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When people march into the service at Synod, in what order is the procession arranged, and why?

 

First, the congregation of the faithful from across the diocese gathers into the pews of the Cathedral.

 

Then will process in those who will lead the worship and those who are there to support and enable the faithful in their walk with Christ.

 

The order, first to last, will be (assuming all are available):

1 Processional Cross
2 Choir
3 Lay Readers
4 Deacons
5 Priests
6 Ecumenical representatives: in our case, the Northern Spirit Council (United Church) Executive Director, the ELCIC representative, and the Archbishop of Grouard–McLennan
7 The Primate
9 Diocesan bishop


The reasons are these:

The diocesan bishop coming in last expresses their position as diocesan president, shepherd, guide, guardian, and support.  Shepherding all before them, the bishop tries to ensure everything is done decently and in good order, to the glory of God.

The Primate’s place, immediately before the bishop as a position of honour, acknowledges the wider Church.  The Primate provides national pastoral leadership, supporting bishops and uniting the Church across Canada as well as representing it internationally. 


Preceding the Primate will be our ecumenical guests, to honour their representative role.  We are blessed at this Synod to have representatives from the United Church, the Lutheran Church (ELCIC), and the (Roman) Catholic Church.   The order they walk in between themselves does not represent a ranking, however they are grouped together to make their shared presence as our guests visible.

The Priests come before them, being the people representing the guidance and shepherding of the bishop in the local context.

 

Before them are the Deacons, those called to serve the church by being love in action: alerting us to those in need and guiding us in holy response to that need.

 

The Lay Readers are next, those who have given themselves to assist the local parish in ministry of worship.

 

In second place are the choir, leading us with their voices of praise and worship.

 

And at the front is held the cross of Christ, leading us all in our lives.

God bless you all;

+David