I count 11 instructions for lay people to bow during Mass.
a) From the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM), n. 43:
“However, those who do not kneel ought to make a profound bow when the Priest genuflects after the Consecration.”
b) “49. When they have arrived at the sanctuary, the Priest, the Deacon, and the ministers reverence the altar with a profound bow.”
c) “90. To the Concluding Rites belong the following: …d) the kissing of the altar by the Priest and the Deacon, followed by a profound bow to the altar by the Priest, the Deacon, and the other ministers.”
d) For the Creed, n. 137: “At the words et incarnatus est, etc. (and by the Holy Spirit … and became man) all make a profound bow; but on the Solemnities of the Annunciation and of the Nativity of the Lord, all genuflect.”
e) GIRM 160 has: “However, when they communicate standing, it is recommended that before receiving the Sacrament that they make an appropriate sign of reverence, to be determined in the same norms.”
An addition to the GIRM for Australia is: “When approaching to receive Holy Communion, the faithful bow in reverence of the Sacrament that they are to receive.”
f) “185. If a Prayer over the People or a formula of Solemn Blessing is used, the Deacon says, Bow down for the blessing. ”
g) From GIRM 274: “If, however, the tabernacle with the Most Blessed Sacrament is situated in the sanctuary, the Priest, the Deacon, and the other ministers genuflect when they approach the altar and when they depart from it, but not during the celebration of Mass itself.
Otherwise, all who pass before the Most Blessed Sacrament genuflect, unless they are moving in procession.
Ministers carrying the processional cross or candles bow their heads instead of genuflecting.”
h) “275. A bow signifies reverence and honour shown to the persons themselves or to the signs that represent them. There are two kinds of bow: a bow of the head and a bow of the body.
a) A bow of the head is made when the three Divine Persons are named together and at the names of Jesus, of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and of the Saint in whose honour Mass is being celebrated.”
i) From GIRM 277: “Before and after an incensation, a profound bow is made to the person or object that is incensed, except for the altar and the offerings for the Sacrifice of the Mass.”
j) From Ceremonial of Bishops, Part 1, Chapter 4 “General Norms”: “72. A deep bow is made to the altar by all who enter the sanctuary (chancel), leave it, or pass before the altar.”
k) From Ceremonial of Bishops: “76. The bishop is greeted with a deep bow by the ministers or others when they approach to assist him, when they leave after assisting him, or when they pass in front of him.”
[Excerpts from the English translation of the Roman Missal © 2010, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. Excerpts from the English translation of Ceremonial of Bishops © 1989, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved.]
