Those of other faith traditions who visit our Mass, especially at funerals, can't help but notice how uniform we are in our postures of standing, sitting and kneeling throughout the Mass.  It is something that Catholics take for granted beause we do it all the time. Only during the Communion rite can there be some confusion in guests and in some Catholics.

The Bishops of the United States decreed that the normal posture throughout the reception of Holy Communion is standing.  During this time, besides coming up to receive Jesus in Holy Communion, we usually join in singing a Communion song.  After the last person has received Communion, we are called to kneel (or if we can't kneel, to sit) and have a time of quiet for everyone to speak to and/or listen to the Lord who is now within them through His body, and those who wish to receive, His Blood.  The bishops have also said that if someone decides to return to the pew after receiving Communion and immediately kneel as part of a long-standing tradition of doing so, they should not be singled out in any way, or criticized for doing so.  In this, and in many churches that stress the posture of standing during the reception of Communion, practically speaking, this will be one time during Mass when, for a short period of time, there will be a variety of postures being assumed throughout the congregation.  What is most important, is that all who receive Holy Communion realize Who is now come to them in a wonderful, miraculous way; and, take time to thank the Lord in word and/or song for His presence within them.  That is something that can be done uniformly and with much blessing for all who do it.