and remain priests in good standing.

[rurallib]

6. My junior year religion teacher in HS had 4 kids with his

?lover? when he was teaching us. He was one of the more intelligent priests around. One more child and a couple of years later they got married.
It was kind of comical to see him expound on how the church was so righteous and all about sin etc. And it was hardly a secret obviously

[nickinSTL]

4. not to mention those

who aren't mothers and want to be, but aren't for whatever reason.

Mother's Day can be a painful time for some.

[LibDemAlways]

5. Excellent point. Thanks for the reminder.

[struggle4progress]

7. They handed out roses to all the mothers at my church today. I tried to get one,

but couldn't, just cuz I'm a guy

Life just ain't fair

[mdmc]

8. hehehe

:)