Once the people have gathered, the priest and ministers, clad in the sacred vestments, go in procession to the altar in this order: The thurifer carrying a thurible with burning incense, if incense is used; The ministers who carry lighted candles, and between them an acolyte or other minister with the cross; A lector, who may carry the Book of the Gospels (though not the Lectionary), which should be slightly elevated; The priest who is to celebrate the Mass. If incense is used, before the procession begins, the priest puts some in the thurible and blesses it with the Sign of the Cross without saying anything.
During the procession to the altar, the Entrance chant takes place (cf. nos. 47-48).
On reaching the altar, the priest and ministers make a profound bow. The cross adorned with a figure of Christ crucified and perhaps carried in procession may be placed next to the altar to serve as the altar cross, in which case it ought to be the only cross used; otherwise it is put away in a dignified place. In addition, the candlesticks are placed on the altar or near it. It is a praiseworthy practice that the Book of the Gospels be placed upon the altar.
The priest goes up to the altar and venerates it with a kiss. Then, as the occasion suggests, he incenses the cross and the altar, walking around the latter.
After doing these things, the priest goes to the chair. Once the Entrance chant is concluded, the priest and faithful, all standing, make the Sign of the Cross. The priest says, In nomine Patris et Filii et Spiritus Sancti (In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit). The people answer, Amen. Then, facing the people and extending his hands, the priest greets the people, using one of the formulas indicated. The priest himself or some other minister may also very briefly introduce the faithful to the Mass of the day.
The Act of Penitence follows. Afterwards, the Kyrie is sung or said, in keeping with the rubrics (cf. no. 52).
For celebrations where it is prescribed, the Gloria is either sung or said (cf. no. 53).
The priest then invites the people to pray, saying, with hands joined, Oremus (Let us pray). All pray silently with the priest for a brief time. Then the priest, with hands extended, says the collect, at the end of which the people make the acclamation, Amen.