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© 2013

A Manual for Altar Servers St. Thomas Catholic Church

Gassaway, West Virginia

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tisms, funerals, weddings, morning prayer or evening prayer, and other devotions. They need to understand their functions as a generous service to God and God’s people. Formation of servers must emphasize the sacred-ness not just of vessels and books, but of the assembly itself. All the bap-tized who gather to worship the Lord stand together as equals unworthy of the ministry which they fulfill. We must foster in altar servers a love of the liturgy and a deep desire to fully and actively participate in it. Many look to altar servers as an example of "what they’re supposed to do.” The principle of full, active, conscious participation is essential for servers to understand and enact throughout the entire liturgy. Finally, they should be prepared to exercise their functions with reverence and proper decorum. Like all ministries, this formation and training should continue throughout the period of service. 5. APPROPRIATE ATTIRE FOR ALTAR SERVERS In the dioceses of the United States of America, altar servers and other lay ministers should wear the alb, or cassock and surplice. Servers should nor-mally be vested. This is within the tradition of the Church and prevents difficulties regarding appropriate dress for these ministers. In those as-semblies where ministers are vested one thing is clear: a simple white alb is the best choice for vesture, irrespective of age or gender, reflecting the baptismal roots of all ministry. Cassock and surplice may be used as well. Whatever is chosen, all servers should wear the same liturgical vesture irrespective of whether a male or female. 6. ADULT ALTAR SERVERS Because many smaller parishes in the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston of-ten do not have enough young people as parishioners, adults may also be used for this ministry. It may also be helpful to have adults serve at funer-als or other midday liturgies, when children may be in school. Likewise, many parishes have families functioning as servers and have found the practice fruitful for enhancing the principle of full, active, conscious partic-ipation. However, it is preferred if there is a significant population of youth in the parish, that they be encouraged to engage in the ministry of server. 7. BLESSING ALTAR SERVERS Before altar servers exercise their ministry, they should be blessed using the ritual “Order for the Blessing of Altar Servers, Sacristans, Musicians and Ushers” found in the Book of Blessings, #1847-1870. This blessing is normally given by the Pastor.

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Table of Contents

Altar Server’s Prayer 4 -

Pope John Paul II Message to Altar Servers 5 -

General Requirements 8-9 -

Who may serve 8 -

Proper Dress 8 -

Conduct/Demeanor 9 -

Postures at Mass - 9

Preparations for Mass - 10-11

Before coming to Church - 10

When you come to the Church - 10

Order of the Mass - 12-16

Duties after the Mass - 16

Ministers at the Mass - 16

Liturgical Colors - 18

Things to Know About - 19-26

Diocesan Guidelines for Altar Servers - 27

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Altar Server’s Prayer

Open my mouth, O Lord, to bless your Holy Name. Cleanse my heart from

all evil and distracting thoughts. Enlighten my understanding and inflame my will that I may serve more worthily at your holy altar.

O Mary, Mother of Christ the High Priest,

obtain for me the most important grace

of knowing my vocation in life. Grant me a true spirit of faith and humble obedience

so that I may ever behold the priest as a representative of God

and willingly follow him in the Way, the Truth, and the Life of Christ.

Amen

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APPENDICES

DIOCESAN GUIDELINES FOR ALTAR SERVERS

1. ROLE OF THE ALTAR SERVERS AT MASS Altar servers are lay men and women, girls and boys, who are designated to assist the priestcelebrant and the deacon at Mass. Servers carry the cross, the processional candles and hold the book for the priest celebrant when he is not at the altar; carry the incense and censer; present the bread, wine and water to the priest celebrant during the preparation of the gifts or assist him when he receives the gifts from the people; wash the hands of the priest celebrant; and assist the priest celebrant and dea-con as necessary. In general, they assist the priest celebrant and deacon when necessary. (GIRM, #100) Altar servers participate not only in their distinctive ministerial functions but also together with the worshiping assembly by singing, listening, responding and through their posture and gestures. 2. THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN “INSTITUTED ACOLYTES” AND “ALTAR SERVERS” In the Roman Catholic Church, “institution” to the ministry of acolyte is reserved to lay men, usually those preparing for Holy Orders. Most par-ishes do not have “instituted acolytes” but “altar servers.” The diocesan bishop may permit the liturgical functions of the “instituted acolyte” – except that of distributing holy communion and purifying the sacred ves-sels – to be carried out by “altar servers.” 3. CRITERIA FOR SERVING AT THE ALTAR The diocesan bishop may permit the liturgical functions of the instituted acolyte to be carried out by altar servers that include men and women, boys and girls; these functions are listed in the General Instruction of the Roman Missal. In the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, authorization has been granted by the bishop that females may function as altar servers in the liturgy. Altar servers are baptized Catholics, women and men, boys and girls, who are mature enough to understand and carry out their litur-gical functions. They should have received their first Holy Communion and normally receive the Eucharist whenever they participate in the litur-gy. 4. FORMATION It should be spiritual and technical. Altar servers need to know the indi-vidual parts of the Mass and their specific meaning, the various objects used in the liturgy and their proper names, and the differing functions of the altar server during Mass and other liturgical celebrations, e.g., bap-

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by linen and used to cover the chalice. Paschal Candle - Or the Easter Candle is a large candle that is located near the baptismal font. The candle is used during the entire Easter Season and at funerals. Paten- A small saucer shape plate of precious metal that holds the Host. Everyone should be very careful when they have to handle it as part of duties. Processional Cross- Is the large cross that is carried in by a server at the beginning of Mass and is carried out at the end of Mass. Purificator- A linen cloth used by the priest or deacon to dry the chalice after washing and purifying it. Used purificators must always be placed in the proper container for sacred cloths and properly cleaned. Pyx- A case, about the size of a pocket watch, in which Com-munion is carried to those who are sick or unable to come church. Thurible– The metal container in which incense is burned. It is hung from long chains so that it can be swung to disperse the incese smoke and aroma. ** Most of these definitions are taken from Caroline M. Thomas’ book “Forming Extraordi-nary Altar Servers”, Resource Publications, Inc., 2013. Used with permission.

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The Jubilee for Altar Servers during the Millennium Year (Address at the General Audience, August 1, 2001,

the 1,000th of Pope John Paul II’s pontificate)

Dear Brothers and Sisters! Dear Young People! Today St. Peter's Square is the square of youth. About a year ago, at the heart of the Great Jubilee 2000, youths from all over the world found solicitous welcome here for the celebra-tion of World Youth Day. Today this Square, which hosts the 1,000th general audience since divine Providence called me to be a Successor to the Apostle Peter, receives the thousands of boys and girls, who have come from all over Europe on pil-grimage to the tomb of the Prince of the Apostles. Dear altar servers! Yesterday you crossed St. Peter's Square in a long procession to be near the basilica's altar of Confes-sion. By so doing, you prolonged in some way the path that the youth of the world began in the Holy Year. The motto of your pilgrimage to the Eternal City, "Toward a New World," is a sign of your willingness to take your Christian vocation seri-ously. I greet you affectionately, dear young people, and I am happy that this meeting has taken place. In particular, I thank Auxil-iary Bishop Martin Gachter, president of Coetus Internation-alis Ministrantium, who has spoken such cordial words to me on your behalf. With special joy I address the altar servers of German-speaking countries, who numerically constitute the largest group. It is beautiful that so many young Christians have come from Germany! Your commitment to the altar is

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not only a duty, but a great honor, a genuine holy service. In connection with this service, I wish to propose some reflec-tions to you. The altar server's clothing is very special. It recalls the gar-ment that each one puts on when he is welcomed in Jesus Christ in the community. I am referring to the baptismal gown, whose profound meaning Saint Paul clarifies: "For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ" (Galatians 3:27). Even if you, dear altar servers, can no longer fit into your baptismal gown, you have put on the clothing of altar servers. Yes, baptism is the point of de-parture of your "authentic liturgical service," which places you next to your bishops, priests and deacons (see Sacrosanc-tum Concilium, No. 29). The altar server occupies a privileged place in the liturgical celebration. He who serves at Mass, presents himself to a community. He experiences firsthand that Jesus Christ is pre-sent and active in every liturgical act. Jesus is present when the community comes together to pray and render praise to God. Jesus is present in the Word of sacred Scripture. Jesus is present above all in the Eucharist under the signs of bread and wine. He acts through the priest who, in the person of Christ, celebrates the holy Mass and administers the sacra-ments. Therefore, in the liturgy, you are much more than sim-ple "helpers of the parish priest." Above all, you are servers of Jesus Christ, of the eternal High Priest. Thus, you, altar serv-ers, are called in particular to be young friends of Jesus. Be determined to go deeper and to cultivate this friendship with him. You will discover that in Jesus you have found a true friend for life. The altar server often has a candlestick in his hand. How can one not think of that which Jesus says in the Sermon on the Mount: "You are the light of the world" (Matthew 5:14). Your service cannot be limited to the inside of a church. It must shine in everyday life: in school, in the family, and in different realms of society. Because, whoev-

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will be consecrated during the Eucharist.

Funeral Pall- Is a large decorated cloth that covers the casket during a Funeral Mass. Holy Oils- Oils that are blessed by the bishop at the Chrism Mass, usually during Holy Week for distribution to the parish-es within the Diocese. - Oil of the Catechumens- Oil that is used for those who are

preparing to celebrate the sacrament of baptism. - Oil of the Sick- Oil that is used to anoint people during the

sacrament of the sick. - Sacred Chrism- Oil that is used at baptism, confirmation,

and holy orders. It has a special sweet fragrance. Holy Water– Water that has been blessed by the priest using a brief prayer. Incense- Is a mixture of leaves, bark, and other natural mate-rials which, when burned, produces a sweet- smelling smoke. The smoke rises and represents our prayers rising to God. Incense boat- A container holding the incense that will be spooned onto the hot coals for burning. Usually there is a small spoon with the incense boat. Lavabo- Is a bowl over which the priest washes his hands during Mass (water drips into this bowl).

Lunette- A thin, circular receptacle, having a glass face that holds the Consecrated Host used for Adoration and Benedic-tion. It slides into the monstrance. Monstrance- This is a large, ornate vessel used to hold the Blessed Sacrament for Adoration, Benediction and solemn Eucharistic processions. Pall- A square piece of cardboard or plastic, which is covered

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the consecrated hosts during the distribution of Holy Com-munion Candle Lighter/Snuffer– A long-handled tool with an ex-tendible wick for lighting candles and a bell-shaped metal part for extinguishing the flames. Chalice– A cup with a stem that holds the wine before and after consecration. All chalices should be placed in their proper place after Mass. If the chalices were left unpurified by the priest or deacon for some reason they should be left out on the counter in the sacristy for the priest or deacon to purify. Never put unpurified chalices away. Ciborium– A container (usually made from metal) with a lid that holds the Blessed Sacrament when it is put in the taber-nacle. Corporal– A square cloth positioned near the center of the altar which the vessels holding the consecrated bread and wine are placed. It is also used to protect any particles of the Precious Body and Blood of Jesus from falling to the altar cloth. It is always folded and unfolded as to protect any parti-cles from being lost. The corporal is like the body winding sheet used to hold the crucified body or Our Lord in the tomb. Cruets- Small pouring containers that contain the water and wine used at Mass. Cups– A word sometimes used to refer to the chalices into which the consecrated wine is poured for distribution to the people. Finger Towel– A small towel that the priest uses to dry his hands. Flagon or Decanter- Is a pitcher that contains the wine that

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er wishes to serve Jesus Christ inside a church must be his witness everywhere. Dear young people! Your contemporaries wait for the real "light of the world" (see John 1:9). Do not hold your candle-stick only inside a church, but carry the light of the Gospel to all those who are in darkness and are living through a diffi-cult time in their life. I have spoken of friendship with Jesus. How happy I would be if something more sprang from this friendship! How beautiful it would be if some of you were to discover a vocation to the priesthood! Jesus Christ has urgent need of youths who will be at his disposition with generosity and no reservations. Moreover, might not the Lord also call one or two of you girls to embrace the consecrated life to serve the Church and the brothers and sisters? Even for those who wish to be united in marriage, the service of altar servers teaches that a real union must always include readiness for reciprocal and free service.

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General Requirements

1. Who may serve: All children of registered parishioners who have received First Communion are eligible and wel-come to serve. They must have a strong desire to serve the Lord and should be committed and respectful to their fellow servers. They should be registered in the Parish Religious Education Program and able to attend scheduled practices. Servers are encouraged to participate through their senior year of high school, and are welcome to return to assist dur-ing college breaks. All candidates must have attended one training workshop which can be divided into several training session, and have the commitment and ability to perform this role with reverence.

2. Proper Dress: Altar Servers show respect for the Mass they attend by wearing proper attire. Here are some rules to abide when serving:

Clothing: Dress as you would go to anywhere important. ·Males servers should dress in collared shirts, dress pants, or khakis. ·Female servers should wear dresses, skirts, or some other appropriate attire. ·No T-Shirts ·No Shorts ·No Jeans *** You should look dressed up -“your Sunday best”- ***

Footwear: Dress Shoes ONLY (Heels are to be no higher than 1 inch)

·No sneakers ·No flip-flops ·No work boots *** All Foot Wear should look neat, and presentable ***

Hair / Makeup: Hair should have a neat and clean look - out of the way of the eyes .

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Books

Book Binder- This used for the General Intercessions read at Mass. Usually, the deacon or the Lector will read them. Book of Blessings– Contains blessings for various occasions, people, places and items. The Book of the Gospels– Contains the Gospel readings for Sundays, solemnities, feasts of the Lord, and some ritual Masses. Lectionary– Contains all the readings for Mass. It includes the responsorial psalm and the alleluia verse even though these are usually sung. Rite Books- Books that are used for special occasions. Rite of Baptism for Children Rite of Marriage Rite of Committal Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults The Roman Missal– The book that contains all the prayers that the priest uses at Mass. This is also been called the Sac-ramentary. Liturgical Objects

Ablution Cup- Is a covered dish of water on the side of the tabernacle used by the priest, deacon or extraordinary minis-ters of Holy Communion to wash their fingers after distrib-uting communion. Aspergillium- The Holy Water sprinkler. Bowls- Bowls are sometimes used instead of patens to hold

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Baptismal Font- The third of the primary symbols in a Cath-olic church. This holds the holy water that will be used to baptize those coming into the Catholic faith. Ideally this is located near the front entrance to the church building to sym-bolize that we come into the Church through the waters of baptism. Those entering bless themselves with the water from it. Holy Water Fonts- These remind us of the baptismal font. They are found at the entrance to many churches and contain holy water so those entering the building can bless them-selves as a reminder of their baptism. They are used if the baptismal font is not available at the entrance. Credence Table– A table in the church to hold items that will be used during the service. Gifts Table– A specific credence table normally located in the back of the church. It holds the bread and wine that will be brought up during the presentation of gifts time during Mass, just after the collection. Presider’s Chair– The chair the priest uses at Mass and from which he leads some of the prayers. Sanctuary Lamp- A candle, usually enclosed in glass, which burns to let people know the Blessed Sacrament is present in the tabernacle. Sometimes it is referred to as a “presence lamp” because it indicates Christ’s presence in the tabernacle. Tabernacle– A receptacle, usually made from metal, with door on the front. It holds the consecrated hosts left over from Mass so that they can be taken to the sick, and also for adoration.

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·Hair color and makeup, if any, must be minimal and pre-sent a natural and wholesome appearance. Serving with a color-dyed hair is prohibited. ·Girls with long hair are encouraged to wear their hair pulled back in a bun or pony tail *** Look neat, and presentable when you serve. ***

Jewelry: Do not wear anything that will make noise and/or will be distracting, or that will cause you to have problems serving. Girls may wear “appropriate” earrings to serve.

3. Conduct/Demeanor: On and off of the altar, the altar serv-er represents the Church to some degree and therefore their conduct and demeanor should be respectful. Servers must realize that their behavior and conduct set an example to oth-ers both inside and outside of the church. A server must want to serve at the Altar of God. Their decision to serve, with pa-rental support, is always the main motivating factor. A reluc-tant or disinterested server is a distraction during the Mass. Altar servers must attend every Mass they are scheduled. The altar servers are responsible for arranging their replace-ments when needed. If there is a problem finding a re-placement, please contact the Parish Secretary no later than Friday before the assigned Mass.

Postures At Mass

·Kneeling– When you kneel, your body should be upright and your hands should be in front of your chest, well above your waist.

·Standing– Always stand up straight with both feet firmly on the floor six to eight inches apart. This will give you balance and comfort at the same time. Do not lean against the furni-ture or against the walls.

·Sitting – Sit down on your chair carefully and gracefully. Once you are seated, sit tall and do not slouch. Place both feet

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firmly on the floor. Place your hands on your lap or flat on your thighs in a relaxed manner.

·Eyes– During Mass always look towards the place where the action is happening: the celebrant’s chair, the ambo or the altar. When a reader is reading the scriptures, you should be looking at the reader. Keep your attention on the presider in case he is need of your assistance.

Preparations for Mass

Before Coming to Church: ·Make sure you get a good night sleep. ·Make sure your shoes are clean. ·Make sure your hands and fingernails are clean.

When You Come to Church: ·Arrive at the church at least fifteen minutes (15) before Mass begins. If the weather is bad, you will probably have to leave home a bit earlier than usual.

·Go directly to the Sacristy. Greet everyone inside and quietly put on your cassock and surplice. Treat these vestments with care, and check that the cassock is not too short or too long. They should touch the top of your shoes. Note where you got your vestment from so you can put it back.

·Check for the following: Bowl and Towel Get a clean cloth from the drawer with the purificators. The

bowl is on the closet with the chalices and ciboria. Place the bowl and the cloth on the credence table. Candles Five minutes before Mass time, light the four candles on the

altar and beside the tabernacle using the candle lighter/ snuffer.

Properly extinguish the flame by pulling the wick into the

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a single clasp. Dalmatic- Is the outer garment worn by the deacon. It too usually matches the color of the stole. Humeral Veil– A long cloth draped over the shoulders of the celebrant when carrying the Blessed Sacrament in proces-sion, either in a monstrance, or on Holy Thursday in cibori-um. Stole– A long strip of fabric that is placed around the neck of a priest with the two ends hanging down the front. It is a symbol of ordination and matches the chasuble in color. De-pending on the style, it can be worn over or under the chasu-ble. The deacon wears a stole, but the deacon’s stole drapes across the left shoulder and is fastened below th waist on the right side. Surplice– A loose-fitting, short white tunic worn over a cas-sock. Vestments– Special articles of clothing worn by ministers for church worship services. Church Furnishings

Altar– A primary symbol in the church building. It repre-sents Christ’s body. This is why we bow when we cross in front of it. Ambo– The place from which the word of God is proclaimed. The prayers of the Faithful are also read from the ambo. It has been called a pulpit or lectern. It is one of the primary symbols in a Catholic church. Ambry– The location of the holy oils. This can be a cabinet or shelf, or individual stands.

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Usually the ambo and presider’s chair are in the sanctuary. In most churches, the altar servers are also seated there. Vestibule– The entrance area to the chruch building between the outside doors and the inside doors. Sometimes this is called the narthex. Garments Alb– A baptismal garment, long white– or sometimes off-white– as reminder of baptism. The altar serves frequently wear albs, although they may wear other vestments. The priest wear an alb under his chasuble, and sometimes with just a stole when he is not celebrating the Mass. Amice– A rectangular piece of white fabric with ties attached to be worn over the shoulders and around the neck of the priest when he is dressed for Mass. The amice covers the col-lar of his street clothes when he wear his vestments. Not all priests use them. Cassock- A long close-fitting black (or sometimes red) robe that buttons down the front. Some priests wear them as daily attire. Some altar servers use them with white surplices over the top part. Monsignors wear ones that are magenta color. Chasuble– A sleeveless outer vestment worn by the priest at Mass. It is in color of the season or the feast, such as violet for Lent or white for Easter. Some styles look similar to a pon-cho. Cincture- A long woven cord, usually out of a soft-cotton, which fastens around the waist of an alb. Cope– A long cape worn for processions, benediction, and other events other than Mass. It usually fastens in front with

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lighter. If there is no wick, ask the priest or sacristan to place it for

you. Ciborium Remove ciborium from where they are located. Place hosts in ciborium. Place one large on top of small

hosts. Ask priest how many hosts should be used. Chalice and Paten Get a clean purificator (cloth) from the drawer. Drape it

over the lip of the chalice. Place paten on top of the chalice. Place the chalice and paten on the credence table on the

right side of the church. Tabernacle Key Check if the tabernacle has the key. If not, ask the priest to

place the key into the tabernacle. Wine and Water (Only those authorize may perform this task) Fill wine and water cruets. They are found in the fridge in

the Sacristy. Place the cruets with wine and ciborium with bread on the

offertory table at the back of the church.

·Double check to make sure everything has been put out for Mass.

·After all of the above items are checked and completed, go inside the sacristy for last minute instructions from the priest. He may invite you to say a prayer before starting the Mass. Some priests may not say a prayer.

·At the invitation of the priest, move to the front door and wait for the Mass to begin.

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Order of the Mass

Entrance Procession If there is incensing: The Thurifer comes first before the

Cross Bearer, followed by the Candle Bearers, the Lector/s, Deacon, then the Priest.

Wait for the music to begin, and then walk slowly up the center aisle.

When you reach the foot of the sanctuary, genuflect (if you aren’t carrying anything) or bow with others in the procession, walk up the stairs, the cross bearer goes to the right side the others go to the left side.

Server One places the cross gently on the cross stand; the other servers go to their respective places.

If there is incensing: The Thurifer stands at the side of the altar and waits for the priest to venerate the altar. When the priest is done, the Thurifer hands in the incense boat.; opens the thurible for the priest to put the incense; takes back the incense boat, gives the thurible to the priest, and waits on the side standing until the Priest is done incens-ing. After which, he places the thurible on its stand and return to his or her set.

Opening prayer After the priest says, “Let us pray…”, Server One will pick

up the Missal and present it to the priest. The priest will open it and the server will stand holding

the book. When the priest has prayed, the server will close the book

and returned to its place on the table.

Alleluia When the priest or deacon stands to read the Gospel, the

servers must also stand and turn to face the priest or dea-con when he reads.

After the Gospel is read, the servers may sit and pay atten-tion to the homily. Talking and making unnecessary movements is prohibited.

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to show mourning and the reparation of the dead.

Rose: The symbol of Subdued Joy that half a penitential season is over, it used only on the Third Sunday of Ad-vent (Gaudete Sunday) and on the Fourth Sunday of

Lent (Laetare Sunday) as an alternative to violet.

Green: The symbol of Hope and Growth, Green is the color of budding and living vegetation. It is used dur-ing Ordinary Time, to show that our common state is

one of growing in our relationship with God, longing and hop-ing for eternal life.

Black: The symbol of Mourning and Death, it may be used in funerals or a day commemorating the dead or great loss of life, like All Soul’s Day. It is rarely used.

Things to Know About**

Parts of the Church Building

Nave- The main body of the Church where the assembly is seated. Sacrarium- A sink with a drain going directly into the ground usually fitted with a cover and lock, which is used for the dis-posal of the following: The sacred linens wash and rinse wa-ter, used holy water, used baptismal water, and blessed ash-es. No other use is allowed. Sacristry- The area, usually in the front of the church build-ing near the sanctuary, where the priest gets ready for Mass. The books, vestments, and sacred vessels are stored there. Sanctuary– The part of the church building around the altar.

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the church. Together with the ushers they make sure that everyone is properly seated. They hand-in liturgical aids, bul-letins, etc.] *Nevins, Albert. Called to Served: A Guidebook for Altar Servers (Huntington, IN: Our Sunday Visitor Publishing Division, 1981), p.12

Liturgical Colors The liturgical seasons are there to help us change, grow and become more mature as followers of Jesus Christ. One of the clearest signs of these seasons is the changing liturgical color. With each change of seasons, the Church changes the color of vestments as a visible sign of our need to change and grow.

White or Gold: The symbol of celebration and triumph, purity and innocence. It is used on all feasts of the joy-ful and glorious mysteries of our Lord’s life (e.g. Christmas and Easter), on the feast of our Blessed

Mother, on the feasts of angels and of all saints who were not martyrs. White/Gold can always be worn since every Mass is a celebration of Christ’s Resurrection, and is often worn at funerals to celebrate the life of the deceased and pray for their triumphal acceptance into heaven.

Red: The symbol of Sacrifice because it is the color of blood, is used on all feasts of our Lord’s Cross and Pas-sion, on the feasts of the Apostles and of all martyrs. It

is also a symbol of the Holy Spirit when it is used on Pente-cost and in Masses of the Holy Spirit, in memory of the tongues of fire of the First Pentecost.

Purple: The symbol of Penance and Waiting, is used during the penitential seasons of Advent and Lent, and on days of fast. It reminds us of preparation. It al-

so may be worn during funerals as an alternative dark color,

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If there is incensing: When the Alleluia is sung, the Candle Bearers take their candles and stand on the side of the altar facing the tabernacle. When the priest or deacon takes the Book of the Gospels and faces the people, they will also turn around to face the people. Together with the priest they will process towards the Ambo and stand on both sides. The Thurifer stands at the back of the priest or deacon. After the deacon or priest is finished with the gospel proclamation, the servers put back everything and return to their set.

Preparation of Gifts When the priest sits after saying the intercession, Server

One will bring the book to the altar, picks up the cross and goes down to the front of the church for procession with the offerings.

Server Two or Three will set up the altar by first placing the corporal at the center and then the chalices and purifi-cators on the side in orderly manner. Servers should not place the chalices on top of the corporal.

They will then step back on the side and wait for the dea-con or priest to check the set-up.

Offertory When the priest starts to move towards the aisle to re-

ceive the gifts, Servers Two and Three will follow him to assist.

The priest will hand the wine and other gifts to the serv-ers.

When all the gifts are received, all go up to the sanctuary. Both wine and water are presented to the priest or dea-

con. After taking both wine and water, the servers return them

to the credence table. After the priest has presented the cup, Servers Two and

Three move forward to wash the hands of the priest. If there is incensing: The Thurifer comes forward and

hands in the thurible to the priest for him to incense the

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gifts. The priest then goes around the altar. When the priest returns after incensing around the altar, the Thuri-fer takes back the thurible bows to the priest and incense him. Servers Two and Three should be ready to wash the priest’s hands. After the priest is incensed, the Thurifer invites everyone in the sanctuary to stand and then in-cense them beginning with other ministers (concelebrants). He then proceeds to the foot of the sanc-tuary, invites the people to stand, and incense them.

Eucharistic Prayers After the Sanctus is completed, the servers kneel on both

sides of the altar. When the priest stretches his hands over the gifts to bless

them. Server One and Three should ring the bells. (Please be attentive to this action, for it varies depending on what Eucharistic Prayer is used)

The bells are also to be used during the elevation of the Host and Chalice. This is my Body which will be given up for you (Ring bells 3 times) Do this in memory of Me (Ring bells 3 times)

If there is incensing: When the Sanctus is sung, the Thuri-fer takes the thurible and kneels infront of the altar facing the priest. When the priest elevates the Host and says “This is my Body which will be given up for you”, the Thu-rifer raise the thurible and make three double swings. Do the same when the priest elevates the Cup and says “Do this in memory of me”.

When the priest says or sings “The mystery of Faith”, eve-ryone stands up and returns to their places standing.

All servers are to respect the Church’s right to pray, so no horsing around during the Eucharistic Prayer. The people are looking at you for guidance and will fol-low what you do. You set the tone for the Mass. Remember they are looking at you so that they can fol-low your example.

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Communion, and gives directions to the people. Acolytes- [the one who serves the Mass] Lector- This is the person who reads the first two readings. There can be two lectors: one for the first reading, one for the second. In some parishes, this person also leads the respon-sorial psalm. Cantor- This is the leader of song. This person leads the hymns, acclamations, and frequently the responsorial psalm. Music Director- These person is in charge of all the music in the parish. Frequently this person is also the choir director or organist. Musicians- These people play the various instruments that accompany the music for the Mass. Choir members are also ministers. Commentator- This person makes announcements and helps the congregation follow the order of Mass. The Lector can fill this role. Ushers- These people greet the community as they arrive for Mass. They try to be sure that everyone is comfortably seat-ed. They take up the collection at Mass. Sacristan– This person usually works before Mass, making sure that everything is needed is where it belongs. You may be asked to help with his work. Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist- These minister assist at Communion. In some parishes they are part of the procession. [Greeters- These ministers greets the people as they come in

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Duties After the Mass

You must keep your vestments on when cleaning the church after the Mass

Clear the credence table off and take the objects back to

the sacristy. Properly extinguish candles by the altar with the candle

snuffer Fill the cruets with water and wine and return them back

to the fridge. Bring the chalices and ciborium back to the sacristy and

place them on the table/counter. After the clean-up, remove your vestments and hang them

properly back on the right clothing rack.

The Ministers at Mass*

It takes quite a few people to celebrate Mass well. In larger parishes there can be as many as forty or fifty people minis-tering (if you count the choir). In smaller parishes, the num-ber is usually far smaller. “To minister” means “to serve”. So all of these people serve the community, helping them wor-ship well. Priest Celebrant- This is the priest who presides over the celebration of the Mss. Sometimes, at what is called a concel-ebrated Mass, there can be more than one priest. But the one who presides is the one you should be concerned most about. Mostly, your job is to help him. Deacon- This person may or may not be part of your team. When present, the deacon usually proclaims the Gospel, preaches, prepares the gifts for Eucharist, helps to distribute

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Communion When the priest is giving communion, the missal may be

taken back to its place in the credence table by Server One. The servers may sit until communion is finished.

When communion is finished, Server Three needs to help place the objects back onto the credence table.

The Priest may ask for the water, Server Two should be ready to give it to him when asked for.

All servers remain seated until the priest says “Let us pray…”

Server One picks up the Missal and present it to the priest.

The Priest will open it and the server will stand holding the book.

When the priest is finished, he will close the book and the book then can be returned to its place on the table.

Closing Procession After the Priest gives the final blessing, Server One will

get the cross and go down the steps and wait at the first pew.

The rest of the servers will follow Server One. After the priest kisses the altar, he moves down, genu-

flects, and turns around. As the priest turns around, the servers will also turn and

head down the aisle.