Dear Parishioners,

A couple weeks ago, I went to the choir practice to talk to them about a liturgical issue. I noticed that the congregation almost always applauds during the 10 am Sunday Mass. I can understand if it happened occasionally for a special event like a confirmation or a wedding. But, it was happening continuously, every week. I did not want to make a big announcement without first talking to the choir and making sure that they knew I was not trying to demean them. I appreciate their contribution to the liturgy. Though to my surprise and their credit, I did not need to explain myself at all. Before I could even fully express my idea, I heard them all saying things like, “It’s inappropriate” and “I wish they would stop” and “It’s not right for Mass.” I am very grateful for this reaction. But, I also think that I could explain my reasoning a bit more. So, I have two quotes that explain why we should not applaud during Mass.

My first quote is from our former Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI. He said, “Wherever applause breaks out in the liturgy because of some human achievement, it is a sure sign that the essence of liturgy has totally disappeared and been replaced by a kind of religious entertainment.” (Spirit of the Liturgy, 198)

Echoing this notion, the current Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith, Robert Cardinal Sarah said, “Prompted by pastoral motives, liturgical ministers sometimes stage celebrations into which elements of worldly entertainment are introduced. Have we not witnessed a proliferation of testimonials, acts, and applause? It is imagined that this will foster the participation of the faithful, when in fact it reduces the liturgy to a human plaything.” (http:// www.ccwatershed.org/blog/2015/aug/12/cardinal-robert-sarah-liturgical-english/)

Liturgy is about worshiping God as God intends to be worshiped. When we applaud, we are taking the attention off of God and placing it on the human worshipers. So, I ask you all to please be mindful of God’s presence at Mass. I know that certain priests in the past encouraged applauding for every human contribution. But, we should never be doing this for personal glory. God has given so much more than we have: the body, blood, soul and divinity of His Son. By applauding, we are forgetting that reality, and it is the reality that makes the Mass and all Christian worship even possible. Imagine you were at the cross. Would you be applauding then? And yet every Mass is a re-presentation of Our Lord’s death and resurrection. Coming to Mass is our opportunity to step out of the normal every day noise and busyness. We are entering into the realm of God and the way we act should show it.

Peace,

Fr. Carter