DEACON DIGEST

Dear Deacon,
Can you please clarify when we genuflect at Mass?
I agree, there seems to be some confusion, as too many of us are rarely genuflecting even when entering the pews. As we are asked this question often, there is clearly wider confusion as to when we genuflect and when we bow in reverence than just your own. The General Instruction of the Roman Missal states: Genuflections and Bows:274. A genuflection, made by bending the right knee to the ground, signifies adoration, and therefore it is reserved for the Most Blessed Sacrament (before parishioners entry the pew), as well as for the Holy Cross from the solemn adoration during the liturgical celebration on Good Friday until the beginning of the Easter Vigil. If, however, the tabernacle with the Most Blessed Sacrament is present in the sanctuary, the priest, the deacon (unless carrying the Book of Gospels), and the other ministers genuflect when they approach the altar and when they depart from it, but not during the celebration of Mass itself. Otherwise all who pass before the Most Blessed Sacrament genuflect, unless they are moving in procession. Ministers carrying the processional cross or candles bow their heads instead of genuflecting.