How Catholics Enter a Church: Actions, History & Meaning
1. Using Holy Water and the Sign of the Cross
What We Do:
• Upon entering the church, Catholics dip their fingers into a small basin or font of holy water, then make the Sign of the Cross.
Why We Do It:
• This is a reminder of Baptism, when we were first cleansed of sin and entered the life of Christ.
• Making the Sign of the Cross recalls the Trinity and Christ's sacrifice.
Historical Background:
• The use of holy water dates to the early centuries of Christianity. Its roots come from Jewish purification rituals (cf. Exodus 30:17-21).
• By the 3rd or 4th century, Christians began blessing themselves before prayer and entering sacred spaces.
• The Sign of the Cross was practiced as early as the 2nd century, noted by Church Fathers like Tertullian, who wrote:
"At every step... we mark our foreheads with the sign of the cross."
2. Genuflecting Toward the Tabernacle
What We Do:
• Before entering the pew, Catholics genuflect-bend the right knee to the ground- as a sign of adoration.
Why We Do It:
• We believe in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist stored in the tabernacle.
• Genuflection is an ancient sign of reverence, submission, and worship, used in royal courts and now offered to Christ the King.
Historical Background:
• Genuflecting was originally a gesture of respect to emperors or authority figures in ancient times.
• The Church adopted it as a gesture toward the Eucharistic presence in the 11th century.
• By the 16th century, the Church universally taught that genuflecting toward the tabernacle was the norm in churches.
3. Finding the Tabernacle
What We Do:
• Locate the tabernacle, the place where the consecrated Eucharist is kept, and direct your genuflection or prayer toward it.
Why We Do It:
• Because the tabernacle houses the Body of Christ, it is the holiest part of the church.
• We orient our gestures toward Christ's presence.
Historical Background:
• In early Christianity, consecrated hosts were often taken home or hidden during times of persecution.
• As churches became more formalized, the tabernacle (from Latin tabernaculum, meaning "dwelling place") became a designated, secure location to reserve the Eucharist.
• The Council of Trent (16th century) reinforced the practice of reserving the Eucharist in tabernacles in churches.
4. Bowing to the Altar or Word
What We Do:
• If the tabernacle is not in the sanctuary, Catholics bow deeply to the altar upon entering.
• During Mass, we bow at key moments like the Creed ("and became man").
Why We Do It:
• The altar symbolizes Christ and is the place where the Eucharistic sacrifice takes place.
• We also bow to the Book of the Gospels in reverence for the Word of God.
Historical Background:
• Bowing has always been a gesture of reverence in Jewish and Christian worship.
• In the early Church, the altar was seen as both the table of the Last Supper and the place of sacrifice-hence, the respectful bow.
• Liturgical books since the Middle Ages have instructed ministers and the faithful to bow to the altar as a sign of Christ's presence and the sacred action about to take place.
5. Silent Reverence Upon Entering
What We Do:
• Catholics often maintain silence or quiet prayer upon entering the church.
Why We Do It:
• Silence allows personal prayer and respect for others.
• It acknowledges the sacredness of the space and prepares the heart for worship.
Historical Background:
• From the earliest monastic traditions, silence has been valued as a way to enter into the mystery of God.
• Churches, especially after the 4th century, were considered "the house of God", where silence created space for contemplation and divine encounter.
Peace,
Deacon Bill Turner
