Genuflecting--When NOT to do it-

[concerneduser]

I have a question for anyone out there:
I attend church at a public university. Of course there are only ‘spiritual centers’, and the consecrated hosts are not held up by the alter/ front of the church. Therefore since I am not in the presence of the host/ jesus, is it improper to genuflect when entering and leaving church?

 

[DavidFilmer]

Therefore since I am not in the presence of the host/ jesus, is it improper to genuflect when entering and leaving church?

We genuflect only for Jesus. Normally this would be before the Tabernacle when the sanctuary lamp is lit (signifying that the Eucharistic Host is present in the Tabernacle).

If there is no Tabernacle (and the Eucharist is not otherwise present), or the lamp is not lit (as would be the case on Good Friday), we do not genuflect.

If we are in a Catholic Church then we would instead bow before the Altar, as a way to express our reverence.

If we are in a protestant church or communal “spirituality center” then we would not even bow.

 

[diggerdomer]

I have a question for anyone out there:
I attend church at a public university. Of course there are only ‘spiritual centers’, and the consecrated hosts are not held up by the alter/ front of the church. Therefore since I am not in the presence of the host/ jesus, is it improper to genuflect when entering and leaving church?

It’s not improper.

 

[DavidFilmer]

It’s not improper.

It is HIGHLY improper for Latin Rite Catholics (I can’t speak to other Rites or denominations).

From the General Instruction on the Roman Missal (GIRM):

Genuflections and Bows
**274. **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.

Latin Rite Catholics absolutely do not genuflect in protestant or non-denominational places of worship (unless the (genuine) Blessed Sacrament happens to be present, for whatever reason).

To genuflect before (WHAT? What is there to genuflect before in a communal “spiritual center?”) signifies that we revere (WHAT?) in the same manner that we revere the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

[Orleans_Attny]

It is HIGHLY improper for Latin Rite Catholics (I can’t speak to other Rites or denominations).

From the General Instruction on the Roman Missal (GIRM):
Latin Rite Catholics absolutely do not genuflect in protestant or non-denominational places of worship (unless the (genuine) Blessed Sacrament happens to be present, for whatever reason).

To genuflect before (WHAT? What is there to genuflect before in a communal “spiritual center?”) signifies that we revere (WHAT?) in the same manner that we revere the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

I agree, strongly. Good post. Too often - at my church - I see people genuflecting out of habit or ignorance.

Pax,
OA

 

[apricot_yogurt]

Reminds me of my “catholic” school I attended. We went to an Anglican chapel, where there was very defineitely no Blessed Sacrament in attendance. The teachers made us genuflect as there were children from other schools there, and they wanted us to look good.

 

[TraderTif]

If we are in a Catholic Church then we would instead bow before the Altar, as a way to express our reverence.

If we are in a protestant church or communal “spirituality center” then we would not even bow.

I was wondering, what about a building that is used both as a Catholic parish and as a Protestant church?

One of my local parishes is located in such a building. There is no Tabernacle, so I don’t genuflect. (Most other people do; I think it’s just force of habit.) But would bowing, or something, be appropriate? Or not?

 

[Seatuck]

I was wondering, what about a building that is used both as a Catholic parish and as a Protestant church?

One of my local parishes is located in such a building. There is no Tabernacle, so I don’t genuflect. (Most other people do; I think it’s just force of habit.) But would bowing, or something, be appropriate? Or not?

Bowing to the altar of sacrifice or the crucifix is appropriate for us Latin Riters.