Joshua Bennett
Greeting each other is a simple yet profound part of Catholic culture. The traditional Catholic greeting varies from Praised be Jesus Christ to Glory to Jesus Christ, with responses ranging from Now and forever to Glory Forever. These greetings are often used by priests and are also mentioned in the Bible. For instance, in the book of Ruth, Boaz greets the workers in the fields with The Lord be with you!. Catholics also greet each other with a holy kiss or kiss of peace, though this is now a rare practice.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Greeting by priests | "The Lord be with you" |
| Response to priest's greeting | "And with your spirit" or "And also with you" |
| Greeting by lay people | "Praised be Jesus Christ" or "Praise be Jesus" |
| Response to lay people's greeting | "Now and forever" or "Now and always" |
| Greeting in some churches | "Glory to Jesus Christ" |
| Response to the above greeting | "Glory Forever" |
| Greeting during Nativity of Christ, Theophany, Baptism of Christ, and Easter | Varies according to the occasion |
| Other greetings | "Mazel Tov", "Shalom", "Laudetur Iesus Christus", "In saecula saeculorum, Amen", "Long live Christ the King" |
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What You'll Learn
Greeting each other with The Lord be with you
Greeting each other with "The Lord be with you" is a common practice among Catholics. This simple yet profound greeting is often used by priests to address the congregation during Mass. It is a biblical greeting, evoking God's promise to accompany his chosen ones on their mission. For example, in the Book of Judges, an angel greets Gideon with these words, assuring him of God's presence as he undertakes a formidable task.
The response to "The Lord be with you" has evolved over time. Traditionally, the response was "And also with you." However, with the introduction of the new translation of the Roman Missal, the people now respond with "And with your spirit." This new response is a more accurate translation of the original Latin phrase "et cum spiritu tuo" and aligns with St. Paul's writings in his letters.
The greeting and response hold significant meaning for Catholics. By saying "The Lord be with you," the priest is invoking God's presence and reminding the community of God's promise to be with them. The response, "And with your spirit," acknowledges this invocation and expresses the belief that God is active in their midst through the power of the Holy Spirit.
This exchange is more than just a ritual; it is a declaration of faith and a recognition of the spiritual nature of their gathering. It sets the tone for the Liturgy, where the community opens themselves to God's action in their lives. The greeting and response unite the priest and the congregation in a shared expression of their Christian faith and their belief in the power of the Holy Spirit.
While "The Lord be with you" is commonly used in a liturgical context, Catholics may also use this greeting in their daily lives to offer a blessing or to remind themselves and others of God's presence. It is a way to bring Catholic greetings into their conversations and deepen their Christian friendships, as advocated by some Catholic writers.
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Responding with And with your spirit
Greeting someone with "and with your spirit" is a common response in the Catholic faith. This phrase is a fundamental part of Catholic liturgy and ritual and is often used during Mass. The phrase is a response to the priest's blessing and is an acknowledgement of the presence of the Holy Spirit in the ritual.
The response, "and with your spirit," is a recognition of the spiritual connection between the priest and the congregation. It is a way for the congregation to affirm their belief in the Holy Spirit and its role in the Mass. The phrase is also a way for the congregation to participate actively in the liturgy and to respond to the priest's blessing with their own blessing.
This response has its roots in the Bible, specifically in the writings of St. Paul. In his letters, St. Paul often uses the phrase "with your spirit" as a greeting and blessing. For example, in his letter, St. Paul writes, "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters." The use of this phrase in the Mass continues an ancient Christian tradition evident in St. Paul's writings.
The use of "and with your spirit" as a greeting extends beyond the Mass. Catholics may use this phrase in their everyday lives to recognize and honor the Holy Spirit's presence in their daily encounters. It serves as a reminder of the spiritual dimension of human existence and the potential for divine grace in the simplest of interactions.
Responding with "and with your spirit" is a meaningful act for Catholics. It affirms their faith, fosters a sense of unity with fellow believers, and acknowledges the Holy Spirit's power and presence. This simple yet powerful phrase encapsulates the essence of Catholic liturgy, emphasizing the community's collective spiritual journey.
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Greeting priests and strangers at church
In the Eastern Catholic Church, specific titles and forms of address vary according to the rank of the clergy. For example, when addressing a bishop, one would use "Your Grace" or "The Right Reverend Bishop (name)" during a formal introduction. An Archpriest, who holds a similar rank to a Monsignor, may be addressed as "Very Reverend Archpriest (name)." Deacons are often addressed as "Father Deacon" or "Father Protodeacon," and written correspondence may begin with "The Reverend Deacon (name)."
When greeting strangers at church, it is customary to follow the liturgical practices of the Catholic Mass. After the Sign of the Cross at the beginning of Mass, the priest greets the congregation with "The Lord be with you," to which the congregation responds, "And with your spirit." This exchange is a reminder of God's presence and the community's faith. The priest may also offer a brief introduction to direct the congregation's focus for that particular liturgy.
During the Mass, there are several instances where the congregation responds to the celebrant with "And with your spirit." These include the Introductory Rite, before the proclamation of the Gospel, before the Preface, before offering the sign of peace, and during the Concluding Rite. These responses unite English-speaking Catholics with those around the world, creating a universal bond among the faithful.
In conclusion, greeting priests and strangers at church involves a combination of respectful titles, liturgical responses, and simple gestures of friendship. These practices foster a sense of community and faith among Catholics, reminding them of God's presence and their connection to one another.
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The holy kiss or kiss of peace
The holy kiss, or kiss of peace, is an ancient traditional Christian greeting, also called the "brother kiss" among men and the "sister kiss" among women. The holy kiss is mentioned in the New Testament of the Christian Bible, where the injunction for believers to greet one another with a holy kiss is given in five places. The early Christian apologist Tertullian wrote that before leaving a house, Christians should give the holy kiss and say "peace to this house". The Apostolic Constitutions declared:
> Then let the men apart, and the women apart, salute each other with a kiss in the Lord.
The holy kiss is particularly important among many Anabaptist denominations, being counted as an ordinance of the Church. Other denominations, such as the Catholic Church and Lutheran Churches, use various forms of greeting to serve equivalent purposes, including kisses, handshakes, gestures, or hugs, any of which may be called a sign of peace.
In the Catholic Church, the term now used is "the sign of peace" or "the rite of peace", rather than "the kiss of peace". The rite is mentioned in ancient sources such as the sermons of St. Augustine. At first, the kiss of peace was considered an important, even obligatory, preparation for those about to receive Communion. After the year 1000, it gradually became a more formalized rite and the exclusive preserve of the clergy, except for some special occasions. The gesture of the kiss was more a mark of respect than of affection.
In the Roman liturgical tradition, the exchange of peace is placed before Holy Communion, with its own specific theological significance. In the Byzantine rite, the kiss of peace is placed immediately before the creed, with the diaconal admonition: "Let us love one another, that with one mind we may confess". The people then complete the sentence: "the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, the Trinity one in essence and undivided."
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Glory to Jesus Christ! and Glory Forever
Greeting each other in the name of Jesus Christ is a common practice among Catholics. One such greeting is "Glory to Jesus Christ!", to which the response is "Glory Forever!". This exchange is a way to manifest the courage and charity that Catholics receive from the Eucharist in their daily lives. The greetings also vary according to liturgical seasons, such as the Nativity of Christ, the Theophany (Epiphany), the Baptism of Christ, and the Easter season.
The use of "Glory to Jesus Christ!" as a greeting has its roots in ancient Christian traditions. In the past, when one Christian knocked on the door of another, the greeting served as a password of sorts to identify themselves as believers. This practice was especially important during times of persecution, when a soldier could be waiting outside to arrest them. By greeting each other in the name of Jesus Christ, Catholics today are heeding the call to restore ancient Christian greetings and deepen their Christian friendships.
"Glory to Jesus Christ!" is a powerful statement that recognises the presence of Jesus Christ in their midst. This greeting is also a reminder of Jesus' promise in Matthew 18:20: "For wherever two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." By using this greeting, Catholics affirm their faith and welcome the action of God in their lives, acknowledging that their relationship with each other is deeply spiritual.
The response, "Glory Forever!" completes the greeting, expressing the eternal nature of God's glory. It is a declaration of faith in the everlasting glory of Jesus Christ, the King. This response also echoes the biblical phrase "In saecula saeculorum", which translates to "forever and ever" or "world without end", often used in prayers and hymns to express the eternal nature of God's kingdom and glory.
While "Glory to Jesus Christ! and Glory Forever!" is a less common greeting among modern Catholics, who tend to greet each other simply with a "hello" or a friendly jest, there is a growing movement to restore these ancient Christian greetings. By greeting each other in this way, Catholics can bring Christ into their midst and deepen their Christian friendships, reminding themselves and each other of their shared spiritual bond rooted in Christ.
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Frequently asked questions
Catholics greet each other with "The Lord be with you", to which the other person responds, "And with your spirit". Some Catholics also greet each other with "Praised be Jesus Christ", and the response is "Now and forever".
The greetings are rooted in the belief that Christians are bonded spiritually through the Communion of Saints. The greetings are also a reminder of the promised presence of the Lord in the community.
Catholic greetings change with the liturgical season. For example, during the Nativity of Christ, the greeting may be "Glory to Jesus Christ!", with the response being "Glory Forever!".
