Silence After Communion

[Dave]

How many people here wish the period of silence prescribed by the rubrics of the Mass were longer? Of course, the rubrics also say that a song of praise may be sung. Well, who among us would rather have silence than a song of praise?

I for one feel the silence should be longer and that silence should be preferred over a song of praise!

[jrndveritatis]

What do the rubrics require?

[Laudate_Dominum]

Since silence is an essential part of the Liturgy I'm all for it. I wish there was a short silence between readings, especially after the Gospel, and a long silence after Communion. Also I wish more people were quiet after Mass and made thanksgivings. Some parishes I've been to do this, but most seem to erupt into a social hour right in the sanctuary!

[Norseman82]

Since silence is an essential part of the Liturgy I'm all for it. I wish there was a short silence between readings, especially after the Gospel, and a long silence after Communion. Also I wish more people were quiet after Mass and made thanksgivings. Some parishes I've been to do this, but most seem to erupt into a social hour right in the sanctuary!

I wish more people were silent during the entire mass!! I'm sick of people carrying on conversations during mass!!

[M.SIGGA]

I'd like a song of praise and then a long silence. I don't see the big hurry to get out of mass.

[Anna]

Prolonged silence after Communion, where it can be found, is truly beautiful. It gives us time to meditate on this amesome Gift, and to humanly muster as much thanksgiving as we can, singing to God in our hearts many songs of praise and thanksgiving, without having to follow pre-written lyrics and tunes.

I like music and singing, too, but the period immediately following Communion is so sacred and intimate that I can hardly imagine a song that could speak from our hearts at that moment.

Pax Christi. <><

[jasJis]

I think that proper song selection is key. It's got to be the right tone. Communion takes about 10 minutes in my parish, so there's plenty of time to meditate before and after, and they'll do some instrumental piano solo so that even the last persons get a minute or two.

I've found if there's silence, the people in the front, who recieved 10 minutes ago, think it's all over and they start talking, giving no time for meditation for the last people.

[BullnaChinaShop]

The parish Lauren, and I go to doesn't hardly let there be a moment of silence. They play so many songs throughout the mass that there is never a moment of silence. I love singing but I also love silence. I feel that the two compliment each other very much. For me the moments of silence accentuate and are accentuated by the moments of song and praise. I wish the people in charge of the music at our parish could let just a little bit of time go by without trying to fill it with music.

Also the uproar that begins right after mass with almost everyone immediatly forgetting where they are and who is still present drives me crazy. I have seen this at almost every church I have ever attended and it seems to be getting worse. People can't hardly stay and pray after mass if they want to because everyone else is so loud and disrespectful. :angry:

[willguy]

That is the one big props I gotta give to the Lifeteen mass in my area. After communion is done, they start playing a song (something soft and contemplative) and that's the meditation, so it lasts upwards of 3-5 minutes (as opposed to most parishes I know where the closing starts as soon as the communion song is done and the hosts are put back in the tabernacle).

[Carrie]

My parish plays alot of songs, but we have a short moment of silence right after Communion. I do wish it was longer because I don't always feel like I've had ample time to pray right after Communion. Also, people start talking while Communion is being distributed. That drives me crazy. Not kids, but full grown adults, whispering and showing no reverance whatsoever. Silence is golden :)

[Good Friday]

I think there should be a five minute period of silence after Communion, followed by a song of thanksgiving.

[marielapin]

I've found that daily Masses and low Masses are the ones to go to if you like silence throughout.

[cimlog]

I prefer to have music played as long as it is soft and peaceful. The music sets the tone in my mind and helps me focus because it eliminates the noise of other people talking. I close my eyes and the music sets me free as I speak to the Lord.

[Sojourner]

I love times of quiet.

[God Conquers]

I can't wait to sing praises after communion! Let my heart burst forth it's joy at recieving the Lord and after that I can settle down and do some solid prayer in silence. I just wanna sing right after communion!