Clapping for the choir after mass

[Conciliar]

Saying “thank you” through words or clapping is polite and good manners. Good manners are a practical demonstration of love.

Booing is NEVER polite. It is extremely bad manners.

**I’m so glad I don’t go to any of your parishes. ** I live in one of the most conservative dioceses in the U.S. Our Bishop established the TLM back in the 1980s, and we have a TLM every day and several times on Sunday.

But at every parish in our diocese that I have visited, there is almost always applause = thank you for something.

To me, it is a wonderful sweet way to express Christian love for each other. Love covers a multitude of sins. The world will know that we are Christians by our LOVE for each other.

Last Wednesday for the first time since my surgery, I played for the Italian parish in our city. After the Mass (AFTER the Mass), Father said, “We’re so glad that “Cat” (he used my real name) is back!” And everyone applauded. I felt very loved and touched by this display of affection.

If you think that the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament is offended by displays of Christian love in His Presence, then I think you need to re-read your Bible and Catechism. He makes it quite clear that He is PLEASED when we love one another!

As for prayer after Mass, the Lord said that when we pray, we should “go into our closet.” If our prayers are causing us to ignore our brothers and sisters, then perhaps we need to examine exactly what we are praying for.

If you need applause for whatever it is you do in the Mass, I’m glad you don’t perform in my parish too, to be quite honest.

Your post seems to equate clapping with love. That’s a sad commentary. Like I said in my last post, clapping is anonymous and spiritually empty. I don’t have to dust off my Bible to tell you that this isn’t what Christ means by “love your neighbor.”

'When I was needy, you clapped for me." Maybe I missed that one.

Your last paragraph is probably the saddest commentary of all. Prayers of thansgiving following Mass should come naturally as an acknowledgement of the gift we just received. “Examine what we are praying for?” Huh? It seems you equate prayer with simply asking for things. Prayer isn’t all about being needy. (I sense a theme developing here…) Prayer can be adoration and thanksgiving too.

And who on earth said anything about ignoring our brothers and sisters?

 

[Lepanto]

This whole discussion is exactly why I’m a big supporter of the use of choir lofts.

Back when church architects and liturgists actually thought with a Catholic mind, they incorporated choir lofts in our churches precisely to obviate the human tendancy to seek narcissistic gratification during Mass. Choirs were meant to be heard, and not seen, like the voices of angels lifting us higher in prayer.

Now, in this age of round-the-clock television and the culture of pervasive entertainment, choirs are put on the front “stage” and compete for attention with the Eucharist. Only in this context does applause make sense.

 

[Wolseley]

This whole discussion is exactly why I’m a big supporter of the use of choir lofts.

Back when church architects and liturgists actually thought with a Catholic mind, they incorporated choir lofts in our churches precisely to obviate the human tendancy to seek narcissistic gratification during Mass. Choirs were meant to be heard, and not seen, like the voices of angels lifting us higher in prayer.

Now, in this age of round-the-clock television and the culture of pervasive entertainment, choirs are put on the front “stage” and compete for attention with the Eucharist. Only in this context does applause make sense.

Maybe the progressives should put the altar in the choir loft. That’ll free up the whole front of the church, and they can put a big stage in there for the parish rock group to do their thing every Sunday (think of the Peavy amps you could install!), and the parishioners won’t be distracted by “that other stuff” going on up over their heads and behind them.

 

[Lepanto]

Maybe the progressives should put the altar in the choir loft. That’ll free up the whole front of the church, and they can put a big stage in there for the parish rock group to do their thing every Sunday (think of the Peavy amps you could install!), and the parishioners won’t be distracted by “that other stuff” going on up over their heads and behind them.

Yeah, and think of all the extra space that would leave for the big wall projectors.

 

[b_justb]

Don’t clap to show your appreciation to the music ministers and their minstry. This is church, we should only be praising God. Now put away those rosary’s too.

 

[Wolseley]

Don’t clap to show your appreciation to the music ministers and their minstry. This is church, we should only be praising God. Now put away those rosary’s too.

I agree. There’s nothing wrong with praying the Rosary in a church----but not during Mass.

 

[Wolseley]

Yeah, and think of all the extra space that would leave for the big wall projectors.

True!

You might even have enough room for a Big Top and a trapeze, for the Clown Ministry.

 

[Sr_Sally]

I don’t know if I have ever been to a Mass where there was clapping for the choir. Special concerts given at a Catholic church, yes. Actual Mass, no. I have seen it TONS at protestant services however. Even clapping after a “number” during the service!

Recently, I attended a mass with my brother in which the priest announced to the people that he prefers that after dismissal and the choir has finished singing that the people should not clap. His reasoning was that we sing to give praise to God. We do not sing or have a choir for our benefit. Into which this announment has been easily dismissed by the people. What are your thoughts on this? What happens in your church?

On a side note, after thinking about this… I agree with the priest. I understand his reasoning. I like solemn masses.

Thanks in advance!

 

[b_justb]

I agree. There’s nothing wrong with praying the Rosary in a church----but not during Mass.

And the hand clapping is after the mass is over too right? The way I’ve always seen it done is that the music ministers play until the procession is completely out of the Church and then some people offer their thanks for the music by applauding. God forbid we show any appreciation to our ministers. Now we need replace the holy water with lemon juice so everyone is on the same page with regard to their sourpussiness.

Hey, I know! :newidea:

What if people that didn’t want to clap, like you know, didn’t clap? And for the ones that any clapping sounds at all at any time just bunches up their panties to the extreme went to a mass that had no music?

 

[Wolseley]

And the hand clapping is after the mass is over too right? The way I’ve always seen it done is that the music ministers play until the procession is completely out of the Church and then some people offer their thanks for the music by applauding. God forbid we show any appreciation to our ministers. Now we need replace the holy water with lemon juice so everyone is on the same page with regard to their sourpussiness.

Hey, I know! :newidea:

What if people that didn’t want to clap, like you know, didn’t clap? And for the ones that any clapping sounds at all at any time just bunches up their panties to the extreme went to a mass that had no music?

At least Rosaries are quiet, reverent, and respectful. Save the applause for the theater.

 

[b_justb]

At least Rosaries are quiet, reverent, and respectful. Save the applause for the theater.

If the argument is for quiet I can see your point. What else do we do away with to make sure it is quiet enough? Children perhaps? They are pretty noisy. Hard soled shoes? All that tap-tapping while walking to and from the pew; most bothersome. Ridiculous? Why, yes! That’s the point exactly.

 

[TOMFULLREE]

“… God forbid we show any appreciation to our ministers. Now we need replace the holy water with lemon juice so everyone is on the same page with regard to their sourpussiness.”

I have a better idea! How about after Mass, you go up to the individual to whom you want to show appreciation and shake their hand while making a few appropriate comments? If it came right down to it, I would rather hear a few sincere words from someone than being treated to applause. To my mind, applause is cheap, thoughtless and takes no effort. To seek someone out and offer a few words is more meaningful.

 

[Lepanto]

And the hand clapping is after the mass is over too right? The way I’ve always seen it done is that the music ministers play until the procession is completely out of the Church and then some people offer their thanks for the music by applauding. God forbid we show any appreciation to our ministers. Now we need replace the holy water with lemon juice so everyone is on the same page with regard to their sourpussiness.

Hey, I know! :newidea:

What if people that didn’t want to clap, like you know, didn’t clap? And for the ones that any clapping sounds at all at any time just bunches up their panties to the extreme went to a mass that had no music?

Once again, decision made by sentiment, not by decorum.

And actually, they are musicians. There’s no such clerical state as a “music minister.”

“…a person is not a minister simply in performing a task, but through sacramental ordination.”

ON CERTAIN QUESTIONS REGARDING
THE COLLABORATION OF THE NON-ORDAINED
FAITHFUL IN THE SACRED MINISTRY OF PRIEST
cf. 2. Unity and Diversity of Ministerial Functions
vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cclergy/documents/rc_con_interdic_doc_15081997_en.html

How’s that for being a sourpus?

 

[b_justb]

“… God forbid we show any appreciation to our ministers. Now we need replace the holy water with lemon juice so everyone is on the same page with regard to their sourpussiness.”

I have a better idea! How about after Mass, you go up to the individual to whom you want to show appreciation and shake their hand while making a few appropriate comments? If it came right down to it, I would rather hear a few sincere words from someone than being treated to applause. To my mind, applause is cheap, thoughtless and takes no effort. To seek someone out and offer a few words is more meaningful.

Excellent! Have you done this? What if everyone did? Now we have that noise thing back and as a bonus there’s a line of people wanting to shake hands with the members of the choir. Why aren’t they standing in line to shake hands with the celebrant? Imagine all the threads here about all the lines in Church after Mass. This is a great idea! All the whiners and complainers here will have even more to whine and complain about. BRILLAINT!!!

 

[b_justb]

Once again, decision made by sentiment, not by decorum.

And actually, they are musicians. There’s no such clerical state as a “music minister.”

“…a person is not a minister simply in performing a task, but through sacramental ordination.”

ON CERTAIN QUESTIONS REGARDING
THE COLLABORATION OF THE NON-ORDAINED
FAITHFUL IN THE SACRED MINISTRY OF PRIEST
cf. 2. Unity and Diversity of Ministerial Functions
vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cclergy/documents/rc_con_interdic_doc_15081997_en.html

How’s that for being a sourpus?

A very long document. Have you read it all? Is there a section we might focus in on that may give some helpful hints on applauding? A search for that word in the document comes up empty.

 

[Lepanto]

I still say that if it’s acceptable to clap, then it’s also acceptable to boo.

Rotten tomatoes, anyone?

 

[TOMFULLREE]

Excellent! Have you done this? What if everyone did? Now we have that noise thing back and as a bonus there’s a line of people wanting to shake hands with the members of the choir. Why aren’t they standing in line to shake hands with the celebrant? Imagine all the threads here about all the lines in Church after Mass. This is a great idea! All the whiners and complainers here will have even more to whine and complain about. BRILLAINT!!!

Actually, yes, I have taken the time to seek someone out after Mass, shake their hand and offer a few words of encouragement. Sorry that my suggestion annoyed you and reduced you to employing sarcasm.

 

[b_justb]

Actually, yes, I have taken the time to seek someone out after Mass, shake their hand and offer a few words of encouragement. Sorry that my suggestion annoyed you and reduced you to employing sarcasm.

It’s not annoying at all. If you frequent this part of CAF surely you can see why my remarks are as they are. Complaints about clapping after mass for the music? Is this what we are reduced to? I think people just love to gripe. I know I do! I think people get tired of hearing the gripes. I know I do! Incessant complaining for the sake of complaining, that way people like me can complain about the complaining! It’s just perfect, don’t you think? I am being ridiculous to show a point. Being absurd to show absurdity.

ps good for you for taking the time with your musical people at church (not ridiculous or absurd).

 

[b_justb]

lepanto:

And actually, they are musicians. There’s no such clerical state as a “music minister.”

“…a person is not a minister simply in performing a task, but through sacramental ordination.”

what do we do about all of these?

PRAISE AND WORSHIP MUSIC MINISTRY RESOURCES
Refuge - A Catholic music ministry serving The Body of Christ Prayer Group at St. Francis Cathedral Metuchen, New Jersey USA
6PENCE CATHOLIC MUSIC MINISTRY
Giving My heart Ministries, Catholic Music Ministry, links page

There are a lot more …

 

[TOMFULLREE]

It’s not annoying at all. If you frequent this part of CAF surely you can see why my remarks are they are. Complaints about clapping after mass for the music? Is this what we are reduced to? I think people just love to gripe. I know I do! I think people get tired of hearing the gripes. I know I do! Incessant complaining for the sake of complaining, that way people like me can complain about the complaining! It’s just perfect, don’t you think? I am being ridiculous to show a point. Being absurd to show absurdity.

ps good for you for taking the time with your musical people at church (not ridiculous or absurd).

OK–perhaps I took your comments too personally. Blog posting is a pretty imperfect way to communicate—you miss so much.

I do not know that applause bothers me so much in isolation as what it represents. To me, it is just another instance of a lack of an outward sign of reverence in church. Please note, I do not pretend to know someone’s interior disposition nor pretend that I am holier or better than others. I am commenting on what I am seeing. So, maybe people do swat at gnats and go on at length in a legalistic fashion about small things. But, to me, these small things keep adding up into a big source of irritation. Perhaps a lot of the other posters feel the same way?