Hey there,
When my son was 4 he took Karate lessons. I think he thought it would help him become a Power Ranger.
What I loved most about those classes were the life lessons the instructor passed along.
One of my favorites was a variation on the phrase “practice makes perfect.”
The instructor explained that “practice makes perfect” is not accurate.
In order to be perfect, you have to practice perfectly. In other words, you can’t go 50% during practice and then expect to go 100% when it counts.
So he taught his Power Rangers in training that “perfect practice makes perfect.”
This lesson applies to everything in life.
And I believe this applies to our practice of the Mass too (see what I did there?).
The Mass is structured with clear responsibilities for everyone from the priests, deacons, and altar servers, to us in the congregation.
The joy we get out of celebrating the Mass is directly proportional to what we put into it. And one of the best ways is to ensure we are fully engaged … singing, saying the proper responses, and using the proper body postures at the right time.
For many, many years this was pretty easy to do … it became second nature. But in 2011 there came changes to some phrases to more closely align the English translation. And the English speaking Catholic world was rocked.
They even changed when you stand up at one point.
I’ve also heard some conflicting information in recent years as to whether you should still genuflect when entering and leaving the pew or if it’s okay now to bow.
I suspect it’s not just me who’s a little confused.
To help clear up the confusion and make sure we’re practicing the Mass perfectly, this week’s Genuflect looks at Mass etiquette, correct body postures, when to bow and genuflect, the Orans Posture, dressing for Mass, and even what to do outside of Mass.
You may be surprised at what you learn. Just don’t bring your Power Ranger moves to Mass … those are still frowned upon.
Keep Believing-
Katy Barrilleaux
Founding Editor, Genuflect
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Mass Etiquette
Father Francisco José Delgado provides 6 fundamental rules for ensuring you pay the Holy Mass the appropriate respect.
A Catholic Priest’s 6 Fundamental Rules For Attending Holy Mass With Respect | ChurchPOP
Proper Body Postures for Mass
In following the proper physical postures for Mass, it helps to understand the meaning behind sitting, standing, and kneeling. Stephen Connelly explains the meaning for each, and provides a thorough guide for the correct posture throughout the Ordinary Form of the Mass.
Why do we Sit, Stand And Kneel at Catholic Mass? | Catholic Faith Store
You May be Doing Mass Wrong And Not Even Realize it
At Mass you can say all the proper responses, sit, stand and kneel at the right time, and sing every song (even if it’s not in key), and you may believe you’re doing it all the right way. But Amanda Torres shares her revelation that there’s actually more to it. And understanding this one thing brings her much more joy from the celebration of Mass.
Doing Mass Wrong | Catholic Mom
Why The Orans Posture is Not Appropriate For us
It’s very common for people to hold their hands up during the Our Father in a fashion similar to the priest. This is called the Orans Posture and it’s become mainstream in Masses in the United States. However, you won’t see the deacons or altar servers doing the Orans Posture. There’s a reason for that … the priest is the only one who is supposed to do the Orans Posture. And once you understand why, you’ll not want to do it.
At Mass, Only Priest Raises Hands During ‘Our Father’ | Catholic Times
5 Things we Get Wrong at Mass
There’s no denying the differences between the Traditional Latin Mass and the Novus Ordo. Some elements remained in the Ordinary Form while some new things were added. Abram Muenzberg takes a look at a few things that we are supposed to do at Mass but don’t … and some that we’re not supposed to do, but do.
Five Signs we Get Wrong at Mass | Catholic Lane
When to Bow, When to Genuflect
You may see some people genuflect while others bow. Which one is correct depends on the presence of the Lord. Once you understand, you’ll easily make sure you’re doing it correctly.
When to Bow, When to Genuflect | St. Benedict the African
What Popes Have Said About Clapping at Mass
Sometimes people will clap after a homily. Or the Priest will invite the congregation to clap after a Baptism or at the end of Mass honoring people, like Veterans. But is it okay to clap in church? Here’s the take from a couple of popes.
Is it Okay to Applaud at Mass? Here’s What Popes Have Said About it | ChurchPOP
How You Look Matters Too
What you say and do at Mass is not the only thing that matters. You should also take care in how you present yourself in your dress. Here are some guidelines to consider next time you’re getting ready for Mass.
Does it Matter What You Wear to Mass? | Aleteia
Why Wear a Veil
A few years ago I was looking for special things to do for Lent … so I wore a veil. Veiling was not new to me … I wore one as a young girl, but stopped when it was no longer required. After Lent, I continued veiling. And now I’m committed. If you’ve ever considered veiling or are curious about it, check out this article by Lily … and her beautiful veils (not an affiliate link).
Why I Started Veiling | Veils by Lily
7 Reasons to Embrace Sunday Rest
In addition to what we’re supposed to do in the Mass, the Lord also gives us instructions for what to do outside of Mass. But over the years, Sunday has come to be just another day of the week to run errands, do chores, and even work. Sam Guzman offers 7 reasons why we should give Sunday back to the Lord as a day of rest.
Thou Shalt Take it Easy: 7 Reasons to Embrace Sunday Rest | The Catholic Gentleman
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