[wideawake]

In think the Catholic church has far more serious problems to address rather than worrying about little girls or hand-clapping.

The problems are all of a piece.

There is an old theological principle called lex orandi, lex credendi, which essentially means that the way in which you worship God reflects the way you think about God.

Clapping hands to congratulate creatures at a time specifically reserved for reverent song or silent prayer to God implies that creatures deserve more attention than God in His own house.

Likewise, a disregard for the complementarity inherent in God's creation reflects a disregard for God's ordering of nature and of ordering the Church.

[stanz]

That all pales in comparison to the sex scandals that the church finds itself embroiled in. That should be the Vatican's top priority, not how to make the church even less attractive to future parishioners.

[kittymyrib]

I have observed that liberal ministers of all stripes tend to stand in front of the altar, as if taking center stage and focusing attention on themselves. There they expound and/or entertain those in the "audience". Conservative pastors stand in the pulpit or to the side of the altar, which symbolizes the place where God is present holds our attention.

[tarmac]

There is an old theological principle called lex orandi, lex credendi, which essentially means that the way in which you worship God reflects the way you think about God. Clapping hands to congratulate creatures at a time specifically reserved for reverent song or silent prayer to God implies that creatures deserve more attention than God in His own house.

The time, to which you refer, has been specifically reserved by man, not God. The way I think about God, is that an event which brings joy to his creatures, would be pleasing to God as well. Therefore, God might very well be leading the applause. Provided God has hands, of course.

[hilaryrhymeswithrich]

You sound learned :)...here is a question for you; After communion is given and you say amen, I was taught not to make the sign of the cross because it detracts from the moment and draws attention to yourself and away from God. My Dad always crosses himself and in our Church it runs about 70/30 who cross themselves after communion......any wisdom?