November 13, 2022, 12:00 PM
Why do we do that? After the Gospel introduction, “A reading from the Holy Gospel according to (Name), we respond, “Glory to you, O Lord”. After that response, not during it, we make the sign of the cross on our forehead, lips, and heart, saying quietly, “May the Lord be on my mind, on my lips, and in my heart.”
Why do we do that? A bow is a sign of reverence. There are two kinds, a bow of the head and a bow of the body (profound bow at the waist). A head bow is made just prior to receiving Holy Communion. It is also made when the Three Divine Persons are named together, and at the names of Jesus, of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and of the Saint in whose honor Mass is being celebrated. A profound bow is made by Lectors entering and leaving the Sanctuary, by the Deacon when obtaining the blessing before the Gospel, and by all during the Creed at the words of the Incarnation.
Why do we do that? A genuflection (right knee) is a greater sign of reverence. We genuflect to the tabernacle as we enter pews. If the tabernacle is in the Sanctuary, the priest and ministers genuflect (if able) when they approach the Altar and when they depart from it. If the tabernacle is not in the Sanctuary, then all ministers make a profound bow. In either case, the ministers carrying items such as the cross, candles, etc., make a head bow only. There are no genuflections to the tabernacle during Mass, except the minister genuflects upon opening and again prior to closing it. While celebrating Mass, the priest does make several profound bows and genuflections, but all are to the Altar. Now you know!
