Keep the prayer, hold the applause . . . Our parish is blessed with many dedicated, talented singers and musicians who assist us in our prayer and praise. Their musical leadership and talent immeasurably enhance our Sunday encounter with God in word and sacrament. On many Sundays, our various music groups sing a Song of Thanksgiving or meditation piece after all have received Communion. This post-Communion piece is intended to create an atmosphere of prayer and thanksgiving for the Eucharist we have just received. Our music ministers would be the first to point out that these pieces are prayers, not performances. While the congregation understandably wants to show its appreciation, our applause breaks the mood of quiet prayer the music is trying to set. So all who are involved with planning and executing our liturgies ask that we refrain from applauding musical solos during Mass – not because we are not grateful or moved by the work of our musicians, but to maintain the attitude of humble and grateful prayer to God made possible by the gifts of all our ministers: celebrants, preachers, lectors, servers, greeters and members of our environment committees, as well as cantors and musicians. Many thanks for your understanding.