When to Kneel, Stand or Sit



WHEN TO KNEEL, STAND OR SIT



WHEN TO KNEEL, STAND OR SIT

AT LOW, HIGH, REQUIEM OR SOLEMN MASS1

1According to custom in American churches when there is no canonical choir, and
no one to give a sign for standing, kneeling, etc., the following procedure may be
observed:

PARTS OF THE MASS 1 2 3 4 5
When Priest enters Sanctuary st st st st st
Beginning of Mass k k k k k
KYRIE *Stand, but sit when Priest sits k * * * *
GLORIA k st2 n st2 n
DOMINUS VOBISCUM–COLLECTS k st k st k
EPISTLE (Priest at right side) k s s s s
DIES IRAE (at Mass for the Dead) k n s n s
GOSPEL (Priest at left side) st st st st st
CREDO st st3 n st3 n
OFFERTORY (Oremus) s s s s4 s
PREFACE s st st st st
SANCTUS till COMMUNION k k k k k
2nd ABLUTION (when Priest drinks from
chalice second time)
s
s
s
s
s
DOMINUS VOBISCUM & POSTCOM. s st k st k
ITE MISSA EST and BLESSING k k n k n
LAST GOSPEL (Priest at left side) st st st st st
PRAYERS AFTER LOW MASS k n n n n
When Priest leaves Sanctuary st st st st st
ABSOLUTION OF THE DEAD n n st n st

Key: 1–Low Mass not sung; 2–High Mass sung by one priest; 3–Requiem or
Funeral Mass sung by one priest; 4–Solemn High Mass sung by three priests;
5–Solemn Requiem or Funeral Mass sung by three priests; s–sit; st–stand;
k–kneel; n–none.

Note: 1For Ferial Masses (Masses said on weekdays) said by priest in purple
vestments, follow directions of No. 3 (Requiem Mass). 2–Also sit when priest sits.
8–Also genuflect or sit when priest genuflects or sits. 4–When people are incensed
by thurifer, stand and then sit.