H
Hoosier_Daddy
Guest
Even if it’s a kiss, as it started out as…
- Status
O
Oneofthewomen
Guest
I know this. My question is, why did the Church design the OF to have it? Optional or not?There had to be a reason why it was added, and why it was retained when the missal was revised.
I have never heard as many complaints about it until.I came to CAF.
The Church must have a reason, and they obviously didn’t think my opinion about the matter was important, or any one elses, for that matter.
G
goout
Guest
I see by your signature that your parish must have the slap of truth instead of kiss of peace?
B
Bonnie
Guest
I would think that those who were doing the planning liked it - or enough of them did - that it was put in. No one has ever explained to me why it was thought to be a good addition (having the laity do the sign of peace).
Probably as a bad idea that sounded good at the time.
And it’s optional. As in it can be omitted solely at the discretion of the priest. So even though it’s popular, it can’t be THAT important, when compared, for example, to the readings. What IS important, is the dialogue between priest and congregation: The peace of the Lord be with you always. R. And with your spirit. THAT can’t be omitted, and this is sufficient as the greeting of peace prior to Communion. And it’s much more sober and restrained.
It has to go. Or at least move it from where it is currently, like at to the Offertory as is done in the Ambrosian Rite.
O
Oneofthewomen
Guest
The Church, apparently, does not agree.
T
Tantum_ergo
Guest
But of course, the Church can change this at any time. Just as, for example, the indult for Friday Abstinence outside of Lent was lifted a couple of years ago for England and Wales. (and which the US bishops could also do for the US at any time, and probably will).
H
Hoosier_Daddy
Guest
Until it does.
It’s an issue being looked at.
Let’s just say the church is taking it under advisement.
O
Oneofthewomen
Guest
Really? I would like to see some proof of that, please.
I would think that if the Church h was really I interested in removing this, it would have been done when the missal was revised a few years ago.
H
Hoosier_Daddy
Guest
crisismagazine.com/2014/vaticans-sign-peace-liturgical-placement-affirmation-missed-opportunity-reclamation-reverential-mass
ncronline.org/news/faith-parish/sign-peace-mass-vatican-says-it-stays-put-urges-education
So yes, it stays for now. Until it doesn’t or does.
Consider yourself lucky that you are not involved in liturgical wars that this issue is not fresh in your memory!
O
Oneofthewomen
Guest
So, it was looked at, for 9 years, and nothing changed?
I will say it again, it is obvious to me that the Church sees a value in the ritual, and it’s placement in the Mass, so why all the angst?
If you are uncomfortable shaking hands, don’t. If you’d rather not acknowledge your fellow parishioners, don’t. I find it very sad that there is so much animosity toward this, and some of the attitudes I find in this thread are actually quite disturbing. I understand now why some people think Catholics are cold & uncaring. :sad_yes:
There really is nothing more to say on the issue.
H
Hoosier_Daddy
Guest
OkSo, it was looked at, for 9 years, and nothing changed?
I will say it again, it is obvious to me that the Church sees a value in the ritual, and it’s placement in the Mass, so why all the angst?
If you are uncomfortable shaking hands, don’t. If you’d rather not acknowledge your fellow parishioners, don’t. I find it very sad that there is so much animosity toward this, and some of the attitudes I find in this thread are actually quite disturbing. I understand now why some people think Catholics are cold & uncaring. :sad_yes:
There really is nothing more to say on the issue.
However I’ve been at parishes where it should be omitted. Which it can be.
I have no problem with a peace be with you. But people griping my kids or running across the church for high fives… obviously it can get out of hand.
Again, consider yourself lucky that you aren’t aware of the absolute mayham that can break out. It means you are at a good parish. Others may not be so fortunate. Instead of labeling them cold, pray for thier situations. Pray that people respect and understand the difference between the sacrifice of the Mass and the reaction in the stands after a touchdown!
B
Bonnie
Guest
I used to go to a parish where the priest would gather everyone into the aisle to hold hands during the Our Father. Then during the sign of peace he would wander up and down the aisle shaking hands and hugging people - he didn’t want to miss anyone. He would often sit down and start a conversation with someone, completely forgetting where he was.
He’s still there - I’m not.
R
Reuben_J
Guest
Personally I have not seen the ‘mayham’ during sharing of sign of peace on a Sunday mass. Lol. It seems like an exaggeration but I believe you that you had experienced it.
Usually that may happen in a ‘private’ mass, like in retreats, at private homes or small chapels, where people know each other well. The celebrant may want to be at liberty with the sign of peace.
I think a keen observance of GIRM would solve the issue that you related because it would discourage distraction during the mass. While shaking hands is allowed as it is one of the signs of peace, in order not to cause mayham as you said, it should be confined to the persons sitting next to you, on your left or right.
The sign of peace is a beautiful part of the mass . … as Jesus gives as peace so we want to demonstrate this divine peace to each other, but it is just symbolic. So grapping your children may be not necessary and can be a distraction but I don’t mind that, really.
I have seen it done soberly, and I have seen it just degenerate into chaos. I have seen people leave their pews and go all around, accompanied by noise; I have seen the priest leave the sanctuary (which he’s not supposed to do) to shake hands all the way down the nave. It’s has been extremely disruptive especially given that Communion is so close.
We already receive Christ’s peace: when his minister greets us Pax Domini sit semper vobiscum.
The common Sign of Peace should just go. The time for fellowship is in the hall after Mass, not during.
O
otjm
Guest
It is supposed to be disruptive. See Matt. 5:24 “leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.”
It is not supposed to be a “handshake”. One should say something such as “May the peace of Christ be with you”. The way the Maronites do it is a bit differently; at our Maronite parish, the altar servers go out to the pews, going to the first person in the pew, and they pass the peace to that individual, who in turn passes it on down the pew.
rather than shaking your hand, they put their two hands out, parallel; you place on of yours between them and the bring their hands together on yours yours. It is not what we are used to as a “handshake”.
You may be without any family or immediate friends, and sitting next to a parishioner; and may not have anything to make peace over with the person next to you. Or maybe you do. But the purpose of the gesture has been taught; apparently many need a re-instruction.
And if you are with family or friends, it may be that you need to “leave the altar…” and make peace before approaching Communion, the sign of unity.
L
Luz_Maria
Guest
You are very correct. A long time ago I was at a Mass where the sign of peace was offered and I thought all was fine. I went to Communion, returned to my pew and knelt in prayer. Then this person taps on my shoulder and I jumped out of my skin! The person was offering me the sign of peace. Little did I know that “the sign of peace” had been extended to Communion and beyond.
I am a basically friendly person and I genuinely care for the fellow human being next to me. That caring means that if am even getting sick, I will try to keep the person from catching what I may be catching – one can tell about 98% of the time if “something” is just not right. When we have fellowship after Mass, I simply tell the person coming to hug me to please give me a “rain check” because am coming down with something and I do not want to give it… If, and only if, the person still wants a hug, I give it and try to not breathe on the person. If am down with the flu, I do not go to church. I never know who may have a compromised immune system.
As I said earlier, I use the hand sanitizer before extending my hand. If the person is healthy, s/he stays healthy; if sick, then most likely there is just enough alcohol on my hand to kill those germs. If I have just used a tissue, then I sure use the sanitizer before shaking hands. People appear to like that and smile at me – I smile back. Depending on the circumstances, I may use the sanitizer again. At times others have asked me to use my sanitizer. Gladly!
:doh2: I wasted all of the above when I could have simply stated: “Love and do as you will!” * Love does mean sacrifice and at times not giving someone a hug is such. Love means being aware that at times the person may have a condition that any touch would/could hurt. Look in their eyes. It is simply amazing how others can then tell that you care. Then follow St. Teresa’s self-admonition below and trust Him to take care of you and the person next to you.
Let Nothing Disturb You
Let nothing disturb you,
Let nothing frighten you,
All things are passing away:
God never changes.
Patience,
Obtains all things,
Whoever has God
Lacks nothing:
God alone suffices.
Santa Teresa de Jesús `
(Santa Teresa de Ávila
España: 1515—1582)
Luz María*
J
Jennifoo
Guest
Yes. In my parish it is often eliminated at weekday Masses, or when there is some serious disease going around.
If you’re worried about spreading germs you could always keep hand wipes with you and discreetly wipe them before the Sign of Peace.
May God richly bless you during this Advent and Christmas Season.
M
M-Dent
Guest
The culture and people I attend Holy Mass with prefer the sober manner. Our Bishop has visited and commended the tradition and spirituality. That’s really all that’s important.
If your community differs, that’s great!
- Status