At a Christmas Mass a woman behind me intentionally avoided my sign of peace during Mass. Is there anything documented for the appropriate protocol by the Church for exchanging the sign of peace?
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 (GIRM 82).
Some people simply are uncomfortable shaking the hands or otherwise touching people they do not know. One way to protect their “boundaries” while not giving needless offense would be to clasp their hands together during the Our Father, keep them clasped afterward, and then smile at all extended offers of peace and say “Peace be with you” in return.
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