Fragrance-free churches?

purpmartin · Post by **purpmartin** » Mon Mar 02, 2009 8:49 am

I was born and raised Roman Catholic, but stopped even trying to go to church months ago. I have chemical sensitivities, and even when I'm wearing a filter mask people's "stuff" gets to me, wherever I might be. In church is among the worst places of all that way. I did a Google search for "fragrance free church" but didn't find anything really helpful. Anybody got any ideas?
Thanks.
purpmartin

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Mar 02, 2009 10:05 am

Are you trying to find a way to go back to church? Because every church itself has its own scent being from the scent of the wood from the pews, the insence, and of course all of the perfumes, colognes, etc from other people in the church.

I know it's not quite the same, but how about watching church on t.v from your own home? I am pretty sure if you call your church they can have a Eucharistic Minister stop by your house and serve communion to you. Let me know what you think and if this advice works for you

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Mar 03, 2009 1:59 am

Hi, Goober25,

Thanks for the suggestions. Somebody I know did suggest watching Mass on TV, but I never got around to doing it. I watch very little TV in the first place. I thought of having a Eucharistic Minister stop by with Communion, but I would have had to stipulate that he or she not be wearing anything scented. Why that should be hard, I don't know. I have the right to ask, after all.

It's so easy to get caught up in everyday things, anyhow. I work during the week and on weekends am busy with grocery shopping, cooking (including making 100% whole wheat bread every two weeks), and sometimes some cleaning. (Using non-toxic things such as vinegar, of course).

Well, it's time for me to get to work.

purpmartin

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Mar 04, 2009 5:24 am

I am sure if you contacted the church and made that request they would understand if you explained your condition to them. I could see how it may be a little akward or embarrasing, but who is the church/Priest to judge? You have the right to receieve communion.

Question: Do you make the whole wheat bread yourself? Because my doctor just put me on the BRAT diet - bread,rice,apples, and I forgot what the T stands for but I have to eat whole wheat bread and I am interested in baking. Mind sharing your recipe?!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Apr 06, 2009 2:00 am

Hi, Goober25,

Sorry to be so long in replying. I use a recipe from a book called "The Laurel's Kitchen Bread Book". I hope you can find it; the recipe is very long for an email.

We got a cold front last night, which is unusual for New Orleans in April. But I figure it's good. Cold temperatures later in the Spring might lessen the chances of Gulf hurricanes.

purpmartin

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon May 04, 2009 6:38 pm

I don't really have a solution, but I wanted to say that I'm also like this. I think I'm what is known as a Highly Sensitive Person, and maybe you are, too. We are extremely sensitive to things like fragrances. Personally, I never liked wearing perfume of any kind and I get a little ticked when others wear it around me. I don't like having to smell one thing for a long length of time.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue May 05, 2009 2:34 am

What I have is Multiple Chemical Sensitivities, or MCS for short. When I smell perfume, cologne, tobacco smoke, etc., all I want is to get away as fast as I can. Over-exposure to some kind of VERY STRONG "stuff" (because someone at work wouldn't stop using it) is what pushed me over the edge. I don't use scented stuff myself, wear a filter mask outside of home, and so on. I'm trying to get off of Diet Coke, but I keep backsliding. I don't think that my drinking it is what caused my sensitivities, but the stuff sure isn't good for me, either.

purpmartin