Meet and greet before penitential rite?

[sneakers]

The same at my prior parish. Near then end of my tenure there, I refused to participate in that and the sign of peace. Neither is done at my currently parish.

You know, I went to mass at our local Newman (sp?) Center last night. I shook hands with the lady in front of me and the two ladies on either side of me. NONE of them looked at me as they shook my hand. They were looking off to see who was next to shake hands with. I find the entire ritual to be pointless. I would rather not do it in the first place but, if we MUST, then at least have the courtesy to look at me (preferably with a smile) as you shake my hand. Otherwise, it is nothing but a farce.

 

[CuriousInIL]

Would you turn around and strike up a conversation with your buddy while standing at the foot of Christ’s Cross in the midst of His crucifixtion? For the Mass is no different than that Sacrifice

I would if I was encouraged to do so by Christ or one acting in his place.

 

[CuriousInIL]

You can give a greeting, it’s just isn’t in the Roman Missal. Doing anything that the Missal says you don’t, or even doing something that is not mentioned in the Missal is disobedience to Rome. By doing so, do you think you’re worthy of the Sacrifice? To disobey Rome is to disobey God.

I just don’t think that this concept really works. The Missal doesn’t mention taking off coats in the winter–does that mean we can’t? The Missal doesn’t mention helping one that faints at Mass–does that mean we can’t? The Missal doesn’t mention what sort of clothing to wear or even to wear any at all–does that mean…

See where that goes?

 

[Bro_Joshua]

I sometimes think the Sign of Peace and these meet and greet sessions before Mass are confused. The short title “sign of peace” has a very long history in the Hebrew/Christian/Islamic faith. “The Peace of God” (Salaam Elekum) is something that comes directly from God and is not at all like the peace of this world (pax Romana). When Christ said at the Last Super (of paska) "MY peace I give … " he spoke something similar at all Passover celebrations. Has Jesus not been God, then He would have Said "God’s peace I give you (Salam or shalom Elekum). But he revieled Himself as God when He said “MY” instead of “God.”

The sign of peace in Mass was always used even in the pre-Vatican II Mass. It was just a short form after the Consecaration, similar to today - Peace of Christ be with you, and we responded - and with your spirit. Salaam Elekum – resp. - Elekum Salaam. This is done in various forms among Jews, Catholics and other mainline Christian communites and within Islam today as it was perhaps from the time of Abraham or Moses, definitly B.C. era.

This is a sacred exchange of God’s peace. It is not a folky, personal feel good human exchange of good will. It is God’s Peace. As Catholics it is Christ’s Peace validly exchanged after the Consecration of the Body and Blood of Christ and the Priest had just touched this Sacred Body and Blood and can now exchange it with others. How this is done varies. What is done is sacred. The quote at this part of Mass is from St. John’s last supper discourse. But all too often St. Luke or who ever is quoted about leaving a gift at the altar and making amends with a neighbor. These are two entirly different lessons for us. One is the sacred exchange of God’s gift of peace. The other is our personal responcibility to make amends. One is during Mass, the other is outside of Mass.

I doubt there are many Priests or Deacons out there that know about this history. I’ve heard so many fabricate a history or purpose to this Sacred greeting, and thus they are understandably prone to want to move the sign of peace or to manufacture a greeting sometime before Mass or at least before the Offertory. Interesting thoughts, but not correct historically.

My personal feelings are that any sort of casual or personal greetings ar ebest conducted before the Mass or after and in a hall, parkinglot, or vestibule or what ever - just not in the space most societies consider specialy reserved as a particular meeting place between God and the person or people. Mass, as I see it and was told almsot 60 years ago, was the perfect coming together of Heaven and Earth. Even if the Mass is not going on at the moment of a visit, we should respect the sanctuary and nave for its intended purpose of Worship.

We certaily can and probably should come up with social meetings, coffee or some such thing after Mass. But I would prefer these inventions were not put upon us in the Church proper or during the Mass. I think a smile or nod, maybe a short wispered greeting is fine before Mass if you happen to catch someone’s eye. But also respect youerself or the others in the church if they want this to be a quite moment of reflection with God.

 

[gibbsMed]

Meet and greet is what the Narthex is for. The nave is for quiet reflection in the presence of God in the second Person of the Holy Trinity who is present in the tabernacle.

An informal greeting to your neighbor when you arrive at the pew **before **the Greeting is appropriate - heck, even give them a hug if they’re really close to you - but once the Liturgy begins…

… it’s all about worshiping God. I try to help those around me keep their “eyes on the ball”. I demand this of myself and my own elementary school age children - and I appreciate no distractions. I think God appreciates no distractions (for us), too.

 

[CuriousInIL]

Mass, as I see it and was told almsot 60 years ago, was the perfect coming together of Heaven and Earth. Even if the Mass is not going on at the moment of a visit, we should respect the sanctuary and nave for its intended purpose of Worship.

And are we to ignore our neighbors in this “perfect coming togerther of heaven and Earth”? Or joyfully join with them?

 

[CuriousInIL]

Meet and greet is what the Narthex is for. The nave is for quiet reflection in the presence of God in the second Person of the Holy Trinity who is present in the tabernacle.

An informal greeting to your neighbor when you arrive at the pew **before **the Greeting is appropriate - heck, even give them a hug if they’re really close to you - but once the Liturgy begins…

… it’s all about worshiping God. I try to help those around me keep their “eyes on the ball”. I demand this of myself and my own elementary school age children - and I appreciate no distractions. I think God appreciates no distractions (for us), too.

Doesn’t loving our neighbor as ourself worship God?

 

[Phemie]

Our pastor goes to the front and invites everyone to greet their neighbors, then the handshaking begins – strange, really, since we would be unlikely to shake hands if we met casually on the street or in a store. Then pastor returns to the back to start the Entrance Procession so the meet and greet is outside of the Liturgy – but that’s because we complained when he started this and was doing it after he got to the chair. We made him see that greeting each other after we’d been greeted by the sign of the cross was rather ridiculous.

Personally, I like the Sign of Peace if we remember that it’s not a ‘meet & greet’; the pre-Mass ‘meet & greet’ I can do without. OTOH, as a frequent reader I’m often at the back waiting to carry up the Book of Gospels and greet everyone that comes in.

 

[markbaird]

The Liturgy is major part of the sacred rite and should be the same the world over, unfortunately each Priest has an individual style and small variations occur. The sign of peace is the appearance of Christ in the upper room. This important part of the Mass must be remembered for what it is and not changed into a social greeting of people. Love and peace is shared without the physical action, more important is the spiritual greeting and sharing of Christian peace.

 

[Bro_Joshua]

And are we to ignore our neighbors in this “perfect coming togerther of heaven and Earth”? Or joyfully join with them?

I should hope we do not ignore our neighbor during this sacred time. We do have a certian quitude or focus on a central figure or cause in many non-Church settings, movies, courts of law - so why not church as is (was) also customary? There is nothing unneighborly of me if I keep quiet during a movie or a court hearing.

If (lol and a smile here) - If the Church parkiing lot didn’t have to be cleared out so fast for the next Mass, I’d be very very neighborly before and after Mass. Too be honest, I know so little about each of the 2000 or so people in a given parish regardless if there was meet/greet or not. I can’t think of any setting in which I’d become that intimate with that many people. I am not a western social scientist - but I think the meet/greet wa sinvented with good intentions, but is kind of sugar coated or plastic. the only person I can realy remember after all these years of meet/greet in various parishes is the dear sweet soul who withdrew her hand when she learned I cleaned the parish restroom. St. Francis of Assisi promoted the cleaning and repair of Churches. I washed my hands after working in the rest room. And I normaly would not have told her or anyone my occupation and education level on a first meeting. I like to know the person first as a person. But the priest told us to say what we did for a living.

 

[gibbsMed]

Doesn’t loving our neighbor as ourself worship God?

Please allow me to quote B16 from Deus Caritas Est…

1. Here we need to consider yet another aspect: this sacramental “mysticism” is social in character, for in sacramental communion I become one with the Lord, like all the other communicants. As Saint Paul says, “Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread” (1 Cor 10:17). Union with Christ is also union with all those to whom he gives himself. I cannot possess Christ just for myself; I can belong to him only in union with all those who have become, or who will become, his own. *Communion draws me out of myself towards him, and thus also towards unity with all Christians. We become “one body”, completely joined in a single existence. Love of God and love of neighbour are now truly united: God incarnate draws us all to himself. *

We participate in the sacramental mysticism of the Mass. That’s what we are there for. Leading others to God Himself is indeed true love of neighbor.

That being said, I certainly do not condone snobbish behavior. All must be done as Jesus would do it - usually with gentle loving kindness, not very often with a whip of braided cords!

 

[tn4lee]

I agree AP4. St Andrew in Sumner, WA has space and time after each Sunday mass for doughnuts, coffee, juice, etc in which folks can meet and socialize…that normally provides an opportunity to get to know one’s fellow parishioners. I really appreciate an opportunity for a solemn prayer and refleciton period at the beginning of mass.

 

[Sailka]

I have been to a few masses that do this. Sometime after the procession but before the penitential rite, everyone greets each other much like we do when we show each other a sign of peace. Turning to our neighbors, shaking hands, hugging, etc.

To me, this is totally out of sync with the somber reflection we need to have in order to prepare ourselves for the penitential rite and Mass. For me, it goes like this…kneel, praying for weekly shortcomings, mass intentions…switch modes to be chipper and friendly, then quickly get back into prayer/refelction mode to prepare for penitential rite…just does not flow for me at all! Anyone?

Important to Say “Hi”, Hold door open for others, Is Before/After Mass. Our Parisdh Is Very “One Big Family”, as Result. But Nothing should Distract from Anything DURING Sacred First 2 Centuries Novus Ordo Mass. The Sign of Peace Was Done by The Apostles, as the “Kiss Of Peace”, Westernized to Handshake Physical Greeting By Magestarium. Our Pastor Also Introduces us to Each Other, After Mass, Etc. Is Ideal Way not to be "alone’ In our Parish. Peace be With You Tony

 

[Sailka]

I should hope we do not ignore our neighbor during this sacred time. We do have a certian quitude or focus on a central figure or cause in many non-Church settings, movies, courts of law - so why not church as is (was) also customary? There is nothing unneighborly of me if I keep quiet during a movie or a court hearing.

If (lol and a smile here) - If the Church parkiing lot didn’t have to be cleared out so fast for the next Mass, I’d be very very neighborly before and after Mass. Too be honest, I know so little about each of the 2000 or so people in a given parish regardless if there was meet/greet or not. I can’t think of any setting in which I’d become that intimate with that many people. I am not a western social scientist - but I think the meet/greet wa sinvented with good intentions, but is kind of sugar coated or plastic. the only person I can realy remember after all these years of meet/greet in various parishes is the dear sweet soul who withdrew her hand when she learned I cleaned the parish restroom. St. Francis of Assisi promoted the cleaning and repair of Churches. I washed my hands after working in the rest room. And I normaly would not have told her or anyone my occupation and education level on a first meeting. I like to know the person first as a person. But the priest told us to say what we did for a living.

The “Sign of Peace” was Done as The Kiss of Peace", By the Apostles, And can be Viewed as Such, Basically, At Vatican Masses, As Holy Father Holds Shoulders of those he Greets. The “Kiss of Peace” is the Thousands Years old Tradional Greeting of Strangers in the East. Western Version is Handshake, As Magestarium Added for Western World Masses. Nothing in World Plastic about Meeting/Greeting “Strangers” in our Parishes…Before Or After Divine Mass. Is THE Way to Make Each Parish One Big Family, As at Our New Church. Our Pastor Leads, By Introducing 1 or 2 to each other. We Follow, Doing Same. Legion of Mary Also Instructs us to “Meet 3 new People”. IS IDEAL!

 

[ljprevo]

One of the problems I see in the Catholic Church in general is that we often don’t know the people we worship with. In a smaller church – like many Protestant churches – everyone knows everyone else. I think that something like a greeting that helps us connect with each other before we join together to pray is a good thing.

This is what socials are for AFTER mass! Not DURING mass.

 

[Sailka]

The Liturgy is major part of the sacred rite and should be the same the world over, unfortunately each Priest has an individual style and small variations occur. The sign of peace is the appearance of Christ in the upper room. This important part of the Mass must be remembered for what it is and not changed into a social greeting of people. Love and peace is shared without the physical action, more important is the spiritual greeting and sharing of Christian peace.

The “Kiss of Peace” was Begun by the Apostles, At Their Last Supper Feasts, With Intention of Those hating/or Grudge against another, To Reconcile In Friendship, For the Divine Eucharist. That was the Intention. And the Apostles Did! Is NO New Idea. Has Been Westernized by Vatican to Handshake in West. Another Most Beautiful Most Ancient Part of Ancient Liturgy/Prayers of First 2 Centuries Last Supper Feast, As Very Documented in MASS OF THE EALY CHRISTIAN/AQUILINA. The “Novus Ordo” is Really, Fully the Reconstructed FIRST 2 CENTURIES Mass! (No New Ideas) Vivat Jesu Tony

 

[Sailka]

I have been to a few masses that do this. Sometime after the procession but before the penitential rite, everyone greets each other much like we do when we show each other a sign of peace. Turning to our neighbors, shaking hands, hugging, etc.

To me, this is totally out of sync with the somber reflection we need to have in order to prepare ourselves for the penitential rite and Mass. For me, it goes like this…kneel, praying for weekly shortcomings, mass intentions…switch modes to be chipper and friendly, then quickly get back into prayer/refelction mode to prepare for penitential rite…just does not flow for me at all! Anyone?

Amen! NO Thing (Nothing) Should Interfere/Distract us from the Divine Mass (Novus Ordo BEING the Same Liturgy/Prayers as Done In the First 2 Centuries). The Sign of Peace Was Added By The Apostles, Preciselly to Briefly, now Anciently Greet others During Mass. NO CHATTING/TALKING IN CHURCH< EVER. Is Consecrated House of The Lord. Greeting Strangers Highly Recommended, Anywhere, Everywhere elso. Foyer, Door of Church, Parish Events ESPECIALLY. Our Legio of Mary Always Instructs all to Meet 3 Strangers. Is Ideal! Vivat Jesu Tony

 

[Sailka]

Our pastor goes to the front and invites everyone to greet their neighbors, then the handshaking begins – strange, really, since we would be unlikely to shake hands if we met casually on the street or in a store. Then pastor returns to the back to start the Entrance Procession so the meet and greet is outside of the Liturgy – but that’s because we complained when he started this and was doing it after he got to the chair. We made him see that greeting each other after we’d been greeted by the sign of the cross was rather ridiculous.

Personally, I like the Sign of Peace if we remember that it’s not a ‘meet & greet’; the pre-Mass ‘meet & greet’ I can do without. OTOH, as a frequent reader I’m often at the back waiting to carry up the Book of Gospels and greet everyone that comes in.

The Apostles Themselves Added the "Kiss Of Peace", in Earliest Liturgy, To Befriend Any Grudgings/Hatreds In Mass of the First 2 Centuries, Which the Novus Ordo IS > MASS OF THE EARLY CHRISTIANS/AQUILINA. Our Pastor, And Our Legion of Marys Strongly Recommend Greeting/Meeting 3 "Strangers" at Every Opportunity, OUTSIDE MASS ITSELF. Is Working, Ideally, We Are Becoming One Big Family of Friends, Quite Opposite of the Famed Catholic quietness to everyone, Alone at Parish. Vivat Jesu Tony

 

[Sailka]

Our pastor goes to the front and invites everyone to greet their neighbors, then the handshaking begins – strange, really, since we would be unlikely to shake hands if we met casually on the street or in a store. Then pastor returns to the back to start the Entrance Procession so the meet and greet is outside of the Liturgy – but that’s because we complained when he started this and was doing it after he got to the chair. We made him see that greeting each other after we’d been greeted by the sign of the cross was rather ridiculous.

Personally, I like the Sign of Peace if we remember that it’s not a ‘meet & greet’; the pre-Mass ‘meet & greet’ I can do without. OTOH, as a frequent reader I’m often at the back waiting to carry up the Book of Gospels and greet everyone that comes in.

                                                                                                                                                                          Your Pastor Now is Ideally Teaching Your Parish  that  Your Parish IS One Family. And You did well to Ask him  To Have everyone Greet Everyone else,  BEFORE The Procession/Liturgy. Is Ideal Idea to  Greet everyone, Before  Holy Mass.     Our Pastor Has Literraly Turned Our Abuilding New Holy Trinity  Parish Into One Family  of "Friends", As Lord Wants  His Followers to do.    And   Have been Greeted  At Stores, Everywhere, By  New Frieds  in Parish!

Our 5 Legion of Mary Preasidia Also Always instruct Meeting 3 new People, Every Function. Is Ideal! But NOTHING/NO Thing, Should Distract During Ancient (Liturgy/Prayers/methodology OF the First 2 Centuries) “Novus Ordo” Mass. (Except Babies Beginning to Cry, Which Our Priests WANT. Our Children Know this, So Do Not Cry Vivat Jesus Tony

 

[Sailka]

You know, I went to mass at our local Newman (sp?) Center last night. I shook hands with the lady in front of me and the two ladies on either side of me. NONE of them looked at me as they shook my hand. They were looking off to see who was next to shake hands with. I find the entire ritual to be pointless. I would rather not do it in the first place but, if we MUST, then at least have the courtesy to look at me (preferably with a smile) as you shake my hand. Otherwise, it is nothing but a farce.

Did You Know: (1) The Apostles began the "Kiss of Peace" At First Masses, So Any Grudges/Enmities are Forgotten/Fogiven at Holy Mass? (2) Did You Say "The Lord be With You", As Shakiong Hands, To Teach the Unkowing Unthinkers? (3) AGAIN, The Sign of Peace is 2000 Year Tradition, Highy "Soul", With Everyone who Does so Properly, And WISHES to Greet the Other people, IN THE LORD. The Lord be With You. Vivat Jesu Tony