Why do we kneel down before Mass?

[JustRebecca]

Kind of a dumb question because I have been doing this forever, but before Mass when we enter into the pew and kneel down, what are we supposed to be doing? We are supposed to be praying, correct? That is what I have always done, but I want to make sure that we are supposed to be doing that.

Also what about after Communion and we kneel down. What is that time meant for?

Thanks!!

 

[ConstantineTG]

Some people kneel to pray. You can surely pray standing or even sitting, you don’t have kneel.

 

[Will_S]

Some people kneel to pray. You can surely pray standing or even sitting, you don’t have kneel.

You can even pray whilst standing on your head, or lying down on the floor under the pews.

 

[Joan1969]

Kind of a dumb question because I have been doing this forever, but before Mass when we enter into the pew and kneel down, what are we supposed to be doing? We are supposed to be praying, correct? That is what I have always done, but I want to make sure that we are supposed to be doing that.

Also what about after Communion and we kneel down. What is that time meant for?

Thanks!!

Yes; it’s just the traditional posture for prayer in the Western Church. We are humbling and submitting ourselves before God.

God Bless,
Joan

 

[JM3]

Kind of a dumb question because I have been doing this forever, but before Mass when we enter into the pew and kneel down, what are we supposed to be doing? We are supposed to be praying, correct? That is what I have always done, but I want to make sure that we are supposed to be doing that.

newadvent.org/cathen/06423a.htm

The liturgical rules for genuflecting are now very definite.

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.

 

[grasscutter]

I agree with the other posters.

I kneel before Mass and after Communion because my mind+body more easily equate prayer with kneeling. It is a trigger(?) that puts me in a prayerful state of mind.

That said, prayer can be done in any posture. Like, for me, spontaneously many times a day, as an equipment operator.

 

[Joannm]

newadvent.org/cathen/06423a.htm

The liturgical rules for genuflecting are now very definite.

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.

THe site you are quoting is from 1917. Some of those rules are in effect for the EF only. For example you no longer are required to genuflect on two knees in front of the exposed Sacrament. Many genuflections have also been replace by bows, such as in your #4.

 

[Phemie]

THe site you are quoting is from 1917. Some of those rules are in effect for the EF only. For example you no longer are required to genuflect on two knees in front of the exposed Sacrament. Many genuflections have also been replace by bows, such as in your #4.

Actually, #4 has not been replaced by a bow.

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.

Unfortunately, it’s not being followed, everyone being told to do their own thing.

 

[ProVobis]

You can even pray whilst standing on your head, or lying down on the floor under the pews.

Or doing penance after confession.

 

[TrueLight]

Actually, #4 has not been replaced by a bow. Unfortunately, it’s not being followed, everyone being told to do their own thing.

How about the cross that is carried during the procession and recession? A bow? A genuflection? Sign of the cross? I have seen all of these. Which one is correct?

 

[corsair]

Actually, in the EF of the Mass, I genuflect, enter the pew and then say the Confiteor. After communion I offer my thanks for the privaledge of having the Mass. After Mass I offer more thanks for the Graces received.

Contrary to some folks belief, in the EF we still genuflect. Bowing is for the OF in some Dioceses.

 

[valentino]

Kind of a dumb question because I have been doing this forever, but before Mass when we enter into the pew and kneel down, what are we supposed to be doing? We are supposed to be praying, correct? That is what I have always done, but I want to make sure that we are supposed to be doing that.

Also what about after Communion and we kneel down. What is that time meant for?

Thanks!!

I imagine most people say a short prayer like “thank you Lord for allowing me to be here” or something along those lines.Its not mandatory that you kneel at all.Its just a reverence.Most people say some kind of thanksgiving prayer after they recieve.in our missals there are prayers to be said before and after communion.Their not mandatory but i believe very good ideas.

 

[JM3]

How about the cross that is carried during the procession and recession? A bow? A genuflection? Sign of the cross? I have seen all of these. Which one is correct?

A bow.