At Sacred Heart, a device at the entrance to the church and another by the altar are turned on right before every Mass. Still, priests remind parishioners to turn off their phones before beginning the services, hoping good cell phone etiquette will eventually catch on. The other Monterrey churches with the devices—The Rosario, San Juan Bosco and Our Lady Queen of the Angels—are also frequented by wealthier parishioners, Martinez said. “For a lot of them, the cell phone is a necessity. But that shouldn’t prevent them from having good manners and remembering that one must respect sacred places,” Martinez said. Margarita Escobedo, a Catholic who goes to church at least twice a week and volunteers at the San Genaro church, says she would welcome the jammers in her parish, where cell phones are becoming a nuisance. “Those who bring cell phones to church are not committed to God,” Escobedo said. “It’s very distracting to be praying and suddenly hear birds chirping or techno music.”I find this particularly interesting, since I am often times annoyed by obnoxiously loud cell phone ringtones, or loud cell phone talkers. I understand that we all want to keep lines of communication open to our friends, family, and business associates. But seriously, do you really need to announce to a crowded theater that you’re talking to your buddy John to tell him what movie you’re watching? I understand doctors and their need for pagers or cell phones in the case of an emergency with a patient. I understand lawyers and their similar needs for communications. Is it too much to ask to at least set your phone to vibrate? That way you can be alerted to an incoming call, but I don’t have to be while I’m trying to enjoy a movie. Well, I guess that’s my rant for this hour.
This eWeek article by Olga R. Rodriguez, and Associated Press writer, tells of the use of cell phone jamming technology in places such as churches in Mexico, India’s parliament, and Tokyo theaters. In Mexico:
2 Responses to “Cell phone jamming technology — and churches”
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you’re completely right. I think people forget what the world was like before cell phones
now people can’t take a shit without worrying about missing a call. I can’t stand cell phones
going off in church, or the library or theatres….places where it is expected to be quiet. I rencently read a rant about cell phone usage on the train. I have mixed feelings on this one, but I must say, the last thing I want to do during rush hour is to listen to someone’s random ramblings about their day…isn’t experiencing my own day enough. If people can’t learn proper cell phone etiquette then yes, I welcome cell phone blocking in church!
I guess I am OK with cell phone jamming in public venues like church or the theater, but I would like to see a place like the "baby room" at St. Hubert’s. This room would be for cell phones and pagers to go off without disturbing the rest of the audience or congregation, just like St. Hubert’s room prevents a baby’s cries from disturbing everyone else. People who choose to sit in this small area would be the only ones bothered by the ringtones.