[k omalley]

I was afraid that I was the only one who is troubled by applause during Mass. Applaud for the newly baptized baby and family, applaud for the choir, applaud for anyone whom Father tells us to applaud for. This just did not happen ever during Mass pre- VII. It would have been considered totally inappropriate if not downright sacrilegious.

[HowlinglyMind-BendingAbsurdity]

I was afraid that I was the only one who is troubled by applause during Mass. Applaud for the newly baptized baby and family, applaud for the choir, applaud for anyone whom Father tells us to applaud for. This just did not happen ever during Mass pre- VII. It would have been considered totally inappropriate if not downright sacrilegious. 299 posted on 05/20/2003 12:24 PM PDT by k omalley

It may seem odd but it does seem to derive from "television culture" along with the other giddy atmospherics. I had the misfortune of being at a "folk mass" recently where people clapped boisterously at the end of one of the hymns. There is also a "therapeutic" aspect which seems to come in. The priest chides the audience to clap. That's ridiculous. This handshake of "peace" nonsense is not only unnecessary and distracting, it can be embarrassing. If a person has a cold and a runny nose, they should not be touching other people anywhere.

I have seen one parish where they ask everyone to stand up and introduce themselves to each other at the beginning of Mass. Again, Mass is not the "social hour." There is plenty of time after and before Mass for people who want to gab and network. Mass is actually a time for prayer and worship. Some people prefer to remain quietly private while they do this.

[Domestic Church]

"... applause during Mass. ... It would have been considered totally inappropriate if not downright sacrilegious."

It still is in my view. I cringe everytime it is done. It reflects a lack of belief in the Eucharist and a turning of focus from Christ to man.