The “Entrance Chant”
The “Entrance Chant” serves to “open the celebration, fosters the unity of those who have been gathered, introduces their thoughts to the mysteries of the liturgical time or festivity, and accompanies the procession of the Priest and ministers”. Its importance can be seen from the way in which some celebrations take their titles from these chants: Requiem Mass, Laetare Sunday, Gaudete Sunday and so on.
If there is no singing then usually the Entrance Antiphon is recited, by the people, by some of them, or by a reader. This is one important way in which we see that the Mass is a celebration of the Body of Christ and not just the work of the priest. Many of us will remember the antiphons being said at Masses some years ago. Where there is not an entrance song, we would like to start using the Entrance Antiphons, in their new translation, at all Masses from Ash Wednesday. They will usually be led by a reader (or server), but you are welcome to join in if you have the words
