Pastors Notes from October 17, 2022
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October 17, 2022As many already know, Bishop Nickless has reinstated the Sign of Peace as part of our liturgy. With that, he is asking that we priests communicate his thoughts on this ritual; 3 October 2022
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
With this letter, I wish to reinstate the option of allowing the Sign of Peace at Mass. Although it has been some time since we have ceased the pandemic protocols at Mass, I have delayed the reinstatement of the Sign of Peace while considering what pastors might do in order to instruct parishioners on the proper way that this ritual action is to be carried out.
• The Sign of Peace signifies the peace that comes to us from the Risen Christ, who has just come down upon the altar through the consecration of the bread and wine. It is a moment of prayerful recollection in which we receive Christ’s peace and likewise pray for peace.
• The Sign of Peace is to be exchanged in a manner that is appropriately reverent for the celebration of Mass, remembering that we are in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament.
• The Sign of Peace is not to be unduly prolonged, noisy, or an opportunity for chatter.
• The Sign of Peace, though often shared through a handshake, does not require physical contact with another person if this is not desired. It may be given by simply saying “peace be with you” or similar words.
• The Sign of Peace is to be given to those immediately around you (the person on either side is sufficient). There should not be movement from one’s place nor should there be gestures waved across the church.
May the peace of Christ reign in your hearts, and may our Lord continue to draw you ever deeper into his Eucharistic mystery!
Your brother in Christ, Most Reverend R. Walker Nickless Bishop of Sioux City
I recall when the Sign of Peace was initially introduced into the liturgy as a teenager in my hometown parish of St. Joseph. Practically speaking, it was a ‘hard sell’ for us German- Catholics whose spirit of faith didn’t include such outward gestures.
Eventually this ritual became a seamless expression of Christian goodwill extended to others.
At St. Dorothy’s Catholic Church in south side Chicago I experienced the most dramatic expression of this ritual. Visiting my aunt who taught at the parish school, I was introduced to the Sunday Eucharist celebrated with a congregation of African-American Catholics. At the Sign of Peace I suddenly felt out of place as many in the congregation moved about and offered this ritual to one another. Recognizing my lack of comfort several came over to me from different pews to extend their spirit of faith, Christian hospitality and goodwill. Looking back, I realize how their participation in this ritual was an authentic expression of faith, and a spiritual moment of community, preparing them for the reception of the Eucharist.
Participating with different congregations over the years, gathered for the Eucharist in various settings, the ritual of the Sign of Peace has become a natural expression of Christ like goodwill and hospitality to another; and yet it can easily become a mere formality when losing touch of the ‘hem of Christ’s garment’ so to speak. I welcome back this ritual within our liturgies, formally inviting the hope of Christ Jesus’ peace to be extended to another, emanating from our heart.
Considering Bishop Nickless’ hope within this ritual, may we reflect on the words of the saints:
A great means to preserve continual peace and tranquility of soul is to receive everything from the hands of God, both great and small, and in whatever way it comes. (St. Dorotheus)
"While you are proclaiming peace with your lips, be careful to have it even more fully in your heart." (Saint Francis of Assisi)
”By humility a man finds grace before God and peace with men.” (Blessed Giles of Assisi) “Peace begins with a smile.” (St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta)
God Bless, Fr. Tim
FYI: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.” (JN 14:27)