While doing work for RCIA the priest at my parish said that we do not genuflect before entering a pew, at my parish, because the tabernacul is behind a while. Is this true? Does it matter if you still genuflect?

-- Scott (papasquat10@hotmail.com), October 01, 2004

Answers

bump

-- bump (bump@bump.bump), October 01, 2004.

It isn't a major issue, but the reason we genuflect is that the Eucharist is present. If Christ is not physically present, there is actually no compelling reason to genuflect. However, there are varying degrees of "present". In some churches the Eucharist is in the tabernacle of the main altar. In other churches, in the tabernacle of a side altar, plainly visible from the pews of the main church. In others, in an adjoining alcove, or behind some sort of partition, or behind the main altar, or in a separate chapel, not directly visible from the main church. I just use my own judgment. If I feel I am coming into the presence of God, I genuflect. But if the Eucharist is not present, the church is really just an empty building. God is there of course in the sense that He is everywhere. There is no law that says we can't genuflect before praying in an empty building, or even before praying at home for that matter. I wouldn't tell someone they "should" genuflect in such situations, but I also wouldn't tell anyone they "shouldn't".

-- Paul M. (PaulCyp@cox.net), October 01, 2004.

I thought the Tabernacle was always required to be in the view of the faithful? Doesnt behind a wall contradict that? When I hear of that, it just sounds like the wrong doing of that particular church without the concent of the Pope. Am I wrong when I say this?

-- D Joseph (newfiedufie@msn.com), October 01, 2004.

Paul M is quite correct,

the regulations regarding genuflection only demand such action if the tabernacle is visible in the church. if the tabernacle is kept within another room, simply bowing before entering the pews is preferential. there should be no catholic church which does not have a tabernacle.

As to having the tabernacle not plainly visible, i dont prefer that ruling either, but it is currently the church policy that the tabernacle does not need to be in the main church area, so long as it occupies a place of dignity and honor.

What bothers me is that at my school's church the tabernacle is made from marble (pure substance) but the doors are wood (impure substance) which is an unacceptable component in the construction of the tabernacle, if i'm not mistaken.

-- paul h (dontSendMeMail@notAnAddress.com), October 01, 2004.

well some materials look like wood but are in fact a type of ceramic. i know some ceramic chalices that have been accepted. but i have yet to see a ceramic tabernacle.

-- brian@brian.com (brian@brian.com), October 01, 2004.

paul h, at least they have a tabernacle! The masses at the Newman Center here are somewhat irreverent IMO, and there is no tabernacle that I've ever seen. No one genuflects. I wanted to but did not know where to even face! So now I am taking a bus to the city at a beautiful old church. They do have a tabernacle and I was thankful :)

-- Emily ("jesusfollower7@yahoo.com), October 01, 2004.

Emily,

Unfortunately, it is no great surprise to hear of your observations of the Newman Center masses. May God bless you for recognizing the situation and for your desire to be reverent. That is what God wants. It's great to hear you are thankful to be able attend the other parish. I'm sure taking a bus is a hassle, but at least you had an option. I pray for people who don't have such options.

-- Brian Crane (brian.crane@cranemills.com), October 01, 2004.

Since I have oly recently heard of Newman centres, may I ask why they are permitted to get by with such activities if cleslt in violation of set policy?

-- ZAROVE (ZAROFF3@JUNO.COM), October 01, 2004.

Newman Centers are far from unique in taking liberties with the Mass and other sacramental rites of the faith. The problem is widespread, though still affecting a minority of Catholic parishes. Newman Centers, since they are usually located on and integrally associated with college campuses, which are hotbeds of liberalism, may tend to be more liberal, statistically speaking, than other parishes. But it depends on the director of the particular Newman Center. Some are undoubtedly very orthodox and faithful, while others are not. When I was in undergraduate school (shortly after colleges were invented), the Newman Center on our campus was a true haven for Catholics in the midst of a large state university. The Monsignor who was the director was absolutely orthodox, and did everything strictly "by the book", and Catholic students could grow in their faith by participating in the activities of the Center. But of course back then it was rare to find liturgical abuses in ordinary parishes either.

-- Paul M. (PaulCyp@cox.net), October 01, 2004.