Parking Lot Etiquette

Dear Sr. Manners: Can you offer some comments on parking lot etiquette for Catholics before and after Mass?

Dear Gentle Christian: In a word, charity! But of course, Sr. Manners has never given a one-word answer for anything, so allow her, dear believer, to expound a bit. Leaving the handicapped spaces for those who need them is obvious. But how about the young and able-bodied passing up some of the choice spots to leave them for the elderly or those with small children? Another thought -- leave home early enough so that you will not be tempted to cut in front of others and risk the safety of fellow-parishioners in a frantic dash to beat the priest up the aisle for Mass. Sr. Manners also notes that there is no special prize for the first one out of the parking lot after Mass. In fact, she would suggest that you delay your departure long enough to share some coffee-and-donuts community time with your fellow-parishioners. Slow down, be aware of the needs of others, and put community before convenience, gentle Christian, and respect the members of the Body of Christ as much in the parking lot as you do at Mass.

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