Article: Learning From Non-Catholics
I have lived in and visited other countries. In all of them, whenever I attended Mass, I was warmly welcomed by the people in my pew and around me, as well as being embraced into the community immediately.
Since my return Stateside, I have had the exact opposite experience. Even during the Rite of Peace, often those shaking my hand do not make eye contact. It feels very isolating when even at this point I try to reach out, only to be pushed away.
In this very mobile society we live in here in America, this may be one reason why so many young adults stop going to Mass: They feel shunned and alone when they come to Mass when they are hoping to become part of a new family.
Not all people are extroverts. Not all regular members are social people. However, if we only «greet our friends,» as Jesus said, where does that leave us? With a lot of emptiness.
Daniel Brosky
Camp Hill, PA