Introductory Rites

The Entrance Procession marks the beginning of the liturgical celebration. The priest, deacon, and other ministers process from the back of the church to the sanctuary, usually accompanied by an entrance hymn or antiphon. The procession symbolizes the pilgrim Church journeying toward God. The Book of the Gospels may be carried in procession and placed on the altar. Upon reaching the altar, the priest and deacon reverence it with a kiss — a sign of veneration for Christ, whom the altar represents. If incense is used, the priest incenses the altar as a sign of the Church's prayer rising to God.

After the Sign of the Cross, the priest greets the congregation using one of three prescribed greetings, each drawn from Scripture. The most common is 'The Lord be with you,' to which the people respond 'And with your spirit.' This exchange acknowledges the mutual presence of Christ in the assembly. The greeting establishes the communal nature of worship — we do not pray alone but as the Body of Christ gathered together.

The Penitential Act is a moment of communal repentance. The priest invites the faithful to acknowledge their sins. The most common form is the Confiteor: 'I confess to almighty God and to you, my brothers and sisters, that I have greatly sinned, in my thoughts and in my words, in what I have done and in what I have failed to do.' The striking of the breast at 'through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault' is an ancient gesture of contrition. This act of humility prepares us to participate worthily in the sacred mysteries. Note: this does not replace the Sacrament of Confession for mortal sins.

The Kyrie is one of the most ancient prayers of the Mass, preserved in Greek even in the Latin Rite as a testament to its apostolic origins. It is a threefold invocation of Christ's mercy — addressed to the three Persons of the Trinity. Each invocation is repeated, creating a litany of supplication. The Kyrie is not merely a request for forgiveness; it is a joyful acclamation of the merciful Christ who comes to save His people.

The Gloria is a magnificent hymn of praise sung or recited on Sundays outside of Advent and Lent, on solemnities, and on feast days. It begins with the words the angels sang at the birth of Christ (Luke 2:14) and expands into a grand doxology praising each Person of the Trinity. The hymn dates back to at least the 4th century and was originally a morning prayer. Its inclusion in the Mass elevates our worship to join the heavenly chorus of angels and saints.

The Collect is the prayer that concludes the Introductory Rites. The priest says 'Let us pray,' and a brief silence follows so that each person may formulate their own intentions. The priest then pronounces the Collect — a single, carefully composed prayer that 'collects' the individual prayers of the faithful into one offering to God. Collects follow a specific structure: they address God the Father, recall His saving acts, make a petition, and conclude through Christ. The congregation ratifies the prayer with their 'Amen.'