Why do we do that? The meaning of the Entrance Procession before Massast

Have you ever wondered why Catholics do what we do? Have you ever found yourself just going through the motions at Mass rather than contemplating what each part means? Everything we do at Mass has a purpose. The "Why do we do that?" series will take you through why we do what we do during Mass.

Let's start with the Entrance Procession before Mass. We are all very familiar with the procession, but the deeper meaning of our faith begins with the procession.

There are 6 parts of the procession that we see right at the beginning of the Mass:

- Incense (although, not always used, it does lead the procession if it is being used)

- Cross Bearer

- Candle Bearers

- Ministers and Readers

- Book of the Gospels

- The Priest

If the incense is used, it leads the procession and fills the church with, what I like to call, the smells of the Church. It is a symbol that our prayers and intentions that we hold in our hearts and that we will pray during Mass are going up to God. It signifies we are confident He hears our prayers.. It is also symbolic of the sanctification of the place. Have you ever noticed that when the incense is used that it is used during more than just the procession. It is used over the altar, the Book of the Gospels, the priest, and even the people. It is a sign of sanctification.

The Cross Bearer, sometimes referred to as the Crucifer, is the heart of the Gospel. It is the sign of salvation. Without Jesus dying on the cross for our sins then there would be no salvation. There would be no pathway to redemption, forgiveness, and eternal life with God. It leads the procession to how that all worship flows from that sacrifice. It shows that all worship comes from the blood shed and the life given on that hill. It is important to note that the faithful follow the cross. They do not follow the priest.

Candle Bearers: In the Bible, Jesus tells us that "I am the light of the world" (John 8:12). Christ is the light that shines in this dark world. The candles represent Jesus. It repreesnts the Light of the World. It shows his glory and signifies that Jesus Christ is the one that illuminates the path to God.

Ministers and Readers: The altar servers and the lectors follow in an order line. They are the ones that will serve during the Mass and they represent the entire gathered community of faithful that are there for the Mass. They are the symbol of public worship.

Book of the Gospels: The Book of the Gospels is carried high by the deacon to honor the coming word of Christ. It is the Gospel that takes us through Jesus' birth, life, teachings, death and resurrection. It includes the words of Christ- the Holy One.

The Priest: I love this part because the priest is presiding at the Mass in Christ's person (In Persona Christi) and highlights the binding together of the family of believers. However, I love that we must remember he enters last in the procession. He is last because it is a reflection that he is not the focus of the Mass. He is not the one that Catholics are to emphasize. He, just like the rest of believers, follows after Christ. It reminds me of St. Paul's writings to the Corinthians: "Follow Me as I Follow Christ" (I Corinthians 11:1)

Once the procession has reached the altar, everyone bows to truly acknoweldge the Real Presence of Christ in the tabernacle and the order ensures that every moment is directed, leading, and pointing our eyes to Jesus. He is the "author and finisher of the faith". (Hebrews 12:2)