Seeking Advice: Practices At A Particular Church

[beatitude]

I've never seen this hand-holding thing happen anywhere in the UK or continental Europe. I'm surprised it seems to be so common in the US.

[Apotheoun]

I've never seen this hand-holding thing happen anywhere in the UK or continental Europe. I'm surprised it seems to be so common in the US.

It is a popular practice among Protestants in America, and it has slowly infiltrated into the Catholic Church.

[StMichael]

In New York City, never seen this, maybe a couple would do it.

 

West Coast, you have to seek out a Church where the mass is obedient to Rome. No joke.

 

Theories abound that this was a practice started in Mexico and has found its way across the border, others cite local church leaders seeking to influence the mass, etc. 

 

Furthermore, these same churches the congregants stand the entire time (during the exposed body of Christ). I could go on, but it is not a sweeping situation in all of the US, but pockets.

 

 

I've never seen this hand-holding thing happen anywhere in the UK or continental Europe. I'm surprised it seems to be so common in the US.

 

[Basilisa Marie]

As a member of the Archdiocese of Seattle, I can tell you that's an unfair characterization of the West Coast.  Holding hands during liturgy is something that's much more Protestant than Hispanic, and in general Hispanic communities show much more reverence for the Eucharist than some other kinds of communities.  

 

 

[BG45]

It is a popular practice among Protestants in America, and it has slowly infiltrated into the Catholic Church.

 

 

As a member of the Archdiocese of Seattle, I can tell you that's an unfair characterization of the West Coast.  Holding hands during liturgy is something that's much more Protestant than Hispanic, and in general Hispanic communities show much more reverence for the Eucharist than some other kinds of communities.  

 

I just want to say, as a former Protestant, having gone to Baptist, Pentecostal, Methodist, Disciples of Christ, and non-denominational services...I never saw hand holding at the Lord's Prayer/Our Father until I set foot in a Catholic Church.

[Maggyie]

hand-holding is neither prescribed nor proscribed in the liturgy... in fact the missal is completely silent on this matter. This is no different than in days of yore when people prayed the rosary during the Mass. It's mostly in America that you find this obsession with all of the faithful performing the exact same  physical actions at the same time and woe betide anyone who opts out of the robot dance. In Europe for instance I've seen people in some numbers going to Confession during Mass, lighting candles during Mass, reading books, praying the rosary, kneeling or sitting or walking around the church. is this ideal, no but it's better than the "hold hands or you get the stick" approach.

 

I also don't think it qualifies as 'disobedience to Rome' if people hold hands. I mean come on. It does qualify as poor taste. In this situation the parents should pull the personal space card. If the teachers did their good-touch, bad-touch training they should know about how important it is (from a lawsuit point of view) to allow the children their safe personal space.

[StMichael]

Wasn't referencing the Pacific Northwest at all.

 

I can say that in Las Vegas and in Los Angeles, this has been an issue.

 

As for its origin, I was told by clergy that this was a practice that crossed the border. So please refrain from getting in a twist, thanks.

 

I could care less where it originated, but it is an addition that is not from Rome.

 

As a member of the Archdiocese of Seattle, I can tell you that's an unfair characterization of the West Coast.  Holding hands during liturgy is something that's much more Protestant than Hispanic, and in general Hispanic communities show much more reverence for the Eucharist than some other kinds of communities.  

 

[StMichael]

Neither is standing on one foot prescribed nor proscribed in the liturgy. It says nothing about standing with your back to the altar either.

 

It is bad liturgy and disobedient to Rome.

 

 

It is an illicit addition to the Liturgy. Clarifications and Interpretations of the GIRM ["Notitiae" Vol. XI (1975) p. 226] explains:

 

". . .holding hands is a sign of intimacy and not reconciliation, and as such disrupts the flow of the Sacramental signs in the Mass which leads to the Sacramental sign of intimacy with Christ and our neighbor, Holy Communion." 

 

Therefore this practice is disobedient.

 

hand-holding is neither prescribed nor proscribed in the liturgy... in fact the missal is completely silent on this matter. This is no different than in days of yore when people prayed the rosary during the Mass. It's mostly in America that you find this obsession with all of the faithful performing the exact same  physical actions at the same time and woe betide anyone who opts out of the robot dance. In Europe for instance I've seen people in some numbers going to Confession during Mass, lighting candles during Mass, reading books, praying the rosary, kneeling or sitting or walking around the church. is this ideal, no but it's better than the "hold hands or you get the stick" approach.

 

I also don't think it qualifies as 'disobedience to Rome' if people hold hands. I mean come on. It does qualify as poor taste. In this situation the parents should pull the personal space card. If the teachers did their good-touch, bad-touch training they should know about how important it is (from a lawsuit point of view) to allow the children their safe personal space.

 

[Basilisa Marie]

Wasn't referencing the Pacific Northwest at all.

 

I can say that in Las Vegas and in Los Angeles, this has been an issue.

 

As for its origin, I was told by clergy that this was a practice that crossed the border. So please refrain from getting in a twist, thanks.

 

I could care less where it originated, but it is an addition that is not from Rome.

 

 

Contrary to popular belief, the Pacific Northwest is part of the West Coast.   :hehe2:   Stupid California ruining everything.  

[StMichael]

I lived in Portland and spent plenty of time in Seattle and San Fran.

 

And yes, California is beautiful but it is a very messed up state. Really needs to be cut in half (North and South).

 

Overall, while correct that Oregon and Washington on "west coast" the reference outside of the area is all about LA area where visions of beaches and palm trees reside.

 

Just like Maine is part of the East Coast, is that the first place you think of?

 

 

Contrary to popular belief, the Pacific Northwest is part of the West Coast.   :hehe2:   Stupid California ruining everything.