POSTURES FOR THE CONGREGATION
AT HIGH AND LOW MASS
N.B. The official rubrics for the Mass pertain to the celebrating
priest. There are virtually no rubrics indicated in the traditional
liturgical books for the congregation. Thus, some variations may be
found between localities. This file gives a description of
postures that will commonly be found at many sites around the world.
EVENT HIGH MASS LOW MASS
When bell rings and schola processes in Stand Stand
Psalm 118 (when priest sits) Sit Sit
Chapter (when priest rises) Stand Stand
After Terce (when priest sits) Sit Sit
When priest processes to the altar Stand Stand
Asperges (then sit when priest sits) Stand Stand
Prayers at foot of the altar Kneel Kneel
Gloria (sit when priest sits at High Mass) Stand Kneel
Collects Stand Kneel
Epistle, Gradual, Alleluia/Tract Sit Sit
Dominus Vobiscum before Gospel Stand Stand
Announcements and Sermon Sit Sit
Credo (genuflect and sit when priest does so) Stand Stand
After Oremus before Offertory (stand for incense) Sit Sit
Per omnia saecula saeculorum (before Preface) Stand Sit
After the priest recites the Sanctus Kneel Kneel
Per omnia saecula (before Pater Noster) Stand Kneel
Agnus Dei Kneel Kneel
Priest's ablutions after Communion Sit Sit
Dominus Vobiscum before Postcommunion Prayers Stand Sit
Last Blessing (make Sign of the Cross) Kneel Kneel
Last Gospel (genuflect at Et verbum caro factum est) Stand Stand
Priest recesses out of the sanctuary Stand Stand