Question about the Sign of Peace

[cothrige]

Okay, I have been wondering about something lately. During the sign of peace, typically people say to me “Peace of the Lord be with you” or something to that effect. Is there an appropriate response to this, or something specific which should be replied with?

I have just been curious lately. Thanks in advance.

 

[AJV]

Okay, I have been wondering about something lately. During the sign of peace, typically people say to me “Peace of the Lord be with you” or something to that effect. Is there an appropriate response to this, or something specific which should be replied with?

I have just been curious lately. Thanks in advance.

The GIRM, in giving the instructions for the celebration of the Mass, says the response should be “Amen”, however in my experience, it is more common for both people to say “Peace be with you”/“Peace of Christ”/“Peace”/or similar. Most likely people would just look at you strangely or be confused if you replied “Amen”.

You should not reply “And also with you” – this is a response reserved only said to the ordained ministers. .

 

[mom2em]

… it is more common for both people to say “Peace be with you”/“Peace of Christ”/“Peace”/or similar.

This is what we do. I find older people tend to say “Peace be with you” and middle/younger tend to say “Peace.”

 

[OscarsMama]

I’m 32. I say “Peace.” But there are older folks in church and they will say “Peace be with you.” I agree with the post that said it was based upon age… or probably generation.

 

[TheMc]

Okay, I have been wondering about something lately. During the sign of peace, typically people say to me “Peace of the Lord be with you” or something to that effect. Is there an appropriate response to this, or something specific which should be replied with?

I have just been curious lately. Thanks in advance.

From the General Instruction of the Roman Missal:

1. Then the priest, with hands extended, says aloud the prayer, Domine Iesu Christe, qui dixisti (Lord Jesus Christ, you said). After this prayer is concluded, extending and then joining his hands, he gives the greeting of peace while facing the people and saying, Pax Domini sit simper vobiscum (The peace of the Lord be with you always). The people answer, Et cum spiritu tuo (And also with you). Afterwards, when appropriate, the priest adds, Offerte vobis pacem (Let us offer each other the sign of peace).
   …
   At the same time, in accord with the decisions of the Conference of Bishops, all offer one another a sign that expresses peace, communion, and charity. While the sign of peace is being given, one may say, Pax Domini sit semper vobiscum (The peace of the Lord be with you always), to which the response is Amen.

Technically, they say “The peace of the Lord be with you always”, and you say “Amen.”

 

[MarkThompson]

Technically, they say “The peace of the Lord be with you always”, and you say “Amen.”

I think he is asking about other people in the congregation, during the general exchange of peace.

The above comments, I think, are right that you would typically respond (if you didn’t speak first) with a greeting like “Peace,” “Peace be with you,” or “The peace of Christ.” Often people speak at the same time; that’s fine too. It’s not that different from how it works when two people wish each other good morning: “Good morning, Bob!” – “Good morning, Lou!”

You would certainly never say “Amen” or “And also with you.”

 

[cothrige]

This is very interesting. I recall looking in the GIRM a while back and not seeing anything, but I must have overlooked the information posted here and referenced by others. I had read somewhere that “And also with you,” or perhaps specifically “And with your spirit,” was reserved for saying only to clerics, and so never considered saying that. But, I feared that perhaps there was a proper traditional thing that everyone knew about but me, and so I might have looked silly just returning the peace. I am pleased to know that at least I haven’t been making myself look silly all this time. Or, at least not during the sign of peace.

And thanks to all for the information.