St. Dunstan Parish Glastonbury CT

06/11/2026

Today the U.S. bishops will consecrate the United States of America to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, joined by parishes and faithful across the country. The act of consecration takes place as part of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Join the livestream this afternoon at 4pm ET / 3pm CT / 2pm MT / 1pm PT. Watch along, pray with us, and entrust our nation to the love of Christ's Sacred Heart.

06/10/2026

WHY DO WE CATHOLICS GENUFLECT?
Who, Where, When and the Spiritual/Liturgical Importance

“Many Catholics perform the gesture of genuflection every time they enter a church, yet few fully understand its deep spiritual meaning and liturgical significance.”

Genuflection is one of the most ancient and reverent bodily gestures in Catholic worship. It is not a cultural habit, but a visible act of faith expressing adoration, humility, and recognition of the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist.

1. WHAT IS GENUFLECTION?
Genuflection is the act of bending one (especially right) knee to the ground in reverence.

In Catholic tradition, it is a physical expression of worship and adoration, especially directed toward Jesus Christ present in the Blessed Sacrament.

It is not a symbolic greeting alone, it is an act of worship.

2. WHO SHOULD GENUFLECT?
In Catholic practice:
* Lay faithful genuflect when entering or leaving the presence of the Blessed Sacrament
* Priests and deacons may genuflect during specific liturgical moments
* Bishops also genuflect in Eucharistic adoration and liturgical reverence
It is a universal gesture of adoration, not limited by rank or role.

3. WHERE DO WE GENUFLECT?
Genuflection is primarily made:
* before the tabernacle when the Eucharist is present
* during Eucharistic Adoration
* at specific moments during Mass when the Blessed Sacrament is exposed or elevated
If the tabernacle is not present or empty, a simple bow is usually made instead.

4. WHEN DO WE GENUFLECT?
The faithful are expected to genuflect:
* when entering or leaving a church (toward the tabernacle)
* during the consecration at Mass (by liturgical ministers where prescribed)
* during Eucharistic Adoration
* in moments of silent reverence before the Blessed Sacrament
It is always an act of intentional reverence, not mechanical movement.

5. SPIRITUAL MEANING OF GENUFLECTION
Genuflection carries deep spiritual meaning:
* Adoration of Christ truly present in the Eucharist
* Humility before God
* Recognition of divine authority
* Interior surrender expressed physically
The body expresses what the soul believes: Christ is truly Lord.

6. LITURGICAL IMPORTANCE
The Church teaches that bodily gestures in worship are not optional expressions but part of full participation in the liturgy.

Genuflection:
* unites body and soul in worship
* expresses faith in the Real Presence
* maintains reverence in sacred space
* preserves liturgical tradition of the Church

IN SUMMARY
Genuflection is a sacred gesture of worship, made in reverence to Jesus Christ truly present in the Eucharist.

It is performed by the faithful, clergy, and ministers of the Church as a visible sign of faith, humility, and adoration.

It is not just a movement of the body, but a proclamation of belief:
Christ is truly present, and He alone is worthy of worship.

Today, reflect:
Do I still approach the Eucharist with true reverence, or has it become routine?

“Every genuflection is a silent prayer that says: My Lord and my God.”

Now you know.

SOURCE
General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM 274 - 275)
Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 1378)
Vatican II - Sacrosanctum Concilium
Instruction on Eucharistic Worship
Catholic Liturgical Tradition

Be Prayerful. Be Inspired
© catholicdailies

06/09/2026

No Mass Wednesday, June 10. Mass will be on Friday, June 12th at 9:00 AM

06/09/2026

Lord, silence my worries so I can hear Your voice, quieting the anxious thoughts that drown out Your gentle whisper, making space for You to speak.

My worries are so loud, constantly chattering, spinning scenarios, imagining disasters, and in all that noise I can't hear what You're trying to say to me.

Teach me that Your voice is often quiet, that You don't shout over my anxiety but wait for me to quiet the noise so I can hear You clearly.

Worries demand immediate attention, creating urgency and panic, but Your voice brings peace, offers wisdom, provides direction I desperately need but can't hear through the chaos.

Help me recognize when worry is drowning out Your voice, when my anxious thoughts are so consuming that I can't discern Your leading or receive Your comfort.

Remind me that I can silence worries by bringing them to You in prayer, by speaking truth over fear, by choosing to focus on Your promises instead of my problems.

Give me discipline to create quiet space where worries are hushed and Your voice can be heard, where peace replaces panic and clarity emerges from confusion.

Let me hear Your voice today, clear and true, as You silence my worries and speak the words I need to hear, guiding me, comforting me, directing my next steps.

In Jesus' name,

Amen.

06/09/2026

Link also available on our parish website under, "Parish News".

06/08/2026

06/04/2026

Click the link https://hallow.com/campaigns/25233/ or scan the QR code. We are currently at $3,365.00 for donations and Hallow will match up to $5,000.00 for a total of $10.000.00. Thank you!

06/04/2026

June 1 Golf Tournament- Catholic Charities Connecticut Classic

05/29/2026

Our parish is sending a group of teens to the Steubenville East Youth Conference, one of the premier Catholic gatherings for young people in North America. This three-day conference in July, hosted by Franciscan University of Steubenville, invites teens to encounter Christ through Eucharistic adoration, the sacraments, dynamic talks, and meaningful small group experiences. It's a powerful reminder that our faith is alive and thriving in the hearts of our youth, as they grow in discipleship and connect with peers from across the Archdiocese. Your support helps fan this flame—investing in the future of our Church as these young people courageously pursue a life rooted in Christ. Link to DONATE & JOIN is here https://hallow.com/campaigns/25233/