Clapping for the choir after mass

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As opposed to those who exit immediately after they receive the Eucharist, I don’t much object. At least there are people staying until the last note!

What really bugs me is people who don’t police themselves-leaving bulletins, dirty kleenex, candy wrappers, water bottles in the pew, and not putting away missalettes and hymnals.
 
bankerdavid said:
As opposed to those who exit immediately after they receive the Eucharist, I don’t much object. At least there are people staying until the last note!

What really bugs me is people who don’t police themselves-leaving bulletins, dirty kleenex, candy wrappers, water bottles in the pew, and not putting away missalettes and hymnals.
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water bottles? it’s funny u mention this. i saw a parishioner…probably in her early 30’s…drinking all through mass. i thought, well, maybe she needs water or has a condition warranting it, but then i saw several others…i mean, it’s not like you can’t go without water for an hour, peeps! ha:p
 
Conciliar, I apologize for my inconsistencies.

I believe I do understand the differences between the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and the Protestant prayer service.

I have had good teachers and priests, and I have read a great many Catholic books, including the old ones (e.g., Imitation of Christ), and I attended several Catholic Family Conferences. I attend several Catholic Bible studies and I listen to Relevant Radio almost exclusively.

If I don’t understand after all this, then I am hopeless.

You might be interested in knowing that at the Protestant services in the churches that I grew up in and attended for my first 47 years, clapping for musicians or others during the worship service was frowned upon as “worldy” or theatrical.

Often church bulletins carried announcements asking the congregation to please refrain from applause. Many times the pastor would announce before the service, “Please do not clap. This is not a performance.”

So yes, I have been raised in a “non-clapping” church environment.

It was in the Catholic Church that I first saw applause for the choir and the musicians.

I liked it. I believe that it demonstrates love and appreciation for these servants (who are usually unpaid), and is an encouragement to musicians. I don’t believe it glorifies man at all, but instead, glorifies God as He is at work in His people.

My daughter, who is a theater professional, decided to convert to Catholicism last year. She has been attending the Cathedral in her home city, where there is applause for the organist (an excellent organist!) after every Mass. She likes this. To her, applause is a “thank you,” not an adulation. The loving applause for the organist was one of the things that touched her heart and helped her to be more receptive to the Catholic Church.

I realize that Protestant churches are undergoing tremendous changes and that many of them are almost indistinguishable from theater. While I was still Protestant, I protested these changes. I fully realize that church is not theater.

I also fully realize that Protestant churches are not “church.”
 
Hand clapping IS sacred, according to the Bible. It is another way to express reverence to the Lord.
 
whatevergirl, there are times in our parish when people clap for the priest’s homily.

In fact, our pastor received applause and a standing ovation several years ago when he denounced “pedophile priests” and announced that our diocese favored the lawful prosecution of such priests. I was still a Protestant at the time. It was an awe-filled moment, not irreverent in the least. In fact, it was one of the most reverent acts that I have ever witnessed in any church. At the time, it seemed to my Protestant mind that we were applauding JESUS, not a man’s words.
 
I suppose all those opposed to hand-clapping also oppose the “Amen!” from the congregation during the homily?

There are several people in our parish who do this. I will do it softly when the priest makes a particularly pithy comment during his homily, or when a great song is sung or a great passage of Scripture is read.

No irreverence. The “Amen” is merely an agreement with what is being said, done, or sung.

I remember hearing someone say it once after the Gloria (accompanied by a magnificent pipe organ). It didn’t detract from the awe of the prayer at all, it enhanced it.
 
Cat said:
whatevergirl, there are times in our parish when people clap for the priest’s homily.

In fact, our pastor received applause and a standing ovation several years ago when he denounced “pedophile priests” and announced that our diocese favored the lawful prosecution of such priests. I was still a Protestant at the time. It was an awe-filled moment, not irreverent in the least. In fact, it was one of the most reverent acts that I have ever witnessed in any church. At the time, it seemed to my Protestant mind that we were applauding JESUS, not a man’s words.
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That seems worth a standing ovation.
 
Cat said:
I suppose all those opposed to hand-clapping also oppose the “Amen!” from the congregation during the homily?

There are several people in our parish who do this. I will do it softly when the priest makes a particularly pithy comment during his homily, or when a great song is sung or a great passage of Scripture is read.

No irreverence. The “Amen” is merely an agreement with what is being said, done, or sung.

I remember hearing someone say it once after the Gloria (accompanied by a magnificent pipe organ). It didn’t detract from the awe of the prayer at all, it enhanced it.
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I can take clapping or leave it…it’s just different for my family and me, that’s all.🤷
 
b_justb said:
Thank you for calling my posts childish. I sincerely appreciate your assertion that I am not “A well-formed adult.” I am most edified.

I have not taken to task any argument I find to have merit. I’m unsure why I needed to say that, I would think the lack of comment on it would be self evident. In case it’s not, then it has been said.
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Allow me to justb candid… Calling your posts childish was an insult to children of goodwill everywhere. You’ve been harping on like a sarcastic teenager insulting a room full of adults. Sincere people are discussing what constitutes proper decorum in a holy place here. For most of us here, this is a serious topic. We’re allowed to respectuflly disagree. Making a serious contribution to the discussion is one thing. All you’ve managed to make thus far is a fool of yourself.
 
b_justb, please allow me to say that I appreciate your posts.

They are definitely a bit world-weary (or should I say “church-weary”). EDIT as there are several incidences where you seem to lose your patience.

But I can certainly appreciate how you feel and why you find it hard to stay even-keeled. I find it amazing that people can find evil in something that, according to the Bible, is another way of expressing praise and reverence to the Lord Jesus.
 
Cat,

You’re apparently finding it diificult to shed the regrettable protestant habit of proof texting from Scripture, context be damned. Treat the congregation in your parish to some holy hand clapping at the elevation of the Eucharist next time you go to Mass, afterall, the bible says it’s sacred! :clapping:

I sincerely do believe you mean well.
 
Cat said:
AFTER the Mass–not during, right? Once the Mass is over, it is not correct to say, “The Mass should be solemn” because Mass is OVER.

Clapping is a way for a crowd of people to collectively say, “Thank you.”

I see nothing wrong with being polite and saying “Thank you.”
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I think the more appropriate way to express gratitude for the choir’s ability is to go up to them after Mass and compliment them. We don’t clap for the priest after his homily :nope:
 
Conciliar, I would never clap during the Elevation of the Host during the Consecration.

Why would I do that?! Why would you even ask if I would do that?! I thought I had explained that I have been well-catechized.

I know the prescribed liturgy and I respect it. I submit to the teaching of the Church when it comes to the liturgy.

For this reason–submission to authority–if someone claps for the choir after the Mass, and the priest does not voice an objection, and the Bishop does not voice an objection, I will submit to their knowledge and wisdom and not criticize the clapping.

As for “proof-texting” from the Bible, as you know, the Magisterium and the Bible are in agreement. I am not using the Psalms to prove the appropriateness of clapping during Mass. But the Bible does seem to indicate the clapping is one more method of praising the Lord and reverencing Him.
 
ONE TIME REMINDER

Those who fail to maintain their position by good discussion need not resort to personal remarks or inferences about others in an attempt to substitute “words” for substantive content.

Please refrain from interrupting reasoned conversation and debate with the use of this tactic.

Now back to the conversation…
 
at one parish I used to go to, they got into the habbit of clapping for some solist or other after literally every MASS… it got annoying, to be honest. I mean, really, MASS is not the right place for applause.

I sing in the choir at my parish and I personally love singing in the choir because song is for me a form of prayer. I would HATE it if people were to clap for us… it’s not a preformance!

on the other hand, I went through the Rite of Acceptance last year, and I didn’t mind people clapping then… I mean, it’s hard to get up in front of a group of people who all share something you don’t, and admit that yes, you want to share in that to. it’s humbling and takes a lot of courage… and the whole clapping-to-welcome thing… well it really did make me, at least, feel more welcome and comfortable…

I think in some places, it is helpful to clap. in others, it is merely pointless. I mean, the choir sings EVERY Sunday, people! one day after MASS, go tell the choir director or someone else who’s in the choir that you like their singing! I’ve even had people come up to me in a Tim Horton’s after MASS, to tell me they liked the choir! and I appreciate that; it always makes me smile - but clapping at MASS?

MASS is not about my singing, or the choir’s singing, it is about our Lord and God dying for us and clapping seems just vulgar… it makes much more sense to weep and rejoice all at once, you know?

just my opinion. for once, I guess I’m on the more conservative side. strange, as I’m normally more liberal (children, water-bottles, please come to MASS… ya know? but clapping? no thanks, please don’t…)

Esther Rose
 
sandraladeda said:
Sometimes at my church, there is clapping. Why do you assume that if there is clapping, therefore the misguided congregation must be confusing the choir as entertainment? Can one not clap for the sake of communicating appreciation? Love?

Sometimes there is no clapping. On the occasions where there is no clapping, there is not a holy, silent, somber exit, but rather a joyful sense of community. That is the kind of community it is.

In the city in which I live, there are many churches. I have dear friends for whom nothing will do but the TLM. I do not attend the TLM, it’s not for me, or for my young family, or my husband whose faith is a work in slow progress. But for my friends who prefer the TLM, I appreciate their desire to attend the TLM. We can choose to worship where we feel most comfortable. I suspect that, for people who find the clapping offensive in my parish, they probably would not be attending my parish anyway - it may be too upbeat for your tastes. Our bishop has presided several times over the past couple years, and he manages to deal with our hand-holding, hugging, and yes, clapping. That’s good enough for me, as I have an enormous respect for him.

I suspect, as b-justb has stated, that the issue of clapping is a matter of opinion, nothing more. I also share the frustration at the “Tsk tskers” who seem to derive a great deal of satisfaction by coming to CAF and criticizing anything that falls outside of their perception of correctness. imo, it is nothing more than fault-finding and judgementalism, which makes me feel as uncomfortable as, say, witnessing a group standing around gossipping, imo…

We are not a homogeneous bunch of Catholics, same age, same background, same formation.

I just wish people could have the grace to say, “Well. that’s not for me” or “in my opinion…” I am sure this would result in far fewer threads being locked by the moderators due to deteriorating discussions…my opinion…

In Christ…
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Clap to show appreciation? Love? I truly don’t believe that is why people do it, but if thats what you want to believe, go for it:thumbsup:
 
Cat said:
b_justb, please allow me to say that I appreciate your posts.

They are definitely a bit world-weary (or should I say “church-weary”). EDIT as there are several incidences where you seem to lose your patience.

But I can certainly appreciate how you feel and why you find it hard to stay even-keeled. I find it amazing that people can find evil in something that, according to the Bible, is another way of expressing praise and reverence to the Lord Jesus.
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A lot of my posting here at CAF is tongue in cheek and should most often be read while laughing. Most, not all, of course. I don’t know what world-weary and church-weary means. A sort of “tired of it” thing, I guess? Not sure.

What I do know is that I am not everyone’s cup of Chamomile. And my blunt style is often an acquired taste, where sometimes samples are forced.

I have laid back for several months on CAF and haven’t “let fly” as I am wont to say and do from time to time. But I felt the need on this thread.

<searching for a particular scripture verse, hold one please …>

Here it is: PROVERBS 27:17 Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.

There must be friction if there is to be a sharpening. But after the sharpening, we apply oil to the blade, yes? Maybe a time of soothing, of applying the oil, is now needed. 🙂 And I think you’re a good oiler (man, I hope that reads like I meant it too).
 
Our church organist lives 2 houses from my shop and he is a single man so he comes every day to our shop and visit and he is usually complimented on his playing by other customers who go to Mass and hears him play, but he would be offended if he would be “clapped for” at Mass or even after Mass for that matter.

I think that our music ministers should be shown some appreciation after all they do make our worship so much better, maybe have a dinner for them as a way of showing appreciation and have them sing and play there, and that would be the place where clapping should be done. God bless.:clapping:
 
Can we explore why people clap in general? (at least in USA)

-the applause after a performance for the performers
-express appreciation as a group
-welcome as a group (to our newly baptized, etc)
  • to express delight or happiness
    sports event— clapping is not only for the achievement of the players, but the delight in the particular play that gains points)
    -to show agreement as a group to the statements of the speaker
    (pres address, our bishop’s installation homily, the papal rally homily, etc)
Clapping is not always for human achievement. At least in USA, clapping is an automatic reaction, especially in a group, to many stimulations. I’d like to offer another idea of what might be happening…

I’d like to offer, that while the OP was specifically talking about “clapping for the choir”, that possibly, maybe, is not what is happening all the time.

Although the Mass is a calvary re-presentation, it also celebrates with joy the resurrection. If we were alive 2000 years ago, you bet we would be singing, and clapping at the Lord’s resurrection.
At my parish, (I am a music director), my music ministers know with absolutely certainty that we are not performing, that this is a prayer and a ministry. We don’t like being applaued for, however, At the end of the Mass, when we are sent, many times an upbeat joyful song is sung, people sometimes join in clapping after the last song because of the joy they feel, a feeling of the Holy Spirit and such. Perhaps this reaction is not perfectly correct (falling on our knees would be better)…but it is automatic because of the nature of being in a group, cultural indoctrination, with feelings of delight, or joy, or the Holy Spirit. And before someone jumps all over this about God not being about feelings… of course not, yet at the same time, We are human, we have our whole beings involved… and we are emotional people.

Of course, some may be applauding the choir, and we do our best to not encourage that, but I know that I have attended many masses that just felt that we wanted to acknowledge this “common place” we were all in that really seemed to have the Holy Spirit present. (by place I don’t mean physical location, I mean something like state of being). The automatic reaction was to join in clapping.

Just a thought.
 
Cat said:
b_justb, please allow me to say that I appreciate your posts.

They are definitely a bit world-weary (or should I say “church-weary”). EDIT as there are several incidences where you seem to lose your patience.

But I can certainly appreciate how you feel and why you find it hard to stay even-keeled. I find it amazing that people can find evil in something that, according to the Bible, is another way of expressing praise and reverence to the Lord Jesus.
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I’m pretty sure that applauding the choir is NOT showing praise and reverence to the Lord Jesus. It is the choir after all who is being applauded. If we were to applaud Jesus, would we not do it at the consecration? I don’t recall anyone saying it was evil, either, just misplaced.
 
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