The Altar Guild & Sacristan

“Martha, burdened with much

serving, came to him and said,

‘Lord, do you not care that my

sister has left me by myself to do

the serving? Tell her to help me.’”

(Luke 10:40)

[1]

ALTAR GUILD PRAYERS

GRANT, O Lord, we beseech you, that we may handle holy

things with reverence and godly fear, and perform our work

with such faithfulness and devotion that it may rise with

acceptance before you and obtain your blessing through

Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.—St. Joseph’s Monastery

O Lord Jesus Christ, who did accept the ministry of faithful

men and women during your earthly life; We pray you to

accept and bless the work that this altar guild undertakes in

the care of your sanctuary. Grant us a spirit of reverence for

your house and worship, your Word and Sacraments, and

preserve in purity and holiness our own souls and bodies as

living temples of Your presence. Amen.—Edith Weir Perry

Give me an open mind, O God, a mind ready to receive and

to welcome such new light of knowledge as it is your will to

reveal to me. Let not the past ever be so dear to me as to set

a limit to the future. Give me courage to change my mind,

when that is needed. Let me be tolerant to the thoughts of

others and hospitable to such light as may come to me

through them. Amen.—John Baillie

Gracious God, bless your Church and all who minister at the

altars and care for sacred vessels and linens. Give us an

awareness of beauty and mindfulness in holy places that we

may enable others to worship and set forward the coming of

your Kingdom, through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

Amen.—Mrs. Suzette Cayless

[2]

Message from the Pastor

As I think about all those I have encountered in parishes over

the years, some of the most joyful Christians I have ever

known were those who cared for the altar and church. I

remember spending hours chatting away with a dear man

named Oliver as he was sitting on the sanctuary steps

polishing the brass candle sticks or other metallic objects.

He was an elderly Gentleman’s Gentleman or Valet and

worked for a well-to-do family in Northwest Washington, DC.

His manners and good taste were impeccable. He was given

one day off every week and he would spend a large portion

of that day fixing up things at St. Ann’s Church. He has gone

to God but my mind’s eye can still see his friendly and

content smile. I have known several ladies who regularly set

up flowers near the altar, to enhance a presence which gave

them infinite consolation and joy. I have witnessed elderly

people, barely able to walk, moving slowly from pew to pew

to make sure that books were put back, that gum was

extracted and cereal from children was bagged. I have also

seen young people moving quickly through a church, anxious

to be doing something else, but learning an invaluable lesson

about patience and tidiness. (I remember a mother saying,

“If only she could keep her room as nice as she does the

church!”) Those who do the work of the Altar Guild are good

about taking instructions; but they are also invaluable in

letting pastors and staffs know when something is broken or

needs correction in the church. This is as it should be— they

have a profound love for the liturgy and the House of God.

[3]

The Altar Guild and those who work with them or who do

similar service are often unnoticed or even invisible. They

are rarely thanked and yet if they disappeared tomorrow,

priests would find their lives far more complicated with the

routine matters of caring for a church. Those in the pews

would probably quickly see changes— a lack of flowers, a

developing clutter and an increasingly polluted environment.

When Jesus spent time in the house of Lazarus, we are told

that Mary took the posture of a disciple sitting at his feet

while listening to him. Her sister Martha became frustrated

that she was doing all the cooking and serving. The

members of our Altar Guild should inculcate the virtues of

both of these women. While Jesus said that Mary had

chosen the better part and would not be deprived of it,

someone had to make preparations and serve. Receptive to

the Lord, our Altar Guild participates at Mass, says the

Rosary before or after services and is attentive to God’s

Word. However, the members are not entirely passive but

are also active in living out their faith and cherishing

everything that surrounds and makes possible the mysteries

of faith.

The members of the Altar Guild are not paid. Currently we

do have a paid Sunday Sacristan to help set up and to serve

the Masses. Guild members find their reward in knowing

that they have had an important part in maintaining Holy

Family Parish and in facilitating the sacramental life of

hundreds of believers. They appreciate something that I

would hope all our parishioners would come to understand:

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this is not only God’s house but it is also OUR house. It is the

spiritual home of all who worship and pray here.

—Father Joe Jenkins

A Quick List of Duties

The Altar Guild is vitally important as it is charged with the

care of the Church’s sacred space, vestments, vessels, linens,

missals, hymnals, furnishings, flowers, decorations and other

liturgical supplies.

A member currently sets up for the following liturgies:

Morning Weekday Masses (Mo/Tu/Th/Fr/Sa)

Sunday Morning 7:30 AM

Funerals (viewings and the Mass)

The priest or deacon currently sets up for the Wednesday

7:30 PM Mass and an a paid Sacristan for the following

Sunday Masses: 9:30 AM, 12 Noon and the monthly 2:00 PM.

There are many duties that fall under the general care of the

church:

Vacuuming the carpet and cleaning the floor;

Straightening the books in the racks and pews;

Periodically waxing, cleaning and treating the wood

pews;

Taking out trash left by Mass-goers;

Cleaning up residual wax;

Replacing the altar candles;

Replacing the vigil or sanctuary candle;

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Replacing the votive candles; &

Straightening or discarding bulletins, flyers, etc.

By default, assembling and counting money on Monday

mornings also largely falls to certain members of the Guild.

Remove collections from lock-boxes (if still in church);

Remove money from the votive candle rack;

Remove money from the “charity” (poor) box; &

Remove money from the pamphlet/book money box.

When it comes to the linens and vestments, Guild members

do the following:

They wash by hand and then by machine the altar linens;

Various albs, cassocks, and other vestments are machine

washed;

Certain vestments are sent to the cleaners with special

instructions;

Sometimes zippers and buttons are replaced;

Vestments are repaired or handed over for replacement;

Seasonal vestments are set up and placed on hangers in

the sacristy; &

Members learn the manner that linens are folded,

washed and starched.

The Altar Guild and Sacristan have a sacred mission to store

and safeguard the liturgical vessels:

They set out the monstrance and candles for First

Saturday Adoration;

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They set out the chalice, paten and sometimes the

ciborium for Mass;

They set out the cruets of water and wine for many of

the Masses;

They set out the water pitcher, bowl and finger towel;

They make sure that the Roman Missal and Lectionary

are in the church; &

They make sure the lights are on, the heat or air is

running and the microphones for Mass are powered.

When a member sets up for funerals, the Paschal Candle is

brought to the center lower step of the sanctuary. The pall

for the casket is laid over the pew, either in back or in the

front (priest’s chair side) of the church. Holy water is in the

back or set next to the altar (when prior viewing) for

sprinkling. The vessels and gifts are set out. If the body was

cremated, a table with cloth is set out for the urn. The priest

or deacon usually takes care of weddings.

The two motivations behind this ministry are (1) the desire

to humbly serve the Lord and his community and (2)

gratitude for the gifts of God that come to us through the

Church. Few are so privileged to work in God’s house.

The Importance of This Work

A beautiful environment enhances worship. While the

sacrifice of Christ and the Eucharistic presence would be just

as authentic in a barn as in a cathedral, the sacred trappings

of a church help to better dispose us to the mysteries taking

place around us. This is where the Altar Guild truly makes a

difference in the Church’s prayer and worship. Guild

[7]

members should know that our lives only have genuine value

when we employ our gifts in compliance to divine

providence and our personal calling.

Often we speak of stewardship in terms of time, talent and

treasure. Altar Guild members enbody in a practical way

such sacrifices. The Altar Guild of Holy Family Parish consists

of parishioners who take responsibility for caring for the

church, especially organizing the sacristy and maintaining the

sanctuary area around the altar. They keep God’s house

clean and lead the way in decorating and preparing the

church during the liturgical seasons.

The Cloths That are Used

Only the following may be placed on the altar:

1. The fair linen (white altar cloth) must always be on top of

any seasonal altar covering.

2. A corporal should be placed in the middle of the altar

and about an inch from the front edge. The corporal is a

small white cloth with a middle emblem that is folded

three times each way to form nine equal squares and

opened lying flat and not shook open.

3. White cloths must be placed on the credence table (on

the side of the altar). The gift or offertory table (in the

back-center of the church) is for the cruets of water and

wine.

During the Christmas and Easter seasons, Altar Guild

members help decorate the church and prepare for the

services pertaining to that time of year.

[8]

Liturgical Seasons

Advent initiates the new Liturgical Year. PURPLE is used for

both Advent and Lent. It symbolizes both penance and

preparation. It can also symbolize royalty. RED is used for

Palm Sunday, Good Friday, Pentecost, and for feast days of

apostles and martyrs. WHITE vestments are used for the

seasons of Christmas and Easter, for feasts of our Lord

outside of the Passion, and for Marian feasts. GREEN is used

throughout Ordinary Time when not otherwise replaced by

another color (according to the sanctoral or saints’ calendar).

We have an ordo in the sacristy that notes the liturgical color

of the day; this can be particularly useful on the memorials

of saints.

Advent

We use no flowers during Advent, unless requested for a

funeral or a wedding. During this season, we use three

purple candles and one rose candle on a wreath. Appointed

parishioners light the first purple candle on the first Sunday

in Advent, light one more candle on each subsequent Sunday

during the season except on the third Sunday when the rose

(pink-looking) candle is lighted. An empty crèche or stable is

set out. Gift cards for the poor will be selected from it.

Christmas

Various flowers (especially poinsettas) are purchased for

Christmas. Artifical trees are set up as live ones are not

permitted by the Archdiocese of Washington. The figures

are placed in the crèche although the wisemen are located

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first near the ambo and slowly make their way across the

sanctuary as we get closer to the Epiphany.

Lent

About a month prior to Easter, the flowers, palms and small

individual candles are ordered for the church. Check the

inventory: ashes, towels, incense, charcoal, red cloth for

palms, red covers for statues, Station of the Cross booklets,

special basin and pitcher (for the washing of feet), wooden

Holy Thursday tabernacle, cloth for the veneration of the

Cross, Paschal Candle for the church, and congregational

candles with paper or plastic bobeches for the Easter Vigil.

As always insure that sufficient hosts are available for

services.

There are various altar cloths used during the seasons and

the Altar Guild has discretion as to choices. We use no

flowers during Lent, unless requested for a funeral or a

wedding.

Holy Saturday & Easter

On Holy Saturday morning, volunteers and Altar Guild

members will meet at a designated time to decorate the

church.

1. The Holy Water Tank and Stand is set between the

Baptismal Font and the Pascal Candle.

2. Place the candles in the baskets to be handed out for

the Easter Vigil.

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3. Flowers (especially Lilies) are used around altar, ambo,

and tabernacle but try not to impede necessary

movement by the priest, deacon and servers.

4. Make sure a flashlight is available for the chanting of the

Easter Praises.

5. The oils should be out for the appropriate anointings.

Ordinary Time

During Ordinary Time, green vestments are worn. This time

lasts until the first Sunday in Advent, which is the start of the

new Liturgical Year. We have twelve banners, two to be

displayed during each of the liturgical seasons: Ordinary

Time (Green), Lent (purple), Easter (white), Advent (purple)

and Christmas (white) and Pentecost/Confirmations (red).

CARE OF THE LINENS

The fair linens, credence cloths, altar cloths or communion

linens will grace our Eucharistic rites for years to come.

Fortunately, sacristans over the years have accumulated and

shared valuable knowledge on how best to care for the

linens. Listed below are some suggestions gathered that we

might find useful.

Cleaning the Linens

Always shake linens just removed from the altar into the

sacristy’s sink (sacrorium). This is the proper way to dispose

of any crumbs of consecrated bread that may remain on

altar or communion linens. As soon as possible after

removing linens from the sanctuary, inspect them for stains

that may not come out in normal washing. ALWAYS RINSE

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THE SMALL LINENS AND ALTAR CLOTHS PRIOR TO WASHING

AND DISCARD THE RINSE WATER INTO THE SACRORIUM OR

INTO GROUND. Do NOT use chlorine bleach on any of the

cloths or linens. Common stains include:

Wine – Spray the stain with Red Wine Stain Remover which

is available from Almy. Let stand for 30 seconds before hand-

washing or machine-washing. If this product is not available,

cover wet stains with salt, immerse in cold water, and

sponge; treat dry stains with club soda, vinegar, or white

wine, cover with salt, immerse in cold water, and sponge.

Lipstick – Wet the stain with water. Rub the area with Fels

Naptha Laundry Bar and Stain Remover until the stain is

removed. Rinse with water.

Candle Wax – Allow wax to cool. Spray the area with GOO

GONE. Wait a few minutes and then wipe the wax away with

a cloth or paper towel. It can also be used for tape, crayon,

gum and glue removal.

Wax on Carpet – Place a piece of brown paper bag or

blotting paper over the wax. With a medium hot iron go

back and forth over the paper to absorb the wax.

Soot – Apply liquid detergent to the stain, rub and rinse.

Repeat as necessary, then wash.

Scorch – Rub cut onion into the mark, soak in cold water for

an hour, then wash.

Rust – Apply cream of tartar to the stain and soak in hot

water. Let water cool. Remove linen and wash.

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Mildew – Wash with soap and water, rinse and sun dry. If

mildew persists, soak linen in 3% peroxide, then wash.

Washing

For linens without lace cut work and in good condition,

hand-wash or machine-wash on gentle cycle with pure soap

or mild detergent. Wash water can be hot (for medium to

heavy weight linen) to warm (for light weights). If needed,

use water softener to improve the cleaning performance of

the soap. Rinse thoroughly in warm water; rinse water

should be clear. For linens with lace cut work, hand washing

in warm water is strongly recommended. For linens that

have yellowed through age or infrequent use, try washing as

recommended and sun drying. Alternatively, boil yellowed

linen for half an hour in a pot containing washing soda and

soap. Finally, if bleach seems necessary, use an oxygen-type

bleach such as Clorox 2 ©, not chlorine. Chlorine bleach will

damage pure linen.

Drying

Never dry linen “bone dry.” It harms the fiber and makes

ironing very difficult. You may sun-dry or machine-dry until

damp, or simply remove from the washer and prepare for

ironing—this is especially recommended for linens with lace

cut work as it makes stretching the linen back into shape

much easier. Either way, ironing will be easier if you smooth

and fold (or roll) linens into a clean dry towel and refrigerate

the damp linen for several hours.

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Care of Altar Cloths

Linens should be placed on an ironing board, you should not

iron the cloths on the wooden main altar. You may want a

helper or two when doing larger cloths. A person at the

other end can hold the ironed cloth up so as not to wrinkle

the finished part.

Folding Small Linens

Corporal – The corporal has a cross or an emblem in the

middle of the cloth. Place the corporal on the ironing board

on the “wrong side” to iron. Fold in thirds, folding the

bottom side up, then the top side down. Finger press the

creases at the folds. Now fold the right side in (toward the

left) and finally, the left side in (toward the right). Press the

creases in place; there should be nine squares for the

corporal.

Purificator – The purificator (which is smaller than the

corporal) also has a cross or an emblem in the middle. Place

the purificator on the ironing board on the “wrong side” to

iron. Fold in thirds, right to left and left to right. Then press

a two point fold in the center where the cross is and ensure

that the top and bottom of the purificator meet when

finished and press.

Lavabo or Finger Towel – Most of our towels are just plain

towels. A finger towel looks like a smaller version of a

purificator. The finger towel has a cross or an emblem at the

bottom middle of the cloth. Place the finger towel on the

ironing board on the “wrong side” to iron. Fold in thirds,

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right to left and left to right. Then fold in half, top down and

press.

Storage

Always be sure the altar linens are clean. They do not need

to be pressed before storing. All communion linens should

be cleaned and pressed and stored in designated drawers.

CHASUBLES, ALBS AND VESTMENTS FOR ALTAR SERVERS

Chasubles & Stoles – At least twice a year, check that all the

chasubles and stoles are clean. If needed, have them

cleaned or washed.

Albs – At least every other month, check all albs and ensure

they are clean and if needed, wash them in a soft detergent,

dry on medium heat and iron as necessary.

Altar Servers Albs & Cassocks – Occasionally we may have to

clean them but if the young people take them home then the

parents should take care of them. Please report to the

pastor when the vestments for servers are left on the floor

and/or not properly put away.

[15]

GLOSSARY OF TERMS

ACOLYTE – Person who is especially appointed to assist the deacon

and to minister to the priest and to assist as needed in the celebration

of the Mass.

ALB – Full length white linen vestment secured with a cincture used at

Mass. It symbolizes the garment in which Christ was clothed by Herod

and the purity of the heart with which the Sacrifice of the Mass should

be offered.

AMBO – Pulpit from which the Scriptures and especially the Gospels

are proclaimed.

AMBRY – Box on the wall in which the holy oils are kept near the

baptismal font.

AMICE – A garment worn under the alb and around the neck to cover

the priest’s collar or street clothing.

ASPERSORIUM – A container that holds holy water for sprinkling.

CASSOCK – A long ankle length garb worn by clergy and other

ministers. Ours come in red and black.

CENSER – Metal container in which incense is burned and is usually

shaped like a vase or cup with a cover and is suspended by chains.

Also called a thurible.

CHALICE – Cup-shaped vessel or goblet used at Mass to contain the

Precious Blood of Christ.

CHALICE VEIL – A covering for the chalice, paten and burse (linen

covered pocket for the corporal). The color is based upon the feast or

liturgical season.

CHASUBLE – Sleeveless outer garment worn by a priest at Mass. It is

worn over all other vestments and usually decorated with symbols or

[16]

a design of rich colors. It symbolizes the yoke of Christ and signifies

charity.

CIBORIUM – Covered container used to hold the consecrated small

hosts.

CINCTURE – Belt or cord tied around the waist of an alb. It symbolizes

chasity.

COPE – Similar to a cape but larger, it is worn by the priest in

processions and other services.

CORPORAL – Square white linen cloth on which the Host and Chalice

are placed during the Mass.

CRUET – Small bottle or vessel to contain the water and wine used at

the Consecration of the Mass. They are presented as offerings of the

faithful at the Offertory.

DALMATIC – Similar to the priest’s chasuble, this vestment is worn

over the alb and is proper to the deacon and has sleeves for his arms.

EWER – A small pitcher used to dispense water.

EUCHARIST – The true Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, who is really

and substantially present under the appearances of bread and blood,

in order to offer himself in the sacrifice of the Mass and to be received

as spiritual food in Holy Communion.

HOST – The unleavened round wafer of bread that is consecrated at

Mass into the Eucharistic Christ.

HUMERAL VEIL – A veil worn to cover the back and shoulders with the

ends hangng down in front and fastened by a clasp. It is used in

solemn ceremonies, processions of the Blessed Sacrament.

INTINCTION BOWL – A bowl containing water to cleanse fingertips

after distributing communion.

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LAVABO – Liturgical washing of hands by the priest at Mass. The

finger towels or lavabos are used for the drying of the priest’s fingers.

LECTIONARY – This book contains a three-year cycle of readings for

Sundays and solemn feasts, a two-year weekly cycle, and a one-year

cycle for the feasts of saints. There are also responsorial psalms that

follow the first reading for each Mass along with the Alleluia verses to

follow the second reading if applicable.

MONSTRANCE – A metal vessel (often in the shape of a starburst) on

a stand (called a tabor) for holding the Body of Christ for adoration or

exposition of the Blessed Sacrament.

ORDO – Annual calendar containing abbreviated directions for each

day’s Mass.

PALL – Cloth covering, ornamental or plain, that is placed over the

coffin at a funeral Mass or a sacred linen covering, which is a stiff

square, placed over the top of the chalice at Mass.

PASCAL CANDLE – Large candle in which five grains of incense have

been incased as a symbol of Christ’s wounds. It is blessed on Holy

Saturday and is symbolic of the Risen Savior.

PATEN – Saucer-like dish of the same material as the chalice and it

must be large enough to cover the chalice. On it rests the bread to be

consecrated, and later on the sacred host.

PURFICATOR – Small piece of white linen, marked with a cross in the

center, folded in three layers and used to purify the chalice and paten

after Holy Communion.

PYX – Metal box in which the Blessed Sacrament is carried on

visitations to the sick.

SACRARIUM – A special drain leading directly to the ground. It is used

to wash linens and to purify vessels.

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SACRISTAN – A person appointed for the care of the sacristy, sacred

vessels, vestments, and other articles required by the ceremonial for

any liturgical function.

SACRISTY – Room attached to the church, usually near the altar,

where the clergy vestments, sacred vessels and other articles needed

for liturgical use are stored.

SANCTUARY LAMP – Wax candle, generally in a red glass container,

kept burning day and night wherever the Blessed Sacrament is

reserved. It is an emblem of Christ’s abiding love and a reminder of

the faithful to respond with loving adoration in return.

SANCTUARY – Part of the church containing the altar.

STOLE – Liturgical vestment composed of a strip of material, several

inches wide, and worn around the neck by priests and bishops for the

celebration of Mass and administration of the sacraments. While

signifying authority, it symbolizes “the raiment of immortality.”

SURPLICE – A short white tunic worn over a cassock, especially by

acolytes and altar servers. Along with his stole, it is the liturgical

vestiture over the black clerical cassock.

TABERNACLE – Boxlike receptacle for the exclusive reservation of the

Blessed Sacrament and is usually located in the middle-front of the

church, either on or behind the altar of sacrifice.

THURIBLE – A metal container in which incense is burned and is

usually shaped like a vase or cup with a cover and is suspended by

chains. Also called a censer.

VOTIVE CANDLES – These candles, usually on a stand, are lit as

individuals offer up their prayer intentions.

This booklet is prepared as an aid to assist those who volunteer and worship at Holy Family Catholic Parish, Mitchellville, MD. May it make possible a more active lay participation in our faith community.

12010 Woodmore Road Mitchellville, MD 20721

301-249-2266