Holding hands at the Lord's Prayer

[Theodora]

deogratias:

Well - Mahoney does do his own thing, doesn’t he.

Did you see the thread called “So You Think Your Parish Has Liturgical Abuses?”

“Yes, I have,” to your last question.

Please pray for Cardinal Mahony. He is still a Prince of the Church and we should not show our disgust by referring to him by his last name only. You could not possibly know how you would handle things and situations if you were to be a cardinal (a bishop, priest.) They need our prayers more than showing them our disrespect.

God bless and be with you.

Theodora

 

[Theodora]

deogratias:

Well - Mahoney does do his own thing, doesn’t he.

Did you see the thread called “So You Think Your Parish Has Liturgical Abuses?”

“Yes, I have,” to your last question.

Yes, each cardinal (bishop or priest) are making their independent decisions. Instead of showing our disagreement with their decisions by referring to a Prince of the Church by his last name, which, I think sound and look disrespectful, let’s instead pray for our prelates. It’s the more charitable thing to do and is definitely more beneficial for our souls.

May God be with you and bless you.

Theodora

 

[SFX]

I have NEVER understood how this began, how it got go out of hand (no pun intended), but I will not give in to social pressure and go along with it. I look straight ahead, put my hands together, sometimes closing my eyes, and pray. Please help stop this bizarre trend.

SFX

 

[deogratias]

and we should not show our disgust by referring to him by his last name only

I have noticed how often this occurs with Cardinal Mahoney only and thought it must be because so few have any respect for him. I remember that often was the case with “Weakland” too.

Probably you are right we should be more charitable - but a man, even an ordained one, is more likely to earn respect by his actions than his title.

 

[KatyP]

I also find holding hands during the Lord’s Prayer to be distracting. Even in my Episcopal church as a child, we never held hands, nor did anyone try to. I found it peaceful to look at the cross (we did not have a crucifix at my childhood Episcopal church) and pray straight to God adding in my own thoughts any transgressions I wished to repent and pondering the kingdom of God in reverence. I wish this did not occur in my current Catholic church that I attend with husband (now of five years) and two children. Fortunately I have the excuse not to hold hands because I am often holding a toddler. I would like the priest or a layperson after the mass to make the statement that no one should feel obliged to hold hands. This is a personal thing to me, a time of communion with God before Eucharist to set my heart right to recieve the sacrament (or in my case since I have not been confirmed, but am finally taking RCIA classes to do so, to accept the blessing of God from the priest). The previous Catholic parish I attended did not hold hands either, so this is only a relatively recent distraction for me.
~Take care and God Bless

 

[Wangbandan]

I totally don’t like holding hands, either. Some of you have mentioned holding your own hands together and closing your eyes. Call me pridefull if you like, but I cannot bring myself to do this. If I’m worshiping, then I will not allow myself to hide from anyone who wants to hold my hand. I’ll just politely refuse. I’ve found that everyone always respects my personal space when I courteously refuse. (except that one time when that old lady had the look in her eye that she was gonna clobber me to death with that big handbag of hers. But that is a whole other story…)