Holding Hands & the Our Father

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Merrick

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I have started going to the Catholic Church on Sundays. I’ve noticed that in both places of Catholic worship I’ve attended here people hold my hand during the Our Father. Is that correct practice? If not, what should I do in this situation?
 
No, it is actually widespread liturgical abuse. Do not do it. Just hold your hands in a prayerful position.
 
Do you have a source? I believe you, but I would like to be informed for myself.
 
So if this is a liturgical abuse, is it sinful to hold hands during the Our Father knowing it is not proper?
 
Merrick said:
So if this is a liturgical abuse, is it sinful to hold hands during the Our Father knowing it is not proper?
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It’s just a “thing” don’t stress about it. If you don’t like it don’t do it. It’s not called for in the rubrics but it’s NOT sinful at all.

I personally hold my wife and kids hands, but not those of strangers.
 
triumphguy said:
It’s just a “thing” don’t stress about it. If you don’t like it don’t do it. It’s not called for in the rubrics but it’s NOT sinful at all.

I personally hold my wife and kids hands, but not those of strangers.
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I am trying to understand exactly what is implied by this term “liturgical abuse.” Wouldn’t it be a sin to knowingly engage in liturgical abuse? I am concerned because I am not as familiar with the Catholic mass coming from an Anglican background. I don’t want to do anything improper, especially if it is a liturgical abuse which seems to me would be sinful.
 
Merrick said:
I am trying to understand exactly what is implied by this term “liturgical abuse.” Wouldn’t it be a sin to knowingly engage in liturgical abuse? I am concerned because I am not as familiar with the Catholic mass coming from an Anglican background. I don’t want to do anything improper, especially if it is a liturgical abuse which seems to me would be sinful.
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Abuse is a technical term.

it means - not following the rubrics.

It doesn’t imply sin.

However, not following the rubrics could be sinful based on the the act taken and the intention. Eg., doing something meant to denigrate or demean the sacred actions.

Holding hands with loved ones is not such an action.
 
But I am talking about holding hands with strangers. It is strangers that are holding my hand.
 
Yeah, I avoid that. It’s kind of weird. My advice is, if you find yourself in a parish like that, try to scout out a spot early so you can establish a buffer zone. Then before you pray the Our Father, you clasp your hands in prayer, look down, and close your eyes. Works every time. 👍
 
Merrick said:
But I am talking about holding hands with strangers. It is strangers that are holding my hand.
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It’s not sinful - it’s uncomfortable - and probably a bit weird to you. So just don’t do it.
 
I’ve had people grab my hand before I had time to realize what was happening! In that situation, I’m pretty sure the Lord prefers me not to pull my hand away :D. Generally, I just look down to indicate I don’t want to hold hands. Works pretty well!
 
mikecash said:
I’ve had people grab my hand before I had time to realize what was happening! In that situation, I’m pretty sure the Lord prefers me not to pull my hand away :D. Generally, I just look down to indicate I don’t want to hold hands. Works pretty well!
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What about taking communion in the hand rather than on the tongue? I’ve heard that this is a liturgical abuse. (?):confused:
 
^Not sure if joking either, based on his post count, but to continue with the regular post I made…:
The hand and not the mouth is not liturgical abuse in the US. USCCB will tell you that much.

I don’t personally think it’s weird to hold hands with strangers- if anything I think it’s weird that people are so weirded out by it- but after learning that it was preferable not to do so I stopped.

It’s very simple. As soon as you stand up from kneeling, that is when the Our Father is about to begin. Bow your head, clasp your hands, close your eyes. Don’t allow time for someone to grasp for your hand and then you have to snatch it away and offend them since they didn’t know that holding hands is not prescribed.
 
LegoGE1947 said:
No joke. I have actually heard this. So I take the communion wafer on my tongue rather than in my hand.
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Receiving Communion in the hand is not a liturgical abuse. I researched that myself. But it is probably preferable to receive on the tongue.

Another thing I’ve noticed is Catholics stand for Communion. In my Episcopal parish we still have kneelers. That’s going to be hard for me to adjust to. When I become a Catholic formally I would much rather kneel for Communion but I don’t want to draw attention to myself, either.
 
Merrick said:
Receiving Communion in the hand is not a liturgical abuse. I researched that myself. But it is probably preferable to receive on the tongue.

Another thing I’ve noticed is Catholics stand for Communion. In my Episcopal parish we still have kneelers. That’s going to be hard for me to adjust to. When I become a Catholic formally I would much rather kneel for Communion but I don’t want to draw attention to myself, either.
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You can still kneel and receive on the tongue. I see people do it all the time. 🙂
 
Merrick said:
Receiving Communion in the hand is not a liturgical abuse. I researched that myself. But it is probably preferable to receive on the tongue.

Another thing I’ve noticed is Catholics stand for Communion. In my Episcopal parish we still have kneelers. That’s going to be hard for me to adjust to. When I become a Catholic formally I would much rather kneel for Communion but I don’t want to draw attention to myself, either.
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I know a number of people who kneel for Communion – whether or not there are Communion rails. Really, it doesn’t draw that much attention – if any at all. I, personally, receive kneeling and have never gotten any strange looks or remarks about it. Most people aren’t really paying attention to how others receive. If someone does notice it, they’ll most likely forget by the time the prayer after Communion is said.

I know someone who, when he first decided to try kneeling for Communion, saw one other person receive kneeling; he said seeing that really helped. However, if you are still nervous, you could try finding a church nearby with Communion rails. There are some that still have them.
 
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