Question: Are there any rules/norms regarding applause during Mass? It's Mother's Day — applause. It's Father's Day — applause. It's Veterans Day — applause. It's someone's birthday — applause (usually includes singing Happy Birthday). It's someone's anniversary — applause. There are visitors — applause. The parish met its fund-raising goal — applause. We have a new altar server — applause. The school team won the big game — applause. Someone gives a sales pitch for some parish organization — applause. And on and on. You get the idea. The Mass becomes more of a self-centered variety show than worship. — R.P., Boise, Idaho
