Touch in Catholicism

By Anonymous -
Touch is a sense that is constantly being experienced in Catholicism.  Those that truly practice the faith in addition to those that might just go through the motions experience the sense in a communal way. Beginning with the sacrament of Baptism and ending with the Anointing of the Sick, touch is utilized during each ceremony of each sacrament. In Baptism, the godparents of the child hold the baby in their hands and the priest pours holy water on the child's head. During the sacrament of Reconciliation, the priest absolves the one receiving the sacrament by putting his hands on the person's head and praying.



In addition to sound, touch is one of the most utilized senses during the Mass. As one enters the church, it is common for Catholics to dip their fingers in holy water and making the sign of the cross. Another common gesture in Catholicism is the genuflection. When someone genuflects they touch their right knee to the floor while bending their left knee. This genuflection is the ultimate form of reverence when in the presence of the Eucharist. When someone receives communion, they either receive the Eucharist directly in their mouth or receive the Eucharist directly in their palms and place it in their mouth. 

In catholicism, touching is often associated with blessing and atonement.  It adds to the religion's communal feel and creates a nice environment among the parishioners. The touch of a priest during each of the sacraments represents God's touch and the touch of a neighbor during the Our Father represents the touch of a brother or sister, since all Catholics are considered children of God. 









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