As the Church began to grow, the Order of the Mass took shape. Eventually it became more organized into what we call “ritual” or “rites.” Over time those rituals were fine-tuned and refined. So too, were the movements that are associated with our posture and gestures.
Posture and gesture have always been an important and symbolic element and most are performed with ease like the Sign of the Cross at the beginning, before the Gospel and at the end of Mass. The symbolism and traditional gestures have been “re-emphasized” with the changes in the new Missal.
For instance, striking oneself over the chest during the Penitential Act (Confiteor) while reciting the words “through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault,” and a reverent bowing of the head during the words of the Creed, “was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became man” are two gestures which are called for in the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (275a).
During the Eucharistic Prayer, the priest shows the Consecrated Host and the chalice to the people. Many feel the need to bow their heads here, rather than look upon the Bread and chalice. However, it is suggested that the people look at the Host and chalice and bow their heads after each is lowered to the altar, when the priest genuflects or bows his head (574).
At the Lord’s Prayer we have adopted an array of gestures depending upon cultures and practices of individual parishes. The GIRM does not recommend a particular gesture here so, in other words, do what comes naturally!
When receiving Communion each person is to bow the head “as a gesture of reverence” (160). When this bow takes place may vary. Some may bow upon reaching the Communion station and others when the priest or minister says, “The Body of Christ,” either being an acceptable practice.
This has been the “Cliffs Notes” version of some posture and gesture at Mass. For a detailed description, you may want to pick up a copy of Paul Turner’s book, “Let Us Pray: A Guide to the Rubrics of Sunday Mass” (Liturgical Press).
