Daily Ignatian Meditation
Pray the News
Today's Liturgy of the Hours Daily prayers also known as "The Divine Office."
Liturgy of the Hours Apostolate Daily Liturgy of the Hours offered in Adobe Acrobat formats that print as booklets, display on PCs and mobile devices, and 'Read Out Loud' on PCs.
What is Liturgy of the Hours? Whether prayed communally or by individuals, the Liturgy of the Hours is always the liturgical prayer of the Church.
Pater Noster The "Our Father" in 770 different languages and dialects
Apostleship of Prayer Prayer for the world. Centers around devotion to the Sacred Heart and to Mary.

Postures at Mass

Postures of the Faithful (Effective May 14-15, 2005)

From the beginning of Mass until the First Reading: STAND
From the First Reading until the Gospel Acclamation: SIT
From the Gosepl Acclamation until the end of the Gospel: STAND
During the homily: SIT
From the Profession of Faith (bow at "by the power of the Holy Spirit...and became man") until the end of the general intercessions: STAND
From the preparation of the gifts until the completion of the invitation "Pray my sisters and brothers that this sacrifice...": SIT
From the beginning of the assembly's response "May the Lord accept the sacrifice..." until completion of the Holy Holy: STAND
Upon completion of the Holy Holy until after the Great Amen: KNEEL
From the beginning of the Lord's Prayer and continuing as each receives Holy Communion (may bow head to venerate the Holy Sacrament) STAND
Upon return to pew following reception of Communion: STAND
After all ahve received Communion during sacred silence following Holy Communion: SIT or KNEEL
From the beginning of the Prayer after Communion until the end of Mass: STAND

Reflections on the Liturgical Changes

From a Parishioner

A priest once suggested that I pay close attention to even the smallest details of the Mass. Each item, each posture, each gesture has meaning. After that, I made an effort to try and understand the meaning of things, but, as time went by, I, again, took for granted the things we do and say. I lost that curiosity about why we do what we do.

My complacency was shaken, however, as we prepared to stand while the entire assembly receives communion. I have always kneeled. I have taught my children to kneel and say special prayers for themselves and others. So why was this changing? My first reaction was to be annoyed and angry that someone was changing “my Mass.” Initially, I didn’t particularly care what the reason for the change was. It was easier just to nurse my wrath and complain with friends.

Funny how small things keep coming back into your life. The words of that priest to “pay close attention” came back to me and humbled me once again. What am I missing if I do not “pay close attention?” Why have we gone from kneeling to standing?

“Mom, remember how, at the dinner table, we aren’t supposed to start eating until everybody sits down and has their food? Well, maybe it is better to wait until everybody has received communion so we are all praying together?” It made sense to my daughter but I was unsure how I would feel on Sunday.

When it was time to receive, I stood looking out over the assembly and saw what I could not see with my head bowed. I saw the people of God receiving Christ. There were old folks barely able to come forward, there were teens with piercings and teens with letter jackets, children holding parent’s hands, fathers carrying babies,. There were people of all shapes, sizes, ages and colors. There were those unable to come forward because they were disabled or ill. (I reminded myself to say a special prayer for them.) We were all together for this purpose and as long as one single person was standing in the communion line, Jesus would be standing with them. As long as one single person was seated, unable to stand or walk, Jesus would be standing for them. Now, we all stand together.

My experience has been enhanced by this change and by those words “pay close attention.” Not only am I to “pay close attention” to all the things that we do and say in the Mass, but also to one another.