Fr. George Rutler published this short admonishment in the parish bulletin this week:

“An increasing number of individuals, especially during weekday Masses, ignore the notices in the narthex about turning off cellular telephones. More than one or two have even been seen answering them. It is unlikely that such individuals read the parish bulletin or would remember what is written, but it behooves the faithful to remind these visitors that their interruptions are offensive and that anyone who withdraws during the Sacred Liturgy to speak on a device should not return and attempt to receive Communion. Distractions during Mass are venial sins, but willful distractions are more serious. At the opera, offenders are removed. Unlike the theatre, the House of God is sacred, and this notice is gentler than what is prescribed in many other public spaces.”

Not to mention people who show up to Mass dressed as if they’re going to the beach or a nightclub.