Bulletin Q&A Article, published 9-24-23:
There seems to be some confusion as to what the congregation should be doing at different parts of the Mass. What do the rubrics specify? Also, at the sign of peace, is it proper to offer each other the sign of peace if the priest or deacon has not invited the congregation to do so?
I always find it interesting at most weddings and funerals that Catholics who attend Mass every Sunday, suddenly forget all the rubrics about when to stand, kneel, or sit. Because there are many in attendance who are not practicing Catholics, those that are practicing often hesitate because there is not the unity of the congregation to support them.
With regard to today’s question, with my back to the congregation during most of the Mass, I wasn’t aware that confusion exists. But the answer can be addressed by referencing the GIRM, the General Instruction on the Roman Missal. The GIRM gives instruction on how the Missal is used during Mass, what is said and what is done. In the Missal used by the priest on the altar, the words to be said are printed in black, and the instructions are printed in red. The instructions are called rubrics which comes from the Latin word ruber which means red. We say the black and do the red. The GIRM states: “A common bodily posture, to be observed by all those taking part, is a sign of the unity of the members of the Christian community gathered together for the Sacred Liturgy, for it expresses the intentions and spiritual attitude of the participants and also fosters them.” Here is what the GIRM says about posture:
“The faithful should stand from the beginning of the Entrance Chant, or while the Priest approaches the altar, until the end of the Collect [also known as the Opening Prayer]; for the Alleluia Chant before the Gospel; while the Gospel itself is proclaimed; during the Profession of Faith and the Universal Prayer; and from the invitation, Orate, fratres (Pray, brethren), before the Prayer over the Offerings until the end of Mass, except at the places indicated here below.
“The faithful should sit, on the other hand, during the readings before the Gospel and the Responsorial Psalm and for the Homily and during the Preparation of the Gifts at the Offertory; and, if appropriate, they may sit or kneel during the period of sacred silence after Communion.
“In the Dioceses of the United States of America, they should kneel beginning after the singing or recitation of the Sanctus (Holy, Holy, Holy) until after the Amen of the Eucharistic Prayer, except when prevented on occasion by ill health, or for reasons of lack of space, of the large number of people present, or for another reasonable cause. However, those who do not kneel ought to make a profound bow when the Priest genuflects after the Consecration. The faithful kneel after the Agnus Dei (Lamb of God) unless the Diocesan Bishop determines otherwise.”
I will admit of one possible point of confusion, and that is before the Gospel at weekday Masses when we do not have a cantor to sing the Alleluia verse. On Sunday, the priest stands and the Alleluia verse begins at the same time, and so the congregation stands as well. On weekdays, however, the Alleluia verse is not proclaimed until the priest or deacon has approached the ambo, and so the congregation does not stand until that time.
With regard to the sign of peace, the following is printed in the Missal: “Then, if appropriate, the Deacon, or the Priest, adds: Let us offer each other the sign of peace.” The sign of peace is optional. If the priest decides that is not appropriate, then we move immediately on to the recite or sing the Agnus Dei. It would seem to be inappropriate, and a conflict with the desired sign of unity, to be shaking hands with those around us while others are asking for God’s mercy.