The Guarding of the Pew

Dear Sr. Edwina: Many times when I arrive early for Mass, most of the pews are occupied, yet only on the ends. The atmosphere isn’t as welcoming as it could be. I jokingly wonder if these people are hoping to save the end of the pew for an early escape or if they are pretending to be gargoyles on watch. It would be much more welcoming if people who arrive early would sit in the center of the pew so others didn’t feel like they were intruding by asking them to move, or worse yet, having to climb over them to get to the empty space in the middle.

Concerned Catholic: Sr. Edwina got quite a chuckle from your musings! I too have noticed that the above situation makes the atmosphere seems a tad bit uninviting. Perhaps simply remembering to think not only of one’s self but also of one’s neighbor would shed a helpful light on the situation. Welcoming others is one of our primary evangelical responsibilities. On that note, Sr. Edwina would also like to add that it would also be a nice gesture to greet others with a smile or a nod as they join us in our Eucharistic celebration.