Salutation
Also known as: Opening Acclamation
In the Order of Mass, part of the Introductory Rites.
An opening sentence by the celebrant at the beginning of mass, just after the Introit and before the Collect for Purity.
At the Opening Acclamation, all the servers are standing at their places in the choir stalls and make the sign of the cross.
When the people are gathered, the Priest, Sacred Ministers and servers approach the altar. The Introit is sung of said.
When he has arrived at the altar, after making the customary reverence, the Priest venerates the altar with a kiss and, if appropriate to the dignity of the celebration, censes the cross and the altar.
Where appropriate, the Introductory Rites may take place at the sedilia, omitting in that case the rubrics hereafter referring to the altar.
All, standing, sign themselves with the Sign of the Cross, whilst the Priest, facing the altar, sings or says:
+In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
The People respond: Amen.
(DWM pg 560)