The service usually begins with a procession to the altar or the holy table which has been prepared in advance by the Altar Guild. Like our dining table at our own home when we are having a special dinner, there is a cloth spread over the table, and there are candles. Here the candles remind us that Christ is the Light of the World coming into our lives. If there are two candlesticks on the altar, we are also reminded that our Lord is both Human and Divine, both perfect Man and perfect God. Lets try to think of these things during the procession, remembering that we are all part of God's family the Church.
Vestments cover our ordinary clothing.
It also keeps is from paying attention to what people are wearing, whether their clothing is new or old, the latest style or our of date. Other ministers may not wear vestments. Not all Episcopal Churches do things in exactly in the same way. As the procession enters, the congregation stands. This helps all of us to remember that we are all participants in the Eucharist, offering God our prayers and praise together as one family.