Priest saying amen during homily?

[reff]

I’m currently in my RCIA, and I noticed that the Parish Pastor that I go to says amen quite a few times during his homily, and everyone else says amen back, is this pretty common now? Oh and I also noticed that at the Sunday 11:00 am mass, they have a band and everything is this common now too?

 

[David_B]

I’m currently in my RCIA, and I noticed that the Parish Pastor that I go to says amen quite a few times during his homily, and everyone else says amen back, is this pretty common now? Oh and I also noticed that at the Sunday 11:00 am mass, they have a band and everything is this common now too?

Certainly different priests and parishes might do things differently, there is quite a bit of latitude for different varieties of music and preaching in the Mass. God Bless you on going through your RCIA, and I think it’s good that you’re aware that something might seem off. If you’re closer to a more metropolitan area you might have the option of other Catholic parishes that might have preaching and music that seems either more correct or attractive to you.

Just remember just because this is the parish you’re going through RCIA at and will be received into the church at, does not mean that you’re married to this particular faith community for life. If worshipping in another parish or the preaching of a different priest can bring you closer to loving the Lord Jesus Christ even more, than go for it.

 

[T_Cone3]

the amen thing sounds specific to that church. I would try a couple churches in the surrounding areas. Hopefully it isn’t like that at all the churches. As far as a band, that’s church specific too. I’ve been to many churches and some do have a band, but they are very few and far between. Hopefully, you are able to try multiple churches. How are the songs by the way? do they sound newer, or do they sound like old ancient songs (band aside) you should be able to tell the difference. like the difference between Crown him with many crowns and On Eagles wings. What is the makeup of the congretation. Younger or older?

 

[SuscipeMeDomine]

the amen thing sounds specific to that church. I would try a couple churches in the surrounding areas.

I would be very hesitant to tell someone in RCIA that they should change parishes. Yes, that’s a possibility, but then they have to get started someplace else.

Saying “amen” during a homily isn’t common, but perhaps it’s that priest’s style of preaching.

 

[ElizabethPH]

I’m currently in my RCIA, and I noticed that the Parish Pastor that I go to says amen quite a few times during his homily, and everyone else says amen back, is this pretty common now? Oh and I also noticed that at the Sunday 11:00 am mass, they have a band and everything is this common now too?

Priest’s all have different styles…I’ve never heard a Catholic priest and congregation do the Amen’s like that. We have an 11:30 Mass that has guitars and drums and a flute, I think a fiddle as well…that is the more popular Mass for younger folks. The Vigil and morning Masses are more conservative. Try a different Mass at your parish, although you most likely will get the same homily though.

 

[reff]

I actually have no problem with the amens I was just curious. I actually find it interesting

 

[AngelRose81]

I would be very hesitant to tell someone in RCIA that they should change parishes. Yes, that’s a possibility, but then they have to get started someplace else.

Saying “amen” during a homily isn’t common, but perhaps it’s that priest’s style of preaching.

Our priest does something similar, he says or sings “Praise the Lord or Praise God” and we respond “Alleluia”. He only does this at the beginning of the homily and at the end. Personally, I don’t mind. I think that it at least gets everyone’s attention that he’s about to speak (you know for those who slept during the readings)

But I’ve been to several different parishes (due to traveling) and each priest or deacon has his specific style of speaking.

 

[sancte_joseph]

Well…the priest saying amen and such stuff through out the homily and people responding…sounds like protestan preaching style but in itself isn’t really bad…as long as the priest stays true to the teachings of the church…

But many priest say some invocation or something like…

Amen…or
so be it (a si sea) <<<many mexican priest say this ending homily

praised be Jesus (usually say it in latin)

etc etc etc

 

[plato3]

Most of us do not understand how difficult it is for some priests to give a homily. Not all are gifted in this way. Some do not speak well, but are very compassionate with their community during times of loss of a loved one Etc. They try different ways to deliver the message. At a class awhile back with our bishop, it was said that those who do not have a gift for homilies should keep them short.

 

[Joe_Kelley]

. . At a class awhile back with our bishop, it was said that those who do not have a gift for homilies should keep them short.

Might be good advice to all. I once heard a comment on the Supreme Court: *They write long decisions because they won’t take the time to write short ones. *I think the same applies to homilies.

I favor the KISS method in all presentations - Keep It Short and Simple.

 

[SenorSalsa]

I have found that many priests will use the Amen when the implore us to make some change. They will say something that we should all say, work to pray 10 minutes a day the next week, and follow it with a question like Amen?, to which the congregation responds Amen. Its like a commitment to do what he asks of us.

Even more will use it at the end, sometimes preceded by a prayer for the grace to adjust our lives using the homily’s message, others to just end it, which is nice, because it calls back to mind that the homily isn’t just a speech, it should always bring us to God.

 

[Cat]

Some of our priests do this.

We havea Nigerian priest who does this a lot.

I agree, it’s a preaching style. In certain parts of the country, church-going people are used to this and don’t think anything of it.

 

[nerddad]

Even more will use it at the end, sometimes preceded by a prayer for the grace to adjust our lives using the homily’s message, others to just end it, which is nice, because it calls back to mind that the homily isn’t just a speech, it should always bring us to God.

I agree. I also like the homily ended with the sign of the cross.