Copyright © 1995, 1999 by

Rick Swenton
106 Melinda Lane
Bristol, CT 06010-7199
All Rights Reserved

Permission is granted for use of this work in parish liturgy or music programs in a non-commercial setting provided that no fee is charged and that this copyright notice remains on all copies.

Processions

Entrance Procession

Each member of the procession bows to the altar before proceeding to their liturgical duties. We think of the altar as being a symbol of Christ. We show our respect for the altar and what it stands for by using this expression of reverence. That’s why we don’t allow the altar to be used as a table for placing things other than those things used for celebrating Mass. As a choir member, I often sing in a large group (such as the Thanksgiving Ecumenical Service) gathered in the sanctuary, around the altar. I am very conscious of not allowing people to use the altar for placing things like clothing, food and music folders. Non-Catholics don’t know about the symbolism but many Catholics need to be gently reminded from time to time.

After bowing, the Reader proceeds directly to the Ambo with the Lectionary, opens the book when placing it on the Ambo, and then retreats to his/her position in the least obvious route. Other liturgical ministers proceed directly to their positions. The objective is to process with deliberation and efficiency and not take away from the Word or the Altar which both are the focus of the Mass.

Processions for the Readings and Psalm

The Reader advances to the Ambo in procession. It is not merely a stroll in the park but rather a reverent and dignified approach to the place where the Reader will proclaim the Word of God! What an awesome responsibility (and privilege)!

If a person were to go to the Ambo to announce sports scores from the newspaper, you wouldn’t need a procession. The procession that comes before the proclamation of the Word of God is an anticipatory action that prepares the assembly to enter their liturgical role of listener. Don’t forget to pause before starting the reading to be sure the assembly is ready to hear the Word. Even though several seconds of silence seems like an eternity to a Reader or Cantor, the brief silence has a powerful impact on the atmosphere that is set in preparation for hearing scripture. Make eye contact with the assembly as much as possible. Let them feel that you are a part of them as you share the ministry of Readers and Listeners with them.

Cantors follow the same pattern. Keep in mind that even though we are not personally using the Lectionary to sing, the psalm we sing is taken directly from the Lectionary (the Old Testament) and is a continuation of the proclamation of the Word of God. The scripture between the first and second readings is taken from the Book of Psalms. Psalms are songs and meant to be sung (as Jesus himself did). That’s why we don’t just put any old song at this time. This is not the time to sing an interlude between the readings to entertain the people. This is a time to procliam holy scripture in song.

Closing Procession

The final procession should be paced as deliberately as the entrance procession. The assembly should not perceive that this procession is accelerated to get everyone out of the church. People in the front should be aware of those behind them so that everyone can remain equally spaced.

Processions in General

Each procession has its own character. It’s a matter of timing, pace, bearing, space and grace. Compare a procession to marching in a parade: "The celebrants are not limited to the people on the floats." The assembly benefits greatly from a procession that sets the atmosphere for prayerful worship. Often in liturgy, your actions speak as much as your voice.

If you have any questions or need any help, please call me anytime at 589-7297 or over e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it