Hand shake? Hug? Kiss? Something else?
2007-03-18 03:05:15 · 14 answers · asked by Ryan F 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
It's optional and up to the priest. It's a handshake usually. If the sign of peace is going on during the Mass where I attend while visiting; I nod. I discourage handshaking that way. And it is indeed totally inappropriate, as Fr. K says. Why?
Because, for one, it comes right after the Consecration, when CHRIST HIMSELF -- the Creator of the Sun, Moon, and Stars -- is present on the Altar. There is the very Ancient of Days on the altar -- and we're supposed to be gladhanding and "how you doin'?" our neighbors? It's sacrilegious and promotes disbelief in the Real Presence.
Though, of course, I am all for "showing a little kindness" to your neighbors after Mass, and pray that the sociable types (which I am not) have their needs met at parish functions and charity events and picnics and bonfires and such where it belongs.
2007-03-18 03:39:56 · answer #1 · answered by Michelle_My_Belle 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
for my family and i we shake hands and pray Gods peace be with the other. some do kiss, hug and "run all over" however that is most uncomfortable after a discussion with my pastor. tthe sign of peace, as we were discussing, is to be a time to bring peace to matters prior to coming up before God and revcieving Christ. at times, if i'd been short or argued with my mom and we are at mass together - it's a twoh anded shake and hold type thing. we are telling each other - we are sorry we hurt one another and giving each other peace. too many people IMO take this time to be able to "show off" in the "see how many people i know" type manner. one genteman once did come across the aisle to welcome be back (hadn't been to that parish in about a month) and little did he know - i really needed that at that particular time - guess God knew.
2007-03-18 12:29:36 · answer #2 · answered by Marysia 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Something else. The traditional Pax is shared only in the Sanctuary and at the Altar by the Priest (Celebrant) to the Deacon first, then - turning to the Subdeacon, he also "passes the peace" to him with the words "Pax tecum" and the response "Et *** spiritu tuo".
The Pax traditionally comes at the highest and most sacred part of the Mass. To break that sense of elevated mystery and holiness at that moment and have everybody stand up (yes - we are supposed to be kneeling at that time!!) and run around hugging and talking is the height of liturgical nonsense.
2007-03-18 10:18:38 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I shake hands with the people I do not know, but hug family members or students in my faith formation class.
One Sunday, we had a youth group from teh synagogue across the street visiting and they were sitting behind me. At the sign of peace, I turned around and saw a bunch of nervous students and their teacher. I extended my hand to the teacher and said "Peace be with you". Instantly the tension broke down and I exchanged handshakes with all of the students.
Sorry, Father K, but I have to disagree with you. I think it is entirely appropriate to extend a sign of peace and love to others at this point in the Mass. The love that Jesus shows us by giving himself to us in teh Eucharist should be shared among brothers and sisters.
2007-03-18 17:26:57 · answer #4 · answered by Sldgman 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't know, but I have a story that might be funny.
Most of my family is Protestant, but one of my cousins converted to Catholic. HIs daughter was getting married and had a Catholic wedding. My other cousin and I were standing next to each other, and we're both old hippies. The priest said "give the sign of peace to the person next to you" and my cousin and I simultaneously gave each other a 60s two finger peace sign. We both thought it was funny, but I didn't look to see what the other people did--we didn't mean any disrespect, it just happened naturally.
2007-03-18 10:13:23 · answer #5 · answered by majnun99 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Usually a hand shake but you can kiss, hug and hand shake if you like (usually family w/ hugs and kisses)
2007-03-18 10:08:35 · answer #6 · answered by Yogini 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
acknowledge the people next to us with a warm smile while bowing or hugging/kissing family members.
2007-03-18 11:25:55 · answer #7 · answered by 0 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A handshake, although family members and friends do hug each other sometimes.
2007-03-18 10:12:49 · answer #8 · answered by SpiritRoaming 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
handshake or hug between friends or couples may have a short kiss.
2007-03-18 12:01:54 · answer #9 · answered by Midge 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
bow to fellow pew neighbors and give a nice warm smile
2007-03-18 11:17:08 · answer #10 · answered by Monkey of the Dark 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋