The Eucharistic Dance

                             The celebration of Mass is not confined to our minds, hearts, and voices, but is meant to involve our bodies as well. Like a joyful dance, each posture is significant and has meaning.
                             Standing.  Standing is a sign of respect, so we stand when the celebrant ------ representing Christ ------ enters and leaves.  We also stand for the Gospel, and the bishops of our country decided to have us stand when receiving the Eucharist.
                             Kneeling.  From the early days of the Church , kneeling has been a gesture of penance but more recently has come to show adoration.  Thus we kneel for the Eucharistic prayer.
                             Sitting.   We sit for the pre-Gospel readings and the homily in a posture of listening and meditation.
                             Bowing.  In our culture a bow usually expresses reverence and honor, and the bishops have decided that we are to bow before we receive Communion.
                            
                              Note :  for more information ask your parish priest or refer to Postures and Gestures at Mass, available from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, (202) 542-3000, www.usccb.org.