[Question] - Is it permissible a couple hold hands during Mass?

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Wow! I only get to take my children to Mass once a month, and when there, I like to hold my daughter tight. I remind her how to make crosses on herself before the Gospel, and I have my arm around her back and whisper things to her about the Mass so she can understand better. Being in Mass with my kids is the highest point of the month. I kiss all my kids on the cheek at the Sign of Peace. And I feel I am pretty traditional for the NO Mass we attend. I can’t imagine there being a canon law against that.
 
StillWondering said:
Hehe, you can always let go to do what needs to be done. It would be dangerous not being able to let go.
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Yes, I don’t recall ‘crazy glue’ being mentioned as part of the hand-holding.😉

I have sometimes been moved by something in Mass, perhaps the homily or a person included in the Eucharistic Prayer, that I’ve reached over to give DH’s hand a squeeze. Holding hands throughout is not something I’d do, but that’s just me.

I’ve often sat behind a young couple who do have their hands all over each other. Well, ok, not ALL OVER but still inappropriate and the urge to tap them on the shoulder and say “Give it up, already!” is sometimes very strong. As a previous poster mentioned, it is as though they were on a date at the movies. They are so into each other that I sometimes wonder if they give much thought to the fact that they are at Mass. It can be very distracting.

I’m sure my pastor must think I sleep through most of Mass because I have my eyes closed most of the time. I’m sure he doesn’t realize that I keep them closed to avoid seeing the things that annoy me and those that I know are wrong. Easier to concentrate on the Mass that way.
 
Holding hands doesn’t mean your mind is actually on the hand holding. You can hold hands and still be focused on the Mass. Just like holding a young child during Mass. Hand holding is a very re-assuring thing to do and I am sure God would approve wholeheartedly. After all, isn’t that why he gave us hands? Didn’t Jesus say something about when there are two or more of you together in my name and wasn’t he supposed to be the archetypical symbol of love? Well, isn’t holding the hand of someone you love and care for a symbol of love? Go for it, I say. Even a Bishop’s frown wouldn’t dissuade me from holding the hand of a loved one.
👍
 
peary said:
Only if they’re young and stupid. 😛
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Yes, I’m 50 years young and incredibly stupid! 😉

My wife and I hold hands during the sermon. Our love flows to each other as we listen to Christ’s representative.

We are one flesh.

Peace,
John Marie Philomena
 
Dirk_Skene said:
When my wife is with me, we do. No one has ever said anything. Of course if they did I’d just tell them to mind their own business. Depending on who this was, the method of delivery could range from a smile & still keep doing it to a clear “nope”.
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Right on and a big amen to a hand holder with Hubby. Oh and one more thing,pay attention to what you are doing and Jesus not anyone else.
 
I suppose as long as it doesn’t draw attention, a couple holding hands is okay. However, this morning the couple in front of me were embracing and kissing the entire Mass as though they were watching a movie and I had to move. I was very grossed out. And this was an EF Mass.
 
bpbasilphx said:
The big problem with holding hands is simple: How do you make the sign of the Cross?
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Is the sign of the Cross made with the left hand valid? If not then you’ll need to hold with left hands only. 🙂

Holding a missal can pose a problem too. But then who reads these days? 🙂
 
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