G is for Genuflect

In which direction should one kneel and cross themselves when settling into a pew? I asked this question of a 7th grade religious ed class that I taught a few years ago, and I got a diverse set of responses: toward the pastor, toward the altar, toward the front of the building, toward the abstract Picasso-esque painting hung just behind the presider's chair...

The proper place toward which Catholics should genuflect when entering a Church is the tabernacle, the place where consecrated hosts are reserved. Consecrated wine isn't preserved, it's chugged, which is great, because that would be really difficult to store properly.

This, of course, makes life difficult for observant Catholics when the tabernacle gets moved to one side or another of the altar, or perhaps to the back of the Church or a broom closet. I recall a visit to a parish when I asked what I assumed to be a regular attendee where the tabernacle was. Her response to me: "Why?"

Fortunately, many incoming priests understand the importance of reserving consecrated hosts at the front of the sanctuary, so that all in attendance for Mass or other forms of prayer can face them as they pray. Genuflection, for the physically able, should involve the taking of a full ground-hitting knee (I've done it with a babe-in-arms, it's not as hard as it looks, you lazy Americans) accompanied by the Sign of the Cross. When the host is exposed in a monstrance, two knees and a Sign of the Cross is the recommended standard.

Of course, there are always those who are rushed to get to Mass, and arrive there just before the Gospel reading. To you I say: you're already making a scene by your lateness- why not embellish with a genuflection to compensate for what others might perceive as your lack of piety? Do it on the outside chance that the Church lady sitting behind you might think to herself, "yeah, that family was late, but at least they give a rip."