Greeting the Pontiff

How does one go about greeting the bishop before Pontifical Mass?

I know where to find the ceremonial, but I was wondering how many places
actually put this into practice, as ceremonial does tend to 'come out in
the wash' differently in different places.

Is the bishop greeted at the West Doors, and then escorted directly to the
altar to vest, or is he directed to the sacristy or side chapel to vest, and
then enter in procession with the rest of the sanctuary party.  I have been
led to understand that this differs depending on whether or not the Mass is
Pontifical.

This is assuming that the bishop is the Principal Celebrant of the Mass.

I look forward to your replies.

Michael Johnson,
Sacristan,
S John Chrysostom, Victoria Park.

REPLIES

4/3/03 from Mark Emory Graham

Greetings in the Name of Our Risen Lord,

Pontifical questions;

Over here on the western side of the Atlantic, we generally ask the pontiff
for his customary and any other issues that need be addressed. My Bishop
generally parks his car in the bishop's reserved parking at our parish, one
of the vergers meets him and assists with his personal vestments and
crozier, he is escorted to the sacristy where he is greeted by the rector
and assisted in vesting by one or more vergers and his assigned chaplain for
the day. At this time we discuss the customary and any particulars of our
parish geography. I would love to be present when a C of E bishop celebrates
the mass, but we will just have to "make do" with our Episcopal traditions
on this side of the "POND"

Sincerely in Christ work,

Ken Medernach, Chair

Mark Emory Graham Chapter V.G.E.C.

http://www.southern-artist.com/VGEC-MEG.htm

4/3/03 from Craig Aburn

At the Anglo Catholic parish in which I serve ( www.saintsilas.org.uk  ), where the Roman Rite is in use, the following has always been the custom for greeting a visiting Bishop, whether he is the Celebrant or Presiding at the Throne:

The Bishop vests in the Lady Chapel with the Deacon and Subdeacon. The Parish Priest and servers vest in the Sacristy. The Bishop's party and the Parish Priest's party proceed and meet at the main door. The Bishop removes the mitre (and gives away the crozier) kneels and the Parish Priest offers the Bishop a crucifix to kiss. The Bishop stands replaces his mitre and blesses incense. The Bishop sprinkles the faithful with Holy Water. The Parish Priest then censes the Bishop (who holds the crozier). The Thurifer leads the entrance procession which goes into the sanctuary and the service continues as normal.

Craig Aburn
Councillor LG5&6 - www.gsslg5and6.cjb.net  

8/3/03 from Michael Johnson

Thank you for your replies.

I have acquired a copy of 'The Ceremonial of Bishops' [The Liturgical press,
1989}, which give sound advice, but doesn't mention the censing of the
bishop at his greeting.  It only mentions the Cross which he venerates, and
the asperges.

From whence doth this spring?

Michael Johnson,
S Chrysostom's, Victoria Park
  

9/3/03 from David Froud

David Froud Cllr PG10

The protocol described above is probably based on Ritual Notes 9th Edition (1946) 659 Reception of the Bishop (Diocesan) 

19/3/03 Anonymous

If you are greeting and leading a bishop into any form of Mass in a C of E Parish then remember to involve your Churchwardens, might sound daft but they are legally required to greet the bishop and to precede him in procession. 

27/3/03 Terry Delaney

23/6/03 "Dickie" Bird

Michael Johnson, 8/3/03, Asks regarding the origins of "The Ceremonial of Bishops". I believe that this is a Roman Catholic publication, which together with GIRM (General instructions of the Roman Missal) and GIRL (General instructions of the Roman Lectionary) provide the rubrics for all liturgical rites and proceedings. There is an excellent publication, "Ceremonies of the Modern Roman Rite" which providing one substitutes the word "should" wherever "must" appears, is pretty well spot on. 

Pax et Unitas

"Dickie" Bird (Nottingham RC Diocesan Servers Council) 

8/11/04 - Darren Percival

During the ablutions is it customary to have the Bishop wash his hands, whilst the priest or Deacon do the ablutions?

Darren Percival

15/3/08

If all this fuss is being made over a bishop, then how on earth are you going to manage when 
Our Risen Lord comes back !!!!!!