After reverencing the altar, including incense, the priest turns to the people and begins the way that we begin all of our prayers, by invoking the Name of God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Although this is common and can easily become habitual, it is anything but ordinary.  First, we do not simply begin by saying, “The Father . . .”, but “In the name of . . .” This means that everything we are about to do is being done in His Name.  Just as when I act in the name of the Bishop, my actions are a personal reflection on him.

And so, it is also in His Name that the priest greets and welcomes all gathered with Grace, Love and Communion.