When Should We Genuflect?

[reff]

I’m so confused on when it is proper to bow and when it is proper to genuflect. Basically what I do is when I first walk in I, of course, cross myself with the holy water, than when I walk to the aisle, I make a profound bow, after I find where I want to sit, than I genflect before entering the pew. I also do the same, I genuflect when I leave the pew after mass has ended, than I will make another profound bow, when I reach the end of the aisle when I’m walking out. Also, I cross myself when I genuflect, is that ok? Please use layman terms, I’m a little slow

 

[ddd86]

It depends where the tabernacle is situated. If it is centre of the sanctuary you genuflect to the tabernacle as you pass the centre of the sanctuary and when you enter or exit your pew.

If the tabernacle is situated off into a Blessed Sacrament chapel and is not situated within the sanctuary you are to reverence the Altar with a profound bow.

Also, the Priests and Ministers never genuflect during the Mass. They genuflect as they approach the Sanctuary and as they are leaving at the end of Mass but never during the Mass.

 

[reff]

The tabernacle is located behind the altar in my church

 

[jmjconder]

This is a great thread.

I always thought one was to genuflect only before and after Mass. At my parish, we have EMHC genuflecting before entering the sanctuary to distribute Holy Communion and before returning to their pew. Now it could be argues that there continues to be a Pyx with the Blessed Sacrament in the Tabernacle ~ however should not all the focus be on the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass at this time? Why would people be genuflecting to the tabernacle and especially with open doors and I dare say, perhaps many people unaware of the Blessed Sacrament remaining in the Tabernacle.

This has always troubled me….I wish all EMHC would instead bow reverently to the altar prior to entering the sanctuary and prior to returning to their pews. This makes more sense to me.

It seems like a teachable moment is needed. Does anyone agree?

 

[mercygate]

The tabernacle is located behind the altar in my church

then you don’t need to bow. Just walk to your pew, genuflect, and take your seat. On the way out, step into the aisle, genuflect, and walk out. EASY!

 

[mercygate]

This is a great thread.

I always thought one was to genuflect only before and after Mass. At my parish, we have EMHC genuflecting before entering the sanctuary to distribute Holy Communion and before returning to their pew. Now it could be argues that there continues to be a Pyx with the Blessed Sacrament in the Tabernacle ~ however should not all the focus be on the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass at this time? Why would people be genuflecting to the tabernacle and especially with open doors and I dare say, perhaps many people unaware of the Blessed Sacrament remaining in the Tabernacle.

This has always troubled me….I wish all EMHC would instead bow reverently to the altar prior to entering the sanctuary and prior to returning to their pews. This makes more sense to me.

It seems like a teachable moment is needed. Does anyone agree?

I believe the current fashion [directive?] is to genuflect only when comin’ in and goin’ out.

But as an unrehabilitated Anglo-Catholic, I think any time you pass the Tabernacle, it is good to genuflect. Don’t take my word for it.

The profound bow (not a dainty little inclination) is for the Incarnatus in the Creed.

 

[Sir_Knight]

the Priests and Ministers never genuflect during the Mass. They genuflect as they approach the Sanctuary and as they are leaving at the end of Mass but never during the Mass.

That is incorrect. A priest is to genuflect a minimum of four times and a maximum of six times.

 

[ddd86]

That is incorrect. A priest is to genuflect a minimum of four times and a maximum of six times.

GIRM 274. A genuflection, made by bending the right knee to the ground, signifies adoration, and therefore it is reserved for the Most Blessed Sacrament, as well as for the Holy Cross from the solemn adoration during the liturgical celebration on Good Friday until the beginning of the Easter Vigil.

During Mass, three genuflections are made by the priest celebrant: namely, after the showing of the host, after the showing of the chalice, and before Communion. Certain specific features to be observed in a concelebrated Mass are noted in their proper place (cf. above, nos. 210-251).

If, however, the tabernacle with the Most Blessed Sacrament is present 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.

 

[mercygate]

GIRM 274. A genuflection, made by bending the right knee to the ground, signifies adoration, and therefore it is reserved for the Most Blessed Sacrament, as well as for the Holy Cross from the solemn adoration during the liturgical celebration on Good Friday until the beginning of the Easter Vigil.

During Mass, three genuflections are made by the priest celebrant: namely, after the showing of the host, after the showing of the chalice, and before Communion. Certain specific features to be observed in a concelebrated Mass are noted in their proper place (cf. above, nos. 210-251).

If, however, the tabernacle with the Most Blessed Sacrament is present 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.

But they genuflect during the Mass TO the Blessed Sacrament ON the altar.

 

[hawkeye]

I’m so confused on when it is proper to bow and when it is proper to genuflect. Basically what I do is when I first walk in I, of course, cross myself with the holy water, than when I walk to the aisle, I make a profound bow, after I find where I want to sit, than I genflect before entering the pew. I also do the same, I genuflect when I leave the pew after mass has ended, than I will make another profound bow, when I reach the end of the aisle when I’m walking out. Also, I cross myself when I genuflect, is that ok? Please use layman terms, I’m a little slow

What your doing seems to be ok and more respectful than most I’ve observed.

Although many people don’t even see it, there is usually a Crucifix behind the Altar, so your not bowing to nothing.

If I walk past the Tabernacle which I usually have to do during the collection, the I genuflect.

I go in, bless myself, walk to the pew, genuflect and kneel and say a few prayers before Mass begins, what you do is ok too, I’d suffer people not doing any of it if they’d just stay quiet.

Leaving I genuflect, walk to the font and bless myself and on my way.

Some go-to the Statue of Saint Teresa and touch the Crucifix she is holding and bless themselves, before leaving the Church.

Not relevant to your situation I know but some kiss the crucifix before and after the Rosary, I do, and some don’t.

I’m sure as long as it isn’t irreverence your showing then don’t get too concerned, some things are written in stone, but I don’t think you’ll be shot at dawn if you make a mistake.

Keep in mind that your in Gods house and your genuflections are aimed towards God, regardless of whether we can see Him or not.

I know some of out newly acquired Polish congregation kneel on the floor and bow as the just enter the Church.

 

[Sir_Knight]

GIRM 274. A genuflection, made by bending the right knee to the ground, signifies adoration, and therefore it is reserved for the Most Blessed Sacrament, as well as for the Holy Cross from the solemn adoration during the liturgical celebration on Good Friday until the beginning of the Easter Vigil.

During Mass, three genuflections are made by the priest celebrant: namely, after the showing of the host, after the showing of the chalice, and before Communion. Certain specific features to be observed in a concelebrated Mass are noted in their proper place (cf. above, nos. 210-251).

If, however, the tabernacle with the Most Blessed Sacrament is present 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.

I stand corrected. Minimum of four and maximum of six.

 

[Phemie]

I stand corrected. Minimum of four and maximum of six.

I know you meant to say minimum of 3 if the Tabernacle is not in the sanctuary (2 at Consecration and 1 just before Communion); maximum of 5 if it is (add the ones going in and leaving the sanctuary).

 

[japhy]

I know you meant to say minimum of 3 if the Tabernacle is not in the sanctuary (2 at Consecration and 1 just before Communion); maximum of 5 if it is (add the ones going in and leaving the sanctuary).

My priest also genuflects a fourth time, after placing the remainder of the consecrated Hosts in the tabernacle. He might also genuflect when he goes to the tabernacle to get the Hosts, too.

Our tabernacle is technically in the Sanctuary, but off to the far left, so the priest and other ministers bow to the altar at the beginning and end of Mass.

 

[Phemie]

My priest also genuflects a fourth time, after placing the remainder of the consecrated Hosts in the tabernacle. He might also genuflect when he goes to the tabernacle to get the Hosts, too.

Our tabernacle is technically in the Sanctuary, but off to the far left, so the priest and other ministers bow to the altar at the beginning and end of Mass.

Our tabernacle is in the sanctuary, just a bit off centre but since our priest won’t even genuflect at consecration what odds that he’s going to genuflect when entering and leaving the sanctuary? No, for him it’s profound bows, even when he should be genuflecting.

 

[wjp984]

I know we should genuflect if we go by the tabernacle and enter the pew from the center. However, what if I enter from a side door or go into a pew from the side and therefore do not pass the tabernacle. Should I still genuflect? What if there is not a tabernacle but the mass is being said somewhere and the host is brought in. Should one still genuflect then since there is still an alter and the host will be consecrated on it? Thanks.

 

[NPC]

It doesn’t matter whether you enter the pew from the nave or the side aisle - if the tabernacle is present in the sanctuary area you should genuflect. Christ is no less present there if one enters the pew from the aisle rather than the nave and so He should be given due reverence. If the tabernacle is situated elsewhere in the church then it is customary to bow towards the altar when you enter the pew. However, if you were to arrive at Mass during the Consecration when Christ has become present on the altar, you should genuflect to acknowledge His presence there.

 

[wjp984]

So if I am understanding this right it has nothing to do with walking in front of the tabernacle but more so that the Eucharist is present there and one should therefore genuflect. How about making the sign of the cross while genuflecting. Is this required immediately? The reason I ask is if one is going to bless themselves with the holy water walking out of church would genuflecting and then making a delayed sign of the cross with the holy water after be sufficient?

 

[tptram]

May I ask a question concerning the lectors?

Our Tabernacle is behind the altar, and when I enter the sanctuary for the reading, I genuflect toward the Tabernacle.

Is it proper?

Tak

 

[NPC]

So if I am understanding this right it has nothing to do with walking in front of the tabernacle but more so that the Eucharist is present there and one should therefore genuflect. How about making the sign of the cross while genuflecting. Is this required immediately? The reason I ask is if one is going to bless themselves with the holy water walking out of church would genuflecting and then making a delayed sign of the cross with the holy water after be sufficient?

That’s correct - you are not paying reverence to the tabernacle itself, although the tabernacle and the red sanctuary lamp are signs that Jesus is present there. It is what’s in the tabernacle that counts! I don’t think that crossing oneself while genuflecting is required, although I know some people do it - but I suspect that it’s just an extra act of piety to further show that you are acknowledging Christ’s presence. I don’t really follow what you’re asking about genuflecting and then blessing yourself with holy water - do you mean genuflecting when you reach the holy-water font? If so, I would say no, since by that stage you could be outside the church. Whatever you mean, I don’t think there is any need or specific reason why you should link genuflecting and blessing yourself with holy water - they’re two separate acts.

www.newadvent.org puts the rules for genuflection very succintly:

“1. All genuflect (bending both knees) when adoring the Blessed Sacrament unveiled, as at Expositions.
2. All genuflect (bending the right knee only) when doing reverence to the Blessed Sacrament, enclosed in the Tabernacle, or lying upon the corporal during the Mass. Mass-servers are not to genuflect, save when the Blessed Sacrament is at the altar where Mass is being said (cf. Wapelhorst, infra). The same honour is paid to a relic of the True Cross when exposed for public veneration.
3. The clergy in liturgical functions genuflect on one knee to the cross over the high altar, and likewise in passing before the bishop of the diocese when he presides at a ceremony. From these genuflexions, however, an officiating priest, as also all prelates, canons, etc., are dispensed, bowing of the head and shoulders being substituted for the genuflexion.
4. On Good Friday, after the ceremony of the Adoration of the Cross, and until Holy Saturday, all, clergy and laity alike, genuflect in passing before the unveiled cross upon the high altar.”

 

[japhy]

Our Tabernacle is behind the altar, and when I enter the sanctuary for the reading, I genuflect toward the Tabernacle.

GIRM 274 says that if the tabernacle is located in the sanctuary, that you genuflect to it during the entrance and exit processions, but not during the Mass itself.