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Question Title Posted By Question Date
kneeling during Consecration Claire Monday, February 6, 2006

Question:

Hi, how are you?

I live in Canada, and in Mass we used to kneel during the Consecration. Now, we were discouraged from doing so (told it was too noisy with the kneelers hitting the floor) so we stand and only bow during two times of bread and wine being raised then lowered.

I really miss the kneeling and it seems as though we are losing the solemnity and worship during this miraculous moment. What is the proper procedure and if I wish to write to the Pope, can I? What is the address?

It also bothers me that most of the congregation holds hands during the Lord's Prayer...

God bless you and thankyou,
Claire

Question Answered by Mr. Jacob Slavek

Dear Claire,

That has got to be one of the STUPIDEST reasons I have ever heard for not kneeling.  I personally LOVE the sound, ruckus and noise of kneelers falling and hitting the floor in adoration of the Lord made present in that very same room.  At the name of Jesus, every knee must bend (Philippians 2:10).

I suppose you could write to the pope, but if you really want a response you would need to write to your bishop who is personally responsible for all the pastors in his diocese.

Anyway, to answer your question, If I were to write to the pope I would try:

His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI, The Apostolic Palace, 00120 Vatican City, Europe

But once again this really is the business of the local bishop.

Mr. Slavek.
Footer Notes: (a) A Eucharistic Minister is clergy (Ordinary Ministers of Holy Communion). Laity are Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion and should never be called Eucharistic Ministers.

(b) There is no such Mass called the Novus Ordo. The Current Mass is the Roman Missal of 2000, or the Oridinary Form of the Mass. The Tridentine Mass is the Roman Missal of 1962, or the Extraordinary Form of the Mass. Please refrain from using the term, Novus Ordo. Thanks.

(c) The titles of Acolyte and Lector belong exclusively to the Installed Offices of Acolyte and Lector, who are men (only) appointed by the Bishop. These roles performed by others are Altar Servers and Readers, respectively.