My husband and I have been having problems with some of the people at our chapel for some time now. I have sought advice in the women's sub-forum in the past, and I did on this instance as well, but I am now posting here because the problems have become unbearable, and I was wondering if any of the men have encountered anything like this, and if they have any advice.
I had planned on posting this in another sub-forum, but was advised to post anonymously.
Ladies: I would appreciate it if you don't reveal my identity.
Here is my original post from the women's sub-forum:
My husband and I simply can't stand it anymore, and it is seriously damaging our faith. I've mentioned a few of the things on here before (the "Victorian Men" proposing marriage to my infant daughter and women castigating me for laying my daughter on her back to sleep), but it just keeps getting worse.
For instance, recently a married couple was basically driven from the chapel by some members because they were midgets (dwarfism). Some of the people in the chapel said that such ailments were evidence of "satanic blood" or other such nonsense, and said they should not be allowed at Mass.
My husband was rebuked after Mass a few of weeks ago because he was wearing a blue shirt (he had a suit and tie on, the shirt was light blue). He was told that it was insulting to the Lord to wear anything less than "very formal" at Mass, which apparently means a white shirt.
The straw that broke the camel's back however, was this past Sunday. My husband and I had a few people over for dinner, after Mass. We cooked Mexican food. One woman asked whether we routinely cook the food of "other nationalities." We said yes, and that enjoy a variety of foods. She said that we were in danger of become "liberal blood traitors," (whatever that means) and that our daughter will likely have a "poor upbringing" because of it. She then left without eating.
I simply can't stand all the superstitious and un-Catholic behavior that is going on. It has nothing whatsoever to do with the Faith, and in my opinion, a lot of it is contrary to the Faith. I dread the loss of the Sacraments, however, and the next-nearest traditional chapel is some 5 hours away (one-way). I worry about my daughter. I worry about her not having access to the Sacraments, but I also worry about the influence some of these people may have on her.
To be clear, there is nothing wrong with the essentials of the Faith that are preached and taught by Father; the problem is the congregation. And, only a minority of the congregation, but a very vocal minority. Father seems to be either unwilling or unable to do anything about it, because these issues have been brought to him many times.
Today I posted this in the women's sub-forum:
Thanks for the input, everyone. After having many discussions with husband, we've decided to keep going to Mass, but not socialize with anyone, and leave immediately after the Mass is over. It is a shame that it has come to this, but as I say, the next-nearest place the Sacraments are offered would be a 10 hour round-trip drive. That just isn't feasible.
I don't think this will solve all of our problems, however. The incident with my husband and his blue shirt occurred as we were leaving Mass. We weren't speaking to anyone, just walking out, and we were stopped, and the "conversation" ensued.
My husband and I can handle ourselves, but as my daughter grows, and if God blesses us with more children, we are seriously going to have to reevaluate our presence among these people. They have already made it clear by their actions that they are not shy about telling us how wrong we are about so many things, and how we are "damaging" our child, in her presence no less. She can't understand it now, but she will be able to before long. I simply cannot abide this.
I have spoken with Father about all of these incidents, and while he is pleasant to me, nothing is ever done.
My husband values his privacy very much, and is on the untrusting side when it comes to the government and online activities, so he has asked me not to say what association our chapel is or where it is located, so unfortunately I cannot give any details about that. I can say that it only offers the traditional Sacraments, and it is it not under the auspices of the conciliar church.
Any advice, suggestions, etc., is greatly appreciated.