=KateD;6268077]I had a disturbing conversation with my pastor this weekend.
He is beginning a fundraising campaign, and one of the things he wants to buy at some point is new chairs. We do not have pews or kneelers. When I asked him after Mass whether the new chairs would have kneelers connected to them, he answered no and said they were not necessary.
Is he correct in that we don’t need the kneelers or that the Archdiocese does not have this directive? I don’t need to ask whether he was rude - this is a typically rude response from him.
No, he’s wrong.
General Instruction
of the Roman Missal
Including Adaptations
for the Dioceses of the United States of America
Genuflections and Bows
- A genuflection, made by bending the right knee to the ground, signifies adoration, and therefore it is reserved for the Most Blessed Sacrament, as well as for the Holy Cross from the solemn adoration during the liturgical celebration on Good Friday until the beginning of the Easter Vigil.
During Mass, three genuflections are made by the priest celebrant: namely, after the showing of the host, after the showing of the chalice, and before Communion. Certain specific features to be observed in a concelebrated Mass are noted in their proper place (cf. above, nos. 210-251).
If, however, the tabernacle with the Most Blessed Sacrament is present in the sanctuary, the priest, the deacon, and the other ministers genuflect when they approach the altar and when they depart from it, but not during the celebration of Mass itself.
Otherwise all who pass before the Most Blessed Sacrament genuflect, unless they are moving in procession.
Ministers carrying the processional cross or candles bow their heads instead of genuflecting.
- A bow signifies reverence and honor shown to the persons themselves or to the signs that represent them. There are two kinds of bows: a bow of the head and a bow of the body.
- It is more in keeping with the meaning of the sign that the tabernacle in which the Most Holy Eucharist is reserved not be on an altar on which Mass is celebrated.128
Consequently, it is preferable that the tabernacle be located, according to the judgment of the Diocesan Bishop,
Either in the sanctuary, apart from the altar of celebration, in a form and place more appropriate, not excluding on an old altar no longer used for celebration (cf. above, no. 303);
Or even in some chapel suitable for the faithful’s private adoration and prayer129 and
which is organically connected to the church and readily visible to the Christian faithful.
THESE ARE THE ONLY TWO OPTIONS!
- The gestures and posture of the priest, the deacon, and the ministers, as well as those of the people, ought to contribute to making the entire celebration resplendent with beauty and noble simplicity, so that the true and full meaning of the different parts of the celebration is evident and that the participation of all is fostered.52 Therefore, attention should be paid to what is determined by this General Instruction and the traditional practice of the Roman Rite and to what serves the common spiritual good of the People of God, rather than private inclination or arbitrary choice.
GENERAL INSTRUCTION OF THE ROMAN MISSAL [GRIM]
*** SECTION II # 43. The faithful should stand from the beginning of the Entrance chant, or while the priest approaches the altar, until the end of the Collect; for the Alleluia chant before the Gospel; while the Gospel itself is proclaimed; during the Profession of Faith and the Prayer of the Faithful; from the invitation, Orate, fratres (Pray, brethren), before the prayer over the offerings until the end of Mass, except at the places indicated below.
They should, however, sit while the readings before the Gospel and the responsorial Psalm are proclaimed and for the homily and while the Preparation of the Gifts at the Offertory is taking place; and, as circumstances allow, they may sit or kneel while the period of sacred silence after Communion is observed.
In the dioceses of the United States of America, they should kneel beginning after the singing or recitation of the Sanctus until after the Amen of the Eucharistic Prayer*, except when prevented on occasion by reasons of health, lack of space, the large number of people present, or some other good reason.** Those who do not kneel ought to make a profound bow when the priest genuflects after the consecration. The faithful kneel after the Agnus Dei unless the Diocesan Bishop determines otherwise.53**
With a view to a uniformity in gestures and postures during one and the same celebration, the faithful should follow the directions which the deacon, lay minister, or priest gives according to whatever is indicated in the Missal.**
There you Go! Contact your Bishop with a 1 pg. letter.[And copy Cardnal Francis George]. Be sure to note on the bottom:
CC: Cardnal Francis George
F… Pastor:
File copy
Be kind, factual and brief. GRIM is the standard by which the Bishops have agreed to use and is approved by Rome. Ask that he please inform his priest [specifically, your pastor] to allow for kneeling as is the norm here in America in the redo. Send them "First class and be sure to include ALL of your personal contact information.
Love and prayers,
Pat
