Topic: Are these differences in my new church bad?

Date originally posted: June 29, 2003

Source of this posting: Moderator response to emailed question

Moderator who originally posted this source: Cathy Rusin

Question: I have recently changed churchs' (Location)...At this other church it seems more free lanced, people have ringing phones, babies crying (no cry room)...and people sit once the consecration has been done instead of kneeling....And worst of all, people clap their hands in applause after the priest gives his homily!!!! Isnt that rude to clap after a homily? Or is clapping practiced at other catholic churchs once the priest gives the homily? Thanks and God bless

Answer: 

Hi Jacob,

Change can often be difficult. We all get used to a certain way that things are, get comfortable with it, and then the routine changes and whoa!

So I sympathize with your discomfort in your new surroundings. And I certainly agree that cell phones should be turned off in church (or at least set to vibrate, if someone is on-call).

Now, my personal preference is not to have a cry room -- how else will children learn how to behave in church if they aren't in with the whole community (assuming their caretakers are sensitive enough to the needs of their neighbors and to the child to take them out if they get too unsettled)? But I understand that others do prefer that option.

And rude to clap after a homily? Friend, I would love to be in a congregation where people would feel moved to applaud their homilist's words on a consistent basis! (I must quickly add that my priest is a very good homilist - it's just not our community's tradition to applaud!)

I've have celebrated liturgy in African American Catholic churches where, at the end of some of the songs, the congregation applauds .. sort of a way with our bodies to add an extra "amen", "alleluia"! And often after baptisms or other joyful events, the congregration in most parishes will applaud - it's how we express support and joy and affirmation.

Now Jacob, it's clear that these things are making you, the 'new guy', uncomfortable. Here's my suggestion for you. Please call or email the campus minister/pastor and ask for an appointment. Take him/her to lunch or coffee and get to know them, and introduce yourself to them. Then ask about this community's traditions.. not in an accusatory manner, but to find out when and how it started (sitting or clapping or whatever you're wondering about), what it means to the people gathered. You may find that it's something you'll find great meaning in .. or it may be one of those eccentricities one puts up with in families - and we are the family of God!

Best wishes to you in your transition.
Peace and God's blessings,
Cathy Rusin