While the dioceses of Austin and Charlotte (United States) announced a few weeks ago that they would remove the kneelers, forcing their faithful to receive Communion standing, in San Bernardino (southern California), Bishop Alberto Rojas has announced—through a formal letter—new liturgical norms on the moment when the faithful must kneel during Mass, provisions that will take effect in Advent 2025. Rojas—who is of Mexican origin—explained the guidelines in a pastoral letter dated November 9, in which he offers criteria to strengthen Eucharistic devotion and clarify doubts that have arisen in recent years.
In his message, the prelate recalls that each bishop, as the principal head of his diocese, has the responsibility to safeguard the received tradition and foster among the faithful an authentic devotion to the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist. Rojas also cites observations from Benedict XVI on the importance of constantly seeking the appropriate way to honor the living God.
Bishop’s discernment and liturgical tradition
The document emphasizes that the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM 43) leaves in the hands of the diocesan bishop the decision on the posture of the faithful from the “Lamb of God” until Communion. Therefore—explains Rojas—each bishop can choose the most appropriate option in his territory without there being an absolute “correct” or “incorrect” in this matter. The criterion, he states, is to favor unity and reverence.
Likewise, the letter clarifies that both kneeling and remaining standing are traditional postures of the Roman Rite, with roots dating back to the early centuries. The most widespread custom of kneeling was consolidated in the Middle Ages, but both postures—Rojas recalls—form part of the heritage received from the Church.
Furthermore, it notes that the Church has never demanded the impossible and that those who cannot kneel for health or age reasons are not obliged to do so, being able to remain seated or make a deep bow at the consecration.
Rojas also clarifies that these new norms do not modify the manner in which Communion is received. According to GIRM 160 and Redemptionis Sacramentum, the normal posture for receiving the Sacrament is standing, although anyone who wishes may receive it on the tongue or in the hand. If someone wishes to receive Communion kneeling, they should not be rebuked nor should the sacrament be denied to them, since the manner of reception depends solely on the faithful.
New norms for the entire diocese
Finally, the bishop establishes the norms that will govern the entire diocese starting from the next Advent. He explains that, in harmony with the indications of the General Instruction of the Roman Missal, the faithful will kneel again after the “Lamb of God” and remain so until they stand to begin the Communion procession. Once the Eucharist has been received, each person may adopt the posture that best expresses their reverence for the sacramental mystery.
The bishop also addresses the situation of those parishes where there are no kneelers. He indicates that, in such circumstances, the faithful may freely decide whether to kneel or remain standing, without any indication being given in one direction or the other. However, if the temple has resources to facilitate the gesture—such as cushions or adaptations in the pews—those who wish to kneel may do so following the established norm.