Clapping in Mass? An Analogy

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My friend Brent Stubbs has a great post on why clapping in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass (or giving a “thank you” roll-call to all the liturgical “ministers”) is inappropriate. A good rule of thumb – if a certain act is deemed “inappropriate” for your wedding or your daughter’s wedding (e.g. puppets, clowns, rock music, liturgical dancing, rainbow vestments, chewing gum, whispering, applause), then it’s definitely not suitable for the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass which is a re-presentation of the Holy Sacrifice of Christ on the cross. The Holy Father says as much. The Holy Mass is the Wedding Supper of the Lamb.
Here’s a preview from Brent’s post: 

Imagine at the end of a wedding there was applause, but the applause was not for the bride and groom. Instead, the priest asked the solo violinist who did a great job during the wedding to come up to the front and everyone applauds him, followed by applause for the ring bearer, flower girl and a rousing round of high-fives for the groomsmen who did such a good job standing still. By this time the new bride and groom are slouching their heads but the priest, in dramatic fashion, pronounces a blessing, the music starts and they all process out–unsure as to what they are now celebrating or even celebrated (two groomsman are still doing a fist bump for the extraordinary job they did).

Please go read his post Liturgical No-No: Applause in Mass
Recommend book on the Holy Mass:
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Category: Liturgy
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  • Athanasius

    Dr. Taylor, outside of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass in the extraordinary form, in which clapping period would be deemed inappropriate, what is wrong with clapping for God during mass?

    For example if one attended a charismatic parish wherein, during a joyful closing or opening song, where it may be customary to clap (Psalm 47:1 Clap your hands, all peoples! Shout to God with loud songs of joy!).

    This would not be for the end of keeping in rhythm, or giving applause for any earthly being, but to show appreciation, thanksgiving and joy to the one who alone deserves thanks?

Clapping in Mass? An Analogy

by

My friend Brent Stubbs has a great post on why clapping in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass (or giving a “thank you” roll-call to all the liturgical “ministers”) is inappropriate. A good rule of thumb – if a certain act is deemed “inappropriate” for your wedding or your daughter’s wedding (e.g. puppets, clowns, rock music, liturgical dancing, rainbow vestments, chewing gum, whispering, applause), then it’s definitely not suitable for the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass which is a re-presentation of the Holy Sacrifice of Christ on the cross. The Holy Father says as much. The Holy Mass is the Wedding Supper of the Lamb.
Here’s a preview from Brent’s post: 

Imagine at the end of a wedding there was applause, but the applause was not for the bride and groom. Instead, the priest asked the solo violinist who did a great job during the wedding to come up to the front and everyone applauds him, followed by applause for the ring bearer, flower girl and a rousing round of high-fives for the groomsmen who did such a good job standing still. By this time the new bride and groom are slouching their heads but the priest, in dramatic fashion, pronounces a blessing, the music starts and they all process out–unsure as to what they are now celebrating or even celebrated (two groomsman are still doing a fist bump for the extraordinary job they did).

Please go read his post Liturgical No-No: Applause in Mass
Recommend book on the Holy Mass:
Posted on
Category: Liturgy
Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”