Postures and Gestures

“Church” includes all the people of God.  At Mass, we come together as church to praise and worship God, remember what God has done for us, ask for what we need, support each other, and share in the Eucharistic meal.  In the Eucharist we become what we eat—the Body of Christ.  God wants an intimate relationship with us, and relationships need to be nourished. 

Liturgy means “work of the people.”  Mass is not something done to us, but something we must enter into to experience its fullness.  Our relationship with God takes work, as do all relationships.

The word Mass is from Latin meaning “mission” — sending forth.  At the conclusion of the liturgy, the priest or deacon tells us to “Go and announce the Good News of the Lord.”  We answer, “Thanks be to God.”  We are challenged to go forth and be Christ for others.

The manner in which we conduct ourselves in church and at Mass is a very important part of our prayer.  We are embodied spirits, and the physical manifestation of our prayer helps us connect with God and each other.  Our gestures, postures, and traditions are expressions of what we believe. 

As Catholics we believe in the Real Presence: Christ is truly present in the Eucharist.  We profess this belief with reverent and respectful actions every time we enter the church.  Our body language tells those around us what we truly believe about the Eucharist and may serve as a reminder for ourselves. 

• It is most appropriate to dress modestly, neatly, and respectfully. 
• Silence shows we understand that God is really present in the tabernacle.
• Holy water fonts are located at the doors.  By dipping our fingers in the blessed water and making the sign of the cross, we are reminded of our baptism.
• We genuflect briefly before entering the pew and when leaving church as a sign of respect and acknowledgment of God’s presence.
• We kneel in the pew to pray each time we enter church.  This helps us to focus on being in God’s presence and prepares us for liturgy.
• Liturgical ministers, and all of us, pause and bow before the Altar as we approach.
• Listening, responding to prayers, and singing help us to totally enter the celebration of Mass, communicate with God, and listen to what God has to say to us about our lives.

During this Year of Faith we are reminded of the importance of the Second Vatican Council.  The Council teaches us that the Eucharist is the source and summit of our lives.  We are called to make this a reality.