[Frank Sheed]

Someone recently posted the fact that the "Orans" position of the hands is a "presidential" posture (meaning reserved to the Presider or Priest). I think it was either NYer or Aquinasfan, if memory serves (it rarely does any more!). In any case, I believe it is used only three times in the Mass and it is NOT encouraged for the laity as the laity are not to mimic postures reserved to the Priest celebrant. I think this began with the Charismatic movement.

Frank

[warsaw44]

I live in Boston.
Last service I went to I was shocked to see everyone hands up saying the ' Our father '. I saw this as I was lowering my head, hands clasped in front of me. I literally froze and stared out at everyone with their hands out. I had no idea what they were doing. Everyone was doing it. I had never seen this before.

What really got me was the ' now let us all offer each other a group hug as a sign of peace ' which went on for 30 minutes.
Okay - I'm joking but ' coming to a Catholic Church near you! ' soon enough at this rate.

I still don't touch the Eucharist with my hands. I can not get over that one at all.

[cyborg]

I automatically do that when saying the our father. I don't think God cares. to each his own.