Altar Servers Manual
A server takes the place of one who formerly participated in the minor order of the Acolyte. Although this order has been retained while others have been suppressed and primarily relates to the role of distributing Communion and otherwise assisting the Priest-Celebrant, the boy who volunteers for this position in the Church's Liturgy must realize the religious character of his undertaking. He is offering himself in God's service and his lifestyle must reflect his closeness to the Sacred Mystery of the Holy Eucharist. His conduct must be as exemplary off the altar as it is while serving.
Any boy in Sacred Heart Parish in the fourth grade or above is eligible to be a server. After a period of training, he will be inducted into the program at a public Mass and begin a two-year period of probation. During the first year, he will wear a white robe. During the second year, he will wear a wooden Cross with his white robe. After that he will be privileged to wear the cassock and surplice, indicating his full membership.
In order to insure the highest standard of performance, the server will be constructively assisted during his time of preparation to conduct himself in such a manner that his presence will assist the faithful in a more reverent appreciation of the Presence of Jesus Christ. It is our prayer that those who volunteer for this important office will always stay close to Him and His Sacred Heart.
DUTIES BEFORE AND AFTER MASS
Before Mass:
1. Arrive at least 15 minutes before Mass wearing proper church attire including: khaki style pants, dress socks and dress shoes.
2. Vest - Cassock and surplice or white robe and Cross. Red is worn at all times except Lent and Advent.
3. Light the candles - two at the Altar of Sacrifice (main) and two at the Altar of Reposition (side).
4. Check the Credence table for the water cruet, Lavabo bowl and Lavabo pitcher.
5. Check the Offertory table in the rear of the church for the wine cruet.
6. Make sure the Processional Cross is in the Priests' vesting room.
7. Report to the Celebrant (Priest saying the Mass) for any instructions.
After Mass:
1. Extinguish the candles at the main altar and the altar of Reposition.
2. Empty the Lavabo bowl, fill the Lavabo pitcher and the water cruet and replace them on the Credence Table.
3. Unvest and be sure to hang up your cassock and surplice or robe in the proper numerical order.
DIRECTIONS FOR SERVING AT THE ALTAR AT SACRED HEART CHURCH - RUBRICS (the way we do things)
1. FOLDING THE HANDS: Fingers and thumbs together, palms on palms, right thumb over the left thumb, hands folded on the chest, not the stomach or in front of the mouth. Always assume this attitude when both hands are not being used.
2. SIGN OF THE CROSS: Place the left hand just above the belt, fingers and thumb together, by placing the fingers of the right hand on the forehead, then just above the left hand, then the left shoulder and finally the right. Return the hands to a folded position. Always keep the palm of the right hand toward the body when making the Sign of the Cross.
3. USING THE HANDS: When one hand is being used, the other is always placed on the stomach just above the belt in the middle of the body. Whenever possible, the right hand is always used, in preference to the left.
4. GENUFLECTING: Hands folded properly, back and head straight, drop the right knee straight down to touch the floor six inches from the left heel. Come back to a standing position immediately without bending the back or using any support.
5. KNEELING: Drop the right knee down first, as if you are genuflecting, then the left knee. To stand, reverse the process - left knee first, then the right knee.
6. BOWS: Profound - made to the Crucifix when entering or leaving the church. Hands folded as above, bend from the back to a position with your chest parallel to the floor. Simple (Head and Shoulders) - bend the head and the shoulders slightly forward. The bow should not be a chicken peck or and oriental bow.
7. TURNING: Always take the shortest route; i.e., the 90 rather than the 270 degree turn. When two servers are turning to face directly to their rear, they always turn in toward one another.
8. ORDER: Never perform two actions at the same time; e.g., turning and bowing. Bow first, then turn.
9. SITTING: Sit with the knees and feet about six inches apart and place both hands just above the knees in a flat position.
10. MOVEMENTS TOGETHER: All movements should be performed in unison; e.g. bows, turns and genuflections.
11. RESPONSES: Not too loud - but loud enough to be heard and assume some leadership.
12. HOLDING THE PATEN : Always hold the Paten in a flat position with the right hand. Place the index finger along the handle and grip the handle at the end, away from the plate. When not assisting with Communion, hold the left hand under the plate and keep the Paten in a flat position. If serving on the left in the middle of the aisle, hold the Paten with left hand. Always stand at a 90 degree angle to the Minister. Do not under any circumstances turn the Paten to lose the Sacred Particles.
THE HOLY SACRIFICE OF THE MASS
A. Order of Procession
1. Crossbearer (If a Thurifer is present, the Thurifer precedes the Crossbearer.)
2. Acolytes
3. Lector
4. Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist
5. Deacon
6. Celebrant
B. The Entrance
The team leader takes the Cross and leads the procession. The two Acolytes (servers) walk directly in front to the Clerics (Priest / Deacon) and Extraordinary Ministers. All proceed down the main aisle to the Sanctuary steps. The Crossbearer goes to the left of the Altar without bowing and then places the Cross in the holder. He then goes to the chair next to the Credence table. After genuflecting toward the Tabernacle with the Celebrant, the Acolytes go directly to their seats to the right and left of the Priest. If there are Concelebrants or a Deacon, the Acolytes go to symmetrical outside seats, processing around the altar from the side where they were standing. The Celebrant kisses the altar and goes to his seat for the Greeting, the Penitential Rite, the Gloria* and the Opening Prayer. The altar boy on the right holds the book with the Gloria, the Creed and the Prayer of the Faithful for the Celebrant's right at a 45 degree angle, holding the book up if he is short, and down if he is tall. * N.B. - there is no Gloria in Advent and Lent.
C. The Gospel, Homily and Creed
Stand together for the Gospel. Sit together for the Homily. Stand together for the Creed and Prayer of the Faithful. After the homily, the altar boy on the right holds the book with the Creed and Prayer of the Faithful as he did at the Gloria. The Crossbearer goes to the rear of the church as soon as the homily is over.
D. The Offertory
Immediately after the Prayer of the Faithful the Celebrant goes to the front of the main aisle with the altar boy on his right. The altar boy on his left goes to the Credence Table and brings the Chalice to the altar. He then waits for the other altar boy to meet him. The Crossbearer leads the procession forward immediately. The celebrant receives the gifts, gives the wine to the attending altar boy and returns to the altar. The altar boy with the wine meets his partner at the credence table. The Crossbearer returns to his seat.
Taking the tops from the cruets the Acolytes turn in toward each other and go to the edge of the altar. The wine is always on the server's right. REMEMBER: A server should never walk in front of a minister of higher dignity. Also, if there are three Ciboria, both altar boys go with the Priest to receive the gifts.
E. The Lavabo (washing of the hands)
1. After presenting the water and the wine, the Acolytes bow simply to the Priest, turn in toward each other and go to the Credence table to get the Lavabo dish, Lavabo Pitcher, and finger towel. The Acolyte on the right takes the bowl in his left hand and Lavabo Pitcher in his right hand by the handle. The Acolyte on the left opens up the finger towel, holding it on the ends between the thumbs and index finger. Both Acolytes then turn in toward one another and go to the altar, standing to the left of the altar table. The Acolyte on the Celebrant's right pours the water over the Celebrant's fingers, holding the Lavabo bowl under them. The server on the Priest's left places the finger towel under the Celebrant's hands. When the Priest takes the finger towel, the Acolyte on the right folds his hands and waits for the Celebrant to place the folded towel over his hands. Both bow, turn in and return to the Credence table to replace the towel, bowl and pitcher.
2. Both Acolytes then turn in toward one another and return to the right side of the altar to the left of the Crossbearer.
3. The Acolytes assume the attitude of the people from this point. They kneel immediately after the Holy, Holy, Holy.
4. The Crossbearer kneels next to the hand bell after the Holy, Holy, Holy. At the three proper times in the Mass, the Crossbearer rings the bell, - not too soft, not too loud, not too short, not too long. The three proper times for the ringing of the hand bell are:
a) As the Celebrant places both hands over the gifts.
b) At the elevation of the Host.
c) At the elevation of the Chalice.
(THERE ARE NO BELLS DURING ADVENT AND LENT)
5. They stand for the "Our Father."
6. They genuflect immediately after the Sign of Peace and go to the Credence Table to get the Patens. The first Acolyte to reach the Credence Table hands the Patens to the other Acolytes. Then they all kneel on the step at the RIGHT SIDE and
7. Stand for Communion.
F. Communion
If two Ministers are distributing Communion, the two Acolytes assist at the center aisle. Always hold the Paten flat. If three Ministers are distributing Communion, the Crossbearer assists at the center aisle and the Acolytes go to the side aisles. Always assist on the right side, using the right hand, except when serving to the left in the center aisle. Then use the left or outside hand.
G. After Communion
The first Acolyte back to the Credence table gets the water cruet and waits at the altar. The Acolytes wait for the Celebrant or Deacon to purify the Patens. Then they take them to the Credence table. After the Celebrant purifies the Sacred Vessels, they return toe water cruet to the Credence table and go back to the altar to take the Chalice to the Credence Table. They then stand waiting until the Celebrant returns to his seat and all sit together.
H. The Dismissal
All stand with the Celebrant for the final oration. The Crossbearer holds the Missal, standing to the Celebrant's right. At the dismissal, "Go in Peace", the Crossbearer gets the Cross and, at a signal from the Celebrant, around the right of the altar. The Acolyte to the left goes to the left, and the Acolyte to the right goes to the right of the Altar. At the second row of seats, the Crossbearer stops, waits for the two Acolytes to form behind him and they turn together to face the altar. As the Celebrant completes his genuflection (performed also by the Acolytes but NOT the Crossbearer), they again turn and all (Crossbearer, Acolytes, Lector, Extraordinary Ministers, Deacon and Priest) proceed down the main aisle to the rear of the church.
CEREMONIES FOR THE SUNG OR HIGH MASS
Five servers are assigned for the High Mass, a Master of Ceremonies, a Thurifer (incense bearer) a Crossbearer and two Acolytes. The order of procession is the same as at a Low Mass, except that the Thurifer leads the Procession and the Thurifer sits next to the Credence table and the Master next to the Celebrant or Deacon.
1. The Acolytes serve Mass in the usual manner.
2. The Master assists with the incense boat.
3. The Thurifer performs four basic services.
a) In the beginning of Mass after the Celebrant processes to the altar.
b) Before the Gospel
c) At the Offertory.
d) The Incensation of the Blessed Sacrament at the Consecration.
How to perform the duties of Thurifer
A. For the incensaiton at the beginning of Mass, the Thurifer will precede the Crossbearer and Acolytes with the Thurible and Incense, walk to the left of the altar and wait for the Celebrant to put incense in the Thurible and Incense, walk to the left of the altar and wait for the Celebrant to put insense in the Thurible after he kisses the altar. He then takes the incense to the stand and goes to the left side of the altar to wait for the Celebrant to incense the altar. Then he takes the Thurible from the Celebrant in his right hand, bows slightly, switches hands and gives the Celebrant three double incensations. He then switches hands, bows and returns to his place at the Credence table. The procedure of bowing, switching hands and bowing is always followed. Perform one movement at a time.
B. Before the Gospel, both the Thurifer and the Master step forward. After the Celebrant places the incense in the Thurible, the Master places the incense on the altar. Then they go to the pulpit and step to the side to allow the Celebrant to pass in front of them. At the Gospel, the Acolytes get their candles and process directly to the front of the altar. As the Celebrant moves away from the altar to the pulpit, they process single file to either side in front of the pulpit. The Thurifer give the Thurible to the Master, who gives it to the Celebrant. After the incensation of the Book, the process is reversed. After the Gospel, the Thurifer and Acolytes go to the front of the altar and bow and go to their places. The Master takes the incense to the stand and goes to his place.
C. After the incensation of the gifts at the altar, the Celebrant is incensed as usual by the Thurifer. The Thurifer then goes to the center front of the altar, bows to the Crucifix, turns and bows to the people and administers three single incensations; front, left, and right. After the incensaiton of the people, the Thurifer bows to them, turns and bows to the Crucifix again and goes back to his place, where he prepares the Thurible for the Consecration.
D. While the choir and people are singing the Holy, Holy, Holy, the Thurifer goes to the center in front of the altar and bows to the Crucifix. He kneels after the Holy, Holy, Holy and administers two triple incensations at each of the elevations, when the Priest genuflects, holds up the Body or Blood of our Lord, and when he genuflects again. After the Our Father, he genuflects and returns to his place. Mass continues as usual. The Thurifer helps with Communion if there are four Ministers.
http://www.sacredheartbowie.org/altarservers_manual.php
A server takes the place of one who formerly participated in the minor order of the Acolyte. Although this order has been retained while others have been suppressed and primarily relates to the role of distributing Communion and otherwise assisting the Priest-Celebrant, the boy who volunteers for this position in the Church's Liturgy must realize the religious character of his undertaking. He is offering himself in God's service and his lifestyle must reflect his closeness to the Sacred Mystery of the Holy Eucharist. His conduct must be as exemplary off the altar as it is while serving.
Any boy in Sacred Heart Parish in the fourth grade or above is eligible to be a server. After a period of training, he will be inducted into the program at a public Mass and begin a two-year period of probation. During the first year, he will wear a white robe. During the second year, he will wear a wooden Cross with his white robe. After that he will be privileged to wear the cassock and surplice, indicating his full membership.
In order to insure the highest standard of performance, the server will be constructively assisted during his time of preparation to conduct himself in such a manner that his presence will assist the faithful in a more reverent appreciation of the Presence of Jesus Christ. It is our prayer that those who volunteer for this important office will always stay close to Him and His Sacred Heart.
DUTIES BEFORE AND AFTER MASS
Before Mass:
1. Arrive at least 15 minutes before Mass wearing proper church attire including: khaki style pants, dress socks and dress shoes.
2. Vest - Cassock and surplice or white robe and Cross. Red is worn at all times except Lent and Advent.
3. Light the candles - two at the Altar of Sacrifice (main) and two at the Altar of Reposition (side).
4. Check the Credence table for the water cruet, Lavabo bowl and Lavabo pitcher.
5. Check the Offertory table in the rear of the church for the wine cruet.
6. Make sure the Processional Cross is in the Priests' vesting room.
7. Report to the Celebrant (Priest saying the Mass) for any instructions.
After Mass:
1. Extinguish the candles at the main altar and the altar of Reposition.
2. Empty the Lavabo bowl, fill the Lavabo pitcher and the water cruet and replace them on the Credence Table.
3. Unvest and be sure to hang up your cassock and surplice or robe in the proper numerical order.
DIRECTIONS FOR SERVING AT THE ALTAR AT SACRED HEART CHURCH - RUBRICS (the way we do things)
1. FOLDING THE HANDS: Fingers and thumbs together, palms on palms, right thumb over the left thumb, hands folded on the chest, not the stomach or in front of the mouth. Always assume this attitude when both hands are not being used.
2. SIGN OF THE CROSS: Place the left hand just above the belt, fingers and thumb together, by placing the fingers of the right hand on the forehead, then just above the left hand, then the left shoulder and finally the right. Return the hands to a folded position. Always keep the palm of the right hand toward the body when making the Sign of the Cross.
3. USING THE HANDS: When one hand is being used, the other is always placed on the stomach just above the belt in the middle of the body. Whenever possible, the right hand is always used, in preference to the left.
4. GENUFLECTING: Hands folded properly, back and head straight, drop the right knee straight down to touch the floor six inches from the left heel. Come back to a standing position immediately without bending the back or using any support.
5. KNEELING: Drop the right knee down first, as if you are genuflecting, then the left knee. To stand, reverse the process - left knee first, then the right knee.
6. BOWS: Profound - made to the Crucifix when entering or leaving the church. Hands folded as above, bend from the back to a position with your chest parallel to the floor. Simple (Head and Shoulders) - bend the head and the shoulders slightly forward. The bow should not be a chicken peck or and oriental bow.
7. TURNING: Always take the shortest route; i.e., the 90 rather than the 270 degree turn. When two servers are turning to face directly to their rear, they always turn in toward one another.
8. ORDER: Never perform two actions at the same time; e.g., turning and bowing. Bow first, then turn.
9. SITTING: Sit with the knees and feet about six inches apart and place both hands just above the knees in a flat position.
10. MOVEMENTS TOGETHER: All movements should be performed in unison; e.g. bows, turns and genuflections.
11. RESPONSES: Not too loud - but loud enough to be heard and assume some leadership.
12. HOLDING THE PATEN : Always hold the Paten in a flat position with the right hand. Place the index finger along the handle and grip the handle at the end, away from the plate. When not assisting with Communion, hold the left hand under the plate and keep the Paten in a flat position. If serving on the left in the middle of the aisle, hold the Paten with left hand. Always stand at a 90 degree angle to the Minister. Do not under any circumstances turn the Paten to lose the Sacred Particles.
THE HOLY SACRIFICE OF THE MASS
A. Order of Procession
1. Crossbearer (If a Thurifer is present, the Thurifer precedes the Crossbearer.)
2. Acolytes
3. Lector
4. Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist
5. Deacon
6. Celebrant
B. The Entrance
The team leader takes the Cross and leads the procession. The two Acolytes (servers) walk directly in front to the Clerics (Priest / Deacon) and Extraordinary Ministers. All proceed down the main aisle to the Sanctuary steps. The Crossbearer goes to the left of the Altar without bowing and then places the Cross in the holder. He then goes to the chair next to the Credence table. After genuflecting toward the Tabernacle with the Celebrant, the Acolytes go directly to their seats to the right and left of the Priest. If there are Concelebrants or a Deacon, the Acolytes go to symmetrical outside seats, processing around the altar from the side where they were standing. The Celebrant kisses the altar and goes to his seat for the Greeting, the Penitential Rite, the Gloria* and the Opening Prayer. The altar boy on the right holds the book with the Gloria, the Creed and the Prayer of the Faithful for the Celebrant's right at a 45 degree angle, holding the book up if he is short, and down if he is tall. * N.B. - there is no Gloria in Advent and Lent.
C. The Gospel, Homily and Creed
Stand together for the Gospel. Sit together for the Homily. Stand together for the Creed and Prayer of the Faithful. After the homily, the altar boy on the right holds the book with the Creed and Prayer of the Faithful as he did at the Gloria. The Crossbearer goes to the rear of the church as soon as the homily is over.
D. The Offertory
Immediately after the Prayer of the Faithful the Celebrant goes to the front of the main aisle with the altar boy on his right. The altar boy on his left goes to the Credence Table and brings the Chalice to the altar. He then waits for the other altar boy to meet him. The Crossbearer leads the procession forward immediately. The celebrant receives the gifts, gives the wine to the attending altar boy and returns to the altar. The altar boy with the wine meets his partner at the credence table. The Crossbearer returns to his seat.
Taking the tops from the cruets the Acolytes turn in toward each other and go to the edge of the altar. The wine is always on the server's right. REMEMBER: A server should never walk in front of a minister of higher dignity. Also, if there are three Ciboria, both altar boys go with the Priest to receive the gifts.
E. The Lavabo (washing of the hands)
1. After presenting the water and the wine, the Acolytes bow simply to the Priest, turn in toward each other and go to the Credence table to get the Lavabo dish, Lavabo Pitcher, and finger towel. The Acolyte on the right takes the bowl in his left hand and Lavabo Pitcher in his right hand by the handle. The Acolyte on the left opens up the finger towel, holding it on the ends between the thumbs and index finger. Both Acolytes then turn in toward one another and go to the altar, standing to the left of the altar table. The Acolyte on the Celebrant's right pours the water over the Celebrant's fingers, holding the Lavabo bowl under them. The server on the Priest's left places the finger towel under the Celebrant's hands. When the Priest takes the finger towel, the Acolyte on the right folds his hands and waits for the Celebrant to place the folded towel over his hands. Both bow, turn in and return to the Credence table to replace the towel, bowl and pitcher.
2. Both Acolytes then turn in toward one another and return to the right side of the altar to the left of the Crossbearer.
3. The Acolytes assume the attitude of the people from this point. They kneel immediately after the Holy, Holy, Holy.
4. The Crossbearer kneels next to the hand bell after the Holy, Holy, Holy. At the three proper times in the Mass, the Crossbearer rings the bell, - not too soft, not too loud, not too short, not too long. The three proper times for the ringing of the hand bell are:
a) As the Celebrant places both hands over the gifts.
b) At the elevation of the Host.
c) At the elevation of the Chalice.
(THERE ARE NO BELLS DURING ADVENT AND LENT)
5. They stand for the "Our Father."
6. They genuflect immediately after the Sign of Peace and go to the Credence Table to get the Patens. The first Acolyte to reach the Credence Table hands the Patens to the other Acolytes. Then they all kneel on the step at the RIGHT SIDE and
7. Stand for Communion.
F. Communion
If two Ministers are distributing Communion, the two Acolytes assist at the center aisle. Always hold the Paten flat. If three Ministers are distributing Communion, the Crossbearer assists at the center aisle and the Acolytes go to the side aisles. Always assist on the right side, using the right hand, except when serving to the left in the center aisle. Then use the left or outside hand.
G. After Communion
The first Acolyte back to the Credence table gets the water cruet and waits at the altar. The Acolytes wait for the Celebrant or Deacon to purify the Patens. Then they take them to the Credence table. After the Celebrant purifies the Sacred Vessels, they return toe water cruet to the Credence table and go back to the altar to take the Chalice to the Credence Table. They then stand waiting until the Celebrant returns to his seat and all sit together.
H. The Dismissal
All stand with the Celebrant for the final oration. The Crossbearer holds the Missal, standing to the Celebrant's right. At the dismissal, "Go in Peace", the Crossbearer gets the Cross and, at a signal from the Celebrant, around the right of the altar. The Acolyte to the left goes to the left, and the Acolyte to the right goes to the right of the Altar. At the second row of seats, the Crossbearer stops, waits for the two Acolytes to form behind him and they turn together to face the altar. As the Celebrant completes his genuflection (performed also by the Acolytes but NOT the Crossbearer), they again turn and all (Crossbearer, Acolytes, Lector, Extraordinary Ministers, Deacon and Priest) proceed down the main aisle to the rear of the church.
CEREMONIES FOR THE SUNG OR HIGH MASS
Five servers are assigned for the High Mass, a Master of Ceremonies, a Thurifer (incense bearer) a Crossbearer and two Acolytes. The order of procession is the same as at a Low Mass, except that the Thurifer leads the Procession and the Thurifer sits next to the Credence table and the Master next to the Celebrant or Deacon.
1. The Acolytes serve Mass in the usual manner.
2. The Master assists with the incense boat.
3. The Thurifer performs four basic services.
a) In the beginning of Mass after the Celebrant processes to the altar.
b) Before the Gospel
c) At the Offertory.
d) The Incensation of the Blessed Sacrament at the Consecration.
How to perform the duties of Thurifer
A. For the incensaiton at the beginning of Mass, the Thurifer will precede the Crossbearer and Acolytes with the Thurible and Incense, walk to the left of the altar and wait for the Celebrant to put incense in the Thurible and Incense, walk to the left of the altar and wait for the Celebrant to put insense in the Thurible after he kisses the altar. He then takes the incense to the stand and goes to the left side of the altar to wait for the Celebrant to incense the altar. Then he takes the Thurible from the Celebrant in his right hand, bows slightly, switches hands and gives the Celebrant three double incensations. He then switches hands, bows and returns to his place at the Credence table. The procedure of bowing, switching hands and bowing is always followed. Perform one movement at a time.
B. Before the Gospel, both the Thurifer and the Master step forward. After the Celebrant places the incense in the Thurible, the Master places the incense on the altar. Then they go to the pulpit and step to the side to allow the Celebrant to pass in front of them. At the Gospel, the Acolytes get their candles and process directly to the front of the altar. As the Celebrant moves away from the altar to the pulpit, they process single file to either side in front of the pulpit. The Thurifer give the Thurible to the Master, who gives it to the Celebrant. After the incensation of the Book, the process is reversed. After the Gospel, the Thurifer and Acolytes go to the front of the altar and bow and go to their places. The Master takes the incense to the stand and goes to his place.
C. After the incensation of the gifts at the altar, the Celebrant is incensed as usual by the Thurifer. The Thurifer then goes to the center front of the altar, bows to the Crucifix, turns and bows to the people and administers three single incensations; front, left, and right. After the incensaiton of the people, the Thurifer bows to them, turns and bows to the Crucifix again and goes back to his place, where he prepares the Thurible for the Consecration.
D. While the choir and people are singing the Holy, Holy, Holy, the Thurifer goes to the center in front of the altar and bows to the Crucifix. He kneels after the Holy, Holy, Holy and administers two triple incensations at each of the elevations, when the Priest genuflects, holds up the Body or Blood of our Lord, and when he genuflects again. After the Our Father, he genuflects and returns to his place. Mass continues as usual. The Thurifer helps with Communion if there are four Ministers.
http://www.sacredheartbowie.org/altarservers_manual.php
faerieeva, you're not alone!
