Home › Forums › All Things Catholic › Applause after mass
- This topic has 1 reply, 10 voices, and was last updated 20 years, 9 months ago by About Catholics Team.
-
AuthorPosts
-
February 27, 2004 at 5:51 am #739About Catholics TeamKeymaster
Not sure how common this is in other Catholic parishes, but at the end of mass everyone starts clapping for the choir.
Personally, I think this is a bad idea. I think it disrupts the prayerful environment that is supposed to be the mass and also, the choir is not there performing for us. They are there in service to God.I think saying something to the choir members afterwards that they sounded good is a great idea, but I just find clapping at the end of mass to be “wrong.”
February 28, 2004 at 7:37 am #2540About Catholics TeamKeymasterIs it ok to disagree? ” title=”Very Happy” /> Well, I don’t know that I really disagree, I haven’t really thought much that it could be disrupting. I kind of looked at clapping as appreciation for the entire mass and a way to express my happiness for the mass that had just been celebrated. Even after a performance from a theater or something, I clap because I appreciated it to some degree, so I have that same way of thinking about the mass–I appreciate that the mass was celebrated. I tend to have an interesting outlook on some issues, maybe this is one of them. ” title=”Wink” />
Sometimes the priest will ask the congregation to thank the choir and parish bands by giving applause, then it is like we are praising them for their performance.
I don’t want to disrupt the prayful environment, and for this reason I think it is also distracting to chat with others after mass while we are still in the sanctuary. I try to move out to the socializing area to do that.
February 29, 2004 at 9:26 am #2548About Catholics TeamKeymaster[quote:40pf1wmq]Is it ok to disagree? ” title=”Very Happy” /> Well, I don’t know that I really disagree, I haven’t really thought much that it could be disrupting.[/quote:40pf1wmq]
Of course it’s ok to disagree. ” title=”Wink” />
[quote:40pf1wmq]I kind of looked at clapping as appreciation for the entire mass and a way to express my happiness for the mass that had just been celebrated. Even after a performance from a theater or something, I clap because I appreciated it to some degree, so I have that same way of thinking about the mass–I appreciate that the mass was celebrated.[/quote:40pf1wmq]
But this is my point. It’s not like a theater performance. It’s not a performance at all.
[quote:40pf1wmq]Sometimes the priest will ask the congregation to thank the choir and parish bands by giving applause, then it is like we are praising them for their performance. [/quote:40pf1wmq]
Well, I think that is different, but I’m still not terribly excited about it.
Anyway, clearly I am outnumbered on this issue so it would be nice if other people who voted yes would kindly voice their opinion. ” title=”Very Happy” />
March 2, 2004 at 4:57 am #2556About Catholics TeamKeymasterI look at clapping as happiness that brings us together (not necessarily even for the choir). I was not equating mass to an performance, but only that I usually appreciate both. I was going more along the lines that mass is celebrated, so we should rejoice at the end, and that people could celebrate by clapping at the end. Maybe this is not how everyone else thinks of it. We both know how I can think strange things at times ” title=”Wink” />
March 5, 2004 at 6:55 am #2591About Catholics TeamKeymasterWell…how [i:2d8z03iy]does[/i:2d8z03iy] everyone else think of it?
I highly doubt that everyone out there is rejoicing for the celebration of the mass.
March 23, 2004 at 1:51 am #2773AnonymousInactiveI think you’ve found one of my pet peeves without even looking for it!
All the noise after Mass is over is horrendous. It drives me crazy and I don’t have far to go! I try to pray my thanksgiving after Mass and sometimes the noise is so distracting I want to jump up and yell “Silence!” It just shows the general lack of reverence for God’s house that permeates this generation. I remember going to a Catholic Church as a child and being amazed at the stillness and peace found in the silence. Now, please, it is quieter in the gym after the game lets out!
What really amazes me is this: Technically for about fifteen minutes after receiving Communion you are in Communion with God – it would be wise to talk to Him at this point and try to listen to what He might be saying. This is theologically supported by all Church teachings and Communion with God in the Eucharist is supposed to be the source and summit of our Catholic Faith, but no body wants to either talk to God in prayerful reverence after Mass or listen to hear His voice in the silence. They’d rather start talking to their neighbors, the priest, the choir and whoever else might pop up at that particular time. Applause? Sure go for it! Aren’t we all supposed to clap when the “SHOW” is over? Actions speak louder than words. What all this noise in Church says to me, saddens me. Just know that while you guys n gals are having those lively conversations after Mass, I’m still on my knees offering a thanksgiving prayer for myself and for all of you. But ya know, I think God would rather hear from you Himself! ” title=”Confused” />
March 23, 2004 at 2:19 am #2775AnonymousInactiveOn this subject I think I am a fence sitter—-not knowing which way to jump in.
It is nice when the priest prompts an acknowledgement of the choir or musicians (in some parishes that is all the thanks they ever get—-and from what I know of the parishes I have been in
it requires alot of practice time)Now that I think of it—another way to offer something is by mentioning them in the intentions or prayer of thanksgiving after communion.
I have been at weddings and babptisms where folks have clapped in celebration too.
But I do agree that after mass is ‘over’, even if it ends with some recognition by applause
the silent reverence should return so people can continue their prayers. The rest of the congregation should exit quietly and carry on visiting (which by the way is great fellowship) in the hall or out of doors.March 23, 2004 at 4:46 am #2776About Catholics TeamKeymaster[quote:1uth6y7y]I think you’ve found one of my pet peeves without even looking for it!
All the noise after Mass is over is horrendous. [/quote:1uth6y7y]
Finally, some support around here! ” title=”Very Happy” />
[quote:1uth6y7y]Technically for about fifteen minutes after receiving Communion you are in Communion with God…. This is theologically supported by all Church teachings….[/quote:1uth6y7y]
Where did you hear/see/read about this 15 minutes? I thought we were infinitely connected to God and separated only by sin. ” title=”Confused” />
Anyway, I mostly agree with GailMac2 except, I am not sure we need to go back to the rigidity of pre-Vatican II. I think it is great that people at least feel comfortable talking in church, but if it is disrespectful then it should not be done.
It is nice when the priest prompts an acknowledgement of the choir or musicians (in some parishes that is all the thanks they ever get—-and from what I know of the parishes I have been in
it requires alot of practice time)[quote:1uth6y7y]Now that I think of it—another way to offer something is by mentioning them in the intentions or prayer of thanksgiving after communion. [/quote:1uth6y7y]
Pam, I think this is a great idea. ” title=”Very Happy” />
March 23, 2004 at 6:05 am #2784About Catholics TeamKeymaster[quote:2tuslqau]
Now that I think of it—another way to offer something is by mentioning them in the intentions or prayer of thanksgiving after communion.
[/quote:2tuslqau]Yes, in my home parish (which is the same one that Pam Zagar (my mother ” title=”Smile” /> ) attends, we had a prayer of thanksgiving after communion (kind of in the same respose format as the prayers of the faithful). I thought it was nice and they would often say a prayer of thanks for the choir or the guest celebrant.
March 25, 2004 at 11:32 pm #2799AnonymousInactiveAfter Mass my wife, daughter, and I always spend a few minutes praying for family and friends that have past. I would find applause awfully distracting and frustrating.
March 27, 2004 at 10:19 pm #2819AnonymousInactive[quote:rx113659]. I would find applause awfully distracting and frustrating.[/quote:rx113659]
I second that
April 1, 2004 at 9:12 pm #2841AnonymousInactiveHi everyone! Ready for Palm Sunday? This Lent went by fast!
In response to the question of where did I hear about this “fifteen minutes” or so that we’re actually in Communion with God in our reception of the Eucharist, I’ve heard this recently on EWTN’s Web of Faith show and also on Catholic Answers. When I went through RCIA is when I first learned this and at that point decided not to waste a minute of it.
When I receive the Blessed Sacrament I talk to God. I might pray a formal prayer, like the Prayer Before The Crucifix or the Anima Christi or (more likely) I complain about all that isn’t right in my day or my sins or what I’m working on in me to change and ask Him to help me – ie: stop being critical or stop smoking or stop picking on folks, be kinder to the grocery clerk, pay my bills on time etc… Once in while I settle down and actually get myself quiet enough to listen, but since I’m more of a “talker” I’m usually rattling on. I ask for blessings for folks and causes and pray for the unborn , etc, etc, etc…. I always end my fifteen minutes with a Prayer of Thanksgiving, either one I’ve learned or one in a prayer book or the one I made up.
I hate having my “alone time” with God interrupted. I don’t really want to talk to my neighbors at this time. Maybe I’m nuts; maybe I’m a snob for Jesus, maybe I’m okay this way. Who knows? I do know one thing: Jesus and I have had some really special moments through these years in Communion and I’ve got an idea of Who I’ll meet when I get to Heaven.
You know I heard this good one liner: If you don’t pray, when you die and face God, He’ll say who are you?
I think the mind set behind those who feel compelled to applaud the choir or the priest or anything else they liked/approved of, is something like this: We’ve come here to be entertained and whoever we’re clapping for has won our approval. Or something like that. Whatever. I have a problem with folks coming to Mass to “get something out of it.” I prefer to focus on the fact that I’m there to worship and adore my God and give Him as much of my attention and participation as is possible for me on any given day. I think of Mass as more of a giving thing rather than a getting thing. Does this makes sense? I hope so.
Peace and all good,
Gail
P.S. The theology behind these Fifteen Minutes or so that we are actually in Communion with God has to do with the length of time it takes for the accidents of trasubstantiation to be digested by our bodies, the Host and the Precious Blood (if both or either are recieved) For as long as these accidents remain, we are in the Real Presence of our God. It can get complicated and I’m no Theologist.
Here’s a little blurb I found in the online Catholic Encyclopedia at New Advent:
“The permanence of Presence, however, is limited to an interval of time of which the beginning is determined by the instant of Consecration and the end by the corruption of the Eucharistic Species. If the Host has become moldy or the contents of the Chalice sour, Christ has discontinued His Presence therein. Since in the process of corruption those elementary substances return which correspond to the peculiar nature of the changed accidents, the law of the indestructibility of matter, notwithstanding the miracle of the Eucharistic conversion, remains in force without any interruption.”
April 2, 2004 at 3:37 pm #2844About Catholics TeamKeymasterAh yes, I see, that makes perfect sense now. ” title=”Very Happy” /> I wasn’t even thinking about how the digestive system works and all that. I was thinking more along the lines of a spiritual connection than a physical connection so that’s why it didn’t make sense to me.
[quote:35s11ncd]Hi everyone! Ready for Palm Sunday? This Lent went by fast! [/quote:35s11ncd]
It sure did! Next weekend is that time of year when I feel like I am at mass for 3 days straight. ” title=”Very Happy” />
April 2, 2004 at 6:01 pm #2846AnonymousInactiveWouldn’t hurt you to spend three days there either!! LOL!!
April 21, 2004 at 12:42 am #2879AnonymousInactiveDuring our “Praise and Worship” mass we do hand signals to songs, clap to the music, come short of speaking in tongues ” title=”Wink” /> While I understand that this mass is our “Youth Mass” and I do enjoy the more upbeat music I think that there is a time and place for this and during mass is not the time nor the place.
I stopped going to this mass when the guitar player of the band during mass started playing his guitar, very quietly during the Liturgy of the Eucharist. I already have to contend with the many distractions at mass this is just too much! Mass is not a place to entertain – it is a time to worship!
April 23, 2004 at 2:44 am #2884About Catholics TeamKeymaster[quote:iijpiqmi]I stopped going to this mass when the guitar player of the band during mass started playing his guitar, very quietly during the Liturgy of the Eucharist. I already have to contend with the many distractions at mass this is just too much! Mass is not a place to entertain – it is a time to worship![/quote:iijpiqmi]
Well, one thing to think about is that different people think of worship differently. Like in Africa, their worship style is much more upbeat and lively whereas Europe developed a more solemn approach. It really depends I guess what different people consider to be worship.
April 30, 2004 at 2:55 am #2889AnonymousInactiveHave you read [i:2y8kgcoh]Redemptionis Sacramentum[/i:2y8kgcoh]? I remember reading somewhere in a summary that it speaks against applause after Mass.
August 1, 2004 at 3:39 am #3229About Catholics TeamKeymaster[quote:2hrbziss]Have you read [i:2hrbziss]Redemptionis Sacramentum[/i:2hrbziss]? I remember reading somewhere in a summary that it speaks against applause after Mass.[/quote:2hrbziss]
I read the whole thing and although it doesn’t speak specifically to the issue of applause after mass (to the best of my memory) it does talk about how mass should be treated repectfully and that it is not a show or spectacle (which was my point in the first place ” title=”Wink” /> )
February 26, 2005 at 10:57 pm #3785AnonymousInactive[color=blue:ky6fur1b]This was NEVER done before and I cannot understand why it would be now. I want to go out of Mass feeling reverent that I’ve been in the presence of God and have recieved Him into my soul in the Eucharist. The best argument against this is that it glorifies the choir for something that is just their humble service (to God, not the congregation per se.)
Worse…this is a fairly common practice in non-Catholic churches and is about as worldly as one can get. The egos in the choir go right off the chain after that. A good choir director would quash this practice asap.
Suggest that you talk to him/her and/or your pastor, or both. or find another parrish…
Pax vobiscum,[/color:ky6fur1b]February 27, 2005 at 4:56 am #3793AnonymousInactiveMy parish doesn’t clap after Mass, but at the youth mass, the hubbub that comes up at the end can get pretty intense. We’re also the clapping, Sign-Language-ing type. I find that it doesn’t distract from my worship, it adds to it–but I was never raised with the idea of church as a Very Solemn Event, so it isn’t for me. With great <i>importance</i>, yes, and sometimes great weight, but not a time for silence. Different strokes for different folks ” title=”Wink” /> it works for some of us.
Although in some of my research on social conditions in the Middle Ages, I came across fourteenth-century letters from harried bishops informing abbots that their monks could only recieve the Eucharist once a week because they got so excited (and rowdy) in the process that they disturbed the other worshippers. So I gather a lack of quietude at Mass isn’t a particularly recent phenomenon.
-
AuthorPosts
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.