The classical Catholic prayer posture: palms flat together, fingers pointing upward, right thumb crossed over left. Hold before the chest with elbows close to the body. This is the default whenever you are not doing something else specific. When kneeling, sitting, or standing — hands remain folded unless a specific gesture is called for.

Right hand touches forehead, then chest/sternum, then left shoulder, then right shoulder. Say: "In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen." Also made at the Final Blessing — cross yourself as the priest says the words. The GIRM directs the whole assembly to make the Sign of the Cross with the priest at the beginning of Mass (§50).

Gently strike your chest (over the heart) with a closed right fist. Done twice during the Confiteor at "through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault" — once at each "through my fault" and again at "most grievous fault." Also at each "have mercy on us" during the Agnus Dei. A gesture of contrition rooted in the parable of the tax collector (Luke 18:13).

When the deacon or priest announces "A reading from the holy Gospel according to N," use your right thumb to trace a small cross on your forehead, then your lips, then your chest. The meaning: may this Gospel be in my mind, on my lips, and in my heart. Then respond: "Glory to you, O Lord."

At the words "and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became man" — bow your head and upper body. On Christmas Day and the Annunciation (March 25), everyone genuflects on both knees instead. Hands remain folded throughout.

After the priest elevates the Host, and again after he elevates the Chalice — bow your head and say silently: "My Lord and my God" (John 20:28). Hands remain folded. You are already kneeling from after the Sanctus through the end of the Eucharistic Prayer in U.S. parishes.

As you approach the Eucharistic minister, bow your head as a gesture of reverence before receiving. This is the U.S. adaptation of GIRM §160. Then respond "Amen" when the minister says "The Body of Christ." If receiving on the hand, place one hand over the other, palms up. If receiving on the tongue, open your mouth and extend your tongue. Both are valid.

A small bow of the head at every mention of the name of Jesus during Mass — and also at the names of the Trinity when the Doxology is prayed. Rooted in Philippians 2:10: "at the name of Jesus every knee should bow." Mandated at the Second Council of Lyons (1274). A beautiful and largely forgotten practice ready for revival.

What the rulebook says: The GIRM prescribes the orans posture ("with hands extended") 28 times — and every single instance is a direction for the priest only. The laity are never directed to use it. The only posture specified for the congregation during the Our Father is standing.

What the U.S. bishops decided: In adapting the GIRM for the United States, the bishops debated whether to allow the orans posture for the laity. The proposal failed to reach the required two-thirds majority and was dropped entirely. The result: "No position is prescribed for an assembly gesture during the Lord's Prayer" (U.S. Bishops' Committee on Divine Worship, 2003).

Why it matters: During Mass, the orans posture is a distinctly priestly gesture — it signifies the priest gathering the prayers of the people and presenting them to God. Laity using the same gesture during the same prayer creates a visual confusion about roles. It's not a condemnation of those who do it in good faith; most people simply weren't taught otherwise.

What to do instead: Fold your hands in prayer. Bow your head. These are the ancient, fitting postures of a Christian at prayer.

Holding hands during the Our Father is not in the GIRM — it's neither prescribed nor forbidden. It is not a liturgical tradition but a modern innovation. The bishops chose not to address it one way or another in the U.S. adaptations. If you're comfortable with it in a family or familiar context, it won't get you in liturgical trouble. If you're not comfortable, simply fold your hands — no explanation needed.