Altar Server Prefect training

SERVER PREFECT TRAININGLeaders of Prayer for the Community

SERVER PREFECT TRAINING


Qualities of the Prefect:


Qualities of the Prefect: The Prefect is the Leader of Prayer


Qualities of the Prefect: The Prefect is the Leader of Prayer The Prefect leads by good example at

Mass and in life



Mass and in life The Prefect assists in training the

other Servers



Mass and in life The Prefect assists in training the

other Servers The Prefect has knowledge and

understanding of the Mass


Reminders: The people also look up to the Prefect


Reminders: The people also look up to the PrefectThe Prefect can set the tone of prayer

for the congregation


Reminders: The people also look up to the PrefectThe Prefect can set the tone of prayer

for the congregationThe Prefect assists the Priest at the altar

when necessary


Serving reminders: It is important to 'look alert'

at all times during the Mass, not slouching when sitting or looking around unnecessarily.




When seated, pay attention to the liturgical action




When seated, pay attention to the liturgical action

Feet should be flat on the floor and hands should be flat on your lap


Serving reminders: Folded Hands

When not seated, hands should be folded as follows:1. Palms and fingers together at chest level, pointed at a 45 degree angle2. Left thumb over the knuckle of the right thumb


Serving reminders:

Sign of the Cross1. Folded hand position (keeping left hand on chest)2. Keeping fingers together, touch the head (Father), above stomach (Son), left shoulder (Holy) to right shoulder (Spirit)3. Return to folded hands position.


Serving reminders:GenuflectionThis is a sign of reverence shown to the Blessed Sacrament, exposed on the altar or in the Tabernacle. One should genuflect when entering the church (at one's seat), when leaving and if crossing in front of the Blessed Sacrament. If no Tabernacle is present, a reverent, deep bow to the altar is appropriate. To genuflect... 1. Stand still with body erect2. Kneel with the right leg (move the right leg back slightly, touching the knee to the floor)3. After a brief pause, return to upright position


Serving reminders:Genuflection:4. When the Blessed Sacrament is exposed, a double genuflection (where the left knee is brought to the floor after the right knee, then raised first), is used 5. At each step of this process, a brief, distinct pause should be included


Serving reminders:

Carrying the CrossWalking at a moderate, dignified pace ...1. Hold the cross straight, with the corpus (Body of Christ) directly forward


Serving reminders:

Carrying the CrossWalking at a moderate, dignified pace ...1. Hold the cross straight, with the corpus (Body of Christ) directly forward2. Approach the altar and stop. Wait for the candle-bearers to line up on each side of you. Bow your heads At the same time toward the tabernacle and altar.


Serving reminders:

Carrying the CrossWalking at a moderate, dignified pace ...1. Hold the cross straight, with the corpus (Body of Christ) directly forward2. Approach the altar and stop. Wait for the candle-bearers to line up on each side of you. Bow your heads At the same time toward the tabernacle and altar. 3.Proceed to the appropriate side to place the cross in the sacristy.


Serving reminders:

Carrying a CandleThere are two candle bearers...1. Walk on opposite sides of the cross bearer, carrying the candles straight2. The outside hand should be at the knob (near the top) of the candle holder, with the other hand under the base


Serving reminders:

Holding a Missal:The book should be held as steadily and as high as possible in the position directed by the priest. One hand should support the weight of the book in the middle to avoid unnecessary movement. Keep your head and eyes down: don’t stare at the celebrant.If the Missal is too heavy, you can rest it on your forehead.


Serving reminders:Bells:


Serving reminders:Bells: Bells are rung three times

during the Mass-



during the Mass- Once at the Epiclesis (when

the priest puts out his hands over the gifts





Three times at the elevation of the Eucharist





Three times at the elevation of the Eucharist

Three times at the elevation of the chalice


Serving reminders:

Incensation:


Serving reminders:

Incensation:1. The four times for using incense are...


Serving reminders:

Incensation:1. The four times for using incense are...... the altar before Mass begins


Serving reminders:

Incensation:1. The four times for using incense are...... the altar before Mass begins... Before the reading of the Gospels


Serving reminders:

Incensation:1. The four times for using incense are...... the altar before Mass begins... Before the reading of the Gospels ... gifts, altar, servers, celebrants and congregation during the preparation of the gifts


Serving reminders:

Incensation:1. The four times for using incense are...... the altar before Mass begins... Before the reading of the Gospels ... gifts, altar, servers, celebrants and congregation during the preparation of the gifts... Body and Blood of Christ after each is elevated


Serving reminders: Carry the thurible in the

right hand (left hand on chest) holding the chain just below the top to the right side with a gentle swinging motion


Serving reminders: Carry the thurible in the

right hand (left hand on chest) holding the chain just below the top to the right side with a gentle swinging motion

Carry the boat to the right of the thurible carrier in the right hand, or in the left hand if carrying both


Serving reminders: Carry the thurible in the right

hand (left hand on chest) holding the chain just below the top to the right side with a gentle swinging motion

Carry the boat to the right of the thurible carrier in the right hand, or in the left hand if carrying both

Transfer thurible to left hand prior to the celebrant adding incense, using the chain to raise the lid. Make a head bow before giving and after receiving the thurible


Serving reminders: 5. To incense...

... Transfer the end of the chain to your left hand, grasping the chain with the right six inches above the cup... Raise the right hand to the chin, twelve inches from the body, the chain lying on the index finger secured by the thumb... Swing with the arm and hand smoothly... Bow the head before and after the start of each set of swings... The Blessed Sacrament and the Celebrant gets three distinct swings, the deacon, the ministers and congregation two


... The celebrant is incensed after he has incensed the altar, before washing his hands... When incensing the congregation, swing center, left and then right separately... The boat bearer adds incense to the thurible at the end of the 'Sanctus‘ [Holy, Holy, Holy], and the thurifer goes to the center, genuflects to the Sacrament and turns and kneels in front of the altar... Each elevation is incensed three swings


6. Benediction: after the celebrant incenses the Sacrament, the thurifer takes the thurible and kneels about three feet behind the celebrant. Three double swings accompanying each movement of the Sacrament. The servers remain kneeling until the Sacrament is reposed


LITURGICAL RULES AND PRACTICES

The celebration of Mass is the action of Jesus and the People of God




The Mass is the center of the whole Christian life




The Mass is the center of the whole Christian life

The Mass is the center of the Church’s life and of the life of each individual

-GIRM #16


Preparation for Mass

Be at church early enough to learn about any changes for that day’s Mass, especially for a Holy Day or Feastday such as Christmas or Easter



Check the credence table to be sure that everything needed for the Mass is in place



Check the credence table to be sure that everything needed for the Mass is in place

The items used for Mass include:



The chalice with the purificator, paten, host, pall and corporal

(GIRM #118)



A ciborium on the credence table if the Mass will have a lot of people



A ciborium on the credence table if the Mass will have a lot of people

A ciborium on the table in the back of the church for the Procession of the Gifts

(GIRM #118)



Two cruets, one with water and one with wine of there is no offertory procession.


Preparation for Mass Two cruets, one with

water and one with wine of there is no offertory procession.

If there is to be an offertory procession, the cruet with wine is put on the table in the back of the church with the ciborium.

(GIRM #118)



The pitcher, bowl and towel for the washing of the hands


Preparation for Mass The pitcher, bowl and

towel for the washing of the hands

The container of water if there is to be the sprinkling rite (asperges) or on Easter Sunday for the renewal of baptismal promises

(GIRM #118)



The Missal set to the Mass of the day, which is found in the Ordo and placed on the credence table


Preparation for Mass The Missal set to the

Mass of the day, which is found in the Ordo and placed on the credence table

The small Missal for the chair is placed on the book bearer’s chair

(GIRM # 118)


Preparation for MassDuties of the Book

Bearer The book bearer

should be chosen before Mass

This can be any server The book bearer is

responsible for the following actions at Mass:



Bringing the Missal to the celebrant for the opening prayer

NOTE: This is usually done after the Gloria, except in the seasons of Lent and Advent when the Gloria is not recited


Preparation for Mass The Gloria…is sung or

said on Sundays outside Advent and Lent, and also on solemnities and Feasts, and at particular celebrations of a more solemn character.

(General Instruction of the Roman Missal)



In the seasons of Advent and Lent, the Collect (Opening Prayer) is said directly after the Penitential Rite


Preparation for Mass The Book Bearer

brings the Missal to the priest, or the acolyte who is setting the altar.

The Book Bearer hands the Missal to the minister at the altar: servers do not put anything on the altar themselves


Preparation for Mass “The acolyte is

instituted for service at the altar and to assist the Priest and Deacon. It is his place principally to prepare the altar and the sacred vessels…”

(GIRM # 98)


Preparation for Mass “In the absence of an

instituted acolyte, lay ministers may be deputed to serve at the altar and assist the priest and the deacon”

(GIRM # 100) In the parishes of St.

Mary and St. Ignatius, these ministers are the servers and the Prefects



The Prefect should make sure that all is in place before the Mass begins



The Prefect should make sure that all is in place before the Mass begins

Be sure that the altar candles are lit before preparing for the Entrance Procession



We will prepare to serve at Mass by reciting the Altar Server Prayer before Mass


Preparation for Mass Open my mouth, O Lord, to bless

Your holy Name. Cleanse my heart of all evil and distracting thoughts. Enlighten my understanding, and enflame my will that I may serve worthily at your Holy Altar. O Mary, Mother of Christ the High Priest, obtain for me the important grace of knowing my vocation in life. Grant me a true spirit of faith, and humble obedience so I may ever behold the priest as the representative of Christ and willingly follow him in the way and the truth and the life of Christ. Amen.


The Entrance Procession

“When the people are gathered, the Priest and ministers, wearing sacred vestments, go in procession to the altar in this order:

The thurifer carrying a smoking thurible if incense is being used

(GIRM #120)


The Entrance Procession The ministers who carry

lighted candles, and between them an (instituted) acolyte or other minister with the cross

(GIRM #119)In the parishes of St. Ignatius and St. Mary, the other ministers are the Server Prefect or Senior Server



“The procession assembles: (thurifer), cross bearer, candle bearers, lector or deacon (carrying the Book of the Gospels)…(Ceremonies of the Modern Roman Rite

#248)


The Entrance Procession Liturgical practice and

tradition calls for the cross and candles together in the procession.

The processional cross is only used when there are servers to escort the cross with candles.

The only exception to this rule is the funeral liturgy when there are not enough servers to carry candles.



“Ministers carrying the processional cross or candles bow their heads instead of genuflecting” as they approach the altar.

(GIRM #274)



The (servers) and other ministers

(GIRM #119)



The priest who is to celebrate the Mass

(GIRM #119)


]Thurifer

X U XCandle bearer *Crucifer *Candle

bearer W W W W

Other servers W W

Other ministers v v

Concelebrants&

Deacon with the Book of the Gospels

oCelebrant


Incensation “Incense may be

used…at the beginning of Mass, to incense the cross and the altar.”

(GIRM #376)


Incensation “The altar is incensed in

the following way…the celebrant bows to the altar and proceed to incense it, turning to the right, then walking around it…If the cross is suspended above or placed behind the altar…it is incensed when (he) arrives at the center of the front of the altar. (Ceremonies of the Modern Roman Rite #378)


Incensation The thurifer should go

to the side of the altar with the MC or the Prefect until the priest kisses the altar. As soon as the celebrant stands up, the thurifer and boat bearer should approach him and raise the thurible for the celebrant to put incense onto the coal.


Incensation The MC accompanies

the celebrant around the altar for the incensation as the thurifer waits for them at the side of the altar. When the celebrant returns to the back side of the altar, the thurifer approaches to take the thurible from him and put it on the stand.


Collect (Opening Prayer)

“A server holds the missal open before the celebrant…”

At the end of the Collect, “The server closes the book, bows and takes it away.”(Ceremonies of the Modern Roman Rite

#255)


Ceremonial Action: Bowing

“There are two bows in the modern Roman Rite: the bow of the body…and the bow of the head.(Ceremonies of the Modern Roman Rite #201; GIRM #275)



A bow of the body is made to the altar when the Blessed Sacrament is not on or behind it, to the celebrant, before and after an incensation and when it is specified in various rites.”

(Ceremonies of the Modern Roman Rite #202; GIRM

#274, #275)



A bow of the head is made at the mention aloud of the three Divine Persons (Glory be to the Father, etc.), at the holy names of Jesus, Mary and the saint whose feastday is being celebrated

(Ceremonies of the Modern Roman Rite #203; GIRM

#274, #275)


Ceremonial Action: Bowing A slight bow also expresses

mutual respect and gratitude before and after receiving an object or being assisted in some way during a ceremony.

We bow to the celebrant and to any other minister, such as the deacon or another server, when giving something to them or receiving something from them.

(Ceremonies of the Modern Roman Rite #203; GIRM #274,

#275)


Liturgy of the Word “At the “table of the

word”, God speaks to His people. Through the ministry of the word, Christ is present among us.” (Ceremonies of the Modern Roman Rite

#256)


Liturgy of the Word During the first

reading, the singing of the psalm and the second reading, the servers sit, hands on their laps, and listen to the readings of the day.

The Prefect should be attentive to the celebrant or MC in case anything is needed during this time.


Liturgy of the WordThe Gospel Procession

“…if incense is used, the priest puts some in the censer…The Priest then proceeds to the ambo, accompanied, if appropriate, by ministers with incense and candles”(Rubrics of the Roman

Missal #14)



“Having bowed to the altar, (the priest) takes up the Book of the Gospels which was placed upon it…he proceeds to the ambo…

(GIRM #175)



“…He is preceded by a thurifer, carrying a thurible with smoking incense, and by servers with lighted candles.”

(GIRM #175)



“…at the words, A reading from the Holy Gospel…(the priest) signs the book with his thumb and, afterwards, himself on his forehead, mouth and breast. He incenses the book and proclaims the Gospel reading.”

(GIRM # 134)


Liturgy of the WordThe Gospel

“During the Gospel all stand and turn towards the ambo to honor Christ in his word. The candle bearers stand on either side of the ambo.”

(GIRM #134; Ceremonies of the Modern Roman

Rite #262)


Liturgy of the WordThe Gospel

During the reading of the Gospel, the thurifer stands behind and to the right of the Priest.


Liturgy of the Word: The Gospel

Thurifer MC

] vPriest

&

XnXCandle Bearer Ambo Candle Bearer


Liturgy of the Word:The Creed

After the homily, all stand to recite the Creed, which is to be said on all Sundays and solemnities.

“All bow deeply at “by the Holy Spirit…man.” All kneel at these words on the solemnities of Christmas and the Annunciation.”

(GIRM #68; Ceremonies of the Modern Roman Rite #265)


Liturgy of the Eucharist

Preparation of the altar

“After the Prayer of the Faithful…the Acolyte or Priest prepares the altar.”

(GIRM #178)



Preparation of the altar “The celebrant and

people sit while the celebrant or acolyte prepares the altar.

(Ceremonies of the Modern Roman Rite #270)



Preparation of the altar Meanwhile the

ministers place the corporal, the purificator, the chalice, the pall and the Missal on the altar.(Rubrics of the Roman

Missal #21)



Preparation of the altar

The book bearer brings the Missal to the altar and hands it to the Acolyte.



The Offertory Procession “It is appropriate for

the faithful’s participation to be expressed by an offering…of the bread and wine for the celebration of the Eucharist…”

(GIRM #140)



The Offertory Procession

“The offerings of the faithful are received by the priest, assisted by the acolyte or other minister. ”

(GIRM #140)


Liturgy of the EucharistThe Offertory Procession

“Servers should take the bread and wine…to the altar or credence table. (The priest) should not have to carry anything himself to the altar.”

(Ceremonies of the Modern Roman Rite

#272)



The Offertory Procession

The server who receives the ciborium proceeds to the altar and hands the ciborium to the Acolyte or celebrant, who then places it on the altar.



The Offertory Procession The server who

receives the cruet of wine proceeds to the credence table, removes the top of the cruet and waits for the other server to take the water cruet to the altar


Liturgy of the EucharistPreparation of the Gifts

The priest, standing at the altar, takes the paten with the bread and, holding it slightly raised above the altar, says inaudibly:

Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation, for through your goodness we have received the bread we offer you: fruit of the earth and work of human hands, it will become for us the bread of life.(Rubrics of the Roman Missal

#23)



Then (the priest) places the paten with the bread on the corporal…the…Priest pours wine and a little water into the chalice, saying quietly:

By the mystery of this water and wine may we come to share in the divinity of Christ, who humbled himself to share our humanity

(Rubrics of the Roman Missal #23)



Preparation of the Gifts The rubrics call for the

wine to be presented first and then the water.

Make sure that the server with the wine cruet offers the wine before the server with the water.



After the gifts have been prepared the priest places the chalice on the corporal and bows to say:

“With humble spirit and contrite heart may we be accepted by you, O Lord, and may our sacrifice in your sight this day be pleasing to you, Lord God.”



Preparation of the Gifts When you see the

celebrant bow at the altar, be ready with the pitcher, bowl and towel to go to the altar so he can wash his hands, unless incense is used.



Preparation of the Gifts “If incense is used,

the priest then puts some in the thurible, blesses it without saying anything, and incenses the offerings, the cross and the altar.”

(GIRM #144)



Preparation of the Gifts

“A minister, while standing at the side of the altar, incenses the priest, then the people.”

(GIRM #144)


Liturgy of the Eucharist After offering the gifts, or

after incensing the gifts, the rubrics tell us:

Next the priest stands at the side of the altar and washes his hands, saying quietly:

Wash me, O Lord, from my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.

(Rubrics of the Roman Missal #28)



After the washing of the hands, the servers put the bowl, towel and pitcher on the credence table and go to their seats for the Eucharistic Prayer.



When spreading out the corporal, make sure that the folds and creases are down so that when it is folded up any particles of the Host may be folded inside the cloth


Liturgy of the EucharistThe Eucharistic Prayer

If incense is to be used at the consecration, the thurifer puts some incense into the thurible at the beginning of the “Holy, holy, holy” and then goes to kneel on the middle step to the right side of the altar.



The Eucharistic Prayer

“A little before the consecration, when appropriate, a server rings a bell as a signal to the faithful.”

(GIRM #150)




“(All kneel) for the consecration, at the epiklesis…when a server sounds the bell.”


#402)




“Epiklesis” is a Greek word that refers to the calling down of the Holy Spirit on the gifts of bread and wine on the altar.



The Eucharistic Prayer We know that the Holy

Spirit is present when the celebrant holds his hands out over the bread and wine on the altar, a gesture of sacrifice representing the descent of the Holy Spirit



The Eucharistic Prayer “If incense is being

used, when the host and the chalice are shown to the people after the Consecration, a minister incenses them.”

(GIRM #150)



The Eucharistic Prayer “…the thurifer

incenses the Blessed Sacrament at each elevation…the M.C. or boat bearer helps to prepare incense.


#403)


Liturgy of the EucharistThe Eucharistic Prayer

“At each elevation (a server) may ring the bell”(Ceremonies of the Modern

Roman Rite #403) “A little before the

Consecration…a minister rings a small bell as a signal to the faithful. The minister also rings the small bell at each elevation by the Priest…”

(GIRM #150)


The Lord’s Prayer and the Sign of

Peace All stand to recite the

Our Father together with hands in the prayer position.

At the Sign of Peace, servers give the sign of peace to each other


The Lord’s Prayer and the Sign of Peace

The Priest may give the Sign of Peace to the ministers but always remains within the sanctuary, so that the celebration is not disrupted.

GIRM # 154


The Lord’s Prayer and the Sign of

Peace Then, if appropriate, the

Deacon, or the Priest adds: Let us offer each other the

sign of peace And all offer one another a

sign, in keeping with local customs, that expresses peace, communion and charity. The Priest gives a sign to a Deacon or minister.

(Rubrics of the Roman Missal # 129)


Communion The servers and

Prefects approach the altar only after the Priest has received Communion and then receive Communion before returning to their seats


Communion The Missal is left on

the altar until the Celebrant is finished cleansing the vessels after Communion


Communion When the celebrant

and ministers leave the sanctuary to distribute the Blessed Sacrament, the servers and Prefect go to their kneelers or seats and use this time to pray.


Communion “When distribution of

Communion is finished, the priest himself immediately consumes at the altar any consecrated wine that happens to remain; as for any consecrated hosts that are left…(he) carries them to the place designated for the reservation of the Eucharist.”

(GIRM #163)


CommunionFor St. Mary’s Servers

If servers are seated or standing nearby when the priest and other ministers return to the altar after Communion, they should stand and when the celebrant brings the ciboria to the Tabernacle.

They should face the Lord in their presence (that is, while facing the Tabernacle) and genuflect with the priest before he closes the Tabernacle door.


Purifications “…standing at the

altar…(the Priest) purifies the paten or ciborium over the chalice, then purifies the chalice…and dries (it) with a purificator. If the vessels are purified at the altar, they are carried to the credence table…”

(GIRM # 163)


Purifications When the Eucharist is

reposed in the Tabernacle, the servers should be immediately ready to bring the cruet(s) with water to the altar for the purification of the vessels.

The servers approach the Priest and hand him the cruet, waiting until it is handed back. The server then bows and puts the cruet back on the credence table.


Purifications Usually the Extraordinary

Ministers wait for the vessels at the altar, receive them from the priest and return them to the credence table. If there are no Extraordinary Ministers, or if there are not enough Eucharistic Ministers, the servers should be prepared to receive the vessels and place them on the credence table. The Prefect should be aware of the situation and be prepared to direct the other servers to assist when necessary.


Purifications Remember: as soon as the

Blessed Sacrament is reposed in the Tabernacle, it is permissible to be seated.

A period of quiet prayer follows.

If there is to be a procession at the end of Mass, the candle bearers and the crucifer go to the sacristy and prepare the cross and candles when the Priest stands to say the Prayer after Communion


Prayer After Communion

Standing at the chair, the celebrant recites the prayer after Communion.

(GIRM # 165) The Book Bearer should

be ready after Communion to bring the Missal to the chair for the Communion Prayer.


Concluding Rites “When the prayer after

Communion is concluded, brief announcements to the people may be made.”

(GIRM # 166) If there are

announcements to be made, the Book Bearer may step back and hold the book down until the celebrant is ready to give the blessing.


Concluding Rites “Then the priest, extending his

hands, greets the People…he makes the Sign of the Cross over the people…On certain days and occasions this blessing …is expanded and expressed by a prayer over the People or another more solemn formula.”

(GIRM # 167) The Prefect should be aware of

the solemnity of the celebration and if there is a special blessing at the end of Mass. The Book Bearer should be informed of this before going to the chair.


Recessional As soon as the Priest

approaches the altar for veneration at the end of Mass, the Book Bearer, crucifer, candle bearers and other servers should go immediately to the center aisle and form the procession facing the altar so that when they turn around to leave, the procession is in the correct order.


Recessional It should be remembered

that if you have something in your hands, a bow of the head toward the altar and Tabernacle is required. If you have nothing in your hands, genuflect, going down on your right knee. Either of these actions should be done along with the celebrant.


Recessional Remember that the

procession does not end until we reach the sacristy, so we should maintain our liturgical posture until then


After Mass After Mass, we will

pause to say the Altar Server Prayer After Mass together

in the sacristy


After MassO Lord Jesus Christ, eternal

high priest, I thank you for the privilege of having

served at your Holy Altar. Now as I put aside the

garments of that service I ask that I may at all times think of you. May I ever

seek you and find you. May I always follow you. Ever

ready in your service, may I always come to do your will

in all things and by your grace persevere until the

end. Amen.


After MassAfter the hymn has

finished it is the duty of the Servers

to put out the candles and bring the Missal into the

sacristy

Altar Server Prefect training

Spiritual

Transcript of Altar Server Prefect training