1Coming in
Jesus is truly present in the tabernacle, so we greet him on the way in: holy water to remember our baptism, a genuflection, then a few quiet minutes to get ready.
Do Dip your fingers in holy water and make the Sign of the Cross; genuflect (right knee to the floor) towards the tabernacle before stepping into the pew; kneel and pray quietly.
Say Nothing aloud.
Did you know?
Why do Catholics go to Mass on Sunday?
For parentsThe theology behind this moment, and where every fact comes from
Go deeper
- Why the Mass?Where Jesus asks us to celebrate it, and how the first Christians did.
- The Real Presence and transubstantiationWhat the Church means when it says the bread and wine become Jesus.
Worth knowing
- Anyone receiving Communion fasts for one hour beforehand; water and medicine don’t count. The elderly, the sick and those caring for them are excused (Can. 919). Teaching
- Sunday Mass is a duty for Catholics, unless a serious reason excuses it, such as illness or caring for small children (CCC 2180–2181). Teaching
Where this comes from
- Teaching Holy water reminds us of our baptism (CCC 1668).
- Teaching Genuflecting, bending the right knee to the ground, is a sign of adoration, and we make it to Jesus present in the Blessed Sacrament (GIRM 274; CCC 1378).
- Teaching The lamp near the tabernacle burns to show and honour Christ’s presence (GIRM 316).
- Teaching The tabernacle keeps the Eucharist for the sick and for silent adoration (CCC 1379).
- Teaching Keeping silence in church before Mass is “commendable”, so that everyone can get ready to celebrate devoutly (GIRM 45).
What the labels mean: Teaching, Tradition and Tip.