As a summary, to get an idea of the various postures during Mass, here is a table consisting of the various parts of the Mass and the posture to be observed. What happens before and after the Mass have been mentioned in the previous articles already, and so this only focuses during the Mass.
Part of the Mass |
Description |
Posture |
Throughout Introductory Rites |
From the start of Mass until the end of the Opening Prayer |
Stand |
Liturgy of the Word |
From the first reading until the beginning of the Gospel Acclamation |
Sit |
Liturgy of the Word |
From the beginning of the Gospel Acclamation (Alleluia) until the end of the Gospel |
Stand |
Liturgy of the Word |
During the homily |
Sit |
Liturgy of the Word |
From the beginning of the Creed to the end of the general intercessions |
Stand |
Liturgy of the Eucharist |
From the preparation of the gifts until the end of “Pray, brothers and sisters” |
Sit |
Liturgy of the Eucharist |
From the beginning of “May the Lord accept this sacrifice…” until the end of the “Holy, Holy, Holy” |
Stand |
Liturgy of the Eucharist |
During the Eucharistic Prayer up till before the Mysterium Fidei (Mystery of Faith) |
Kneel |
Liturgy of the Eucharist |
From after Mysterium Fidei (Mystery of Faith), during the Our Father, until after the Lamb of God |
Stand |
Liturgy of the Eucharist |
From after Lamb of God until the distribution of Holy Communion |
Kneel |
Liturgy of the Eucharist |
When receiving Holy Communion |
Stand |
Liturgy of the Eucharist |
During silence after Holy Communion |
Sit or Kneel |
Liturgy of the Eucharist |
Prayer after Communion |
Stand |
Concluding Rites |
Announcements if any |
Sit |
Concluding Rites |
From after the Announcements the until the end of Mass |
Stand |