Kneeling During Mass

[JudgedByGod]

In the last year, I have helped start a Catholic group on our college campus. In the beginning of the semester, we were told that we were no longer to have mass on campus and instead we attend a church down the road. We would be ok with this situation, if the priest and the church weren't so liberal. I won't get into some of the details, but my main question is what are the official church teachings on kneeling? This church stands up right before the Memorial Acclamation (instead of after the Great Amen). They also do not kneel after the Lamb of God. Us college studends kneel anyway, but does anyone know the actual teaching on this? I've been to many churches and have never experienced this. Also, how should we talk with the priest about it? As it is, it's really hard to talk with him as he very rarely agrees with anything I have to say. I'm constantly praying for him and the parishioners, but we really feel as though we should be doing more. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

[crazymaine catholic]

yeah, if anyone has some thoughts on this, or doctrine, please help us. we want to be the best example we can at this church. many of the parishioners need it. thanks for any help.

[dspen2005]

the US BIshops have said that for the dioceses of the United States the faithful are to kneel after the Sanctus through the Great Amen and then after the Agnus Dei for the FInal elevation....

so, keep kneeling... you're fine. it's the others that are cracked

[toledo_jesus]

kneel, and if someone uses the words 'communal posture' or 'we are a standing community' then don't buy it. Just keep kneeling.

If they really get upset just ask them if their Catholic Church is Universal enough for you to kneel.

[cappie]

From the General Instruction of The Roman Missal:

Movements and Posture
42. The gestures and posture of the priest, the deacon, and the ministers, as well as those of the people, ought to contribute to making the entire celebration resplendent with beauty and noble simplicity, so that the true and full meaning of the different parts of the celebration is evident and that the participation of all is fostered. Therefore, attention should be paid to what is determined by this General Instruction and the traditional practice of the Roman Rite and to what serves the common spiritual good of the People of God, rather than private inclination or arbitrary choice.

A common posture, to be observed by all participants, is a sign of the unity of the members of the Christian community gathered for the Sacred Liturgy: it both expresses and fosters the intention and spiritual attitude of the participants.

43. The faithful should stand from the beginning of the Entrance chant, or while the priest approaches the altar, until the end of the Collect; for the Alleluia chant before the Gospel; while the Gospel itself is proclaimed; during the Profession of Faith and the Prayer of the Faithful; from the invitation, Orate, fraters (Pray, brethren), before the prayer over the offerings until the
end of Mass, except at the places indicated below.

They should, however, sit while the readings before the Gospel and the responsorial Psalm are proclaimed and for the homily and while the Preparation of the Gifts at the Offertory is taking place; and, as circumstances allow, they may sit or kneel while the period of sacred silence after
Communion is observed. 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 faithful kneel after the Agnus Dei unless the Diocesan Bishop determines otherwise.

With a view to a uniformity in gestures and postures during one and the same celebration, the faithful should follow the directions which the deacon, lay minister, or priest gives according to whatever is indicated in the Missal.

[cappie]

From the US Catholic Bishops Conference:

Clarification on the Proper Posture During the Eucharistic Prayer

In recent weeks, the Secretariat for the Liturgy has received several inquiries concerning the proper posture for the faithful during the Eucharistic Prayer. Due to the wide variety in practice prior to the promulgation of the USA adaptations to the Roman Missal as particular law on April 25, 2002 (see BCL Newsletter, May, 2002), a certain confusion in this regard is understandable.

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 the proper common posture at Mass. These provisions will, likewise, be incorporated into popular participation aids in the near future.

From the beginning of Mass until the First Reading STAND
From the first Reading until the Gospel Acclamation SIT
From the Gospel Acclamation until the end of the Gospel STAND
During the Homily SIT
From the Profession of Faith until the end of the General Intercessions STAND
From the Preparation of the Gifts to the completion of Pray brethren SIT
From the beginning of the peoples' response May the Lord… to the beginning of the Holy, Holy STAND
From the completion of the Holy, Holy until after the Amen of the Eucharistic Prayer KNEEL
From the beginning of the Our Father until the completion of the Lamb of God. STAND
From the completion of the Lamb of God (at the Behold the Lamb of God…) until the Distribution of Holy Communion2 KNEEL
When Receiving Holy Communion STAND
During the sacred silence after the Distribution of Holy Communion SIT OR KNEEL
From the beginning of the Prayer after Communion until the end of Mass. STAND

1. The people may stand when prevented on occasion by reasons of health, lack of space, the large number of people present, or some other good reason.

2. The diocesan bishop may determine that the people should stand after the Agnus Dei (at the Behold the Lamb of God…).

3. The norm for the reception of communion is standing. Communicants should not be denied Holy Communion because they kneel. Rather, such instances should be addressed by providing the communicant with a catechesis on the reason for the norm.

When receiving communion standing, the communicant is to bow his or her head before receiving the Body of the Lord. When receiving under both kinds, the communicant also bows his or her head before receiving the Precious Blood. Communion may be received on the tongue or in the hand at the discretion of the communicant.

[Maria]

Does anyone know what the rules are in Canada? We stand up at the mem. acclamation, and kneel after the Agnus Dei.

[JudgedByGod]

Thank you so much for all the information! Is this something that I should discuss with the priest? I'm sure I could find a way to work it into conversation, but is it something you would suggest doing?

[ReinnieR]

[quote name='cappie' date='Mar 24 2006, 09:18 PM']From the US Catholic Bishops Conference:

Clarification on the Proper Posture During the Eucharistic Prayer

In recent weeks, the Secretariat for the Liturgy has received several inquiries concerning the proper posture for the faithful during the Eucharistic Prayer. Due to the wide variety in practice prior to the promulgation of the USA adaptations to the Roman Missal as particular law on April 25, 2002 (see BCL Newsletter, May, 2002), a certain confusion in this regard is understandable.

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 the proper common posture at Mass. These provisions will, likewise, be incorporated into popular participation aids in the near future.

From the beginning of Mass until the First Reading                STAND
From the first Reading until the Gospel Acclamation              SIT
From the Gospel Acclamation until the end of the Gospel  STAND
During the Homily                                                                          SIT
From the Profession of Faith until the end of the General Intercessions                            STAND
From the Preparation of the Gifts to the completion of Pray brethren  SIT
From the beginning of the peoples' response May the Lord… to the beginning of the Holy, Holy  STAND
From the completion of the Holy, Holy until after the Amen of the Eucharistic Prayer  KNEEL
From the beginning of the Our Father until the completion of the Lamb of God.  STAND
From the completion of the Lamb of God (at the Behold the Lamb of God…) until the Distribution of Holy Communion2  KNEEL
When Receiving Holy Communion  STAND
During the sacred silence after the Distribution of Holy Communion  SIT OR KNEEL
From the beginning of the Prayer after Communion until the end of Mass.  STAND

  1. The people may stand when prevented on occasion by reasons of health, lack of space, the large number of people present, or some other good reason.

  2. The diocesan bishop may determine that the people should stand after the Agnus Dei (at the Behold the Lamb of God…).

  3. The norm for the reception of communion is standing. Communicants should not be denied Holy Communion because they kneel. Rather, such instances should be addressed by providing the communicant with a catechesis on the reason for the norm.

      When receiving communion standing, the communicant is to bow his or her head before receiving the Body of the Lord. When receiving under both kinds, the communicant also bows his or her head before receiving the Precious Blood. Communion may be received on the tongue or in the hand at the discretion of the communicant.
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Fr. G is the greatest

[God Conquers]

I know in Ottawa, we are to kneel after the Sanctus, and stand at the memorial acclamation until the end of Mass.

[phatcatholic]

[quote name='cappie' date='Mar 24 2006, 11:18 PM']From the US Catholic Bishops Conference:

Clarification on the Proper Posture During the Eucharistic Prayer

In recent weeks, the Secretariat for the Liturgy has received several inquiries concerning the proper posture for the faithful during the Eucharistic Prayer. Due to the wide variety in practice prior to the promulgation of the USA adaptations to the Roman Missal as particular law on April 25, 2002 (see BCL Newsletter, May, 2002), a certain confusion in this regard is understandable.

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 the proper common posture at Mass. These provisions will, likewise, be incorporated into popular participation aids in the near future.

From the beginning of Mass until the First Reading                STAND
From the first Reading until the Gospel Acclamation              SIT
From the Gospel Acclamation until the end of the Gospel  STAND
During the Homily                                                                          SIT
From the Profession of Faith until the end of the General Intercessions                            STAND
From the Preparation of the Gifts to the completion of Pray brethren  SIT
From the beginning of the peoples' response May the Lord… to the beginning of the Holy, Holy  STAND
From the completion of the Holy, Holy until after the Amen of the Eucharistic Prayer  KNEEL
From the beginning of the Our Father until the completion of the Lamb of God.  STAND
From the completion of the Lamb of God (at the Behold the Lamb of God…) until the Distribution of Holy Communion2  KNEEL
When Receiving Holy Communion  STAND
During the sacred silence after the Distribution of Holy Communion  SIT OR KNEEL
From the beginning of the Prayer after Communion until the end of Mass.  STAND

  1. The people may stand when prevented on occasion by reasons of health, lack of space, the large number of people present, or some other good reason.

  2. The diocesan bishop may determine that the people should stand after the Agnus Dei (at the Behold the Lamb of God…).

  3. The norm for the reception of communion is standing. Communicants should not be denied Holy Communion because they kneel. Rather, such instances should be addressed by providing the communicant with a catechesis on the reason for the norm.

      When receiving communion standing, the communicant is to bow his or her head before receiving the Body of the Lord. When receiving under both kinds, the communicant also bows his or her head before receiving the Precious Blood. Communion may be received on the tongue or in the hand at the discretion of the communicant.
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do you have a link for this?

[cappie]

[url="http://www.usccb.org/liturgy/innews/092002.shtml"]LINK[/url]

[phatcatholic]

[quote name='cappie' date='Mar 25 2006, 08:33 PM'][url="http://www.usccb.org/liturgy/innews/092002.shtml"]LINK[/url]
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awesome, thank you

[p0lar_bear]

[quote name='Maria' date='Mar 25 2006, 12:05 AM']Does anyone know what the rules are in Canada? We stand up at the mem. acclamation, and kneel after the Agnus Dei.
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I'd have to see if I can find my english copy of the universal missal, but I'm pretty sure that kneeling through the Great Amen is a universal norm. Kneeling after the Agnus Dei varies per conference or diocese (not required by the missal but "laudably retained" in places where it is the custom). The Canadian conference of bishops may have the GIRM with their adaptations available on their site...

Of course, it's 3:30 in the morning (I hate insomnia), so I could be completely wrong...If I remember I'll try to check during saner hours...

[benedictaj]

Down here, we kneel according to the same rules set out for the US. The problem is, my parents parish do not kneel, at all. (and my parents are embarassed by my "rabid conservatism" so I don't kneel there.) However, every where else, I kneel from just after the Sanctus til just after the Amen (does that sound right?) and then from just after the Agnus Dei til the final prayer.... although, kneeling after receiving our Lord is optional, or so I've heard.

Personally I like kneeling, I think it reminds me that I'm in the presenceo f the King of Kings :