Bowing

Bow of the head

How:

Simply lower your chin toward your throat and hold a moment

When:

Most especially, any time you hear the Name "Jesus" (note that "Christ" is His title, meaning
"Annointed One"; there is no need to bow the head at just the mention of the word "Christ"). Men
should remove their hats and bow their heads when passing a church or when His Name is spoken;
this practice is for both inside and outside of Mass. All Catholics bow their heads at these times .Even
if you're having a casual conversation with someone and you pass a church or mention His Name, you
actually are supposed to bow your head, removing your hat if you are a man.

Cross yourself and bow the head when the priest and the Crucifer walk down the aisle before and after
Mass. After Mass, as the priest leaves the Altar, it is also customary to pray for him. (Some make a
profound bow instead at these times)

Not commonly known and practiced: any time you hear "Father, Son, and Holy Ghost (or "Holy
Spirit")" mentioned together; any time you hear the name of Mary; and, during Mass, when the name
of the Saint in whose honor the Mass is being celebrated

Bow at the waist (or "profound bow")

How:

Bow at the waist .

When:

at the Aspérges at Mass when the priest sprinkles the congregation with holy water

when the Altar boy incenses the congregation during the Mass

Cross yourself and make a profound bow when the priest and Crucifer walk down the aisle before and
after Mass. After Mass, as the priest leaves the Altar, it is also customary to pray for him. (Some simply
bow the head instead of making a profound bow at these times)

when greeting a hierarch who doesn't have jurisdiction over you (e.g., the Bishop of a diocese other
than one in which you live). As you bow, kiss the hierarch's ring. This bow and ring-kissing are only
done if the Pope is not present.