Let's drink to less alcohol at parish events: there's nothing wrong with enjoying a cold one at the parish picnic, but don't parishes have an obligation to encourage Catholics to control their drinking?THE DEBATE TOOK PLACE AT ONE OF THE REGULAR PARish council meetings in our suburban Cincinnati parish: Should the snack bar at our parish athletic field move the sale of beer back one hour, to begin at noon instead of 11 a.m. on weekends? As a mother whose kids are not athletically inclined, I haven't spent much time on our sports field. Still, I was startled star·tle v. star·tled, star·tling, star·tles v.tr. 1. To cause to make a quick involuntary movement or start. 2. To alarm, frighten, or surprise suddenly. See Synonyms at frighten. to learn that beer sales began so early in the day--even the noon hour seemed too early. One parish council member explained that there were concerns because some parents who came early and stayed all day for several children's games were leaving the field in a clear state of intoxication intoxication, condition of body tissue affected by a poisonous substance. Poisonous materials, or toxins, are to be found in heavy metals such as lead and mercury, in drugs, in chemicals such as alcohol and carbon tetrachloride, in gases such as carbon monoxide, and . Images of a staggering parent driving a van full of kids home from a game made me shudder. Why did we even sell beer at the parish school's athletic events? I wondered. Why not? Others on the council shrugged. Beer is plentiful at parish dances and dinners, and it's a strong profit-maker at parish festivals throughout the archdiocese arch·di·o·cese n. The district under an archbishop's jurisdiction. arch  di·oc . The
parishes are careful to ask for proof of age, so underage drinking is
not a big problem at these events. And the revenue from beer sales has
allowed the athletic association to make some large-scale improvements
on the facilities.I like a glass of wine at some events, and have sipped from my husband's ice-cold beer at the hot summer parish festival. But as a child of an alcoholic parent and two alcoholic grandparents grandparents npl → abuelos mpl grandparents grand npl → grands-parents mpl grandparents grand npl , I've seen firsthand the havoc that alcohol abuse can wreak wreak tr.v. wreaked, wreak·ing, wreaks 1. To inflict (vengeance or punishment) upon a person. 2. To express or gratify (anger, malevolence, or resentment); vent. 3. . I've also been warned by family and friends not to judge alcohol consumption too harshly; not everyone who drinks is an alcoholic, certainly. No parish wants to profit from abuse, whether it be alcohol consumption or gambling (let's not Let's Not is a science fiction short story by Isaac Asimov. It was first published in Boston University Graduate Journal in December 1954. It was written for no payment as a favour to the journal, and later appeared in the collection Buy Jupiter. even go there). But financial considerations in this day and age are a reality for nonprofit groups. Several pastors in our area have attempted to make their parishes and events alcohol-free. In some cases, this effort has spelled doom for a parish, at least financially. Alcohol-free events attract smaller crowds in our neck of the woods. While there are families with young children who appreciate the opportunity to bring the youngsters to an event where rowdy and obnoxious drinkers don't spoil the atmosphere, apparently their spending habits simply don't make up for the loss of alcohol-based revenue. BUT WHAT MESSAGE DO WE SEND TO OUR YOUNG PEOPLE WHEN we can't hold a parish event without offering alcohol? It tells kids that one needs to drink to have a good time, and that message is hitting them at a highly impressionable im·pres·sion·a·ble adj. 1. Readily or easily influenced; suggestible: impressionable young people. 2. age. Our own archbishop began a "Theology on Tap Theology on Tap is the name given to lectures sponsored by a number of local Roman Catholic dioceses. The lectures, which are often given by noted spiritual leaders and religious academics, address current topics in religion and theology, and are notable and sometimes " program several years ago that takes him out to area watering holes popular with the twenty-somethings. It's a way to reach them in their own environment, or at least so the founding premise argues. But it also sends the message that one needs a few drinks to enjoy a church-related event or listen to a theological discussion. While most dioceses do offer guidelines about alcohol at parish events, none currently prohibit it. The Green Bay, Wisconsin Green Bay is the county seat of Brown County in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. The city is located at the head of its namesake Green Bay, a sub-basin of Lake Michigan, at the mouth of the Fox River. diocese was among the first to develop a policy statement on the use and abuse of alcohol that strongly discouraged its use, and others have followed its example. "While it is unlikely that any one statement can change society, it is important that we summon the church of Green Bay--parishes, institutions, and members--to join society's struggle to have a healthier approach to the use of alcohol," the policy says. Alcohol-free events, particularly those that attract families, are encouraged. Is it the church's obligation to create pews full of teetotalers? No, and I wouldn't advocate that. I believe that adults should be expected to take responsibility for their own decisions, and the decision to drink or not to drink is certainly one of them. However, among the virtues listed in the Catechism of the Catholic Church The Catechism of the Catholic Church, or CCC, is an official exposition of the teachings of the Catholic Church, first published in French in 1992 by the authority of Pope John Paul II. are"temperance Temperance Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) organization founded to help alcoholics (1934). [Am. Culture: EB, I: 448] amethyst provides protection against drunkenness; February birthstone. " and "prudence," which Catholics are encouraged to practice. Temperance means exercising moderation in the consumption of pleasurable things, and prudence generally means exercising good judgment. Should not dioceses and parishes be encouraging our faithful to both? Is it not the church's responsibility to do as much as it can to aid people in maintaining their moral balance? I would propose that limits be placed on the amount of alcohol that one person can consume at a church-sponsored event--e.g., a two-drink ticket punch, or a swipe card swipe card n. A plastic card with a magnetic strip containing encoded data that is read by passing the card through a usually slotted electronic device, used especially to make electronic transactions and to provide access to restricted or secure areas. that won't work after three beers. Limits should also be placed on how much alcohol families or individuals are allowed to bring into events such as parish picnics. TOO MUCH CONTROL? TREATING ADULTS LIKE CHILDREN? YEP. And a lot of adults who don't abuse alcohol will likely balk balk the action of a horse when it refuses to obey a command to which it usually responds. See also jibbing. at yet another incident of their church telling them how to be have. (In all honesty, anyone who won't attend a festival or ballgame simply because they're only allowed two drinks is likely to be suffering from an addiction.) As the mother of two beautiful kids who could inadvertently wind up in a van with a drunken parent, I don't particularly care about those arguments. If we have to "punish" the many to be sure the few don't drive drunk or act like total idiots and embarrass their families, then I'm all for it. Certainly the three kids in my neighborhood whose mother did a pseudo-striptease after a few too many at a parish event would have been grateful to be spared that lingering memory. The catechism catechism (kăt`əkĭzəm) [Gr.,=oral instruction], originally oral instruction in religion, later written instruction. Catechisms are usually written in the form of questions and answers. tells Catholics we should avoid "every kind of excess" and that "those incur grave guilt who, by drunkenness or a love of speed, endanger their own and others' safety on the road, at sea, or in the air" A policy of limiting alcohol consumption lets families and children know that the church cares about the potential for alcohol abuse, about the possible resultant bad behavior, and while not calling for a return to Prohibition, will do its share to encourage responsible drinking. There is, in fact, a National Catholic Council on Alcoholism, founded by Father Ralph Pfau, who was born into a family where his father and an older brother died of alcoholism. Father Pfau also became an alcoholic, and in 1943 he became the first priest to recover through the Alcoholics Anonymous Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), worldwide organization dedicated to the treatment of alcoholics; founded 1935 by two alcoholics, one a New York broker, the other an Ohio physician. program. At the 2003 convention of the National Catholic Council on Alcoholism, experts urged parishes to give consideration to alcoholism prevention ministries to help counter the damaging effects of alcoholism in families and communities. What message does it send when a parish acknowledges the real need for such a ministry, yet continues to pursue a policy that could permit such abuse on church property? Now, about bingo ... Advance copies of Sounding Board are mailed to a sample of U.S. CATHOLIC subscribers. Their answers to questions on the topic of this Sounding Board article and a representative selection of their comments follow in Feedback. Feedback Q: The way my parish handles this issue is ... We don't "handle" it--we just sell it. It's like we can't have a function without it. Catherine Sims Mundelein, Ill. Common sense. And we are our brothers' keepers if need be. Jean Roozendaal Wayzata, Minn. Our adult functions are BYOB BYOB abbr. 1. bring your own booze 2. bring your own bottle (beer and wine only). Joyce Ross Kenai, Alaska This article is about a city in Alaska. For the character from Disney's Brother Bear, see Kenai (Brother Bear). Kenai is a city in Kenai Peninsula Borough in the U.S. state of Alaska. Beer is sold at $6 for an 8-ounce glass. J. Mass Nipomo, Calif. Let people be their own judge of what is enough. Frank Vercillo Belleville, Ill. Alcohol is not served at child-focused events like sports or other school events. But it is served at adult-only and some family social events. Cathy Boutte Shawnee, Kan. We allow wine and beer, but also require the presence of a police officer. Name withheld Des Moines, Iowa “Des Moines” redirects here. For other uses, see Des Moines (disambiguation). Des Moines (pronounced /dɪˈmɔɪn/ in English, We simply do not serve alcohol, and we haven't for 22 years. We used to have a beer tent at the church dinner, but we lost money on it. Kay Parish Madison, Wis. We give the bartenders limits and hire security guards to patrol the picnic. Marianne Spampinato Johnstown, Pa. Q: The most egregious e·gre·gious adj. Conspicuously bad or offensive. See Synonyms at flagrant. [From Latin example of overconsumption of alcohol at a parish event that I have ever seen was ... A 40-year-old woman lifting up her skirt to show her lack of underwear to a group of college-aged young men. Name withheld Oklahoma City Oklahoma City (1990 pop. 444,719), state capital, and seat of Oklahoma co., central Okla., on the North Canadian River; inc. 1890. The state's largest city, it is an important livestock market, a wholesale, distribution, industrial, and financial center, and a farm , Okla. At a parish dance, several female parishioners drank too much and then aggressively pursued the pastor. Thankfully, he resisted. Valerie Golemhiewski Tucson, Ariz. A couple got drunk at the Saint Patrick's Day dinner. They cursed at our pastor and the school principal (a nun) with extremely foul language. Name withheld San Bernardino San Bernardino, city, United States San Bernardino (săn bûr'nədē`nō), city (1990 pop. 164,164), seat of San Bernardino co., S Calif., at the foot of the San Bernardino Mts.; inc. 1854. , Calif. A fight broke out in the beer tent that resulted in injuries and arrests. Name withheld Lancaster, N.Y. Parents drinking beer at a Sunday morning Sunday Morning may refer to:
Mary Ann Krems Stevens Point Stevens Point, city (1990 pop. 23,006), seat of Portage co., central Wis., on the Wisconsin and Plover rivers; inc. 1858. The major industries are insurance and the manufacture of wood products, cheese, furniture, and fishing equipment. The Univ. , Wis. Q: The best way I've seen a parish or diocese handle this issue is ... Wine and punch disappears after everyone has had a chance at two drinks. Soft drinks are offered after that. Martha Shanley Pittsburgh, Pa. We are in a small town, so if someone's drinking gets out of hand, a sober parishioner will see to it that the person and family are taken home. Joan K. Trepa Greene, N. Y. Go dry! Name withheld Cheyenne, Wyo. We have an Alcoholics Anonymous program at our parish. Terry Linehan Downey, Calif. Our diocese requires party hosts or host groups to provide liability insurance for the event. Frank W. Adams W. Adams (d. 1748) was a captain in the British Navy, slain in Edward Boscawen's unsuccessful siege of Pondicherry. Sources
Corvallis, Ore. Establishing an alcohol policy and making sure all organizations have a copy. When halls are rented, the policy is given to them. Name withheld Wauwatosa, Wis. Q: What my faith teaches me about drinking alcohol is ... Do not be afraid to enjoy life's pleasures, but don't drink to lose control or in such a way that harms others. Scott Cooper
Spokane, Wash. Don't do it. No one needs to consume alcohol for any reason. There are many other drinks that can satisfy thirst. Maricela Guzman Tucson, Ariz. All creation is God's gift, including "spirits." But, like all of creation, spirits can be abused, and as the article says, an incredible amount of unhappiness is caused by people with drinking problems. Father Bob Meissner Bay City, Mich. Jesus made water into wine. He neither encouraged nor chastised chas·tise tr.v. chas·tised, chas·tis·ing, chas·tis·es 1. To punish, as by beating. See Synonyms at punish. 2. To criticize severely; rebuke. 3. Archaic To purify. anyone (to my knowledge) for partaking of it. Samuel Munafo Philadelphia, Pa. Consider what Jesus did at the wedding feast--he made more wine to keep the party going. Joe Strauss Joseph Strauss (November 16, 1858 in Cincinnati, Ohio - June 24, 1906 in Cincinnati, Ohio), was a former professional baseball player who played pitcher and outfielder in the Major Leagues from 1884-1886. Carlsbad, Calif. Everything should be done in moderation and with respect for others. Jenifer Lo Vetere Acton, Mass. We consume wine as part of our most central sacrament. My faith teaches me to treat it as a sacred act. Timothy Kelly Timothy Kelly is the former General Manager for the Long Island Lizards of Major League Lacrosse and the current General Manager of the New York Titans of the National Lacrosse League. Pittsburgh, Pa. General Comments Whatever happened to personal responsibility? Too many people expect society to save people from themselves. Then as soon as something happens, they look first to blame someone else. Germaine Wieman Houston, Texas “Houston” redirects here. For other uses, see Houston (disambiguation). Houston (pronounced /'hjuːstən/) is the largest city in the state of Texas and the Our pastor imposed an alcohol ban on our Lenten potluck dinners.As a result the event died, because few people came. Name withheld La Costa
The La Costa Resort and Spa , Calif. The alcohol problem at parishes is new to us since we have moved to the northern U.S. We aren't sure why, but we did not have drinking or gambling problems at our parishes in the South where we lived for 19 years in three different states and seven parishes. Dorothy Little Crestview Hills, Ky. I am convinced that some parishes and priests are more concerned with fundraising than the foundations of our faith. Joe Rebisz Perry, N.Y. I would think that legal liability issues would play a role in these decisions regarding the availability of alcohol. Joyce Naumis Lawrenceville, Ga. It is unethical to secure funds for children's activities by selling alcoholic beverages
Ruth Kolpack Beloit, Wis. Alcohol has been part of human life for millennia. That some people suffer from alcoholism does not mean that others are unable to imbibe reasonably for relaxation. Pat Jeansonne Riverview, Fla. Our parish is the only one in town that allows alcohol on parish property. We also have an Alcoholics Anonymous group that meets regularly in our hall. We send mixed messages about what is good and right. The sooner we get rid of the alcohol on church property, the better it will be. Father Stephen Rudolphi Carrot, Ill. The answer lies in not shrinking from our own responsibilities--consuming in moderation and informing parish officials if we observe another parishioner overindulging. We teach our children by example, not by sheltering them from the realities they will face when they are independent. Stephen Moorman Somerset, N.J. Join the conversation--online. In addition to a sample of subscribers, all are invited to respond to U.S. CATHOLIC'S monthly Sounding Board survey at www.uscatholic.org. This month, join U.S. CATHOLIC readers as they share their opinions on lay preaching.
AND THE
SURVEYS SAYS ...
1. Parishes have a responsibility
to limit alcohol consumption
at parish-sponsored events.
agree 86
disagree 10%
other 4%
2. Alcohol abuse is a real problem
at events in my parish.
agree 5%
disagree 81%
other 14%
Representative of other: "Occassionally,"
or "At my previous parish."
3. I enjoy having a drink or two
with fellow parishioners at
parish-sponsored events.
agree 54%
disagree 31%
other 15%
Representative of other: "My
parish does not serve alcohol," or "I
don't drink alcohol."
4. I don't believe parishes should
sell beer to parents who are
attending their children's
sporting events, as described
in the article.
agree 93%
disagree 6%
other 1%
5. The best way for parishes to
limit alcohol consumption is:
(may check more than one)
31% To not serve alcohol at
all.
24% To only sell alcohol at
adult-only events.
18% To serve only wine and
beer.
13% To gently encourage,
through announcements
or signs, that people not
overimbibe.
9% To sell a limited number
of drinks per person.
6% Other.
These results are based on survey
responses from 160 U.S. CATHOLIC
readers and Web site visitors.
By TRICIA HEMPEL, editor of the Catholic Telegraph, Cincinnati's archdiocesan arch·di·o·cese n. The district under an archbishop's jurisdiction. arch di·oc newspaper.
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