ENTRANCE PROCESSION

High Mass begins with the entrance of the choir and sanctuary party. The celebrant is assisted by 2 vested ministers--the Deacon and Subdeacon. A bell is rung and the opening hymn is sung. The hymn unites the congregation in song and lifts our hearts in worship. Upon arrival in the sanctuary the priest censes the altar. He then begins the Mass with an invocation of the Trinity and makes the sign of the cross, with the congregation.

Our approach to God's altar must be made with penitence for our sins and with trust in his availing mercy. We should prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries by calling to mind our sins and asking the Lord for His pardon and His peace. Thus we prepare ourselves properly for hearing the word of God and celebrating the Eucharist worthily. The priest invites the people to join with him in a confession of sin. At the Absolution the priest makes the sign of the cross, and the people respond, since it is only through the power and victory of the cross that our sins can be forgiven.

The Kyrie Eleison is now sung, and the Sacred Ministers move to the altar.

KYRIE ELEISON

The ninefold prayer, still commonly used in the Greek tongue, has replaced the ancient litany that was said at this place until the time of St. Gregory (d. 604). It consists of petitions addressed to each person of the Holy Trinity. The ninefold Kyrie eleison was first introduced on ordinary days when the litany was not to be used, but soon began to replace it on feast days also. As the Greeks themselves, from whom the prayer came, neither limited the