Do the Faithful Continue Standing After the Gospel Reading?

[pamnbam]

Hello, I am wondering what is (or if there is) a proper posture following the gospel reading during Mass. Some people in the church remain standing until the Lectionary is placed on its stand at the conclusion of the reading, while others sit after saying “Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.” I’ve always thought sitting was appropriate, but if remaining standing is correct, I’d like to do the right thing, please. Thank you in advance!

 

[Fr.Charles_Grondin]

General Instruction of the Roman Missal (emphasis added):

1. 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;…

They should, however, sit while the readings before the Gospel and the responsorial Psalm are proclaimed and for the homily…

…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 is no specific moment when the GIRM says to sit after the Gospel. It merely states we are to stand for the proclamation of the Gospel and sit for the homily. I have usually seen the congregation stand up until the “Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ” and response or when the Bishop is present people usually stand until the Bishop kisses the Book of the Gospels. However it is not a violation the GIRM to wait until the the Lectionary is placed on a stand. Local custom would seem to apply, but in the case of 1/2 the people standing and 1/2 sitting then the pastor should set a norm.