Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
Many persons frequently try their best to uphold silence and maintain decorum by acting politely in the Church. However, we often come across some individuals whose actions pose a risk of derailing or upsetting things. Furthermore, we have also seen moments where other activities are dragged into liturgical celebrations or certain individuals who are delibrately disruptive and interruptive. The level of distractions in the church today is not only existing among the congregants but sometimes they are often engineered from the sanctuary. What can we reasonably anticipate from a church where people are instructed to “do something crazy for the Lord”? I know the Bible says “Make a joyful noise onto the Lord” (Psalm 100:1). In whatever manner this noise is being expressed, the fundamental place of decorum should not suffer. In recent times, the Church has been accused of being too loud. Could this possibly be the meaning of a lively church? Why do we continually desecrate the church’s decorum in the name of festivities? Is there any remedy for the increasing distractions in the church today?
Etymologically, the word “Decorum” is derived from the Latin word “decōrus” which is translated in English as “right” and “proper”. So, when we talk about decorum we are talking about the right and proper way of conduct in an organized system. Decorum encompasses all facets of life, for instance; it improves learning, retention and comprehension in classroom. In the Church, it is the right and proper way of conduct. It is also considered sacred because it allows uninterrupted worship, thereby increasing the degree of concentration and sanctification. On a personal level, it indicates one’s sociability and responsiveness. Whenever we behave impolitely in a body—either by speech, dress or deeds—decorum is ruined.
On the other hand, distraction is a mental state in which one’s attention is drawn away from a particular task, activity or area of interest. An individual loses focus on what they were doing or thinking about when something internal or external interferes and grabs their attention. Distractions come from both external and internal sources. External distractions include; visual triggers, social interactions, music, text messages and phone calls. While internal distractions are; hunger, fatigue, illness, worrying and daydreaming. Both external and internal distractions contribute to the interference of focus (Sean and Jeanne Shay: 1997). Additionally, one can talk about financial, material, emotional and spiritual distractions. Either ways, distraction is a big challenge in the church today. Here are some practical strategies to help manage distractions:
Foremost among the various ways we can manage distractions is human formation. This is all about the development of a well-rounded and competent human person. It also entails imparting knowledge about the church’s main objective to its members and increasing the individual’s awareness of the Divine presence in the Church. It is strongly believed, that many of Christ’s faithful have lost the consciousness of the Divine, and as a result, the church is no longer distinguished from the marketplace or community hall. The mind and heart which are essential components in prayer should be formed in the likes of Christ who is true God and true man.
Closely related to the above, is the training of certain individuals to maintain law and order in the Church. For instance, Church wardens or protocol officers are known to act and work in this regard. They should be trained to be attentive to possible distractions during liturgical celebrations or other ceremonies. By so doing, they can discreetly address disruptive behaviours or offer assistance to those who need it. This training is necessary so that these functionaries are not in themselves overlaboured or distracted in the course of curtailing distractions.
Making provision for Childcare and Children’s programs is another way we can avoid distractions during liturgical celebrations. If there are families with young children in the church, it is advisable to offer a well-run nursery or children’s program during the main ceremonies. As a result, parents can concentrate knowing that their children are being well-cared for. This does not exclude children from the celebration of the day just as many are already practicing; rather, all are encouraged to participate in liturgical celebrations regardless of age differences. Thus, Sunday school arrangement should not exclude the Holy mass and where this is not possible, nursing mothers or parents are to ensure the decorum of their wards or children. In some cases, reserved seats are used in this regard.
I will not fail to mention “Electronic Devices”. If we must arrest or address the crisis of distraction, then we should be able to examine the uses and abuses of electronic devices in the Church. All should be encouraged to silent or turn off their cell phones before entering the church. Medical doctors, nurses or security personnel can improvise in this regard. The use of electronic devices or gadgets as we see it today in the Church is making a caricature of the well-respected decorum of the Church. The gospel in the modern age should not be corrupted by the trend of the modern age. The centre of admiration, reverence and worship remains Jesus who is physically present in the Word, the Holy Eucharist and in the Priest. Inasmuch as we continue to emphasize media and publicity, the decorum of the Church must not be compromised.
Similarly, sound control should be emphasized. This means that the sound system should be well-maintained and appropriately adjusted to prevent unnecessary noise disruptions. Where it is possible, old ones should be replaced or properly serviced. Since the place of audibility cannot be underestimated, we are encouraged to go for good sound systems as against the caricatures in most of our churches. In addition, churches where visual displays are in use; the master controller must be intentional about the visual elements that are displayed. This also includes; the decorations, images, flowers and colours that are used in the Church. Effort should be made to minimize distractions by keeping all visuals free from irrelevant elements or clutter.
Other aspects of the liturgical celebrations, such as; the readings, homily, offertory, the consecration and the announcement should be organised with respect to their traditional decorum. The moment of silence appropriated to this frame must not be toiled with or taking for granted. As a matter of fact, the entire celebration should not to be prolonged unduly or clouded with irrelevant and improper practices as this will increase distractions or restlessness.
Despite the discussed strategies, it has been argued that it’s natural for people to have moments of distraction or restlessness. We all encounter perpetual tornado of pictures and illusions in our minds. In fact, there is no ideal man without distraction and we cannot even end distraction automatically. Rather, it is a battle wherein we must choose whom to serve; God or the object of our distraction.
Conclusively, controlling distractions should be tempered with a gracious and understanding atmosphere. Measures that are employed to maintain decorum should not inflict pains or turn out to be sources of distractions themselves. Even where there are no practical measures; proper preparation and punctuality to church can aid decorum; the liturgical gestures or solemn dispositions of the minister(s) can further increase the degree of decorum in the Church. Additionally, friends can help themselves by seating apart; even those on the same pew can assist themselves to be awake and less distracted. All that is necessary is to create an atmosphere that encourages individuals to connect with their faith, turn their hearts to God and experience the sacredness and sanctification of the Divine presence.
