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Clapping for the Choir Within the Celebration Of The Eucharist

By Paige Kohlman
“God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”   (John 4:24 NRSV) 

There is an interesting habit I’ve noticed among the people of God - to give applause for the Leaders of Song after the celebration of the Eucharist. People may be reading this article and thinking to themselves that they are simply wanting to show the choir their appreciation, which in itself is good, but the Mass is not the appropriate time to be clapping for the music team. The focus needs to be on Jesus!
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Let us ask ourselves why do we go to Mass? Are we going for the good music and to be entertained or are we attending Mass to commune with Christ through our worship? And again, are those of us who are Leaders of Song singing or playing an instrument to be in the spotlight and give a performance or, more importantly, to lead people into a deeper communion with Christ? During the Mass, we are being called to enter into a deeper union with Christ where the focus should be on the Eucharist. The music during the liturgy is to lead us to the heart of Christ, as in prayer, rather than pull us away from him. For when we are clapping for the choir after Mass, the focus becomes directed at them, the people, and away from Christ, which in turn defeats the purpose of the liturgy. As Leaders of Song, and those sitting in the congregation, let us look at our hearts and ask ourselves what our motives are.
 
If it is not appropriate to give applause for the Leaders of Song after Mass, what is an appropriate way to show our appreciation? Privately encourage the choir at an appropriate time, and let them know their music is appreciated, for Leaders of Song like to know that they have helped people draw closer to Christ through their music. There is nothing wrong with showing our appreciation for someone in ministry. No one claps for the Eucharistic Ministers, Sacristans, Altar Servers, Lectors or Hospitality, and still, no one cheers for the Deacons; however we can and should encourage all ministries. Finally, we do not applaud the Priest, even though he has the most important ministry of all, bringing us Jesus through the consecration of the Eucharist. So why then do we give the choir applause after they are simply serving God within the celebration of the Eucharist in their ministry? For within the Holy Mass, let us give God the glory as we worship him in spirit and in truth. 
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