Part 3: The Introductory Rites

(Bold italisized type indicates a revision to our liturgy)

The cantor then calls us all to join together to sing the Entrance Song.  The purpose of the Entrance Song, according to the General Instructions of the Roman Missal #25, is to "open the celebration, intensify the unity of the gathered people, lead their thoughts to the mystery of the season or feast".   The deeper breathing needed to sing and the effort expended in the process draws our body and soul together.

Procession begins

As the procession begins we will unite with those in the procession by turning to face them as we together sing the Entrance  song .  The procession calls all of us to focus on one event, thereby unifying us as all our attention is drawn to the procession.  That is why we turn to face the procession.

        The book being carried by the lector is the Book of Gospels, rather than the lectionary (the lectionary contains all the readings).  Notice that the lector takes the Book and places it on the altar.  This signifies the mutual importance of the Word of God with the Eucharist.

The presider bows at the altar. This is called reverencing the altar.  The altar is a symbol of Jesus.  The kiss symbolizes the desired union with Jesus.

The first part of the Greeting is the sign of the cross. It is an expression of faith- that salvation comes to us through the cross.  The forehead symbolizes understanding; the breast – heart and feelings.  Shoulder to shoulder – the arms and hands with which we work and bear fruit.  It reminds us that we should enter into the liturgy completely with our understanding, our feelings and our full, active, conscious participation. The second part of the greeting firmly establishes the relationship between the priest and the people.  The presider prays for the people and the people pray for the presider ("the grace of the Lord be with you." R: "and also with you")