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by Dread-Head from Houston Texas BABY!

Last Post 1 day, 12 hours Ago


I'll pray for them...
Apr 21, 2008 | 11:43 AM
Category: Faith
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I've been attending Sacred Heart Co-cathederal for seven years now and have seen the congregation grow from a tiny one to a huge thriving one. Rencently the new co-cathederal went up and I and the other members of Sacred Heart have been getting visitors from all over the arch-diocese and seemingly the country since the new Cathederal opened which is a blessing.

         I usually sit right up front where the accoustics are best and I can see Father Troy Gately (and occassionally His Emminence Cardinal Denardo) give homilies. Last Sunday while in my NEW spot (where I plan to sit for the next few decades) I was sitting directly infront of a charming Vietnamese family.

       To those unfamiliar with Catholic masses there comes a point near the preparation of the eucharist when the priest says "I leave you peace my peace I give you. Look not on our sins but on the faith of our church" and concludes by saying "Let us show one another a sign of peace" and at that point you turn around and shake the hand of the person next to you. Husbands kiss or hug their wives that sort of thing.

      When this time came in mass this past Sunday and turned to shake the hands of the Vietnamese visitors sitting behind me and received unwelcome glares. One family member tapped the back of my hand in lieu of shaking it, another squeezed my finger lightly for a split second, a third refused to look at me directly but their kid (a girl of about 12 looked at me as if she was slightly embarrassed) and gave me a handshake that almost broke my hand.

        Wow.  I don't liketo play the race card here, but did their reaction to me couldn't have had anything to do with my race could it? We're supposed to be there as all of God's children to collectively worship him and glorify all he does. Should that NOT include me and persons of my hue in the minds of some?  Am I over reacting here? I've prayed for these guys if their reaction for me WAS racially motivated, but am I wrong here and just jumping to conclusions? I'm confused. 

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Member Comments Total Comments: 20
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Foehammer read my blog view my photos
Apr 21, 2008 | 2:48 PM

It's hard to say, Dread. I am glad that the young girl did respond though. If the adults' reaction was racially motiviated, then it does my heart well to know that the child has not been corrupted.
PBMom read my blog view my photos
Apr 21, 2008 | 7:26 PM

Dread -- Were they shaking anybody else's hand? It might actually be a cultural thing for them. I need to post a picture of Father Troy marrying us so you can see what he looked like 15-1/2 years ago. He gave a great homily at our wedding.
lanny read my blog
Apr 21, 2008 | 8:01 PM

Asians are not big on shaking hands and looking anyone in the eyes. Seriously, it is almost a sin to look someone in the eyes. It's a pride thing. Tell me what time your service is and I will meet you there. I want to see this in person cause I know my Japanese family won't even go to communion becaue they feel it 's bragging that you took something from the Lord. Asians feel like they should never be seen enjoying life in public. They hever smile for pictures for that is shameful. They feel it's grand standing to the crowd. Something they would never stand for.
Sassy11 read my blog
Apr 21, 2008 | 9:03 PM

Lanny,
Thanks for the explanation.
It was truly beneficial.

Dread-Head,
Wow! Just thought I was the only one that really noticed that type of behavior. I've attended mass and encountered the same thing. There are a couple in my church that have gone for years. They ALWAYS react the same (always thought it was way too bizarre. Just prayed for them.) I'm thinking now, with Lanny's explanation, it has got to be a cultural thing.
Dread-Head read my blog view my photos
Apr 22, 2008 | 9:21 AM

I know Asian cultures aren't that big on the hand shaking thing, but they seemed to shake the hands of other parishoners. At one point, when the collection basket was being passed one of the ladies not only refused to pass it to me but looked at me as if I had insulted her by trying to put money into it.
Lanny I normally attend the 11:00am Sunday mass. I doubt those guys will be in attendance. I overheard them talkint to father Troy. They were visiting from somewhere else. But if you want to join us feel free. Maybe you can join me for a bahn mi after church. One of my Japanese exes never smiled when having her picture taken...the other shows off the fact that she had braces and they straightened her teeth.
DamaliKeith read my blog view my photos
Apr 22, 2008 | 10:04 AM

This very well could have been a cultural thing. BUT...unfortunately racism happens. When it does it's a really HORRIBLE and UGLY feeling and usually YOU KNOW deep down inside when it's happening. So whether this was cultural or racism, prayer for this family or anyone else is always a GOOD thing!
yellowrose_0626 read my blog view my photos
Apr 23, 2008 | 8:50 AM

Dread - i've noticed in my church there are some people who are more willing to shake hands and "meet and greet" while others are at church to merely "warm their seat". It may or may not have been a race thing. However, my mom's best friend is Japanese and she isnt big on shaking hands, etc either. I will pray for your church as a whole and pray that EVERYONE can be loving as the Lord intended us to be.
Dread-Head read my blog view my photos
Apr 23, 2008 | 10:49 AM

As I've said, I don't really KNOW if their actions were racially motivated or not and I hope they weren't.
I view my church as my refuge and if "the world" and it's flaws were to enter the one place where I can envision egalitarity before the creator of all things then I'll have nowhere to turn.
yellowrose_0626 read my blog view my photos
Apr 23, 2008 | 10:56 AM

Dread - you can always come to my church! we are an open fun large family who loves anyone who loves the Lord. God bless you and your church
mik1of3 read my blog view my photos
Apr 24, 2008 | 10:26 AM

Asians aren't too big on shaking in hands..that's why they bow. The asian families in our church are a lot like the ones you encountered...their kids have no problem with it, but the adults? They're a lot more reticient than the kids.

I understand them. I'm not much on that part of the service, either. I usually try to go to the bathroom right before that part of the Sunday.
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Dread-Head

I love movies, football (go Texans!) cooking, reading, anime and getting my "news Jones" on. I read Associated Press, Reuters, UPI and the BBC when I get a chance and have been watching Fox news since Fran Fawcett (Farah's sister) was an anchor. I love the morning news and Pattie is just too cuddly-sexy-cute not to be my favorite.

Member Since: 3/1/2007


 

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