Standing, Kneeling And Sitting.

[KeenanParkerII]

I know that the reason we stand and kneel after the consecration of the Eucharist is because of the presence of Jesus, but before everyone goes up to partake in it, everyone sits back down, and it leaves me kind of flabbergasted. Aren't we supposed to not sit in the presence of the King of all creation?

[cappie]

The new revision of the General Instructions of the Roman Missal (GIRM), promulgated in 2000 and issued with U.S. adaptions in 2002, instructs that: "In the dioceses of the United States of America, they should kneel beginning after the singing or recitation of the Sanctus ["Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might..."] 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 faithful kneel after the Agnus Dei ["Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us...", which is after the sign of peace] unless the Diocesan Bishop determines otherwise."

Spelled out step by step, here's the timing of everything:

After the Liturgy of the Word, Profession of Faith and General Intercessions, the Liturgy of the Eucharist begins with Preparation of the Altar and the Gifts.

After the priest begins the eucharistic prayer, he reaches the Sanctus: "Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest." Now we kneel.

The priest finishes the Eucharistic Prayer with "Amen" and now we stand for the Lord's Prayer. The GIRM is mute on what hand gestures should be used in the U.S. for the "Our Father" prayer; it's up to the parish. Holding hands is allowed as a sign of our unity. The Eucharist gifts us with unity, so such a visible sign is very appropriate, but it should never be forced on those who feel uncomfortable with physically touching strangers.

After the Sign of Peace, the priests break the bread and we pray together: "Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world: have mercy on us...." [b]Now we kneel until we stand up to receive communion.[/b]