Posture at Mass

[skatey]

When there are no kneelers in a Church/Chapel, what is the proper posture during those times when one would be kneeling? And, is there a source or reference to your response that I can use?

 

[Domnall]

When there are no kneelers,I believe the method is to still kneel.

The GIRM says this on the issue “In the dioceses of the United States of America, they should kneel beginning after the singing or
recitation of the Sanctus until after the Amen of the Eucharistic Prayer, except when prevented on
occasion by reasons of health, lack of space, the large number of people present, or some other
good reason.”

I don’t think the lack of keelers is a “good reason.” That is, unless, you physically need them to kneel (for example, the elderly or disabled.)

Since the idea of kneelers accompanying pews were adopted after the Reformation, I don’t see why we can’t kneel on the ground just like our ancestors did for centuries.

 

[Loml]

I don’t see why we can’t kneel on the ground just like our ancestors did for centuries.

I agree

 

[Joe_Kelley]

When Cardinal George first arrived in Chicago he noticed that there were no kneelers in the seminary chapel. He reminded the authorities there than all were to follow the rubrics for kneeling during mass. They gave him a song-and-dance about the cost of installing kneelers. He told them, “I didn’t say anything about kneelers. I said everyone is to kneel.”

Somehow they found the funds and installed kneelers.

 

[anp1215]

I recently attended Mass at a chapel with no kneelers and a cold stone floor, and we all still knelt anyway
I don’t know why, but it was especially humbling to me to see everyone (most were elderly too) kneeling on the hard floor. I feel like they were sincerely putting aside their comfort to show reverence for our Lord, and it was very special to me.

 

[Reuben_J]

I would just kneel; the occasion is too great for me to do otherwise. At my age kneeling is no biggie whether there is a kneeler or not. We are however permitted to stand if the floor or the ground is not suitable for kneeling. Standing posture is perhaps older than the kneeling. Pews and kneelers admittedly were more of a recent innovation.

There is no standard posture while we kneel (or for that matter stand). Common school of thought is to gaze at the Lord and say in our heart “my Lord and my God”, remembering that Thomas needed to see the Lord’s side and hands in order to believe. We are all not worthy but made worthy by him but it is reasonable to utter the words that Thomas said because this is really the Lord.

As the Blood is elevated we are to say in our heart, “thank you Lord”. Thanking the Lord for the blood shed on the cross for the expiation of our sin.

It is an awesome moment; if we are tongue tied and unable to think of anything, do not worry. People are struck dead when they came face to face with the Lord; we are no difference. Just be there transfixed at the awesome wonder of God. Peter jumped from the boat and swam away from Jesus, the minute he realized the awesome reality that Jesus was God and understood that he being a sinner was not worthy to be in God’s presence. Some people react differently; so I think there is no hard and fast rule on what we should do during the consecration.

 

[Lapey]

When there are no kneelers in a Church/Chapel, what is the proper posture during those times when one would be kneeling? And, is there a source or reference to your response that I can use?

In my experience, there is nothing “improper” with either standing or kneeling on the floor. I choose the latter, but not all can.