Mitre and Crozier Bearers at Solemn Mass
When the Bishop is the principal celebrant at mass, his mitre and crozier should be held at the appropriate times by the mitre bearer and crozier bearer, appropriately vested in cassock and surplice and wearing a vimpa.
The mitre and crozier should be held with the hands veiled in the ends of the vimpa.
The mitre bearer and crozier bearer customarily come last in processions, following the Bishop, and usually behind the assisting deacons or the Bishop’s MC.
The mitre bearer and crozier bearer should always stand at the ready to receive or to return the mitre and crozier, from or to the Bishop, or one of the deacons, or the Bishop’s MC. While holding the mitre and crozier, their bearers should also kneel when appropriate.
Note these moments when the Bishop hands over or receives back his mitre and crozier:
On arrival at the foot of the altar, the Bishop hands over his crozier and takes off his mitre.
The Bishop puts on his mitre before he sits for the Readings.
The Bishop holds his crozier for the Gospel, and takes it just after he imposes incense and blesses the deacon appointed to proclaim the Gospel. The Bishop removes his mitre for the Gospel.
At the end of the Gospel, the Bishop hands over his crozier, before he kisses the Gospel Book.
After the homily, the bishop removes his mitre for the Creed and the Intercessions that follow.
After the Intercessions, Penitential Rite, and Peace, the Bishop receives back his mitre and sits.
The Bishop removes his mitre before going to the altar for the Offertory Prayers.
After the Post Communion Prayer and before the final Blessing, the Bishop receives the mitre and crozier.
The mitre and crozier bearers' place in the chancel pews is directly behind the Bishop.
During the Liturgy of the Eucharist, the mitre and crozier bearers should stand and kneel at the foot of the altar on the Gospel side.
If there is a procession at the end of Mass, the mitre and crozier are held while the Bishop takes off his chasuble and puts on his cope. Then he takes again his mitre and holds his crozier during the procession.
If the there are devotions following the procession, the mitre and crozier are held during the censing or whatever ritual actions may follow.
The Bishop receives back his mitre and crozier before the return to the church.