The approach of the strange woman attracted a great deal of attention, sidelong glances and stares assaulting her at every turn.  Several people introduced themselves to her as she came in, invariably ending the conversation just as it started.  Before long, things settled down and the mass began, with the usual set of hymns and songs of worship.<br/><br/>The sidelong glances continued, yet the ushers studiously ignored the odd machine, carefully keeping a grip on the collection plate when they passed it to her.  After many minutes had passed, the time came to take communion, and the congregation began to feel unease about the stranger among them.  The priest, a balding man in his late forties, was careful to speak especially loudly when noting the forbiddance of non Christians to take communion, before blessing the sacramental wine.