[HowlinglyMind-BendingAbsurdity]

The kind of clapping that takes place in Novus Ordo liturgies in the U.S. is of a couple varieties. One is where people clap in approval of either a musical hymn or when the priest or some other person in the pulpit makes some annoucement or tells a joke. I have seen priests do stand-up comedy for their sermons for years. The length of time hardly makes it appropriate. The other kind of clapping is clapping to the beat of Afican-American or Baptists gospel spirituals. This is silly. It does not have a basis in the Catholic tradition. The effect and the sensibility indicate the congregation or whoever think they are at an entertainment event. They have picked this up from television culture. That is discussed in the relevant conservative literature critical of post-Vatican II silliness. If I'm not mistaken, the clapping in Rome takes place at the end of Mass (not the middle) or is done for the Pope. That is a slightly different context. Context. intent, and attitude make a difference in Catholic thinking. There is nothing strange about disliking disruptions of the Mass including unnecessary clapping, cheering, or other noises. Or are you thinking of clapping during papal audiences in the Paul VI auditorium in the Vatican which, of course, is not during a Mass? Lengthy disquisitions of weekly bulletin annoucements during Mass are distracting as well.

[maryz]

One is where people clap in approval of either a musical hymn or when the priest or some other person in the pulpit makes some annoucement or tells a joke,

I'm with Miss Manners on this one -- if God wishes to applaud in Church, He may; for anyone else to do so is unseemly!