Article: Important Reminders

In the Spring of 2022, we had a series of articles about the Year of the Eucharist. As a reminder, I would like to reprint a slightly revised version of one of those articles, especially due to the summer months.

The General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) requires that we genuflect when we pass before the tabernacle, or when Our Lord is exposed in the monstrance. This document also states: “A genuflection, made by bending the right knee to the ground, signifies adoration, and is therefore reserved for the Most Blessed Sacrament.” It is proper to bow to the altar, which is only a symbol of Jesus, only if the Eucharist is not present. But we must genuflect before the Real Presence to properly express our adoration of Almighty God.

Let us strive to give a good example by genuflecting reverently and to be ready to explain to others why we follow this practice.

We also strongly exhort everyone to dress appropriately for the Holy Mass. The clothes we wear for events or during activities express the place where we are at, those we are with, and what we are doing. Celebrating the Mass is the most important thing that we can do, because it is the worship of God.

The church is a sacred place because it is His dwelling place. We live in a very informal culture. But nevertheless, there are certain types of clothing which are not appropriate for God’s House. Therefore, we request that you please do not wear items such as: shorts, T-shirts, tank tops, tight-fitting clothing, exercise or beach clothes, sports jerseys, short skirts or low-cut necklines, or anything else that is immodest or inappropriate.

Let us give God the respect and reverence that He deserves, and witness to the world that Jesus Christ, True God and True Man, is present with us in the Most Blessed Sacrament.

Thank you and God bless you!

–Fr. Peter