Feet on the kneeler, leaning on the bench?

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surfinpure

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Is it permissible to rest one’s feet on the kneeler during Mass? I notice that many older church-goers rest their feet firmly on the floor. I have rather short legs and often must balance a toddler on my lap, and having the foot support makes it so much easier. Should I not be doing this?

And while I’m on the subject, is it improper to lean back on the bench when my back starts to hurt from kneeling? Being pregnant and ever larger around the middle, it’s hard to hold the upright posture and it distracts me from the service. But yet again, those older folks seem to manage okay; I never see them leaning.
 
I personally wouldn’t be a butt-in-the-pew kneeler or resst my feet on anything other than the floor, but I am also not trying to balance a toddler and/or pregnancy. I don’t think God minds at all when you rest your feet on the kneelers or lean back against the pew to relieve the pain in your back. Don’t worry about it. 🙂
 
I almost always rest my feet on the kneeler, unlesss of corse they are wet and muddy, but then I have very short legs. :bounce:
 
I don’t put my feet on it, as it’s for kneeling, and others have to use it.
 
surf(name removed by moderator)ure:
Is it permissible to rest one’s feet on the kneeler during Mass? I notice that many older church-goers rest their feet firmly on the floor. I have rather short legs and often must balance a toddler on my lap, and having the foot support makes it so much easier. Should I not be doing this?

And while I’m on the subject, is it improper to lean back on the bench when my back starts to hurt from kneeling? Being pregnant and ever larger around the middle, it’s hard to hold the upright posture and it distracts me from the service. But yet again, those older folks seem to manage okay; I never see them leaning.
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Surf(name removed by moderator)ure,

Our priest asked us to keep our feet off the kneelers as it increases the wear and tear on them, but that was the only reason he gave. Quite frankly, if you are balancing a toddler on your lap I would make an exception for you without hesitating.

Also, no matter what older folks are doing, if your back starts to hurt I think it is entirely appropriate for you to lean back against the pew while you are kneeling. Mass is not meant to be painful. If I may venture an opinion, I think that being pregnant you are enduring entirely enough discomfort without adding to it.
  • Liberian
 
Who cares. I mean, why do people worry about this kind of stuff.
Just go to church, pray, and enjoy. I’m just glad some people get moved enough by the Spirit to still go to church.
 
surf(name removed by moderator)ure:
Is it permissible to rest one’s feet on the kneeler during Mass? I notice that many older church-goers rest their feet firmly on the floor. I have rather short legs and often must balance a toddler on my lap, and having the foot support makes it so much easier. Should I not be doing this?

And while I’m on the subject, is it improper to lean back on the bench when my back starts to hurt from kneeling? Being pregnant and ever larger around the middle, it’s hard to hold the upright posture and it distracts me from the service. But yet again, those older folks seem to manage okay; I never see them leaning.
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At least you’re kneeling!
Also, I’m 5’3" my feet are always on the kneeler (except wet or muddy as stated by another poster)
 
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mgy100:
Who cares. I mean, why do people worry about this kind of stuff.
Just go to church, pray, and enjoy. I’m just glad some people get moved enough by the Spirit to still go to church.
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Ahem

I care. I’ve learned since joining the forums there are quite a few no-no’s that regularly take place in parishes around the country, and it’s because nobody stops to ask the questions that they’re still going on.
 
surf(name removed by moderator)ure:
IsAnd while I’m on the subject, is it improper to lean back on the bench when my back starts to hurt from kneeling? Being pregnant and ever larger around the middle, it’s hard to hold the upright posture and it distracts me from the service. But yet again, those older folks seem to manage okay; I never see them leaning.
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darlin’ you can sit any way you please, us old folks aren’t pregnant, but we remember what it feels like. enjoy the rest, once the baby gets old enough to be a nuisance you won’t be doing much sitting in church, just chasing and carrying.
 
Hello fellow shorties:D I am almost five foot one, so I understand your situation. If I lean back in a chair, my feet dangle like a little kid’s. I’ve just learned over the years to sit on the edge of chairs.

Normally I’d say not to use kneeler to prop your feet, but I think that an exception can be made for a pregnant woman-**especially **one that is trying to balance a toddler. I certainly wouldn’t be offended; I can’t imagine that anyone would be anything but sympathatic. If it is a muddy, nasty day perhaps your hubby could wipe the kneeler off before you leave.
 
Personally, I have no problem if you put your feet on the kneelers as long as you brush off debris after your done. i.e. keep it clean and I don’t mind.

As for relaxing your back while kneeling, if you are able-bodied and capable, keep that bottom off the bench. However, if you have a good excuse (like being pregnant, bad back,illness, etc) go for it.

so, I guess i agree with most people here,

Paraying for you and your baby
 
Could you just slip your feet out of your shoes while resting them on the kneeler? It would save wear and tear and keep the kneeler as clean as ever. Who could complain about that?
As for leaning on the bench, I do it all the time, my knees aren’t what they used to be. Don’t worry about it.
 
It bothers me when people put their feet on the kneelers. Shoe bottoms are disgusting. You wouldn’t want the bottom of someone else’s shoe on your pant leg. Think of all the things people step in and on. Even if they are dry and free of debris doesn’t mean there clean.
 
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Elliott:
It bothers me when people put their feet on the kneelers. Shoe bottoms are disgusting. You wouldn’t want the bottom of someone else’s shoe on your pant leg. Think of all the things people step in and on. Even if they are dry and free of debris doesn’t mean there clean.
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Thank you for your (name removed by moderator)ut, Elliott. I hadn’t considered dry germs before. :rotfl:
 
I’m pretty sure you won’t catch any dreaded diseases from resting your knees where someone’s shoes have been.
 
I was complaining about people putting their shoes on the kneelers,then I visited a parsh with no kneelers at all.
 
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kage_ar:
My mamma taught me to wipe my shoes on the doormat 🙂
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Likewise. And my mother also taught me not to step in the mud. LOL. 🙂 We have a large parish with lots of carpet. Any mud that would have been on our shoes is long gone by the time we reach the kneelers.
 
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choirgirl:
Personally, I have no problem if you put your feet on the kneelers as long as you brush off debris after your done. i.e. keep it clean and I don’t mind.

As for relaxing your back while kneeling, if you are able-bodied and capable, keep that bottom off the bench. However, if you have a good excuse (like being pregnant, bad back,illness, etc) go for it.
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Yeah, what she said.

I’m 5 feet tall and never put my feet on the kneelers, but I think that’s more a result of extensive Catholic school training during school Masses. (“Don’t put your dirty shoes on the kneelers! Other people put their clean legs on those kneelers! Do it again and you’ll get detention!”)

I don’t have a problem with it if you brush your shoe dust off when you’re done. Nor does it bother me if people lean back against the pew seat when kneeling. I’m tempted to do it myself some mornings, especially when I haven’t eaten before Mass and my blood sugar levels are dropping and causing my leg muscles to shake. Again, the only reason I don’t is irrational fear that Sr. Dorothy will pop out and yell at me. (“Get yer butts off of the seats! We’re kneeling, not sitting!”) 😃
 
I do both - I put my feet on the kneelers when balancing my toddler on my knee… or when I was breastfeeding. And yes, when I was pregnant, I had to lean back while kneeling!! I’m also not sure that I would have fit any other way…

Blessings for you and your little ones!!
Danielle
 
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