Mass Procedures

PROTOCOL FOR COLOR CORPS

(Mass Procedure)

PRIOR COORDINATION - In all ceremonies, church or elsewhere, it is very important that the Color Corps Commander consults with the Celebrant, or those in charge, to act in conformity with them. The instructions of the person in charge shall be followed although, it may mean deviating from the suggested procedures outlined herein.

COLOR CORPS - In the processional and recessional, the Color Guard, consisting of the Honor Guard and/or the Color Guard, should follow the Cross bearer and acolytes. Care must be taken so that the National Colors remains on the marching right during both the processional and recessional; when placed inside the alter rail, the National Colors will go to the right side of the Celebrant as he faces the congregation. The remaining colors will go to the left side of the Celebrant as he faces the congregation.

A Color Guard is not required, but if used it should consist of four to six Sir Knights in full regalia. Two Sir Knights are to carry the National Colors and the Papal Colors and the other two Sir Knights will be guards for the colors. All marching done by the two guards will be in the Carry Sword position. Some assemblies carry four flags in the color guard; the two additional Sir Knights would carry additional these flags. The Color Guard will join the Honor Guard in a pre-designated pew.

The Honor Guard, led by the Color Corps Commander, will follow the Color Guard and will enter from the rear of the Church with swords in the scabbard. The Honor Guard will proceed in a column of twos down the main aisle to the front cross aisle. The commander at this point will halt and the Honor Guard members will also halt so that each member, on either side of the aisle is adjacent to a pew. The Commander will immediately about face which will be the signal for the Honor Guard to face towards the center of the main aisle. The commander will move into line with one of the files of Sir Knights. This position is held while the procession at the rear of the Church proceeds forward between their files. As the Celebrant passes each pair of Sir Knights farthest from the altar, these Sir Knights shall simultaneously face towards the altar. Each succeeding pair of Sir Knights will do so in turn as the Celebrant passes (when executed properly, this movement should create a "domino effect").

When the Celebrant reaches the sanctuary, the Commander and Honor Guard will, in unison, enter the pews and participate in the Mass with the congregation. Follow the commander in sitting, standing, removing and replacing chapeau, etc..

If requested by the Pastor, an alternative to this procedure is when the Celebrant reaches the sanctuary, the Commander and Honor Guard will, in unison, proceed to the rear of the church or other designated pews and participate in the Mass with the congregation.

It is MOST IMPORTANT that ALL members of the Corps control their swords so as to not allow them to bang on the pew or on the floor.

At the conclusion of the "HOLY, HOLY, HOLY" and while the congregation kneels, the Honor

Guard will remove their chapeaux, if not done earlier. The chapeau will be placed over the left breast.

At the SIGN OF PEACE, the Honor Guard members should offer each other and members of the congregation within arms reach a sign of peace. Do not leave your position. The commander may offer the sign of peace to those in the front pew.

At the silent command of the commander, the Honor Guard will move towards the Communion Rail. It is suggested that members of the corps receive Communion on the tongue. The Precious Blood should not be received as you are carrying your chapeaux and wearing gloves.

After receiving Communion, each member of the Honor Guard will proceed by the outer aisle to the rear of the church and remain there until the Tabernacle is closed. At this time the Commander will command the replacement of chapeaux. Following the commander's lead, the Honor Guard will return to their pews and be seated.

At the conclusion of the FINAL BLESSING, the Commander will signal the Honor Guard to file out of the pews into the main aisle; when he faces about, this will be the signal for the Honor Guard to face towards the center of the aisle. Simultaneously, the Color Guard will retrieve the Colors and position themselves at the Altar Rail facing the Altar.

The recessional will be led by the Cross and acolytes, followed by the color guard, honorees or dignitaries present, and finally the Celebrant with assistants and escort. All will proceed through the Honor Guard, followed by the Color Corps Commander. As the Commander passes each pair of Sir Knights, they in turn will take one pace forward, face towards the rear of the Church and proceed with the recessional.

At the conclusion, the Commander will dismiss the Color Corps. It is important that all Sir Knights leave the "immediate area", so as not to impede the departure of the congregation.