The hows and whys of genuflecting

Do you ever wonder why people drop to their knee before getting in their seat, or how to do it properly, or even WHEN to do it? Well, they are not (hopefully) picking up a dropped set of keys, but making a ritual gesture of respect toward the Blessed Sacrament, reserved in the tabernacle.

Most of us genuflect when entering a church as a matter of habit; some of us don't understand where we are directing this gesture. For instance, some people automatically genuflect when entering a church that has a separate chapel for the tabernacle, when, as you'll read in the article, a bow toward the altar would be the more appropriate gesture. (So, it's not just a matter of knowing what to do, but being conscious of why you are doing it... or not doing it!)

Here is a very short and clear article about genuflecting. I encourage you to read it, then teach your child(ren) before Mass this Sunday.

Preparing for the Gospel

When we get to the Gospel reading in Mass, what happens? As the Alleluia (or during Lent, a different Gospel Acclamation) is sung, we all stand and sing. The priest or deacon takes the Book of the Gospels, holds it high so we all can focus on it, and processes to the ambo. Then, as he traces a sign of the cross on the scripture passage and announces to us which Gospel is about to be proclaimed, we respond with the words, "Glory to you, Lord", while we make a small sign of the cross with our right thumb on our forehead, lips and over our heart.

Why do we do that? Through this gesture of blessing, we are asking that Jesus Christ, through his own words in this Gospel, remain in our thoughts, on our lips through the words we speak, and in our heart. And then we get ready to listen.

Why do we stand for the Gospel and not the other readings? Out of respect, and as a way to show that we are paying special attention, because while all of Scripture is inspired by God, in a very special way, the Gospels are telling us the words and actions of Jesus himself!

At the end of reading the Gospel, the priest or deacon will say, "The Gospel of the Lord", and we reply, "Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ", and sit down, ready to listen to the homily and try to make connections between what we have just heard and what goes on in our own lives day to day.

Standing, sitting, singing, responding, blessing ourselves - all simple ways that help us to focus in on what's happening, getting our bodies and brains working together to receive the Word of God as fully as possible.

Sign of the Cross

Does your child know how to make the Sign of the Cross?
It is a simple and familiar gesture and prayer for Catholics, and we do it to remind ourselves:

• of our baptism, which was done in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
• that in our baptism, we have been claimed entirely by Christ 
• that Jesus Christ saved us through his death on a cross, and his resurrection
• in whom and for whom we live

With the right hand, touch your forehead
     while saying "In the name of the Father"
then touch your chest while saying "and of the Son"
and then left shoulder "and of the Holy..."
and right shoulder "...Spirit. Amen"

The hardest part for smaller children seems to be getting the left and right in the correct order... maybe if you face the same direction they do, it'll be easier for them to catch on?

When you come into the gathering space at Church, you'll notice our holy water font, placed in front of a statue of St. Andrew. You can help your child to dip their right hand in the font and make the sign of the cross before you go in for Mass each week. They might need to learn the difference between a pool that's for splashing, and this font that is for making a prayerful, unhurried gesture, one that is both a reminder of our baptism, and in some sense a symbol of cleansing in order to prepare us for our prayer time together.