[xzins]

When do they applaud in a Catholic mass?

I agree with the "liturgical dance" idea. Girls in tights and tutus are in place only at "Lady Janes Dance Studio of Des Moines."

And even there, the invited neighbors snicker.

[ahadams2]

Honest - this isn't 'pick on xzins day!' :-) Just wanted to point out that it *is* possible to do worshipful liturgical dance. If you want to see an interesting example that is not at all erotic but is in fact worshipful get hold of a copy of the "New Young Messiah" video and fastforward to the very last song. I would note, however that the piece in question is done entirely by professional dancers and every other case I've seen where liturgical dance was done *right*, at the very least all of the lead dancers were professionals.

Which means that trying to do liturgical dance run by a bunch of church ladies using primarily adolescent girls does NOT cut it. *sigh* so I guess given the circumstances it's better to simply forbid it, though they might consider allowing a bishop to provide a waiver for a specific instance, said waiver to include in writing exactly who, what, when, where, why, and the exact description of the performance being authorized. Still wouldn't completely stop the wackos but could at least put a hitch in their getalong as they say in the southwest.

[dangus]

When do they applaud in a Catholic mass?

They don't applaud the Word, or the Eucharist. Unfortunately, they do applaud announcements.

I've been to Easter vigils and Christmas masses where, during the announcements, they thanked the people who helped them put it together. The appplause was the polite and thankful response of tired, happy people, and I had no major problem with it. I have seen abuses where people seeking glory detracted from overshadowed the mass, however, and it demonstrates that while the former applause was human, decent, and harmless, it is not a justified practice.