Hard to concentrate at mass...is it just me?

[odile53]

No clue whatsoever why they do the orans posture in the congregation at Mass, and I’ve even seen it at a couple of Tridentine Masses. This isn’t a particularly nice thought on my part, but the folks doing it look like priest wannabes! I stand with my hands clasped in prayer, although I’m not adverse to shaking hands with people immediately adjacent to me at the Sign of Peace.

 

[Apryl]

No clue whatsoever why they do the orans posture in the congregation at Mass, and I’ve even seen it at a couple of Tridentine Masses. This isn’t a particularly nice thought on my part, but the folks doing it look like priest wannabes! I stand with my hands clasped in prayer, although I’m not adverse to shaking hands with people immediately adjacent to me at the Sign of Peace.

I was under the impression we were supposed to offer a sign (a handshake, a hug, a kiss) at the Sign of Peace…

As a matter of fact, this is from the GIRM

The Rite of Peace
82. The Rite of Peace follows, by which the Church asks for peace and unity for herself and
for the whole human family, and the faithful express to each other their ecclesial communion and
mutual charity before communicating in the Sacrament.
As for the sign of peace to be given, the manner is to be established by Conferences of Bishops in
accordance with the culture and customs of the peoples. It is, however, appropriate that each
person offer the sign of peace only to those who are nearest and in a sober manner."

 

[inmaddfox]

No clue whatsoever why they do the orans posture in the congregation at Mass, and I’ve even seen it at a couple of Tridentine Masses. This isn’t a particularly nice thought on my part, but the folks doing it look like priest wannabes! I stand with my hands clasped in prayer, although I’m not adverse to shaking hands with people immediately adjacent to me at the Sign of Peace.

The Orans Position is an ancient gesture to God or to gods. It was a human show of supplication to a diety. The Catholic Church has kept it in liturgical use, as governed by rubrics, for the Celebrant which indicates his praying of behalf of us, as pastor of the flock. It is never done by the Deacon, who does not represent the people before God but assists him who does.