In the tabernacle this presence continues day and night. No matter if there are 100 at Mass or 1 at prayer, worship continues in the church, and the Lord Jesus is always there.

There is also a sense in which the attitude and atmosphere are different to worship at another church. Before the Service begins people will come in and spend some time in prayer. All is quiet as people pray for their needs and concerns, or simply prepare themselves to celebrate the Eucharist. During the Service the congregation will not only join in the prayers and singing, but certain actions as well.

SIGN OF THE CROSS

This ancient Christian sign is made at the beginning of prayer and worship, and at various points in the Service usually associated with the name of the Trinity, or a blessing. When entering the church it is customary to make the sign of the cross with Holy Water, set aside in a font. This is a reminder that we should be made clean when entering into the presence of God, also of our Baptism, when we were made members of the church through water and the Holy Spirit.

GENUFLECTING

This is the act when a Christian goes down on one knee to acknowledge the presence of Christ. We do this when we enter the church because the tabernacle contains the Blessed Sacrament, and when going to receive Holy Communion. We also do it during the Creed, at the words concerning the Incarnation of Christ. The Incarnation was the beginning of the presence of Jesus amongst us.