During church there are many actions and gestures given by the Priest that are used through out the Mass.

 

Processing

 

As the Priest and the other ministers pass through the assembaly the opening Procession show us who we truly are; the Baptised children of God. 

 

Greeting

 

The Priest will do the Sign of the Cross along with everyone present at the Mass and extend his hands out the assembaly in greeting.

 

Bowing

 

During the Mass the Priest will bow during the Nicene Creed and the Preparation of the Gifts. It is a sign of repect for people, animals and things.

 

Incensing

 

On occations the Priest will burn incenses and will, as a sign of respect for the Table of Sacrifice, swing the incense over the alter. The Deacon will incense the Gospel to be declared, and then the Priest will incense the bread and wine before the Eucharist Prayer. The Deacon will also incense the Priest, the ministers and those present at the Mass, as a sign of respect and recognition of those Baptised and the people called to the Holly Orders of Church.

 

Sprinkling of the Holy Water

 

The Priest may sprinkle those at Mass with Holy Water to remind them of their Baptism.

 

Gestures when Praying

 

The Priest may hold his hand out towards the assembaly as he prays to signify that the prayer is from everone present. This posion act is called the Orans position.

 

Preparing the Gifts

 

As the Priest says the Eucharist Prayer, he holds up the bread and wine and blesses it. This helps to signify that the bread and wine has changed to the body and blood of Christ.

 

Receiveing Communion

 

When those that have been confirmed come to the alter to receive the body and blood of Christ they bow at the minister handing the bread or wine out. They will then hold the body/blood over your head and say “The body of Christ” to which you shall reply “Amen”. You will then be given the bread, in which you put it in your mouth, then walk back to your seat, or go to receive the blood. If you are receiving the blood of Christ, the minister will say “The Blood of Christ” in which you shall reply “Amen”. You will then be given the challis which you drink from, give it back and return to your seat.

 

The Blessing

 

The Priest will bless the people attending the Mass by doing the Sign of the Cross over the people, in which they then do themselves.

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