Altar Servers

Why is the Celebrant last in the procession?

The procession at the start of Mass is lead by the Altar Servers, usually the youngest members of the procession. The celebrant comes last in the procession, not because he is more important than others but because he is servant of the servant. The speed of the procession is always dictated by the speed of the Altar Servers, in this way the celebrant is reminded that he is always there to serve the least of the community, the weakest or the most vulnerable. He cannot go rushing ahead. He must wait and be sensitive to the needs of those in front. It tells us that every member of the community is important and that we are all invited to serve one another.