When to Kneel, Stand or Sit

at Low, High, Requiem or Solemn Mass

1According to custom in American churches when there is no canonical choir, and no one to give a sign for standing, kneeling, etc., the following procedure may be observed:

KEY
1: Low Mass not sung
2: High Mass sung by one priest
3: Requiem or Funeral Mass sung by one priest
4: Solemn High Mass sung by three priests
5: Solemn Requiem or Funeral Mass sung by three priests
s:sit; st:stand; k:kneel; n:none.

PARTS OF THE MASS 1 2 3 4 5
When Priest enters Sanctuary st st st st st
Beginning of Mass k k k k k
KYRIE *Stand, but sit when Priest sits k * * * *
GLORIA k st2 n st2 n
DOMINUS VOBISCUM--COLLECTS k st k st k
EPISTLE (Priest at right side) k s s s s
DIES IRAE (at Mass for the Dead) k n s n s
GOSPEL (Priest at left side) st st st st st
CREDO st st3 n st3 n
OFFERTORY (Oremus) s s s s4 s
PREFACE s st st st st
SANCTUS till COMMUNION k k k k k
2nd ABLUTION (when Priest drinks from chalice second time) s s s s s
DOMINUS VOBISCUM & POSTCOM. s st k st k
ITE MISSA EST and BLESSING k k n k n
LAST GOSPEL (Priest at left side) st st st st st
PRAYERS AFTER LOW MASS k n n n n
When Priest leaves Sanctuary st st st st st
ABSOLUTION OF THE DEAD n n st n st

Notes
1 For Ferial Masses (Masses said on weekdays) said by priest in purple vestments, follow directions of No. 3 (Requiem Mass).
2 Also sit when priest sits.
3 Also genuflect or sit when priest genuflects or sits.
4 When people are incensed by thurifer, stand and then sit.