Bowing v. Genuflecting

[Audrey]

When is it appropriate to bow or genuflect while in church? And what is the difference between a bow and a profound bow?

 

[Michelle_Arnold]

Audrey:

When is it appropriate to bow or genuflect while in church?

Generally speaking, outside of the liturgy one bows to the altar if Christ is not present on the altar; one genuflects toward the tabernacle, or toward the altar if Christ is present on the altar (e.g., in the monstrance during eucharistic adoration) or in a tabernacle behind the altar. During the liturgy, one bows or genuflects according to the prescribed liturgical rubrics.

Audrey:

And what is the difference between a bow and a profound bow?

A “profound bow” is usually considered to be a deep bow from the waist.