Q: I lead a choir. My concern is body posture in a visible choir loft on the side of the sanctuary. Two members want to kneel when the congregation kneels (Eucharistic mass parts) while the rest are content standing during all of the music. When I first started they were content to sit for almost everything until I insisted on standing. It is very distracting and I wanted to know if there are any liturgical protocols I can quote to them so that they understand the the idea of communal praying and not the wants of the individual.
BTW, the two members are devout, I’m sure, be are overly demonstrative for all to see. I try to always remember, “What would Jesus do” and I want to be fair but lead in a gentle manner. Any help or nuggets I can use would be greatly appreciated. Had to write this in a hurry….
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A: Take a look at GIRM 42, which urges attention “to what serves the common spiritual good of the People of God, rather than private inclination or arbitrary choice.” Then it says, “A common bodily posture, to be observed by all those taking part, is a sign of the unity of the members of the Christian community gathered together for the Sacred Liturgy, for it expresses the intentions and spiritual attitude of the participants and also fosters them.”
But this cuts both ways. It could argue for people in a visible choir loft to assume the postures of the assembly so that all express their unity of faith.
Overall, I would try not to make a big deal out of it. People are worshiping, and that should inspire others to do the same.