The procession begins when the people begin to sing the entrance hymn. Walk up the aisle slowly, slower than you normally walk, but not at a snail’s pace.

Altar Server (cross bearer) will lead the procession with the candle bearers following. When you arrive at the Altar, stand by the pillar to the right of the Altar (by the choir); the Altar Servers (candle bearers) will stand by the pillar in front of the ambo. Wait for the Priest and Deacon and ministers. The Priest and Deacon will either bow or genuflect. As they do so, you simply remain standing—do not bow at the waist; you may make a head bow. The rule is: if you’re carrying something like candles or cross, then you do not genuflect or bow at the waist.

The Altar Server (cross bearer) will then return the cross to the sacristy and return to sit on the right hand side of the Altar (by the credence table). Altar Servers (candle bearers) will place the candles in the candle holders on each side of the Altar table. The Altar Server on the left will sit on the left by the ambo; the Altar Server on the right will join the Altar Server (cross bearer) on the right by the credence table. Generally speaking the Altar Server on the left will be the newest Altar Server who is observing and learning during the Mass.

The Priest begins with the sign of the cross (which you make too), greets everyone and introduces the Mass. The Deacon or Priest reads the Penitential Rite which ends “... Lord have Mercy.” The Priest gives the absolution. “May almighty God have mercy on us...”

The Gloria concludes with the words, “...in the glory of God the Father, Amen.” When the Priest says, “Let us pray,” the Altar Server closest to the Priest walks to a point in front of the Priest and picks up the Roman Missal. Your hand should be placed on the bottom of the Missal so that it will be easier for the Priest to read the prayer.

NOTE: During Advent (period before Christmas) and Lent (period before Easter), the Gloria is not recited or sung. During those times of the year, the candle server will get the Roman Missal when the Priest gives the absolution, which ends with the words, “...and bring us to everlasting life. Amen.”