New "tradition"

[HelenRose]

Why not leave the greetings for the profane places such as the narthex, and leave the sacred space of the church for prayer? Until things calm down, priests can exercise the right to omit the sign of peace altogether.

I don’t know about other Church buildings but our little mission church has a narthex the size of a small, I mean very small, kitchen. It is more like a hallway. I live in a small town and it is simply human nature for us to greet one another. I think our priest is wise to let us get that out of our system before Mass begins.

Having said that however, we are respectful of each other when we are praying.

 

[nickybr38]

My parish does this.

It happens IMMEDIATELY before the first song begins. It does not disrupt quite prayer time you might wish to have before Mass, provided you’re not arriving two minutes before.

It’s actually a very lovely practice. I have always enjoyed it. Right before the first song, the choir directs the parish to greet those around them. It’s nice to see everyone and say a quick hello. Lots of hand shaking and hugs. Warmth all around. For newcomers this moment is especially helpful, I think, because it’s an opportunity for everyone to greet them with a smile.

Once the first song begins everyone focuses on the Mass again and there is no more opportunity for warm greetings and the like.

I don’t know if it’s approved or not but it happens outside the Mass, it does not disrupt quiet prayer prior to Mass and it’s a very welcoming, warm thing to do.

That’s just my opinion though.

 

[tabycat]

To the OP, I would advise, as in all things, to simply accept the diversity of natures that we all have. Some people come to Mass with a need for human contact, or they live their whole lives that way. If you can give that to them, then do so and by that minister to them. Others come with a need for a solitary contact with the divine. Let such people in peace and do your part to keep a quiet reverence. But primarily, accept the diversity of others, putting their needs first, and never judge them for their differences.

Amen!

 

[DonaNobis_Pacem]

Thank you, everyone. Those who posted very recently helped me, I think, to see this in a new light. Your comments have all been diverse, and I believe that you have not only allowed me to see the opinions you have on it, but also to view it through a different lens. I now more fully understand this Franciscan tradition of greeting one another just before the processional hymn and can better embrace it as a member of a Franciscan parish. Above all, I extend my gratefulness to everyone who gave responses for not turning this into a bash-fest with some people proclaiming they’re more right than others. Peace and all good to you!

 

[Petergee]

Occasionally on these forums we hear someone say how they did not feel welcomed at Mass, due to some lack of a personal touch. I think your pastor is trying to address this.

A better way to address this, which is done at our parish, is to roster/appoint epople as “welcomers” to greet people out in the courtyard as they arrive, hand them a parish bulletin, be there to answer any queries etc, and when it is crowded usher people to an empty pew so they don’t have to stand.

Personally I thought this idea was a bit silly too but many people seem to appreciate it, and unlike the “solution” in the Op’s parish, it doesn’t actually transgress the Church’s requirements that a sacred silence be observed in a church before and after Mass.

 

[ProVobis]

A better way to address this, which is done at our parish, is to roster/appoint epople as “welcomers” to greet people out in the courtyard as they arrive, hand them a parish bulletin, be there to answer any queries etc, and when it is crowded usher people to an empty pew so they don’t have to stand.

Sorry but I like to hold a low-profile when entering a new church. Don’t want to draw attention to myself. I get self-conscious. If God welcomes me, that’s enough.

 

[pnewton]

Not every parish has a courtyard. My church does not. Due to the specific nature of each parish such decisions have remained in the hands of the priest. I don’t know that they always do best, but it is always best to give them the benefit of the doubt.

 

[Petergee]

Not every parish has a courtyard. My church does not. Due to the specific nature of each parish such decisions have remained in the hands of the priest. I don’t know that they always do best, but it is always best to give them the benefit of the doubt.

I think I’m pretty safe in saying that even the tiniest parish church has at least one doorway, outside which greeters/ushers can stand to “make friendly conversation and make people feel personally welcomed by members of the community” for those who see such things as vitally important to them when going to Mass, and a factor in whether they will bother turning up for Mass there again.

 

[Phemie]

Recently I went to mass while out of town, and while I was kneeling in the pew praying before mass, the priest came up and interrupted me so he could shake my hand.

I really don’t understand that. It’s not right.

Fortunately nothing like that ever happens at my home parish.

I had a friend who was big on the time before Mass being a time for “greeting each other”. I swear she got hives if she saw someone she knew praying and she made a point of going to talk to them to force them to ‘be welcoming’.

 

[pnewton]

I think I’m pretty safe in saying that even the tiniest parish church has at least one doorway, outside which greeters/ushers can stand to “make friendly conversation and make people feel personally welcomed by members of the community” for those who see such things as vitally important to them when going to Mass, and a factor in whether they will bother turning up for Mass there again.

Yes, or they can do so quietly inside the doorway. Why not let priests run their parishes as they see fit?

 

[Petergee]

Yes, or they can do so quietly inside the doorway. Why not let priests run their parishes as they see fit?

“Let” them? I have no power to stop them, and I am not trying to.

Howevere the last time I checked, it was not a mortal sin to express my personal opinion that a decision made by a particular priest was not a wise one.