Genuflection

[AngelRose81]

I know there are probably numerous threads concerning this but I can’t find the exact one I need. So here goes…

I’m in RCIA now and we were taught to always genuflect towards where the eucharist is kept before entering the pews. Our eucharistic chapel happens to be in a separate room to the left of the altar if you are facing it. There is a very large window where you can see inside so you know what you are looking at. When entering my pew I always genuflect that way. However I have observed most people who bow or genuflect do so towards the altar & large crucifix in the front, not to the left. I just wondered if what I was doing is correct or if I should be genuflecting or bowing to the front??

Also, and this may be a really stupid question but when you enter the pew and kneel before Mass begins, are you supposed to be praying or is it adoration or what? That hasn’t been covered in my classes and I just thought I’d ask while I was on here so I would know what I was supposed to be doing! Thanks for your help!

-Kristy :angel1:

 

[JimO]

You are correct in genuflecting toward the Eucharist. Unfortunately, many Catholics don’t understand what they are supposed to do and simply face the altar when genuflecting.

Regarding prayer before Mass. Most people are praying to prepare themselves for the Mass and for receiving Christ in the Eucharist.

Blessings

 

[Deacon_Ed]

What you are seeing is a culture change. Prior to the Second Vatican Council the tabernacle was always kept on the altar and so people were taught to genuflect facing the altar/tabernacle prior to entering the pew. Sadly, most were not taught what it was they were genuflecting to. Many older people still go through the motions and have taught their children to genuflect “straight forward” which, in many cases today, means to the altar.

You were taught correctly. If the tabernacle is visible you genuflect towards it (if the Blessed Sacrament is reserved there – the doors will be open if the Blessed Sacrament is not present). If not, you bow toward the altar and then enter the pew.

And, yes, the time before Mass is a time for “spiritual preparation” which is normally personal prayer, but can certainly include adoration if the Blessed Sacrament is present.

Deacon Ed

 

[Della]

I know there are probably numerous threads concerning this but I can’t find the exact one I need. So here goes…

I’m in RCIA now and we were taught to always genuflect towards where the eucharist is kept before entering the pews. Our eucharistic chapel happens to be in a separate room to the left of the altar if you are facing it. There is a very large window where you can see inside so you know what you are looking at. When entering my pew I always genuflect that way. However I have observed most people who bow or genuflect do so towards the altar & large crucifix in the front, not to the left. I just wondered if what I was doing is correct or if I should be genuflecting or bowing to the front??

The instruction you got is correct. It appears that many in your parish haven’t been properly taught, but I can understand their confusion with all the changes that have happened over the last 40 years! However, if you bring up the gifts, read a reading, or leave and return to your pew, you are to bow to the altar.

Also, and this may be a really stupid question but when you enter the pew and kneel before Mass begins, are you supposed to be praying or is it adoration or what? That hasn’t been covered in my classes and I just thought I’d ask while I was on here so I would know what I was supposed to be doing! Thanks for your help!

-Kristy :angel1:

It is meant to be a time to pray in order to be “recollected” before Mass begins. This means that you ask for God’s help as you participate in the Mass, as you listen to the readings, join in the responses, receive the Eucharist, etc. You also ask for the graces of the Mass for yourself and those for whom you are offering the Mass, in the corporate prayers as well as for your own needs and intentions. Also, it is laudatory to offer the Mass for the celebrant/presider and those those worshiping with you. I have to wonder, though, how many people know that these days.

 

[AngelRose81]

Thanks for the quick response. I’ll keep making sure I genuflect towards the Eucharist then!

Thanks for the repsonse concerning prayer as well. I had guessed that that’s what it was but wasn’t sure so thanks for the “to the point” answers!

-Kristy:angel1:

 

[Della]

AngelRose81:

Thanks for the quick response. I’ll keep making sure I genuflect towards the Eucharist then!

Thanks for the repsonse concerning prayer as well. I had guessed that that’s what it was but wasn’t sure so thanks for the “to the point” answers!

-Kristy

You’re welcome! I hope the rest of your RCIA experience is fruitful and grace-filled.

 

[tassitus]

… I have observed most people who bow or genuflect do so towards the altar & large crucifix in the front, not to the left. I just wondered if what I was doing is correct or if I should be genuflecting or bowing to the front??

Yes, it is amazing to me to watch people pass right by the tabernacle, totally unaware, and actually genuflect to the alter (I assume) with their backs to the Eucharist. And looking so pious! (I am sure I do something just as stupid in Mass, just don’t know what that is yet…).

I did find this in the 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.
See more here: usccb.org/liturgy/current/chapter4.shtml#sect4

Could it be that these pious and knowing souls are in fact right to genuflect to the “large crucifix in the front”? Is that what how we are to interpret “Holy Cross”? Sure would like to know this.

Peace all.

 

[Trevelyan]

Yes, it is amazing to me to watch people pass right by the tabernacle, totally unaware, and actually genuflect to the alter (I assume) with their backs to the Eucharist. And looking so pious! (I am sure I do something just as stupid in Mass, just don’t know what that is yet…).

I did find this in the 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.
See more here: usccb.org/liturgy/current/chapter4.shtml#sect4

Could it be that these pious and knowing souls are in fact right to genuflect to the “large crucifix in the front”? Is that what how we are to interpret “Holy Cross”? Sure would like to know this.

Peace all.

The answer is in the text:

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.

We use genuflection as the gesture of reverence to the Cross in the Good Friday ceremonies with the “adoration” (meaning veneration, not meaning the worship due to God alone) of the Cross, and until the Easter Vigil - while the tabernacle is empty.

(As far as I know, this is the only instance in which both genuflection and the word ‘adoration’ are used without signifying the worship/adoration due to God.)