It is common practice to genuflect as one enters a church pew or passes by the tabernacle with the most Holy Eucharist present. In recent years, however, lectors and others approaching the altar only bow, even if perfectly able to genuflect. Assuming the tabernacle is in the sanctuary, according to the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (for the Novus Ordo), regarding the norms for those other than the priest or deacon, it says “all who pass before the Most Blessed Sacrament genuflect, unless they are moving in procession.” (paragraph 274). Lectors and others approaching the altar should always genuflect.