Memo from the Clergy Team: Liturgical Postures
We are so blessed to have a such a vibrant and faith-filled community of believers at our Cathedral! As your Clergy Team, we want to help foster a deeper appreciation for the Sacred Liturgy. That is why we offer this 3-part teaching on Liturgical Postures during the celebration of the Mass.
The Church teaches us that the faithful are called to “that full, conscious, and active participation in liturgical celebrations which is demanded by the very nature of the liturgy” (GIRM, no. 18). The Church also reminds us that “a common posture, to be observed by all participants, is a sign of the unity of the members of the Christian community gathered together for the Sacred Liturgy” (GIRM, no. 42).
By standing together in worship, sitting together to listen attentively to the Word, and kneeling together in adoration, we give visible witness to our shared faith and devotion. In essence, our common postures help foster this participation, allowing us to pray not as isolated individuals, but as a gathered and unified assembly.
What follows are the common liturgical postures that we will observe as a Cathedral community during the celebration of the Mass, in harmony with the norms of the Church and in service of our full and active participation in the Sacred Mysteries.
A Simple Guide to Postures at Mass at the Cathedral
If you are visiting us for Mass, please know that you are most welcome!
You may notice that Catholics pray not only with words, but also with their bodies. Standing, sitting, and kneeling are ways we express reverence, attentiveness, and unity as we worship together. If you are ever unsure, you are welcome simply to follow those around you.
We stand as a sign of respect and worship.
From the opening procession until the Liturgy of the Word begins with the First Reading.
During the Gospel Acclamation and the proclamation of the Gospel.
For the Profession of Faith (Creed) and the Prayers of the Faithful.
From “Pray, brothers and sisters…” until the end of the Holy, Holy (Sanctus).
After the Great Amen through the Lord’s Prayer, Sign of Peace, and Lamb of God (Agnus Dei).
For the Closing Prayer and Concluding Rites.
Standing reflects our readiness to pray and our joy in the Risen Lord.
We sit in order to listen and reflect.
During the First and Second Readings and the Responsorial Psalm.
During the homily.
During the preparation of the gifts (Offertory).
Sitting helps us receive the Word of God attentively and prayerfully.
We kneel as a sign of reverence and adoration.
During the Eucharistic Prayer, after the Holy, Holy until the Great Amen.
After the Lamb of God (Agnus Dei) until reception of Holy Communion begins.
Kneeling expresses our adoration and worship before Christ truly present in the Eucharist.
Please note: The Church never asks us to do the impossible. Those who, due to illness or old age, are unable to kneel for an extended period may sit during the Eucharistic Prayer and offer a reverent bow at the consecration over the bread and the consecration over the wine. Our shared postures are meant to unite us in prayer, never to cause discomfort or draw attention. Your presence with us is a gift, and we are grateful you are here!
Cathedral preaching series on Liturgical Postures
Week 1 - Liturgy of the Word, Fr. Ralph McCrae, EV
Week 2 - Liturgy of the Eucharist, Bishop Christian Riesbeck, CC
Week 3 - The Communion Rite, Fr. Lawrence Hyginus, CC