MyCatholicSource.com - 'Quick Help' Page: 'Sign of Peace' At Mass

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There are a number of reasons why faithful Catholics may object to shaking hands at Mass. For example...

* It turns one's attention away from Christ, who is truly present on the altar.

* It is NOT appropriate to socialize during a solemn sacrifice – the very re-presentation of Calvary.

* It forces people to turn their back on Christ in the Holy Eucharist in favor of their neighbor.

* It tends to harm belief in the Real Presence. Note that when 'the sign of peace' occurs, the Eucharist is ignored – It is left alone on the altar with no one adoring It... people are instead exchanging handshakes or ? with their neighbor...even the priest may leave the Holy Eucharist alone on the altar to shake hands with others.

* It may be regarded as a 'superficial gesture' that does not help our neighbor, but rather distracts him from Christ, present on the altar.

* It brings a profane spirit into the church...

"They shall also banish from churches all those kinds of music, in which, whether by the organ, or in the singing, there is mixed up anything lascivious or impure; as also all secular actions; vain and therefore profane conversations, all walking about, noise, and clamour, that so the house of God may be seen to be, and may be called, truly a house of prayer." (Council of Trent, Twenty-Second Session)

* It creates much noise, contrary to biblical (and other important) admonitions...

"But the LORD is in his holy temple; silence before him, all the earth!" (Hab. 2:20)

"Silence in the presence of the Lord GOD!" (Zeph. 1:7)

"Silence, all mankind, in the presence of the LORD! for he stirs forth from his holy dwelling." (Zech. 2:17)

"Let all mortal flesh be silent, standing there...in fear and trembling; for the King of kings, the Lord of lords, Christ our God is about to be sacrificed and to be given as food to the faithful." (St. James)

* It is distracting and causes commotion

* It is unsanitary (and therefore may be especially dangerous for those with a compromised immune system)

* It may cause people to feel forced to make unwanted physical contact with strangers (including 'forcing' strange men and women to make physical contact with one another, and 'forcing' children to make physical contact with strange men and women), and may cause people to be touched by others against their will.

* It does not correspond to a traditional sign of peace. Remember that...

» Scripture does not show a 'kiss of peace' as being part of a liturgical service – and certainly it does not show such an action occurring during a solemn sacrifice.

» The 'kiss of peace' of old was NOT for any persons – e.g. any unknown person in close proximity – and especially not for those in a state of mortal sin.

» The 'kiss of peace' before was not an ordinary kiss, but one that was to show "forgetfulness of every injury". The new 'sign of peace' has "taken an ancient symbol and striped it of its symbolism."

* It may be highly disliked by various Catholics

Note that this practice has been promoted by liberals and others with an agenda to change the Church.

For more on this topic, try here.

Did you know? You can 'best' avoid the distracting/uncomfortable 'sign of peace' by attending the Traditional Latin Mass. It is still possible – thanks be to God! – to lawfully attend the Traditional Latin Mass throughout the world. The Traditional Latin ('Tridentine') Mass differs from the 1960's Novus Ordo Mass in many & significant ways (try here for more information). To locate a Traditional Latin Mass in your area, try here.

Yes, it is quite acceptable to have Mass without a sign of peace among the laity – and of course this includes the 1960's Novus Ordo Mass because, thankfully, the Traditional Latin Mass does not have a sign of peace among the laity. In fact, holy priests recommend NOT having it. We are aware of one priest who specifically asked his bishop to continue keeping the lay 'sign of peace' out of his parish after his retirement. Two other holy, obedient priests we know have likewise kept it out of their parishes/Masses.

If possible, you may find it best to avoid the distracting/uncomfortable 'sign of peace' by attending the Traditional Latin Mass. [Note: It is still possible – thanks be to God! – to lawfully attend the Traditional Latin Mass throughout the world. The Traditional Latin ('Tridentine') Mass differs from the 1960's Novus Ordo Mass in many & significant ways (try here for more information). To locate a Traditional Latin Mass in your area, try here.]

Otherwise, a Catholic who objects to a laity 'sign of peace' at their Mass might simply bow their head during this time and reflect on the Holy Eucharist. Some might choose to kneel. Unfortunately, whatever is done, it may not be possible to avoid the 'pew hoppers' who sometimes, sadly, appear to feel 'duty-bound' to touch others, even against their will. You might consider having a flier available to explain to people (outside of the church) your reasoning, if appropriate. There is .pdf filer here, for example. Unfortunately/ironically, however, you may find that persons willing to offer a "sign of peace" become hostile to those who dislike the distracting/uncomfortable gesture. Proceed at your own risk.

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