The Opening Rite

     Sometimes the Holy Mass may begin with a procession from the lobby of the church into the church and the sanctuary.  (For certain Masses celebrated on Easter and Christmas, the processions are different than the usual procession described here.)  Whenever a bishop celebrates or simply participates in the Holy Mass there is usually a procession into the church and the bishop is greeted by a parish officer with bread and salt at the entrance to the church.  A procession will also precede Mass on special occasions such as church anniversaries or community, diocesan or churchwide events--especially when there are visiting clergy.  The celebrant of the Mass takes the place of honor at the very end of the procession line, unless the celebrant is a priest and a bishop is participating.  The procession may begin with a thurifer, who leads the procession with a censer, incensing from side to side.  It may also begin with a crucifer, who carries the processional cross, which is a crucifix on a long staff.  The crucifer is second if there is a thurifer.  Sometimes altar servers will walk on each side of the crucifer carrying torches or candles.  Other altar servers are next, followed by members of the Women's Society holding lighted candles, then members of the Men's Society and then the clergy.  During the procession a hymn is sung by those who are in the procession and by the congregation.