MERGED: Applauding after Mass Poll / Why?

[Hoosier_Daddy]

It seems appropriate to my mature spirituality. Perhaps you, and those around me just aren’t mature enough yet.

People should applaud during the consecration? Or for the readings? Are you sure you are understanding that right?

 

[clem456]

Then could we agree on something. There should not be clapping after Mass for the music. But those that do, either do not know, or are well intentioned if not a little misguided. I can definitely agree that all intentions with the clapping are good. I can also agree that a person believes the tenets of the faith and respects Mass.

However, it is evident that while the respect may be there, while the faith may be strong, the education is not.

I may indeed respect the concert I go to, I may respect and understand the symphony. But I may be mistaken in my appropriate response to the performance.

Ice Figure Skating is the only olympic event that allows flowers, bears, objects to be thrown onto the arena after performances. They do not allow this at speedskating events, halfpipe events and the like. Does that mean that if someone in a fit of adulation throws a rose on the ice for a speedskater that they are disrespecting the sport and athlete. No, just that they do not understand the rules.

Sounds good to me. I personally would rather not have it at all, it embarrasses me personally when we are applauded. But people do it spontaneously, and I do not thing it reflects poorly on the content of their faith. I appreciate that they are moved. They may be ignorant of some things, may not be, but it is what it is.

Our parish will soon have our tabernacle back in the center of the altar, and we will have silence after Mass, so in our parish, it will be a moot point. I think.

 

[Elizium23]

People should applaud during the consecration? Or for the readings? Are you sure you are understanding that right?

If they applaud for the recessional hymn then how much more should they applaud for Sacred Scripture or the Word made Flesh among us?

I don’t know about you, but the account of “horse and chariot cast into the sea” in Exodus makes me want to stand up and cheer.

 

[clem456]

If they applaud for the recessional hymn then how much more should they applaud for Sacred Scripture or the Word made Flesh among us?

I don’t know about you, but the account of “horse and chariot cast into the sea” in Exodus makes me want to stand up and cheer.

I think you probably know the difference…

 

[clem456]

It seems appropriate to my mature spirituality. Perhaps you, and those around me just aren’t mature enough yet.

Look at you, getting a round of applause for cleverness

:clapping:

 

[Hoosier_Daddy]

If they applaud for the recessional hymn then how much more should they applaud for Sacred Scripture or the Word made Flesh among us?

I don’t know about you, but the account of “horse and chariot cast into the sea” in Exodus makes me want to stand up and cheer.

Oh you cheeky little monkey you!

You were being clever…

 

[rondirect]

Who in their right mind would clap during the consecration, or the offertory, or the readings? An outburst of spontaneous appreciation is not appropriate at those times. Expressing appreciation for an occasion of joy is appropriate, at the appropriate times. A mature spirituality recognizes appropriateness.

I am sorry that you do not care about these things. People work hard at preparing music for Mass. It does not just happen. And music can move people toward God, make them think about God, feel God’s presence, recognize him, experience God more fully.
People have feelings. Is that a question in anyone’s mind, that people have feelings? Can they have beliefs also, while they have feelings, or does having feelings exclude believing? Expressing feelings is normal, and appropriate at the appropriate times, in the appropriate way.

I think more silence is needed at the appropriate times, at Mass, and in people’s daily lives .

Clem: AMEN! For Pete’s sake, we’re talking about an affirmation after the closing song only and a joyous clapping during an uplifting closing song. Why bring in the other elements of the mass? It does not prove the point at all…apples and oranges!

 

[Convert2013]

Sorry, but I disagree with everything you said. Nothing personal of course, just my observation. How does a 5 second applause at the end of a closing song become a disruption to those who want to pray. It doesn’t go on forever disrupting their entire prayer. Before they get to kneel or sit, the applause is done! Do those people complain? I notice a few people at our masses that stay, clap along and sing to the end of the song, give affirmation with applause, then sit and pray. It is not a big deal to them. We must also remember that mass is a public event before, during, and immediately after and not time for private devotion in a place that they might think is disruptive. Also, people are talking as they leave and in the vestibule which carries on longer which is heard throughout the church at times. If those who feel that a short 5 second applause at the end of mass is disruptive (which I really don’t think they feel), there is the chapel and the adoration chapel which is dedicated for private prayer. I like the comment that “it is mandatory with Spanish community.” Are they considered people of less respect? Why is it such an issue with the American culture?

First, my post was in response to the comments about people being grim faced Christians and like Saul because we oppose the idea of clapping at the end of Mass. I’d like to hear how that connection is made with some logic.

Second, I said “I think it would be disruptive”! That’s not open for you to decide whether or not it is, in fact, disruptive to me. How do you know what others feel?

Not every parish has a chapel and adoration chapel for private prayer.

I serve at Mass both as a lector and commentator. I don’t do it for applause or recognition from those at Mass. I do it to serve the Lord by serving the Church AND my brothers and sisters in Christ. I would feel extremely uncomfortable if someone were clapping because of that as well as I’m sure, most everyone in a choir would feel the same way. Its not a concert deserving of applause. If the choir sounded great, go to the Narthex and find them and let them know how great they are.

 

[ccmcmg]

Sorry, but I disagree with everything you said. Nothing personal of course, just my observation. How does a 5 second applause at the end of a closing song become a disruption to those who want to pray. It doesn’t go on forever disrupting their entire prayer. Before they get to kneel or sit, the applause is done! Do those people complain? We must also remember that mass is a public event before, during, and immediately after and not time for private devotion. Also, people are talking as they leave and in the vestibule which carries on longer which is heard throughout the church at times. If those who feel that a short 5 second applause at the end of mass is disruptive (which I really don’t think they feel), there is the chapel and the adoration chapel which is dedicated for private prayer.

Because the Mass was not a ‘prelude’ to the final hymn. That is not what the Mass is about. By applauding individuals so publicly, we are re-focusing the intent of the Mass onto them. We shouldn’t end Mass thinking what great music it was. It should be about God. Sometimes, true, we are inspired by the music, inspired TO Jesus. That 5 seconds of ‘applause’ leads to more disruption. Who are you to decide that my prayer time with God has ended? I am so thankful that I have developed my spiritual life to include more than just Sunday Mass, but that isn’t the case with everyone, and we should do everything possible to encourage and welcome more if they wish to add it on Sunday.

Who in their right mind would clap during the consecration, or the offertory, or the readings? An outburst of spontaneous appreciation is not appropriate at those times. Expressing appreciation for an occasion of joy is appropriate, at the appropriate times. A mature spirituality recognizes appropriateness.

I am sorry that you do not care about these things. People work hard at preparing music for Mass. It does not just happen. And music can move people toward God, make them think about God, feel God’s presence, recognize him, experience God more fully.
People have feelings. Is that a question in anyone’s mind, that people have feelings? Can they have beliefs also, while they have feelings, or does having feelings exclude believing? Expressing feelings is normal, and appropriate at the appropriate times, in the appropriate way.

I think more silence is needed at the appropriate times, at Mass, and in people’s daily lives .

I agree. I think we are so scared by the silence, scared of what we’ll hear from God if we stop to listen to Him. Even Pope Francis said that we need more silence in our lives. I also work hard on Mass when I lector, or in the past when I’ve been the Cantor (with no choir). I never received, nor expected, nor wanted, applause. When I have been complimented afterwards, whether for singing or lectoring, I thank that person and then tell them it was through God if I in any way touched them, or inspired them.

First, my post was in response to the comments about people being grim faced Christians and like Saul because we oppose the idea of clapping at the end of Mass. I’d like to hear how that connection is made with some logic.

Second, I said “I think it would be disruptive”! That’s not open for you to decide whether or not it is, in fact, disruptive to me. How do you know what others feel?

Not every parish has a chapel and adoration chapel for private prayer.

I serve at Mass both as a lector and commentator. I don’t do it for applause or recognition from those at Mass. I do it to serve the Lord by serving the Church AND my brothers and sisters in Christ. I would feel extremely uncomfortable if someone were clapping because of that as well as I’m sure, most everyone in a choir would feel the same way. Its not a concert deserving of applause. If the choir sounded great, go to the Narthex and find them and let them know how great they are.

Is this where I put the thumbs up emoticon again? Yeah, I think it is.

 

[ProVobis]

I am so thankful that I have developed my spiritual life to include more than just Sunday Mass, but that isn’t the case with everyone, and we should do everything possible to encourage and welcome more if they wish to add it on Sunday.

Good for you. Sunday Mass is the minimum requirement for Catholics. You don’t have to like it and you can go to a second Mass somewhere else (EF or Maronite perhaps) or spend time at an Adoration chapel or whatever. Funny how one can get more spiritually out of something when it’s not an obligation.

 

[rondirect]

First, my post was in response to the comments about people being grim faced Christians and like Saul because we oppose the idea of clapping at the end of Mass. I’d like to hear how that connection is made with some logic.

Second, I said “I think it would be disruptive”! That’s not open for you to decide whether or not it is, in fact, disruptive to me. How do you know what others feel?
I do know what others feel in my parish because they would complain about it…trust me on that! Also, If it was disruptive, they would move to the adoration chapel. As for you, I do not know you, so I cannot make that judgment call.

Not every parish has a chapel and adoration chapel for private prayer.
Are we really worrying about a 5 second affirmation being so disruptive? Really?

I serve at Mass both as a lector and commentator. I don’t do it for applause or recognition from those at Mass. I do it to serve the Lord by serving the Church AND my brothers and sisters in Christ. I would feel extremely uncomfortable if someone were clapping because of that as well as I’m sure, most everyone in a choir would feel the same way. Its not a concert deserving of applause. If the choir sounded great, go to the Narthex and find them and let them know how great they are.
Ahh, just as you say how do I know how others feel, how do you know how the choir members feel? No one has yet mentioned the Spirit of God. Perhaps the Spirit moves people enough to applaud.

 

[Sarabande]

As a professional musician and a regular music minister at a few parishes, as well as a freelance musician at numerous parishes, I can speak for myself and for many of my colleagues, as it has been a topic of conversation, that we are very uncomfortable when there is applause for us after the mass. I sometimes have the inclination to either crouch down and hide behind the stand or sneak far back into the choir loft so I’m not seen. lol! For most of us, we are not there to receive applause and adulation. That said, it would be extremely rude to grimace at those who are clapping.

I think for most people they do not realize that they are making us uncomfortable and that we find it inappropriate in a church after mass. That said, many of us also realize that they are very well-meaning when they do it. They just don’t know. I don’t hold it against people who do it, even though I don’t think it’s appropriate and will not do it, myself. In some places, I think it has become a rote response. It’s just done after mass every Sunday because that’s how they’ve done it for years. In other places, especially when you are at a cathedral or other church which has an incredible music program with top notch musicians, people are not used to hearing that caliber of musicianship or the kind of liturgical music that is used that their only response to show appreciation is clapping. Then you have people who really just appreciate the time and effort their musicians put into preparing for the music liturgy and think that is the right way to show appreciation, even if the musicians are not that talented.

Most musicians appreciate thanks, but would prefer it done when not at mass, or maybe outside of the church, one-on-one, without any fanfare.

 

[pianistclare]

The choir will get applause on two occasions in our parish:
After Easter Vigil final hymn
And after Joy to the World at Midnight Mass

It’s hard to restrain the joy.

The priest will sometimes initiate clapping if an anniversary couple receives a blessing. This is at the end of the Mass prior to the recessional.

^^^This too where I am. But I have found in the parishes that I’ve played in, is that people will applaud because they don’t realize they are not supposed to. One pastor I worked for ask me to put something in the bulletin outlining why we are not supposed to clap…because he thought people would be angry at him if he did. He said it was part of my job, so I did as he requested.
But really, we’re not supposed to. But the above instances are done in a spirit of true joy, and personally, I think it is warranted here. Easter! Christmas! Alleluia!

 

[Convert2013]

Ahh, just as you say how do I know how others feel, how do you know how the choir members feel? No one has yet mentioned the Spirit of God. Perhaps the Spirit moves people enough to applaud.

I only say that as I can’t imagine someone being in a choir (or other parish service) looking for applaud and recognition. I say that as someone who humbly serves the parish and our Lord. So I’ll ask …IF someone in a choir for example IS looking for this sort of acknowledgement, do you think that’s ok? I don’t even think it’s appropriate to include the names of the lectors, commentators or cantors in the bulletin or announce it. It’s not about us. If I do a good job proclaiming God’s Holy Word, it’s not by my own doing. I am merely an instrument in a sense for the Lord and I pray every time that He uses me as His voice to proclaim so that my brothers and sisters in Christ will hear his Word and understand it fully.

Does 5 seconds of clapping disrupt the flow and spirit of Mass …yes! I say it does. I’m entitled to that opinion and feeling on the matter. Again, I don’t see how that makes me (or others) grim faced Christians and “Saul-like” for not feeling it is appropriate. Do you? I don’t see it as necessary. We should respectfully agree to disagree on the subject.

Cheers!

 

[ServusHumilis]

No aplauding the servants in the master’s house.

 

[Convert2013]

Because the Mass was not a ‘prelude’ to the final hymn. That is not what the Mass is about. By applauding individuals so publicly, we are re-focusing the intent of the Mass onto them. We shouldn’t end Mass thinking what great music it was. It should be about God. Sometimes, true, we are inspired by the music, inspired TO Jesus. That 5 seconds of ‘applause’ leads to more disruption. Who are you to decide that my prayer time with God has ended? I am so thankful that I have developed my spiritual life to include more than just Sunday Mass, but that isn’t the case with everyone, and we should do everything possible to encourage and welcome more if they wish to add it on Sunday.

I agree. I think we are so scared by the silence, scared of what we’ll hear from God if we stop to listen to Him. Even Pope Francis said that we need more silence in our lives. I also work hard on Mass when I lector, or in the past when I’ve been the Cantor (with no choir). I never received, nor expected, nor wanted, applause. When I have been complimented afterwards, whether for singing or lectoring, I thank that person and then tell them it was through God if I in any way touched them, or inspired them.

Is this where I put the thumbs up emoticon again? Yeah, I think it is.

 

[Convert2013]

No aplauding the servants in the master’s house.

wel said!

 

[McCartney]

I was shocked one Sunday when the church started to applaud when the priest announced that the local team had won their game the night before.

 

[Tigg]

TO HOOSIER DADDY AND ELIZIUM 23 ~

:tiphat:

Your posts have helped me more than you can know.

 

[Tigg]

Clem: AMEN! For Pete’s sake, we’re talking about an affirmation after the closing song only and a joyous clapping during an uplifting closing song. **Why bring in the other elements of the mass? ** It does not prove the point at all…apples and oranges!

Your comment brings me to my final question and the reason for this thread. What do you personally think the Mass is all about – man or God? Looking at all the different parts of the sacred liturgy, the most logical conclusion to me is that the entire ritual itself tends to draw attention ***away ***from man and toward God Himself. Is human nature, being what it is, unable to handle one hour of pure worship of the Divine without grabbing the attention back to the human element at the very last moment? In all honesty, the clapping for me at the very end somehow attempts to trivialize the mystery and wonder that came before.