How Catholics Enter a Church?

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