Preparations before mass
Place a table with white cloth, palms & palm crosses at the Outdoor Shrine (preferably covered with the cloth, held down with stones)
The processional cross is UNVEILED with the palms attached
"Ox Blood" red chasuble and maniple are set on the choir stall
Have ready the aspersorium (to carry outdoors, or already with the palms outside)
Today would warrant a verger and a tunicled crucifer, if possible (even with an acolyte in service)
Order of Service
Process from the sacristy to the Outdoor Shrine – A few minutes beforehand, a deacon may want to remind those in the church that today’s liturgy begins outside
Servers array themselves in processional order in “the octagon”
Celebrant’s opening address
Opening Collect
Blessing of incense
Blessing of the deacon
Censing the palm Gospel book
Deacon intones the Palm Gospel (NB- different intro) while the acolyte holds the book
Blessing of palms
Prayer of blessing over the branches
Blessing of incense
3 aspersions of holy water
3 swings of the thurible
People receive blessed palms from ushers-- chanting of an appropriate psalm from DWM or graduale
MC will need to cue choir when to begin
Blessed palms are kissed as received
MCs hand palms to ushers to help distribute palms/take palm crosses to narthex
Attach a blessed palm to the processional cross
Charge thurible and form usual entrance procession
All Glory Laud & Honor – may sing another hymn first if necessary
Sing through the hymn while outdoors in procession
Ushers should be ready to open the front doors
Choir goes directly upstairs upon entering the church
Sing through the hymn again indoors with the organ