Postures and Gestures at Mass at St. Denis Church

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Postures and Gestures at Mass

In the celebration of the Mass we raise our hearts, minds, and voices to God. As creatures composed of body as well as spirit, we also pray with our bodies. During Mass we assume different postures: standing, kneeling, and sitting. We also make a variety of gestures: bowing, signing ourselves, shaking hands as a sign of peace, processing to the altar. These postures and gestures are not merely ceremonial. They carry a profound meaning when done consciously, with understanding and faith. Through these postures and gestures, we participate in the liturgy more attentively.

Postures	Gestures
Standing	The Sign of the Cross
Kneeling	Genuflecting
Sitting	Bowing
Postures for the Parts of the Mass	A New Gesture

St. Denis Church
23 Manchaug Street, Douglas, MA 01516 ● 508-476-2002