Kneelers and Prie Dieu

The general idea of a kneeler is to bring the individual into a position of humility.  This is done in order to aid prayer.  The individual may be kneeling within the body of the church or near the front and altar.

A kneeler can refer to the part of a pew upon which the individual can kneel for prayer.  The kneeler is affixed to the back of the pew in front and is usually cushioned - the cushion is sometimes known as a hassock.

One version of a kneeler is a prie-dieu which is an individual prayer bench.  The individual can kneel on a lower platform, leaning forward onto an upright area.  In one format there is an angled shelf upon which books are placed.  An alternative format provides a padded arm rest for the arms.  The word 'prie dieu' comes from the French for 'pray to God'.

The practice of Holy Communion involves the priest or minister giving bread and wine to the individual.  The bread and wine are received while kneeling (although this was not always the case).  The place at which the individual kneels is known as the communion rail or communion bench.

There are various specific types of kneeler including:

• Confessional (for the purpose of making confession)
• Wedding (where the bride and groom may kneel and pray)
• Communion (at which the individual may celebrate Mass or Holy Communion)
• Prayer (a general kneeler for prayer, often known as prie-dieu)

Kneelers in their various forms are most often made of a hard wood, usually oak.

Hayes & Finch have provided church furniture for many years.  Click kneelers to see examples of kneelers and prie dieu.