[Miss Marple]

Well, not everyone is comfortable having physical contact with people one is not familiar with. I find it distracting. Perhaps if you grew up in that tradition, it is not distracting to you.

My church only recently started doing this. I don't like it. It doesn't mean I don't think of people as my brothers and sisters in Christ; I just don't feel the handholding is necessary or helpful.

[lanceboyle]

Bingo. The focus during Mass should be on God. As for loving one's neighbor, isn't that what all the ancillary ministries of the parish are for. I don't need gestures to tell others that my fellow parishoners and other human beings are important. I don't consider myself the best Christian or Catholic in the world. Just a sinner who keeps on trying. Anyhow, I'm going to sign off for the night, and ask that anyone who's the prayin type in this thread say one for my Dad. Thanks in advance.