Do you hold hands during the Our Father?

[David_B]

I usually try to avoid holding hands during the Our Father since it’s something I did not grow up with and seems very artificial to say the least (I’m in my early 20s btw). Sometimes particularly at the Newman Center I used to attend Mass at I’d hold people’s hands if they extended their’s out towards me.

It doesn’t seem too common a practice at least here in the heart of the scandals in the Boston Archdiocese, although when I visited relatives down in Charlotte last summer it seemed like the hand holding was rather excessive…people didn’t just hold hands for the Our Father and the “For the Kingdom…” but through the sign of peace.

 

[netmilsmom]

David B:

It doesn’t seem too common a practice at least here in the heart of the scandals in the Boston Archdiocese, although when I visited relatives down in Charlotte last summer it seemed like the hand holding was rather excessive…people didn’t just hold hands for the Our Father and the “For the Kingdom…” but through the sign of peace.

Oh my Goodness!
I’m sorry but this just makes me laugh!!!
Why don’t they just hold hands through the whole mass?

And is that Charlotte NC?
Bishop Jurgis has condemned the practice!! Way to go!

Can you tell, I’m with you.

 

[crobynb]

I think it just depends on preference, comfort level, and closeness of the parish members. I am from a very small community and our church is pretty close knit. My husband and I always hold hands and I leave it up to the discretion of my neighbor if they want to hold hands or not. I do not force it, but I leave my hand open in a way that if they want to I am there. Most of the time -yes, we end up holding hands. Especially if it is a child sitting next to me. I love a little child’s pudgy paw to hold even when they are squirmy.

 

[SummaTheo]

Holding hands is something that came from the Protestants.

 

[GregoryPalamas]

netmil(name removed by moderator):

Why don’t they just hold hands through the whole mass?

Can you tell, I’m with you.

Sounds like a good strategy.

 

[Lux_et_veritas]

I came from parishes where the practice is quite common. I’m in a different parish now where hands are not held and this is now my belief. However, when I return to parishes where priests still allow this practice, I will not refuse a hand extended unless something concrete comes out to condemn the practice.

Many people in these kinds of parishes (like, relatives of mine), do not understand things like the GIRM and RS, nor do they understand why anyone would object to the practice. I would have been in the same boat had I not been led into the GIRM and RS by this site.

Therefore, in certain circumstances, I believe it is an act of charity to simply accept a hand when it is given. I take each case individually. I would rather not “make a point” in the middle of mass.

I do hope that more Bishops will begin to press for the practice to stop and for the people of a parish to be taught not to do it. Most will not understand why something seemingly so good does not fit into the Liturgy.

There are many times for personal contact outside of the Mass, and outside of the Church itself. The Mass is the center of our worship, and the center of our lives as Catholics. From there, we go forth and make our contacts in the name of Jesus Christ.

 

[JOHNYJ]

It is another protestant affectation.I will have nothing to do with it !

 

[crobynb]

I would like to add onto my earlier response: If we are informed that hand holding is not correct or is directly against GIRM and/or our Bishop’s instructions - I would cease to participate in this as my responsibility to uphold the Church’s teachings.

 

[Mom_of_5]

There is another thread that has taken this subject into the ground. Those who like it, do, those who do not accept it, don’t. There is NO decision from the Vatican that says yes or no. Bishops make the judgement call. Either way, you are not sinning. Too much is being made of the “holding hands” during the Lords Prayers and/or orans position, as well as the sign of peace that is controversial. If you reach out and someone refuses to take your hand, don’t be offended.

Love and peace,

Mom

 

[MichaelTDoyle]

For me I am focusing on praying to the Father and my hands are clasped in front of me. I’m not too aware of what people do at that point of the mass, my concentration and my devotion are directed toward the Father as the priest acting in the person of Christ leads us in prayer.

peace

 

[OhioBob]

I think we should put our arms around each others’ shoulders and sway rhythmically. Now THAT would be a sign of “communion”. Putting your head on your neighbor’s shoulder would be optional.

 

[OutinChgoburbs]

I fold my hands in front of me, close my eyes to concentrate on the words to the Lord’s Prayer- as well as avoid seeing other people try to rope into the human chain.

 

[netmilsmom]

OhioBob:

I think we should put our arms around each others’ shoulders and sway rhythmically. Now THAT would be a sign of “communion”. Putting your head on your neighbor’s shoulder would be optional.

You’re the best!

Wait, it may be coming to a parish near you!

 

[system]

OutinChgoburbs:

I fold my hands in front of me, close my eyes to concentrate on the words to the Lord’s Prayer- as well as avoid seeing other people try to rope into the human chain.

:clapping:

 

[There_Go_I]

***Holding hands during the Our Father compromises the integrity of the Holy Mass. ***

***This is why I try to avoid doing so. ***

 

[Angels_Watchin]

Mom of 5:

There is another thread that has taken this subject into the ground. Those who like it, do, those who do not accept it, don’t. There is NO decision from the Vatican that says yes or no. Bishops make the judgement call. Either way, you are not sinning. Too much is being made of the “holding hands” during the Lords Prayers and/or orans position, as well as the sign of peace that is controversial. If you reach out and someone refuses to take your hand, don’t be offended.

Love and peace,

Mom

I’m REAL curious - where did you get that 'opinion"?

The GIRM is very clear - it is NOT allowed for in the GIRM, therefore, it is not allowed.

Please tell me what you’re reading or how you come to the conclusion you’ve come to.

Blessings,
Angel

 

[Angels_Watchin]

crobynb:

I would like to add onto my earlier response: If we are informed that hand holding is not correct or is directly against GIRM and/or our Bishop’s instructions - I would cease to participate in this as my responsibility to uphold the Church’s teachings.

This is NOT up to the bishop, or the pastor or the presiding priest. It is not allowed for in the GIRM, therefore it is not allowed. The Vatican HAS spoken.

There is no document that say’s “You cannot…”. The list would be endless. You cannot have a monkey on the altar, a mouse in the ciborium, a cat in the tabernacle, a priest dressed like a clown, a hot air balloon in the sanctuary, … (I hope you see my point.)

If it’s not allowed FOR in the GIRM, it is not allowed.

God Bless,
Angel

 

[system]

Angels Watchin:

This is NOT up to the bishop, or the pastor or the presiding priest. It is not allowed for in the GIRM, therefore it is not allowed. The Vatican HAS spoken.

There is no document that say’s “You cannot…”. The list would be endless. You cannot have a monkey on the altar, a mouse in the ciborium, a cat in the tabernacle, a priest dressed like a clown, a hot air balloon in the sanctuary, … (I hope you see my point.)

If it’s not allowed FOR in the GIRM, it is not allowed.

God Bless,
Angel

This is hilarious!! But also true

 

[Mom_of_5]

Angels Watchin:

I’m REAL curious - where did you get that 'opinion"?

The GIRM is very clear - it is NOT allowed for in the GIRM, therefore, it is not allowed.

Please tell me what you’re reading or how you come to the conclusion you’ve come to.

Blessings,
Angel

Do you read “The Rock”? It is in there. “Show of Hands”…by Tim Ryland. The vatican has NOT said no to holding hands during the Lords Prayer, though it is not encouraged. How many of you stand while the entire congregation recieves communion and only sit when the last person has recieved communion? This is done in a church we have attended several times in another diocese in our state. We questioned this practice and were told the Bishop has made this decision, NOT the pope. Is this Bishop acting incorrectly or is our Bishop wrong in not directing us to stand during communion? Is this in the GIRM or did they leave it out because there are too many other things to put in?

Love and peace
Mom

 

[netmilsmom]

Angels Watchin:

This is NOT up to the bishop, or the pastor or the presiding priest. It is not allowed for in the GIRM, therefore it is not allowed. The Vatican HAS spoken.

There is no document that say’s “You cannot…”. The list would be endless. You cannot have a monkey on the altar, a mouse in the ciborium, a cat in the tabernacle, a priest dressed like a clown, a hot air balloon in the sanctuary, … (I hope you see my point.)

If it’s not allowed FOR in the GIRM, it is not allowed.

God Bless,
Angel

Actually, it is up to the Bishop according to the GIRM…
“But it is up to the Conference of Bishops to adapt the gestures and posture in the Order of the Mass to the customs and reasonable traditions of the people according to the norm of law.”

What it comes down to is checking what each Bishop has to say. This is a hot button issue. Many Catholics take it for granted that this innovation is allowed by their Bishop. More Diocese are speaking against the practice than speaking for it and even those encouraging it, do not make it an absolute. No one is required to perform this innovation.

Did you see the thread about Dogs at mass? No where in the GIRM does it speak about not having dogs. I agree with you, some things do not need to be stated.