Signs of Reverence in Church

Since many people have asked about the how, where, and when of bowing in church, let me give a brief overview so we are all on the same page.

GOAL: Showing reverence to God, the Eucharist, and what we believe.

1. Bowing — two primary ways to bow

a) Profound bow (bend at the waist) - made during the Creed at the words that commemorate the Incarnation of Jesus. We also make a profound bow to the Altar.

b) Head bow (made at the neck) - we make a simple bow of the head to the Consecrated Host and Precious Blood (not the back of the person’s head in front of us!) before receiving the Eucharist. The United States bishops document on this states the importance of us all doing the same gesture: A common bodily posture, to be observed by all those taking part, is a sign of the unity of the members of the Christian community gathered together for the Sacred Liturgy, for it expresses the intentions and spiritual attitude of the participants and serves the common spiritual good of the People of God, rather than a gesture of private inclination or arbitrary choice.

2. Genuflection (unless of an injury or disability) - a sign of humility and vulnerability before the Presence of God in the tabernacle.

++ The right knee goes all the way down to the floor, and while ‘down there’ you may make a Sign of the Cross. A genuflection is made toward the tabernacle (signified by a lighted red candle). It can be made when first entering the church or before entering your pew.

++ A genuflection is also an option to use before the Cross on Good Friday.

Thank you for the ways you show reverence in our Church,
Fr. Jim Deiters