sign of peace

[kmktexas]

I was visiting in a different parish last Sunday. The Mass was exactly the same except: The Priest said “Peace be with you” and the congregation said “and also with you”. He did not say anything about offering each other the sign of peace. He went right on with Lamb of God.

Some in the congregation were offering each other peace during the Lamb of God, but most were not. Has anyone ever ran into this before? Why would the Priest leave that part out?

We don’t have the sign of peace in our parish. I have been there for four years and although they used to have it, it was “cancelled” before I came. I have been told that it was because it got out of hand with people leaving their seats, crossing the aisles etc.

When I am visiting, I have noticed that it has lost any solemnity in most parishes. It is supposed to end when the Agnus Dei begins but in some places they are still going through the whole AD. This is VERY distracting when someone is trying to pay attention to the altar during Mass. Some people have forgotten that the consecration has just happened, Jesus is present on the altar and deserves our full attention.

 

[Windmill]

kmk,

Interesting point. What parish are you at?

Rich (also in TX)

 

[Sowndog]

(Joshua):

Welcome, well when I shake hands with someone I do it from my heart, if you know what I mean.
When I shake hands at Mass I don’t do it with sincerity, more like a chore.
I could say I like the sign of peace at Mass, but then I’d be lying, and that wouldn’t do, now would it ? :nope:

Sorry I didn’t mean to single you out for criticism! I understand your point. I used to dislike it as much as you, but now something about the gesture really appeals to me.
:tiphat:

 

[Kevin_Walker]

At the Franciscan Shrine where you are most likely to find me attending Mass nowadays caters to the homeless and various street people wasting away in Boston.

In reality I don’t want to shake hands with a bum or wino who hasn’t bathed in over six months and wants to share his HIV/AIDS or HEPATITIS- C or LICE or HALITOSIS or skin virus with me.

So I usually just wave.

 

[Kielbasi]

The sign of peace varies widely from parish to parish.

In my parish, bear hugs and hearty double handshakes and kisses are the Tradition and the rite lasts for 3 to 4 minutes. In others , its much more subdued.

It all just depends on the traditions of the parish, its nothing to be alarmed about.

 

[Mysty101]

Very good point. None of the liturgy is up for change by the laity. If you are directed to give a sign of peace, you should give some sign, but no one should run all over the church, or be offended by a nod, smile or wave.
Girm
The Rite of Peace

1. The Rite of Peace follows, by which the Church asks for peace and unity for herself and for the whole human family, and the faithful express to each other their ecclesial communion and mutual charity before communicating in the Sacrament.

As for the sign of peace to be given, the manner is to be established by Conferences of Bishops in accordance with the culture and customs of the peoples. It is, however, appropriate that each person offer the sign of peace only to those who are nearest and in a sober manner.

RS

1. The practice of the Roman Rite is to be maintained according to which the peace is extended shortly before Holy Communion. For according to the tradition of the Roman Rite, this practice does not have the connotation either of reconciliation or of a remission of sins, but instead signifies peace, communion and charity before the reception of the Most Holy Eucharist.151 It is rather the Penitential Act to be carried out at the beginning of Mass (especially in its first form) which has the character of reconciliation among brothers and sisters.

1. It is appropriate “that each one give the sign of peace only to those who are nearest and in a sober manner.” “The Priest may give the sign of peace to the ministers but always remains within the sanctuary, so as not to disturb the celebration. He does likewise if for a just reason he wishes to extend the sign of peace to some few of the faithful.” “As regards the sign to be exchanged, the manner is to be established by the Conference of Bishops in accordance with the dispositions and customs of the people,” and their acts are subject to the recognitio of the Apostolic See.152

note 152 refers back to the GIRM