Kneeling when entering the church building

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During RCIA, we had a class on the physical parts of the Mass and I asked if our altar had a relic. Father,said that our altar did not.
 
Joannm said:
That is not why we bow to the altar. Many altars, especially in newer churches, do not have relics as that is no longer mandatory (although recommended). We bow to the altar because it represents Christ. That is the same reason why the priest kisses the altar.
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Altar REPRESENT Christ? :confused: I never heard that before. Can you expand on it a bit?
 
Please make sure that the Blessed Sacrament is present (by the lit sanctuary lamp which should normally be red) before genuflecting to the tabernacle. A genuflection signifies adoration (latria) and should only be used for God himself - whom we recognize in the True Presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. Genuflecting to an empty tabernacle, though it is frequently done by mistake, is approaching idolatry. In the absence of the Blessed Sacrament, use instead a profound bow to the altar. A bow or a kiss is veneration (dulia) and is the honor given to a saint or relic thereof. The GIRM says a bow “signifies reverence or honor shown to the persons themselves or to the signs that represent them.”

The General Instructions on the Roman Missal
 
HCC said:
One knee genuflection when the Blessed Sacrament is reserved in the tabernacle and genuflection on both knees when the Blessed Sacrament is exposed is traditional–but even that isn’t necessary according to new norms.
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aaaaaaaaghhhhhhhhhhhhh…

but then one often has to play hunt the Tabernacle,the sanctuary light, and even try to locate the holy water font.

what do you mean you don’t have to kneel???
 
Any suggestions for blind people? Lol, seriously though cause its not like that for us! I mean no visual reminder for us. Probably smething unoriented visual learners understand! I genuflect in and before getting into the pew. I am learning the Gospel According on our minds, lips and on our hearts tracer is what I callit. I even am going to probably start aabsinence and fasting sometime before confirmation and do the baptism font for practice till baptism cause I’ve never been baptized. God what a lovely church indeed that I have found home and love it. Bring back the preVatican II traditions and beliefs associated with it!
 
Peter5 said:
Any suggestions for blind people? Lol, seriously though cause its not like that for us! I mean no visual reminder for us. Probably smething unoriented visual learners understand! I genuflect in and before getting into the pew. I am learning the Gospel According on our minds, lips and on our hearts tracer is what I callit. I even am going to probably start aabsinence and fasting sometime before confirmation and do the baptism font for practice till baptism cause I’ve never been baptized. God what a lovely church indeed that I have found home and love it. Bring back the preVatican II traditions and beliefs associated with it!
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…why would you genuflect if the Real Presence is not there. That is the point of the Sanctuary Lamp.
 
i just know everyone in catholic church at least at mine does it , cause u are there for Jesus other reglions belive god is there too, like the penecostals belive when you pray u speak in touses and that the holy sprit
 
I do it because of respect for the tabernacle or if not just in respect in general. This is also true when I am leaving and this is how lots of other people do it as well. A well versed catholic would have to explain the reason completely though not me. I’m merely just a catechumen that is all nothing more or less.
 
JoellaFaith said:
i just know everyone in catholic church at least at mine does it , cause u are there for Jesus other reglions belive god is there too, like the penecostals belive when you pray u speak in touses and that the holy sprit
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The protestant churches I have been to over the years NEVER NEVER kneel at any point regardless of whether or not there is a belief that God is present. That God is present is a given because of his omnipresence;. The Catholic church has as part of its dogma (required belief) that in the Eucharist is Our Saviour…all part of the ology of transubstantiation which is a mystery of Faith.

Whether or not it is part of the post Vatican2 thing one cannot be sure. I know I have been appalled on visiting Novous Ordo churches where amongst other things I have seen with my own eyes a cocacola can on an altar.
 
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