Folded HandsWhen not seated, hands should be folded as follows:
1. Palms and fingers together at chest level, pointed at a 45 degree angle
2. Left thumb over the knuckle of the right thumb
Sign of the Cross
1. Folded hand position (keeping left hand on chest)
2. Keeping fingers together, touch the head (Father), above stomach (Son), left shoulder (Holy) to right shoulder (Spirit)
3. Return to folded hands position.
Genuflection
This is a sign of reverence shown to the Blessed Sacrament, exposed on the altar* or in the Tabernacle. One should genuflect when entering the church (at one's seat), when leaving and if crossing in front of the Blessed Sacrament. If no Tabernacle is present, a reverent, deep bow to the altar is appropriate. To genuflect...
1. Stand still with body erect
2. Kneel with the right leg (move the right leg back slightly, touching the knee to the floor)
3. After a brief pause, return to upright position
4. * When the Blessed Sacrament is exposed, a double genuflection (where the left knee is brought to the floor after the right knee, then raised first), is used
5. At each step of this process, a brief, distinct pause should be included
Carrying the CrossWalking at a moderate, dignified pace ...
1. Hold the cross straight, with the corpus (Body of Christ) directly forward
2. Bottom of the pole is knee level, right hand is throat level with the left hand twelve inches lower
3. Approach the altar without pausing and proceed to the appropriate side to place the cross with the corpus facing the congregation
Carrying a Candle
There are normally two candle bearers...
1. Walk on opposite sides of the cross bearer, carrying the candles straight
2. The outside hand should be at the knob (near the top) of the candle holder, with the other hand under the base
3. The right hand is the height of the chest
Holding a Sacramentary
The book should be held as steadily and and high as possible in the position directed by the priest. One hand should support the weight of the book in the middle to avoid unnecessary movement.
Bells
Not all parishes utilize bells. Below is a general outline of some appropriate times...
1. The entry of the priest at the start of Mass (usually this is a hanging bell assembly on the wall)
2. Bells may be rung following the prayer over the gifts and after the consecration of the bread and the wine
3. Bells should be rung distinctly and quickly...never for an extended period
4. Bells are normally rung in sets of three (ring-ring-ring)
IncensationUse in incense will vary from parish to parish, as will the role of the altar serve in the process. Below is relatively detailed and complete review of the process...
1. The four times for using incense are...
... the altar before Mass begins
... before and after the reading of the Gospels (the book only the first time, then priest and book)
... gifts, altar, servers, celebrants and congregation during the preparation of the gifts
... Body and Blood of Christ after each is elevated
2. Carry the thurible in the right hand (left hand on chest) holding the chain just below the top to the right side with a gentle swinging motion
3. Carry the boat to the right of the thurible carrier in the right hand, or in the left hand if carrying both
4. Transfer thurible to left hand prior to the celebrant adding incense, using the chain to raise the lid. Make a head bow before giving and after receiving the thurible
5. To incense...
... Transfer the end of the chain to your left hand, grasping the chain with the right six inches above the cup
... Raise the right hand to the chin, twelves inches from the body, the chain lying on the index finger secured by the thumb
... Swing with the arm and hand smoothly
... Bow the head before and after the start of each set of swings
... Everyone gets three distinct swings expect the deacon (two only)
... The celebrant is incensed after he has incensed the altar, before washing his hands
... When incensing the congregation, swing center, left and then right separately
... The boat bearer adds to the thurible incense at the end of the 'Sanctus', and the thurbifer goes to the center, genuflects to the Sacrament and turns and kneels behind the altar
... Each elevation is incensed three swings
6. Benediction: after the celebrant incensing the Sacrament, the thurifer takes the thurible and knells about three feet behind the celebrant. Three double swings accompanying each movement of the Sacrament and remains kneeling until the Sacrament is reposed
Communion Paten
This is held under the celebrant's arm as he distributes the Host to the congregation. Move with the motion of the celebrant to insure it is always below the Host
Prayers and Responses
Mass Actions Step-by-Step