Big_Easy_Big:
In our parish we stand after the Lord’s prayer; i.e., we stand before, during and after communion. Our Pastor explained that this was the preferred posture as recommended by our ArchBishop (and Bishops throughout the USA), one that “speaks” to community. But no other church in our area - and there are many - do this.
Is this “posture” correct? Preferred? What’s the deal here?
Here is what is specified in the GIRM (at least, this is a clarification found there). Granted, this is during the Eucharistic Prayer only, not after communion. I have to run now, but maybe someone else can post what occurs after communion. I believe the norm is to kneel or sit in that section of the Mass.
The
General Instruction to the Roman Missal, paragraph 42, was adapted by the Bishops in regard to this question. It reads:
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. Those who do not kneel ought to make a profound bow when the priest genuflects after the consecration.The only licit posture of the faithful during the Eucharistic Prayer is kneeling, unless they are prevented
on occasion from kneeling due to " health, lack of space, the large number of people present, or some other good reason."
The determination of what constitutes “some other good reason” is best made by the Diocesan Bishop.
The phrase
on occasion was specifically chosen by the Bishops in order to establish a uniform posture of kneeling during the Eucharistic Prayer.
It is only on exceptional and extraordinary occasions, therefore, and never on a regular basis, that standing during the Eucharistic Prayer is permitted in the dioceses of the United States of America.
The new Roman Missal and the adaptations approved and confirmed for the Dioceses of the United States of America make several minor changes to the posture of the faithful at Mass. The General Instruction of the Roman Missal notes that the posture of the people “ought to draw things together in such a way that the entire celebration shines with beauty and noble simplicity, the true and full meaning of the different parts of the celebration is perceived, and that the participation of all is encouraged.” (GIRM, no. 42) Therefore, closer attention should be paid to the postures prescribed by the liturgical books than to “private inclination or arbitrary choice.” (GIRM, no. 42)
The following chart is provided to assist in catechesis for …
I don’t think any bishop has the right to override the GIRM on this by having standing occuring on a regular basis, where it specifies kneeling, but maybe someone can point me to the document that gives Bishops discretion. See the chart at this webpage:
usccb.org/liturgy/innews/092002.shtml
