Not Clapping for the Neighbors

Last evening, as I neared the end of my shift, I got up from the front desk, feeling tired and restless.  I decided to meander down to the activity room, to see what was happening and if anyone was still there. 

Two residents were, in fact, still there, watching TV.  One appeared to be writing out Easter cards. 

She spoke to me, “I think the only thing I have left to do (for Holy Week liturgies) is the clapper, right?”

“Yes,” I responded.  “Do you want me to show you how it works?” 

Without needing much encouragement, I headed down the hallway to where our famous brown suitcase was sitting on a chair in the small dining room.

As I knew it would be, there was the clapper. 

I brought it back to the activity room, and demonstrated its proper use to the watching resident.  She tried it with her small, elderly hands, a bit less successfully at first.  We discussed when it would be used.  Since the bells are silent from after the Gloria of Holy Thursday until the Easter vigil, the clapper is used in their place during the Eucharistic prayer at the Mass of the Lord’s Supper. 

I asked her if she’d like to borrow the clapper, and bring it back to her apartment to practice. 
She declined, stating that she didn’t think her neighbors would appreciate it. 

Nonetheless, I think she’s got a good enough handle on how it works, and all should go fine Thursday evening.

Prayers for a blessed Triduum!