New "tradition" - Page 3

TrueLight · #31 Jun 4, '12, 4:28 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phemie

I don't know about anyone else, but I never slip into my pew without acknowledging the folks around me with a nod, a smile or a whispered 'good morning'. Nothing loud, just an acknowledgement that I'm not totally alone in the building. I don't need a formal rite to 'greet my neighbour'.

Yeah. Just an acknowledgement there is a fellow human there.

Some people act as if they can't even give you a quick smile as you slip in next to them.

False piety.

Sorry, I recently experienced something.

wasserfall · #32 Jun 4, '12, 4:02 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by TrueLight

Yeah. Just an acknowledgement there is a fellow human there.

Some people act as if they can't even give you a quick smile as you slip in next to them.

Recently I went to mass while out of town, and while I was kneeling in the pew praying before mass, the priest came up and interrupted me so he could shake my hand.

I really don't understand that. It's not right.

Fortunately nothing like that ever happens at my home parish.

MissBorgia · #33 Jun 4, '12, 6:39 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spirithound

Occasionally on these forums we hear someone say how they did not feel welcomed at Mass, due to some lack of a personal touch. I think your pastor is trying to address this.

we would do that here for a while, but thankfully it has gone by the wayside. I do not go to mass to be social.

**ProVobis** · #34 Jun 4, '12, 7:32 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by wasserfall

Recently I went to mass while out of town, and while I was kneeling in the pew praying before mass, the priest came up and interrupted me so he could shake my hand.

I really don't understand that. It's not right.

I agree. Something's not right when praying like that in church actually draws attention.

HelenRose · #35 Jun 5, '12, 4:25 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by DonaNobis_Pacem

I have a question to ask. My purpose is not to spark a debate or bait anyone, but it was announced at Masses last weekend that we would be starting a new "tradition"; that is, we would be greeting those around us immediately before Mass begins. The explanation given was that it is to help us celebrate the Mass in a true spirit of charity, or something similar to those words.

It's a bit troubling to me, as I don't know whether it's permitted or not. Is this new "tradition" something that can be done, or is it considered an "abuse"? I don't even know if the Church has had anything to say on it happening elsewhere.

If someone can answer my question, it'd be much appreciated.

Actually I think this practice is a means to gradually move away from the over the top greetings after the Our Father and before the Lamb of God. Almost like getting all the greetings, hand shaking and hand waving out of the Mass.

I think that it is a smart move.

**pnewton** · #36 Jun 5, '12, 4:50 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by TrueLight

Yeah. Just an acknowledgement there is a fellow human there.

Some people act as if they can't even give you a quick smile as you slip in next to them.

Quote:

Originally Posted by wasserfall

Recently I went to mass while out of town, and while I was kneeling in the pew praying before mass, the priest came up and interrupted me so he could shake my hand.

To the OP, I would advise, as in all things, to simply accept the diversity of natures that we all have. Some people come to Mass with a need for human contact, or they live their whole lives that way. If you can give that to them, then do so and by that minister to them. Others come with a need for a solitary contact with the divine. Let such people in peace and do your part to keep a quiet reverence. But primarily, accept the diversity of others, putting their needs first, and never judge them for their differences.

superamazingman · #37 Jun 5, '12, 9:54 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by HelenRose

Actually I think this practice is a means to gradually move away from the over the top greetings after the Our Father and before the Lamb of God. Almost like getting all the greetings, hand shaking and hand waving out of the Mass.

I think that it is a smart move.

Why not leave the greetings for the profane places such as the narthex, and leave the sacred space of the church for prayer? Until things calm down, priests can exercise the right to omit the sign of peace altogether.

**pnewton** · #38 Jun 5, '12, 10:19 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by superamazingman

Why not leave the greetings for the profane places such as the narthex,

Why? Is greeting each other more profane than sharing a meal? Yet it is in the breaking of the bread that we know Jesus. That which is sanctified by God, even the mudane, is not profane. Mass is prayer, but it is also community.

But to give one answer to your question, not all Churches have a suitable narthex for anything more that a place for bathrooms. Also, there is no reason why whatever people have to say to each other could not be done with respect to those who want to pray in private before Mass.

HelenRose · #39 Jun 5, '12, 10:23 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by superamazingman

Why not leave the greetings for the profane places such as the narthex, and leave the sacred space of the church for prayer? Until things calm down, priests can exercise the right to omit the sign of peace altogether.

I don't know about other Church buildings but our little mission church has a narthex the size of a small, I mean very small, kitchen. It is more like a hallway. I live in a small town and it is simply human nature for us to greet one another. I think our priest is wise to let us get that out of our system before Mass begins.

Having said that however, we are respectful of each other when we are praying.

nickybr38 · #40 Jun 5, '12, 10:24 am

My parish does this.

It happens IMMEDIATELY before the first song begins. It does not disrupt quite prayer time you might wish to have before Mass, provided you're not arriving two minutes before.

It's actually a very lovely practice. I have always enjoyed it. Right before the first song, the choir directs the parish to greet those around them. It's nice to see everyone and say a quick hello. Lots of hand shaking and hugs. Warmth all around. For newcomers this moment is especially helpful, I think, because it's an opportunity for everyone to greet them with a smile.

Once the first song begins everyone focuses on the Mass again and there is no more opportunity for warm greetings and the like.

I don't know if it's approved or not but it happens outside the Mass, it does not disrupt quiet prayer prior to Mass and it's a very welcoming, warm thing to do.

That's just my opinion though.

tabycat · #41 Jun 5, '12, 2:06 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by pnewton

To the OP, I would advise, as in all things, to simply accept the diversity of natures that we all have. Some people come to Mass with a need for human contact, or they live their whole lives that way. If you can give that to them, then do so and by that minister to them. Others come with a need for a solitary contact with the divine. Let such people in peace and do your part to keep a quiet reverence. But primarily, accept the diversity of others, putting their needs first, and never judge them for their differences.

Amen!

DonaNobis_Pacem · #42 Jun 5, '12, 4:45 pm

Thank you, everyone. Those who posted very recently helped me, I think, to see this in a new light. Your comments have all been diverse, and I believe that you have not only allowed me to see the opinions you have on it, but also to view it through a different lens. I now more fully understand this Franciscan tradition of greeting one another just before the processional hymn and can better embrace it as a member of a Franciscan parish.

Above all, I extend my gratefulness to everyone who gave responses for not turning this into a bash-fest with some people proclaiming they're more right than others. Peace and all good to you!

Petergee · #43 Jun 8, '12, 6:46 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spirithound

Occasionally on these forums we hear someone say how they did not feel welcomed at Mass, due to some lack of a personal touch. I think your pastor is trying to address this.

A better way to address this, which is done at our parish, is to roster/appoint epople as "welcomers" to greet people out in the courtyard as they arrive, hand them a parish bulletin, be there to answer any queries etc, and when it is crowded usher people to an empty pew so they don't have to stand.

Personally I thought this idea was a bit silly too but many people seem to appreciate it, and unlike the "solution" in the Op's parish, it doesn't actually transgress the Church's requirements that a sacred silence be observed in a church before and after Mass.

**pnewton** · #44 Jun 9, '12, 3:50 am

Not every parish has a courtyard. My church does not. Due to the specific nature of each parish such decisions have remained in the hands of the priest. I don't know that they always do best, but it is always best to give them the benefit of the doubt.

Petergee · #45 Jun 10, '12, 8:55 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by pnewton

Not every parish has a courtyard. My church does not. Due to the specific nature of each parish such decisions have remained in the hands of the priest. I don't know that they always do best, but it is always best to give them the benefit of the doubt.

I think I'm pretty safe in saying that even the tiniest parish church has at least one doorway, outside which greeters/ushers can stand to "make friendly conversation and make people feel personally welcomed by members of the community" for those who see such things as vitally important to them when going to Mass, and a factor in whether they will bother turning up for Mass there again.