Before starting the Easter Vigil mass, is it rude for people to be talking loudly?

Question

Like not whispering, but loudly speaking? It happened at my church this past Easter Vigil. Is it rude and disrespectful?

Answer 1

People must be aware of the place in which they are, and the purpose why they are there.

Sadly, many do not take the time before hand to prepare for attendances, and this is true of ANY church.

We live in a hurried, rushing about sort of society...and especially if there are children one has to tend to.

It is a matter of showing reverence. Not merely respect for others, but real reverence.

This, in keeping with such occasion.

Some times, such as Resurrection Sunday, though there be reverence, people are quite joyful. I think you could expect some louder voices at such times.

Answer 2

yes, there should be a reverence in all services, not just holidays.

Answer 3

I'm glad that didn't go on at my church. I mean, yeah, I had a quick whispered conversation with my husband, sister, and step-daughter that evening before Mass, but I had good reason! I had just finished RCIA and was being baptized and confirmed and having my first communion that night, and I needed to let them know what the plan was as discussed during that morning's retreat for my class.

But the loudly speaking thing? Yeah, it's really rude. So's keeping your cell phone on, especially if the volume's loud. I mean, yeah, it's okay during a mass in a hospital chapel for the doctors to keep their cell phones and pagers on, in case they're needed, but that's different altogether.  

Answer 4

just a tad bit, yeah.  Hope you weren't one of them.

Answer 5

I don't know...is it?  

Answer 6

Yes, it is disrespectful--before any mass. Catholics believe in something called keeping sacred silence (no speaking unless it is absolutely necessary) which should be kept in all churches. Sadly, this doesn't always happen in every parish.