[Doug1979]

I agree that we need to turn a "blind eye", because only God will make the final judgment of what I do and I need to be prepared for the consequences of everything I do (actions, inactions, thoughts, etc.). If I see someone doing something I do not agree with (as long as it is not hurting someone else), then I just say a prayer asking God to forgive my (and everyone's) naivety and to guide all to HIS will.

It's also one of the reasons I go to early morning mass (7:30am), because I see less of the behaviors I feel is wrong when at church.

On another note, I have heard many people apologize for not kneeling, because their knees don't work well. I usually tell the person that I believe that God is glad you did your best and came to worship HIM.

Again, all we can do is our best, and pray that God forgives our unintentional offenses.

A while back, our pastor had put a note in the bulletin about turning cell phones off before entering the church, I would not expect for him to have to post something about not drinking coffee or soda while sitting in the pews. I would think that this woman was brought up to respect the sanctity of the church. She should also be aware that if she's receiving communion, she needs to be fasting a full hour before doing so.

As for not kneeling, that's perfectly understandable, in our church, the entire back row of pews is reserved for the handicap (remember, we are in Sun City), many neither kneel or stand during mass and there's no need to apologize for not doing something that is physically difficult.

The only reason I brought this up is that it bothered me to see someone sipping on a Starbucks coffee in church at any time. I think acting this way is disrespectful and I really doubt that God is going to say, "Well, at least they showed up"...

I could be wrong, just that many of us in our parish were brought up with meatless Fridays, fasting starting at Midnight, head covers for women and communion at the alter rail. So maybe my ideals are more strict than newer generations.

Sorry for not being clearer. I agree that it is disrespectful, but unless you are going to go up and "correct" them, then I believe you just say a prayer and ignore them.