How is it that these families can achieve quiet prayer after Mass? Our church erupts into a not so dull roar the moment dismissal is over. Our Tabernacle is in a small chapel off to the side, and even with the doors closed, I have often felt tempted to wear earplugs, so I can silently talk to God over the uproar in the main Church.
I understand, and that is the case with us too. But some families put up with it. When the weather is decent, the noise goes outside. But with winter coming (here already), and with no narthex, … well, it remains to be seen if there is a “sign of any peace” after Mass.
Dude, you’re a hunter. Can’t you hunt down a link or two?
Amazingly, in all those other liturgies that have touted, the peace exchange is NOT immediately after the consecration. It’s either way in the beginning, or BEFORE the Liturgy of the Eucharist starts.
I don’t know if this is meant joking or sarcastic. Anyway, Dr., if I were to take the time to find the book and the reference to which I refer on these issues, would you really change your mind? I’ve read a number of your posts and you have a definite preference for a vertical Mass from beginning to end.
And in each of those liturgies, the sign of peace is performed in way that would not detract from the presence of Christ on the altar, were it to be performed in a similar manner in the Latin rite.
I’m not sure about that diminishing Graces thing, Orion. Sounds a little sketchy to me theologically. Are you saying when a priest chooses the legitimate option of dropping the Sign of Peace, there is less Grace received at that Mass???
Wouldn’t have been so funny if I had been there, though.Yes, I believe that if the Sign of Peacer were dropped it would diminish our ability to experience Christ through our fellow worshippers. The Sign of Peace has been part of Mass since the earliest Masses. It is a sign in which we express personally our unity with our fellow worshippers, that we forgive them for their sins (we don’t absolve just to be clear).I’m not sure about that diminishing Graces thing, Orion. Sounds a little sketchy to me theologically. Are you saying when a priest chooses the legitimate option of dropping the Sign of Peace, there is less Grace received at that Mass???
Reminds me of a couple of months ago I was watching daily Mass on EWTN and they had a visiting priest. He included the Sign of Peace, which is never done on EWTN. I think he just forgot. Anyway, I thought Fr. Angelus, who was concelebrating, was going to faint. Quite amusing.
The actual wording is: : "Then the deacon (or the priest) may add: Let us offer each other the sign of peace." (Note “may” does not mean it is required) (GIRM 112)
I have been giving this a lot of thought, and at first I believed that the sign of peace could be dropped and I wouldn’t have a problem with that…until I read this post… Mass is not a private devotion, we are there with our fellow catholics. We are to be united as one. If the Lord has asked us to forgive one another before we offer our sacrifice, the sign of peace is a perfect conveance of that. Let me explain. I sat down before mass last Sunday with my mother, and along comes this woman that occassionally sits in front of us, you know the type, doesn’t genuflect before entering the pew, is chewing gum when they enter, looking around to see who is in the church, has enough perfume on to choke half the congregation…I think you get my drift. She continuously talks to her husband, is looking over her shoulder during the homily, even during the consecration she is at it. I was so upset with her that she was such a distraction, I actually let out two huge sighs in church and then stopped myself from doing it a third time. All I could think was " I’m going to stop them after church and ask them if they know how distracting they are to everyone around them!!! I bring myself back into focus to hear… Lord Jesus Christ, you said to your apostles:
I guess I should be happy for you… but actually I am puzzled.
Well I guess this is where the blessings of having children comes in. I would have moved.
Obviously you are trying to play with my words. maybe I wasn’t clear enough…You seem to imply that I don’t know about the real presence in the Eucharist. You are wrong, and if that isn’t your intention than I apologize. Are you saying that Christ is not present in that church with each and everyone of us! Do you think Christ is only present when you recieve communion, is he not there with us at an adoration chapel, was he not there when my father died and I needed his comfort, was he not there when I begged his forgiveness in a confessional?? You may want to play with my words but I know Christ is present in my life at all times. Forgive me if my words were confusing.
I am absolutely positive that she doesn’t realize how distracting she is. I discussed this with my mother after we left church and her thought was maybe I would upset her so much that she wouldn’t return to church. I tend to listen to my mother, she’s 88 and pretty smart. The point in the story was forgiveness and tolerance, I thought that was being kind.
EWTN, not ESPN. :tiphat: They’d never air a Mass on ESPN unless we could figure out how to keep score.
The whole reason so many dislike the sign of peace is because it detracts from the Real Presence. People run around the church like they just entered a hoe-down, slapping each other on the back and greeting each other like long-lost friends. It’s ridiculous. The sign of peace most certainly does take away from the Real Presence. Every priest should put a stop to this type of behaviour and educate people on how to behave reverently in Mass.
Well in my church no one and I mean no one is running around slapping each other on the back, it is quiet and reverent. Our priest has even instructed us on how to bow before the Eucharist, with great reverence. It (the sign of peace) is not a distraction for me or anyone I know of except here on this board. Maybe someone needs to speak with the priests in these churches and express their concerns. Do you think maybe it’s just an education thing? If the parishioners at your churches behaved with dignity during the sign of peace would it still be a distraction to you? so many questions…