Should parishioners genuflect before being seated in the pew?

[Lycorth]

I always genuflect; I was raised to always show reverence when crossing the Tabernacle, either to genuflect or else to bow respectfully if I could not kneel for whatever reason.

I think it’s very important to do so; little acts of reverence help to build greater reverence for the Lord in the Real Presence, and consequently, doing away with them only takes away those little exercises of respect and in the long run diminishes the whole thing.

When we had actual kings, humans were required to show respect for them, usually by kneeling. Christ, our eternal King, deserves at least as much, right?

 

[lizaanne]

A bit of charity, please…

No one is born with this information coded into their DNA. My comments were directed toward those who should know better. Not to someone who is just learning or who just doesn’t know.

And no - I don’t pass judgment on someone when they don’t genuflect - unless it is someone I see at Mass every single Sunday, receiving Holy Communion, and should be fully aware of Who is in front of them. And BELIEVE me - the priests make absolutely NO bones about it when they discuss the Real Presence at our parish. We receive on our knees, at the rail, and on the tongue. And the homilies are very clear when the subject is discussed. So my comments are only directed to those who know better but still don’t seem to care.

~Liza

 

[paperwight]

I think the motive to requiring only one knee is to show that Jesus is equally present when the doors to the tabernacle are closed as He is when exposed on the altar.
Here are a couple of comments from another online forum where the question came up:

“In 1993 the USCC/NCCB Bishops’ Committe on the Liturgy published the Order for the Solemn Exposition of the Holy Eucharist, a resource collection of rites and texts for use by those planning annual solemn exposition. In #9 of that document it states, ‘Genuflection in the presence of the blessed sacrament, whether reserved in the tabernacle or exposed for public adoration, is on one knee.’ The footnote references the Vatican document of 1973: the Roman Ritual: Holy Communion and Worship of the Eucharist Outside Mass (HCWEOM). In #84 of that document is the identical wording. No further explanation or comment is given.”​

"Since a genuflection is, per se, an act of adoration, the general liturgical norms no longer make any distinction between the mode of adoring Christ reserved in the tabernacle or exposed upon the altar. The simple single genuflection on one knee may be used in all cases.

“However, some bishops’ conferences have voted to retain the use of the double genuflection for the Blessed Sacrament exposed, and it would be required in these countries. In this case, those who make the double genuflection kneel briefly on both knees and reverently incline the head with hands joined.”

Oh, Surritter, I wish I’d read your post before I wasted an hour of my morning trying to find genuflecting in the Code of Canon Law! To my amazement, it wasn’t there with reference to Exposition, nor in the Catechism - well, not that I could find, anyway. Perhaps someone else would have more success?

I was glad that I hadn’t been misleading anyone, though.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

Upon entering a church I always make the sign of the cross after dipping into the Holy Water. However, what is the etikette required before seating oneself in Church?

We are required to genuflect to the Blessed Sacrament present in the tabernacle if the tabernacle is located in the same liturgical space. (if we are physically able to do so, otherwise we bow) We are to keep silence in the church when in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament before and after Mass.

 

[Pied397]

Upon entering a church I always make the sign of the cross after dipping into the Holy Water. However, what is the etikette required before seating oneself in Church?

Making the sign of the cross after dipping your fingers in the Holy Water is seen as a renewal of your baptism, and a privilege for those who have been baptized.
Genuflection, whose origins are with the medieval of bowing before a king or queen, should additionally be practiced as a show of a sign of respect to the presence of Christ at the Tabernacle. If the tabernacle is not visible, I genuflection should be carried out with focus being on the Altar or the cross located at the front of the sanctuary.

Hope that helps!

Sarah

 

[paperwight]

Genuflection, whose origins are with the medieval of bowing before a king or queen, should additionally be practiced as a show of a sign of respect to the presence of Christ at the Tabernacle. If the tabernacle is not visible, I genuflection should be carried out with focus being on the Altar or the cross located at the front of the sanctuary.

Hope that helps!

Sarah

Sorry, Sarah, but whoever told you that is quite wrong.

Genuflection is reserved for the Real Presence (and sometimes at certain words in the Creed etc).

We do not genuflect to an empty altar, but show respect by a reverent bow.

 

[Pied397]

I’d like to know where you went to seminary? And when I ever said that it wasn’t just reverence?

Thanks.

 

[Pied397]

I’d like to know where you went to seminary? And when I ever said that it wasn’t just reverence?

Thanks.

Rather, how I initially stated that sounded quite harsh.

As it is, I was of the understanding that the crossing of yourself with the Holy Water was a renewal of one’s baptism - is this correct?

Additionally, genuflection is a sign of respect paid to Christ the King, origins of genuflection are not made specific, but many religious scholars believe it to be from the Medieval practice of honoring royalty. I did not mention bowing when the blessed host was not present, but rather if you cannot see the tabernacle (where Christ is present) that you should genuflect towards where it would be found. The only time when you would not genuflect would be at Easter Vigil, when Christ is not present. If I am incorrect on this, then please show citation and correct.

I am always a willing learner.

Peace in Christ,

Sarah

 

[paperwight]

You seem to be back-pedalling a little now. Originally you stated that if the Tabernacle is not visible, one should genuflect with the focus being on the altar and Cross.

Try paragraph 274 in the G.I.R.M. which states that genuflection is reserved for adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, and for certain points in the Good Friday liturgy (actually, I’d have added during the Creed at Christmas, too).

Do you have an official Church document that states that the altar is genuflected to?

 

[Pied397]

This is merely what we were told in RCIA. As a convert, I do not have all the pompous legalities ingrained into my brain. There was no backpedaling in that statement. Once again, I would ask that you post links and citations, not merely ask if I have a particular document. If I were a priest or of any of the other Holy Orders, I wouldn’t be wasting my time on this forum.

Apparently people can’r read or change.

Sarah

 

[Stylites]

In the age when I grew up this question would not have needed to be asked.My response in those times would have been "just watch what everyone does on entering the Church and do the same.Even the first thing ,as putting the fingers in the holy water font which reminds us of our Baptism .It is also a sacramental act which gives grace and is so powerful to ward off satan and the evil spirits in the world that we left ;to enter The Place of God,a Place of Worship and A Place of Silence!!Then you mentioned the sign of the cross that you make** blaskoman**.It is a real act of affirming our baptism and our commitment by this act of Faith.In The Name of The Father(creator),and of The Son(Jesus-saviour) and of The Holy Spirit(power)Amen.St.Bernadette( to whom Our Lady taught how to make a sign of the cross) always impressed everyone who saw her when she made the sign of the cross; because her hand made a large deliberate one ,as she moved her hand to her head,slowly down to her heart,then to the left shoulder and then to the right one as she said the prayer to her self.Then as a child, I was taught to enter the church with hands joined(as we see angels painted) in reverence to Jesus present in the Tabernacle,the place where The Eucharistic Heart of Jesus lovingly dwells.(though as I grew older I folded my fingers together as in prayer-perhaps as we get older ,we become less angelic!)We then genuflect slowly on one knee when we face the Tabernacle,we know that he is present, as a red lamp glows nearby.Some people if they cannot genuflect can do a profound bow,from the hip bending the head and shoulders slowly, simmilar to what the martial arts people do before they fight and try to kill each other in Charlie Chan movies!!If the Holy Eucharist is exposed for adoration which is held in a Monstrance,lighted candles on both sides ;the person if entering the Church proper genuflects of both knees,bows low slowly in an act of worship and then goes to knee at the pews .On leaving the church we genueflect in the same manner as before and then do the Holy Water ritual on leaving the Church (which is called blessing ourselves with Holy Water).I know both of you have asked this as a retorical question, but at least I can help in starting this thread going,I am sure that a lot could tell you what not to do!!-sad hey?As a professor once wrote in the title of his book–The loss of the sense of the Sacred. by Pro.Lukidis-spelling of his name maybe not be%.

Thanks for writing, karoleck! It was a pleasure to read your heartfelt post. (Charlie Chan was a detective in old cinema of the '30s and '40s rather than a martial arts actor. You might be meaning Jackie Chan, no?)

http://youoffendmeyouoffendmyfamily.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/keyeluke.jpg http://slyoyster.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/04/jackie-chan.jpg

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[Stylites]

Making the sign of the cross after dipping your fingers in the Holy Water is seen as a renewal of your baptism, and a privilege for those who have been baptized.
Genuflection, whose origins are with the medieval of bowing before a king or queen, should additionally be practiced as a show of a sign of respect to the presence of Christ at the Tabernacle. If the tabernacle is not visible, I genuflection should be carried out with focus being on the Altar or the cross located at the front of the sanctuary.

Hope that helps!

Sarah

Interesting, Sarah. Your statement made me do a quick search, and you are partly correct. Genuflection actually predates Christianity, and only became a customary sign of deep respect for the Lord’s presence relatively recently (maybe 500 years ago).

.

 

[Snugglebugmom]

This is merely what we were told in RCIA. As a convert, I do not have all the pompous legalities ingrained into my brain. There was no backpedaling in that statement. Once again, I would ask that you post links and citations, not merely ask if I have a particular document. If I were a priest or of any of the other Holy Orders, I wouldn’t be wasting my time on this forum.

Apparently people can’r read or change.

Sarah

Pompous legalities?

 

[ChiefLJC]

It seems to me that there is a general lack of knowledge concerning Eucharistic etiquette. This thread has addressed most but I am dismayed by the lack of reverence during the communion procession. I am amazed that a parishioner can approach the priest (or extraordinary minister of the eucharist), recieve the Body of Christ and then completely ignore the deacon (or extraordinary minister of the eucharist), who is offering the Blood of Christ. There are many who prefer to recieve under one specie, pefectly legitimate as either contains both Body and Blood completely, but to pass without reverencing THAT presence in the cup is disturbing to me. Perhaps a bow before passing, even though you do not recieve the Precious Blood…idk!

While we’re at it. I have been to several parishes in the western US in which the ENTIRE congregation (whether recieving or not) stands in solidarity until all have recieved communion, and then in unison, knelt to make a personal thanksgiving. It was extremely effective in showing the communal nature of this most uniting act! Why not adopt this everywhere? We all have the same posture for many parts of the Mass, why do we abandon it for communion?

Just a thought…

 

[paperwight]

This is merely what we were told in RCIA. As a convert, I do not have all the pompous legalities ingrained into my brain. There was no backpedaling in that statement. Once again, I would ask that you post links and citations, not merely ask if I have a particular document. If I were a priest or of any of the other Holy Orders, I wouldn’t be wasting my time on this forum.

Apparently people can’r read or change.

Sarah

Well, you don’t need to physically possess the documents to be able to quote them, nor is consulting them restricted to priests or members of the other Holy Orders, fortunately.

Perhaps you don’t know, but they are available on-line.

Googling whatever point you wish to clarify - for instance, genuflecting - will bring up various references to church documents. Likewise, entering the name (or accepted abbreviation for the name of a church document such as G.I.R.M.) will point you in the right direction as well.

When I advised you to check a para, in a named document, I assumed you knew this, sorry. Ideally, you should have been told this in R.C.I.A.

 

[BigRedpg51]

When crossing in front of the main altar, it is proper to do a profound bow (bowing at the waist). When crossing in front of the tabernacle, it is proper to genuflect on one knee – yes, unless you are not physically handicapped, you should have your knee touch the floor.

When about to enter the pew, it is proper to genuflect on one knee or do a profound bow. If, however, the Blessed Sacrament is exposed in a monstrance on the altar – then it is proper to do a genuflection on two knees.

In all cases you have to use some common sense. For instance, I have severe arthritis so I cannot genuflect – but Jesus is still Jesus, and is certainly deserving of a reverential act of recognition – so I substitute a profound bow for the genuflection. In the case of ‘exposition’ I do a profound bow, but slower and dwell in the bowed position for a few seconds.

In all cases, though, the most important thing is not the action itself – but the intention behind the action. Recognizing Jesus’ true presence in the Holy Eucharist, and the altar where the true sacrifice of Our Blessed Lord takes place, is the most important thing to be concerned about when entering or moving around in a Catholic Church.

Remember, Jesus said that He would rather us being ‘hot’ or ‘cold’…but not ‘lukewarm’. When we ignore Jesus’ presence in Church, lukewarm is exactly what we’re displaying.

Years ago, the rubrics of how to genuflect and bow in Church was well known by every practicing Catholic. Jesus was more respected back then. Now…it’s rare to find someone who does a proper genuflection at the correct time, or nods their head at the mention of the holy Name of Jesus. Why is that? Jesus did not become less worthy of respect over the years, did He?

 

[paperwight]

If, however, the Blessed Sacrament is exposed in a monstrance on the altar – then it is proper to do a genuflection on two knees.

.

I agree with a lot of what you say, but to be accurate, we are no longer required to go down on both knees before the monstrance, so somebody only going on one knee is not showing disrespect or doing anything wrong.

Please see message 17 for the document quote and the reasoning behind it.

 

[ProVobis]

We are required to genuflect to the Blessed Sacrament present in the tabernacle if the tabernacle is located in the same liturgical space. (if we are physically able to do so, otherwise we bow) We are to keep silence in the church when in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament before and after Mass.

In pre-Vatican II, we genuflected on two knees if the Blessed Sacrament was exposed, such as for Benediction and Adoration. Don’t know if it’s still customary to do that.

 

[ProVobis]

When about to enter the pew, it is proper to genuflect on one knee or do a profound bow. If, however, the Blessed Sacrament is exposed in a monstrance on the altar – then it is proper to do a genuflection on two knees.

Actually the genuflection on two knees also required a profound bow. And the the one knee included the sign of the cross as well. And we always bowed our heads when we heard or said the name “Jesus” either in Latin or in English.

I don’t know if it was a “requirement” though as much as a custom.

I agree with your sentiments.

 

[Lycorth]

And we always bowed our heads when we heard or said the name “Jesus” either in Latin or in English.

I don’t know if it was a “requirement” though as much as a custom.

As far as the nuns in my Catholic parochial school were concerned, it was a requirement

It is a good practice that helps foster respect for the Lord. I still continue it today.