Rachel Evans
The Catholic Church has specific guidelines for when to bow and when to genuflect during a mass. Bowing and genuflecting are signs of respect and reverence for the Lord and the altar, which is a symbol of Christ. The General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) outlines the actions to be performed during Mass, including when to bow and when to genuflect. While the priest, deacon, and other ministers genuflect when approaching and departing from the altar, laypeople are generally instructed to bow towards the altar when entering and exiting the church and genuflect towards the altar when entering and exiting the pew. Women are not exempt from these guidelines and are expected to follow the same protocols as men when participating in Mass.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to bow | When passing before the altar during Mass |
| How to bow | Bend the head or body in reverence and submission |
| Who should bow | All who enter the sanctuary, leave it, or pass before the altar |
| Who should not bow | Priest, deacon, and other ministers during Mass |
| Bowing to an empty altar | It is respectful to bow towards the Tabernacle when passing by it. If the altar is empty, one should bow in respect |
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What You'll Learn
When to bow and when to genuflect
Bowing and genuflecting are both signs of respect and reverence in the Catholic Church. Bowing involves bending the head or the body, while genuflecting involves bending the knee.
During Mass, the priest celebrant genuflects at three points: after the showing of the Host, after the showing of the chalice, and before Communion. This is because the Host and the chalice contain the consecrated host, which Catholics believe is the body of Christ.
Outside of Mass, all who pass before the Most Blessed Sacrament genuflect, unless they are moving in procession. However, ministers carrying the processional cross or candles bow their heads instead of genuflecting.
When entering or leaving the church, some people genuflect before sitting down or getting up from their pew. This is not necessary, as the Body of Christ is now within you. However, it is customary to bow towards the altar whenever you approach it during Mass. If the altar is empty, you should bow in respect.
If you are physically unable to genuflect, it is acceptable to bow your head or body instead.
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Bowing to show respect
Bowing is a way to show respect, reverence, and gratitude. In a Catholic context, bowing is done as a sign of respect when one recognises the symbols of the Lord. This includes bowing to the altar, the cross, and any other symbol that calls to mind what He has done.
When entering a Catholic church, it is respectful to bow towards the Tabernacle. If you are taking a seat in the pew, you should genuflect on your right knee towards the Tabernacle. During Mass, it is customary to bow towards the altar whenever you approach it. The act of bowing is also done at the mention of Jesus, Mary, and saints commemorated at Mass that day. Ministers carrying the processional cross or candles bow their heads instead of genuflecting.
The bow itself is a bending of the head or body in reverence and submission. One definition of “to bow” is to “cease from competition or resistance”. By bowing, we remind ourselves of who God is and who we are. We also remember what takes place and Who becomes present on the Altar during Holy Mass.
If you are physically unable to genuflect, it is acceptable to give a bow of the body or the head instead.
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Genuflecting to show adoration
Genuflecting, or bending at the knee, is a sign of profound respect and adoration in the Catholic Church. It is a way of expressing worship through bodily gestures, uniting the body and soul in reverence for God. When one genuflects, they engage their whole person in acknowledging the presence of and honouring Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist.
In the Catholic faith, genuflecting is typically done towards the tabernacle, as it is believed that the consecrated host is Jesus himself, and thus worthy of respectful worship. This act of genuflecting is often accompanied by making the sign of the cross. It is customary to genuflect when entering or leaving the presence of the Blessed Sacrament in the tabernacle, as well as during specific liturgical tasks, such as the distribution of Holy Communion.
During Mass, there are specific instances when genuflecting is appropriate. For example, when additional Hosts need to be obtained from the tabernacle for Holy Communion or when consecrated Hosts are returned to it. These tasks are usually performed by the priest or deacon. If an altar server passes before the altar during Mass, they should bow rather than genuflect.
The act of genuflecting is not limited to the Catholic Church, as it is also practised in Anglicanism, Lutheranism, and Western Rite Orthodoxy. In the Byzantine Rite, prostration, or proskynesis, is more common than genuflecting.
Genuflecting is a powerful way for Catholics to show their adoration and reverence for God's presence. It is a physical act that symbolises the unity of the body and soul in worship.
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The altar as a symbol of Christ
The altar holds symbolic significance in the Catholic Church. In ancient times, three linen cloths covered the altar where the Holy Mass was celebrated. The top cloth reached the floor on both sides, symbolising the shroud that wrapped the Lord's body. Today, the Roman Missal states that "at least one altar cloth is to be placed on the altar out of reverence for the celebration of the Memorial of the Lord and the banquet at which the Body and Blood of Christ is distributed".
The altar is also a symbol of Christ and his one redemptive offering. The dismantling of the altar commemorates the stripping of Jesus' garments on Calvary. Furthermore, relics of saints are placed under the altar to express the "communion of saints".
The General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) specifies when to genuflect and/or bow during Mass and outside of it. A genuflection, made by bending the right knee, signifies adoration and is reserved for the Blessed Sacrament and the Holy Cross during liturgical celebrations. During Mass, the priest celebrant genuflects after the showing of the Host and chalice and before Communion. If the tabernacle with the Blessed Sacrament is in the sanctuary, the priest, deacon, and ministers genuflect when approaching and departing from the altar.
The bow of the body, or a profound bow, is made towards the altar when the Blessed Sacrament is not present. This bow is also made when approaching, departing from, or passing in front of the altar. When receiving Communion, one may bow to the altar after receiving the Body of Christ.
The altar is a central symbol in the Catholic Church, representing Christ and his sacrifice. The liturgical practices surrounding the altar, such as the use of altar cloths and the placement of relics, further emphasise its symbolic significance.
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Bowing to the cross
Bowing is a way of showing reverence and submission to God. It is a reminder of who God is and who we are. In the Catholic Church, there are specific guidelines for when to bow and when to genuflect, which is a sign of profound respect and adoration.
When entering and exiting the chancel or passing before the altar, a deep bow is made by all. This includes altar servers, lectors, and ministers carrying the processional cross or candles. If the tabernacle is situated directly behind the altar, a bow to the altar can simultaneously serve as a reverence to the tabernacle. If the tabernacle is to the side, the bow can be angled to accommodate both.
During Mass, the priest, deacon, and other ministers do not genuflect except at designated parts. This is because their focus is on the altar of sacrifice, where Christ's sacrifice is sacramentally re-presented. The altar is thus a symbol of Christ and his redemptive offering. However, if the tabernacle contains the Blessed Sacrament, the priest, deacon, and ministers genuflect when approaching and departing from the altar, but not during Mass itself.
Genuflection is typically done on the right knee and signifies adoration. It is reserved for the Blessed Sacrament and the Holy Cross during liturgical celebrations on Good Friday until the beginning of the Easter Vigil. During Mass, the priest celebrant genuflects after the showing of the Host and chalice and before Communion.
In terms of bowing to the cross, it is not a common practice during Mass in ordinary Catholic parishes. However, some individuals from Anglo-Catholic or high church backgrounds may continue this practice during processions. It is considered a pious act.
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Frequently asked questions
Genuflection is a sign of adoration and respect, made by bending the right knee to the ground. Bowing, or profound bowing, is done by bending at the waist or bending the body in two, and is a way of saluting Our Lord.
Genuflect towards the altar when entering and exiting the church and the pew. Genuflect when the altar has the Blessed Sacrament on it, and when entering and exiting a path that will bring you near the altar twice.
Bow to the altar whenever you are crossing it, approaching it, or passing in front of it when the Blessed Sacrament is not present. Bow after receiving the Body of Christ for Eucharist.
If you are unable to genuflect, a bow of the body or the head should be given instead.
A profound bow is made before and after each person or thing incensed, and when receiving the final blessing.
