Our many voices blend together to create one communal voice of praise. The General Instruction for the Roman Missal (GIRM) states, “The purpose of this chant is to open the celebration, foster the unity of those who have been gathered, introduce their thoughts to the mystery of the liturgical season or festivity, and accompany the procession of the priest and ministers.” [GIRM #47] During this hymn, the priest, the first reader, and the server will enter the sanctuary. The reader will place the book of the Gospels on the stand on the altar table. The server will place the processional cross in its stand. Both of these ministers will meet the priest in front of the altar and bow to the altar. The assisting ministers will go to their places and the priest will walk behind the altar and venerate (show reverence) the altar by kissing the top of the table. On certain occasions the priest may even incense the altar.