AltarServerMinistryCoordinator:AnnieMerfalen|Edition1|September16,2016
SaintGabrieltheArchangel
CatholicChurchALTARSERVER’SHANDBOOK
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DearAltarServer,
SaintGabrieltheArchangelparishissincerelyappreciativeofyourdesiretobeanaltarserver.Asanaltarserver,
youhelpleadthepeopleintheworshipofGod.Itisanabsolutehonortokneelsoclosetothealtarwherewe
witnessourlovingSavior,JesusChrist,becometrulypresent,Body,Blood,SoulandDivinity.
Inheaven,theangelsandsaintsworshiparoundthethroneofGod.Whatwedohereattheholysacrificeofthe
Massreflectswhatgoesoninheaven.ThechaliceisasignoftheeternalPreciousBloodoftheLamb,thehostis
thesignoftheEternalBreadofheaven,andthecelebrantisaniconofJesusChrist,ourLordandSavior.
Sowhoareyou?YourepresentthesaintsandangelsworshipingaroundthealtaroftheLamb.Whatanhonoritis
tobepresentatMass,servingourLordduringthismostcommendablegiftoflove.
RememberthatwhatwedoatMassisthemostimportantthinginourlives.Everythingelsecomesafterthat.As
yousitinthepews,rememberthatjustbyyourpresence,yourreverence,andlisteningtotheWordofGod,you
helpleadtheworshipandencouragethosewhoseeyoutoworshipasyoudo.
WhenyouhaveajobtododuringMass,doitwithdignity,graceandreverenceforyouareservingattheAltarof
God.
ThepurposeofthismanualisgiveyoudirectionforourparishMassesandtobeaguidetohelpyouasyouassist
thecelebrantcelebratetheHolySacrificeoftheMass.
YoursinChrist,
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TableofContents
Introduction................................................................................................................................................................5
Requirements..............................................................................................................................................................5
Training.......................................................................................................................................................................5
Practice.......................................................................................................................................................................6
Advancement..............................................................................................................................................................6
Scheduling...................................................................................................................................................................6
Attendance..................................................................................................................................................................7
DressCode/Appearance............................................................................................................................................7
Postures......................................................................................................................................................................8
Processing...............................................................................................................................................................8
Sitting......................................................................................................................................................................8
Standing..................................................................................................................................................................8
Walking...................................................................................................................................................................9
Kneeling..................................................................................................................................................................9
Bowing....................................................................................................................................................................9
Genuflecting............................................................................................................................................................9
Silence...................................................................................................................................................................10
CarryingtheCRUCIFIX...........................................................................................................................................10
CarryingCandles....................................................................................................................................................10
PrayerforAltarServers..............................................................................................................................................11
Differentjobsthataltarserverscarryout..................................................................................................................12
Bellringer...............................................................................................................................................................12
BoatBearer............................................................................................................................................................12
Bookbearer............................................................................................................................................................12
CandleBearers(alsocalledLUCIFERS)....................................................................................................................12
CrossBearer(alsocalledcrucifer)..........................................................................................................................12
Thurifer..................................................................................................................................................................12
SeniorANDMASTERServer....................................................................................................................................12
ServingwithFewerServers:.......................................................................................................................................12
WhatisMass?............................................................................................................................................................13
HowdoesMassend,andwhatdoesthefinaldismissalmean?......................................................................13
PlanoftheMass........................................................................................................................................................14
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BeforeMass...............................................................................................................................................................15
Vesting...................................................................................................................................................................15
AlwaysbeginwithPrayer.......................................................................................................................................15
PreparingtheNaveforMass......................................................................................................................................15
Lightthecandles....................................................................................................................................................15
PreparetheThurible..............................................................................................................................................15
DuringMass..............................................................................................................................................................16
Procession.............................................................................................................................................................16
LiturgyoftheWord................................................................................................................................................17
PreparationoftheGiftsandAltar.........................................................................................................................18
LiturgyoftheEucharist.........................................................................................................................................18
DuringtheHoly,Holy,Holy(Sanctus,Sanctus,Sanctus)....................................................................................18
Consecration......................................................................................................................................................18
Communion.......................................................................................................................................................19
PrayerafterCommunion...................................................................................................................................19
TheConcludingRites.............................................................................................................................................19
SolemnBlessing.................................................................................................................................................19
FinalBlessingandRecession..............................................................................................................................19
DutiesAfterMass..................................................................................................................................................20
TimingCues/Prompts.................................................................................................................................................21
MassPrayersandResponses.....................................................................................................................................22
Greeting................................................................................................................................................................22
PenitentialAct,FormA(Confiteor)........................................................................................................................22
PenitentialAct,FormB..........................................................................................................................................22
Gloria.....................................................................................................................................................................22
DialogueattheGospel..........................................................................................................................................22
NiceneCreed.........................................................................................................................................................22
Apostles’Creed.....................................................................................................................................................23
InvitationtoPrayer(Response).............................................................................................................................23
PrefaceDialogue...................................................................................................................................................23
Holy,Holy,Holy.....................................................................................................................................................23
MYSTERYOFFAITH................................................................................................................................................23
TheLord’sPrayer...................................................................................................................................................23
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ConclusionofPrayer.............................................................................................................................................23
SignofPeace.........................................................................................................................................................23
BreakingoftheBread............................................................................................................................................23
InvitationtoCommunion......................................................................................................................................23
ConcludingRites....................................................................................................................................................23
Incensing...................................................................................................................................................................24
WhenisIncenseusedintheMass?.......................................................................................................................24
Lightingcharcoal...................................................................................................................................................24
Handlingthethurible............................................................................................................................................24
References................................................................................................................................................................25
Sacramentals.........................................................................................................................................................25
TheChurchBuilding..............................................................................................................................................29
Sacristy..................................................................................................................................................................33
Other.....................................................................................................................................................................37
ServerLevels/Advancement....................................................................................................................................38
Therewillbe4differentserverlevels...................................................................................................................38
ThingsallAltarServersshouldknow:....................................................................................................................38
Advancementopportunities:.................................................................................................................................38
Level1–APPRENTICESERVER...............................................................................................................................38
Requirements:...................................................................................................................................................38
Level2–ALTARSERVER........................................................................................................................................39
Requirements:...................................................................................................................................................39
Level3–SeniorAltarServer..................................................................................................................................39
Requirements:...................................................................................................................................................39
Level4–MasterAltarServer...............................................................................................................................40
Requirements:...................................................................................................................................................40
AltarServerandParentContract..............................................................................................................................41
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Introduction
TheprimaryroleofthealtarserveristoassistthecelebrantduringtheHolySacrificeoftheMass.Altarservers
carrythecross,theprocessionalcandles(someMasses),holdthebookforthecelebrantwhenheisnotatthe
altar,assistthecelebrantatthepreparationofthealtarduringtheoffertory,washthehandsofthecelebrant,and
assistthecelebrantanddeaconinotherfunctions.
Altarserversarechosenfromamongthefaithfulwhodisplayadesiretoparticipateinanintimatewayduringthe
HolySacrificeoftheMass.ItisanextremeprivilegetokneelsoclosetothealtarasourlovingSavior,JesusChrist,
becomestrulypresent,Body,Blood,SoulandDivinityuponthealtar.
Requirements
Analtarservermustbewillingandinterestedtoparticipateinthisministryonhisorherownaccordandnotby
parentalorpeerpressure.Areluctantordisinterestedserverisadistractiontothecelebrant,otherservers,and
theentirecommunity.Similarly,parentsmustundertakeanactiveroleinsupportingtheirchildinthisministryby
ensuringthattheiraltarserverarrivestotheirassignedMassontime.
Analtarserverperformsallassigneddutieswithattention,dignityandreverencebecausetheyareservinginthe
presenceofOurLord.TheSanctuaryisholy,andaccesstoitisrestrictedtoaveryfewpeople.Donotabusethe
privilegeyouhavebeengiventoenterthesanctuarybybeingdisrespectfulorirreverent.Rememberwearein
God’shouse.
AnaltarserverknowstheentireOrderoftheMass,alltheresponses(Amen,ThanksbetoGod,andwithyour
spirit,etc.)andalltheprincipalprayersoftheMass(Gloria,NiceneCreed,MaytheLordaccept...,Sanctus,Our
Father,LambofGod,Lord,Iamnotworthy…).Therefore,eachservermusttakethetimetomemorizethese
prayersiftheydonotalreadyknowthem.
Eachcandidatemustidentify,knowthepurposeof,andproperlyuseeachliturgicalitemusedatMass.
ByministeringattheLord’saltar,eachaltarserverwillalsobeactivelydiscerningthepossibilityofservingthe
churchinthefutureasapriest,deacon,orreligioussisterorbrother.
Training
Trainingwillbescheduledregularlyforallnewaltarservers.Onceservershavecompletedtheinitialtraining,they
willbeabletobeginservingasanApprentice.Afteraserverhasqualifiedtoserve,theywillbeaddedtothe
regularaltarserverschedule.Allserverscontinuetoparticipateinongoingtrainingthrough:
1. theserveradvancementprocess
2. trainingresources
3. regularpractices
Altarserverswillbetrainedtohandleallofthetasksassignedtoeachspecificduty.Serverswillberequiredto
memorizetheprayerresponsesoftheMass,knowthenamesofthevestmentsandvesselsofthealtar,andto
learntheOrderoftheMass.
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Practice
Practicewillbeheldatregularintervals.Practicesgiveeveryservertheoccasiontoimprovetheircurrentskillsas
wellastheopportunitytolearnnewones.Somepracticeswillbemandatoryforallservers.Practicesare
mandatorywhenthereissignificantnewinformation,orwhenthereareliturgicalchanges.Whenaservermissesa
mandatorypractice,theywillberequiredtomakeupthepracticebeforebeingscheduledagain.Everyeffortwill
bemadetogivetheserverachoiceofmultiplesessionsformandatorypractices.
Mostpracticeswillbeoptional,whichmeansthataservershouldmakeapersonaldecisioniftheyneedtoattend
ornot.However,allserverswillberequiredtoattendaminimumnumberofoptionalpracticeseachyear.
Currently,serversarerequiredtoattendapracticeatleastonceeverythreemonths.Serverswhofallbelowthis
requirementmaybeexcludedfromthescheduleuntiltheyattendpractice.
Whereverpossible,attemptswillbemadetoofferpracticeatvarioustimestoallowforflexibleschedules.
Advancement
Asserversgrowintheirknowledge,theirskill,andtheirmaturity,theywillberecognizedthroughadvancementin
theAltarServerProgram.
Advancementthroughthelevelsoftheprogramisnotautomatic,norisitguaranteed.AltarServerswillhaveto
provethemselvesreadyforpromotionbydemonstratingtheirDevotion,Dedication,andDiscipline.
Informationonhowtoadvancebetweeneachlevelislistedinthesection,"AdvancementLevels"onpage38.
Scheduling
FourAltarServersarescheduledateachMass.ASeniorServerisnotrequiredateveryMass;theexceptionisfor
specialMasses/services,duringwhichaSeniorServerwillbescheduled.AlistofspecialMasses/servicesarelisted
intheAltarServerAdvancementLevelssection.
Whenyouregisteredasanaltarserver,youspecifiedtheMassesyouprefertoserve.Youwillbescheduledforthe
Massesyouprefer,exceptinextraordinarycircumstances,orifyourequestotherwise.Ifyouareavailableto
substituteatanotherMass,pleaselettheCoordinatorknow.IfyouwouldliketoserveataspecialMass(for
example,EasterVigilorChristmasMidnight)pleaselettheCoordinatorknow.
Thescheduleistypicallypreparedamonthormoreinadvance,threemonthsatatime.Schedulesaresentby
emailtoyouwhentheyarecompleted.
ServersshouldworkwiththeirparentstoensurethattheyareservingattheMassesforwhichtheyarescheduled.
However,emergenciessometimeshappen.Everyserverisrequiredtomakesurethattheirpositioniscovered
whenevertheyarescheduled.Youmustarrangeyourownsubstitutes.If,afteravalideffort,aserverisnotableto
findasubstitute,theyshouldcalltheCoordinatortoseekfurtherassistance.
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Attendance
TheroleoftheServerisveryimportant.AServeracceptstheresponsibilityofbeingpresentforhis/herassigned
scheduledservingtime.
ServerswhoknowinadvancethattheywillbeabsentforanassignedMassmustarrangeforasubstituteassoon
aspossible.Serverswhofailtosigninormisshis/herscheduledministrywithoutreplacementformorethanthree
timeswillberemovedfromtheschedule.
DressCode/Appearance
CleanappearanceandproperclothingshouldbewornwhileservingMass.
CLOTHING:Whiteshirt(orblouseforgirls),blackordarkpants.Girlsmaywearskirtsofamodestlength,butnot
toolongastocauseatrippinghazard.Shirtsmaybebutton-uporpolo;boysmaywearawhiteundershirtwhile
wearingthealb.BlueJeans,beachattire,gymclothes,andT-ShirtsareNEVERtobewornatMass.Suchclothingis
notappropriatedressforservingatthealtar.
SHOES:Dressshoesshouldbeworn,preferableblackorbrownforboys,andclose-toedblackorwhiteforgirls.
Tennisshoes,sneakers,flipflopsandsandalsareneverpermittedatthealtar.
HAIR:Hairshouldbeneatandtrimmed,appropriateforboysandgirls.Girlsshouldhavetheirhairtiedbackso
thatitisnotintheirfaces,orbeaccidentallyburnedbycandleflames.
JEWELRY:Donotwearanythingthatwillmakenoiseorwillbedistractingorthatwillcauseyoutohaveproblems
serving.Girlsmaywearappropriateearrings.
GeneralConduct–Analtarservershould:• HaveastrongdesiretoserveattheAltarofOurLordandSavior,JesusChrist,
• BeanactivememberofSaintGabrielparishandbelieveintheteachingsoftheCatholicChurch
• HavealreadymadetheirFirstConfessionandFirstCommunion,
• Isatleast9yearsold,
• KnowalltheprayersoftheHolySacrificeoftheMass,frommemory,
• BecurrentlyparticipatinginaprogramofFaithFormation,eitherthroughtheparishorthroughattendanceat
aCatholicschool,orthroughstructuredhomestudy.
• Knowhowtodoallthedifferentrolesrequiredofanyaltarserver.
• Beproperlydressed–SEEDRESSCODE/APPEARANCEABOVE
• Arrive30minutesbeforeMass.
• Moveslowlyandsolemnly–neverrun,
• Alwayslookattentive,notboredorsleepy.Bemindfulofthesacrednessoftheirdutiesatalltimes.
Therefore,theyshouldrefrainfromsocializingandunnecessarytalkbeforeandduringMass.
• HelpourparishionershaveaholyMassbyseeingholyaltarserversservingourLord.
• Quarrelingordisputesovertheassignmentofdutiesareneverappropriateandindicatethatoneisnotready
tocontinueinthisministry.
ELECTRONICDEVICES:Nevercarryinyourpocketwhileservingacellphoneorotherelectronicdevicewhichcan
makenoise.Suchitemsshouldbeturnedoffandleftwithaparentorfamilymember.
Donotchewgumoreatcandy!
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Postures
ThepostureoftheAltarServershouldbeoneofnearinvisibility.IfpeoplearepayingattentionatMass,they
shouldnotevennoticeyou.Ifsomeonelooksatyou,theyshouldseeaserverwhoisreverentandpaying
attention.Itshouldremindthemthatthey,too,shouldbepayingattentiontotheMass,andnottoyou.
Ingeneral,yourpostureshouldbeconfident,butcalm.Youshouldlookreverentandprayerful,butcomfortable.
Movesmoothly,butdeliberately,notslowly.
Alwayslook"wheretheactionis".WhensomeoneisspeakingorreadingpartoftheMass,youarelisteningto
them.WhentheEucharistisbeingconsecrated,youarelookingatit.Whenthechoirissinging,youaresinging
withthem.
Makenodistractingmotionsornoises.Donotwave,smile,orwinkatpeople.Friendsandfamilywillbeveryproud
ofyou.Theymaysmileorevenwaveatyou.ImpressthemfurtherbyattendingtoyourdutiesatMasswithout
acknowledgingthem.YouwillhavetimetovisitwiththemafterMass.
Coughsandsneezesshouldbecoveredwithahandkerchieforfacialtissue.Makeahabitofbringingthemwithyou
incasetheyareneeded.Suppresstheurgetoyawn.
DonotleaveyourplaceduringMassforanyreason.BodilyneedsshouldbeattendedtobeforeandafterMass.
Ifyouareholdinganything,you’reexcusedfromthehandmotionsatthattime.Forexample,theserverholding
thebookatthebeginningofMassdoesnotraisetheirhandsat"Andalsowithyou",ifthebookisintheirhands.
PROCESSING
Theprocessionisasacredact.Itismorethanjustawayforthecelebranttogettothealtar.Itisaveryformalway
ofwelcomingandglorifyingChristhimselfintoourpresence.
Inprocession,onewalksuprightly,withhandsfoldedpalmtopalm,withthumbsbeingcrossedrightoverleft.
Thereshouldbeaspaceoftwo(2)pewsbetweenyouandthepersoninfrontofandbehindyou.Thecrossbearer
(orthuriferinsolemnMasses)setthepaceoftheprocessionataslowbutsteadypace.
Whenyouprocess,walkatadeliberate,butrespectfulpace.Itshouldbejustslowerthanyounormallywalk.Ifyou
arenottheleadintheprocession,keeppacewiththelead.
Whencarryingsomethingwhileprocessing,holditreverentlywithbothhandsandslightlyinfrontofyou,not
restingonyourchest.
SITTING
Whilesitting,situpstraight,notslouching.Feetshouldbedirectlyinfrontofyou.Legsshouldneverbecrossed.
Keepyourlegsandfeetstill.Neverplaywithyourhair,yourclothing,orpickatyourbody.Handsarefolded
prayerfullyorarerestingcomfortablyinyourlap.Donotplaywiththecinctureorfiddlewiththeknots.Respond
toprayersandsingsongsdeliberately,andfullyparticipateintheMass.
STANDING
Whenstanding,standupstraight.Balanceyourweightevenlyonbothfeet,butdonotlockyourknees.
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Wheneveryouarenotholdinganything,foldyourhandswithpalmstogether,inthe"prayerposition".Pointyour
fingertipsupward.Theyshouldbeheldcomfortablyataboutthemiddleofyourchest.
Ifyouareholdingsomething,holdtheitemfirmlywithoneorbothhands,asneeded.Thefreehand,ifyouhave
one,shouldcoveryourheart.Graspitemsfirmlyanddeliberately.Whenhandingsomethingtosomeoneelse,
makesuretheyhaveafirmgripsoasnottodropit.
WALKING
Walk.Never,run.Youarethemodelofreverence,calmandgrace.Walkdeliberatelytoyourstation.Watchfor
othersinyourwayandplanaheadtosteparoundthem.Nevergetinthewayofthepresiders,norofanyminister
holdingtheBlessedSacrament.Handsarefoldedprayerfullyorfirmlygraspingwhateveryoumaybecarrying.
Neverwalkbackwardsformorethantwosteps.Whentwoormoreserversaremovingtogether,theyshould
moveasonebody(shouldertoshoulder).
KNEELING
Whilekneeling,keepyourtorsoupstraight,notslouchingorrestingonyourfeet.Ifkneelingbehindachairor
pew,donotleanoverit.Feetshouldbedirectlybehindyou.Keepyourlegsandfeetstill.Handsarefolded
prayerfully.
BOWING
Therearetwotypesofbows.
Theprofoundbow(fullbow):Bendatthewaistandbowforward.
Thisisused:
• BeforetheAltariftheBlessedSacramentisnotpresent
• Attheelevationsoftheconsecration
• IntheProfessionofFaith(Creed)atthewords“andby
theHolySpiritwasincarnateoftheVirginMary,and
becameman”
Thebowofthehead:Loweryourchintoyourchestandholdit
therebriefly.ThereareseveraltimesintheMasswhenthisis
done.Also,anytimeacelebrantbowstoyou,returnthebowwith
abriefheadbow.Simplebowsaremade:
• WhenthethreeDivinePersonsarenamedtogether,at
thenameofJesus,theBlessedVirginMary,orthesaint
inwhosehonortheMassiscelebrated
• WhenevertheAltarServerapproachesorleavesthe
Celebrant(ordeacon)
GENUFLECTING
Nevergenuflectwhencarryinganything.
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Withyourbackstraightandyourhandsfoldedprayerfully,loweryourselfontoyourrightknee,andholdthat
positionbriefly.Youwillalmostalwaysmakethesignofthecrosswhengenuflecting.
NOTE:WeonlygenuflecttotherealpresenceofChrist.Genuflectingtothetabernacle,wheneverJesusisreserved
inthetabernacle,isrequired.Everyone,serversincluded,shouldgenuflectinfrontofthetabernacleintheChapel
ofReservation.ThesanctuarylightusuallysignifiesourLord’spresenceinthetabernacle.Whenitisnotlit,the
tabernacleisempty,asonGoodFridayandHolySaturday.
SILENCE
Exceptwhenmakingtheproperresponses,youwillbesilentatalltimes.YoudonotwanttodistracttheCelebrant
orcongregationbywhisperingtotheotherAltarServers.Silenceisanessentialpartoftheliturgy.Atthe
PenitentialActandaftertheinvitationtoprayattheprayers,youshouldjoinyourthoughtstotheCelebrant’s,in
silence.AfterreceivingCommunion,youshouldpraiseGodinyourheartandprayinsilence.
CARRYINGTHECRUCIFIX
OneofthetallerServersisusually(butnotrequired)selectedtobeCross-bearerbecausehe/shewillfinditeasier
tokeeptheCrucifixbalanced.His/hertaskistocarrythecrosspoleatarightangletothefloor,withoutlettingit
swayinanydirection.TheCross-bearerleadstheprocession,unlessincenseisused,settingthepacefortheentire
group.Itisbesttomoveatapacethatisneithertoofastnortooslow.Practicewillhelpyoulearntomoveatthe
perfectspeed.
WhencarryingtheCrucifix,thebottomofthepoleshouldbekeptaboutkneehigh—withyourrighthandholding
thepoleataboutthroatlevel,andyourlefthandplacedapproximatelyonefootlower.TheCorpus(figureof
Christ)shouldalwaysbefacingoutward.BecarefulnottotouchtheCorpus,asitcandamageit(itwasrecently
replaced).HoldthepolejustbeneaththeCorpus.
WhencarryingtheCrucifix,theCross-bearerdoesnotgenuflect.WhentheCrossisnotinuse,placeitintheholder
withtheCorpusfacingthecongregation.
CARRYINGCANDLES
WhentheCrossiscarriedinprocession,thereareusuallytwoorfourCandle-bearersfollowingbehindtheCross.
Candlesshouldbeheldatarightangletothefloor.Besuretokeepthemstraightsothatmeltedwaxdoesn’tdrip
onthefloororcarpeting.Thecandlebearersdonotgenuflectwhencarryingcandles.
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PrayerforAltarServers
Fatherinheaven,
YourSonJesusChristshowedHisloveforYou
byservingHisneedybrothersandsisters.
InowaskYoutogivemeYourhelp
asIserveYouandYourpeople.
OpenmymouthtopraiseYouinwordandsong.
OpenmyearstohearYourword.
OpenmyhandstodoYourworkwell.
Takefrommyheartalldistractingthoughts.
HelpmeknowwhatIshoulddo,anddoitwell.
HelpmetoservereverentlyatYourholyaltar,
andsogiveYoupraiseandglory,nowandforever.
Amen.
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Differentjobsthataltarserverscarryout
BELLRINGER
• ThisserverwillringthebellswhentheCelebrantpraysthatGodsendsdownHisHolySpirittochangethe
breadandwineintotheBodyandBloodofHisSon,andconsecration.Careisrequiredtoringthematthe
appropriatemomentandtoringthematthecorrectvolumeandduration.
BOATBEARER
• Theboatcontainsincensethatisusedinthethurible.Itistheboatbearer'sjobtomakesurethatthe
boatisavailablewhenrequiredbythethurifer.Sometimestheboatiscarriedbythethurifer.
BOOKBEARER
• ThisserverhasthejobofholdingtheRomanMissalforthecelebrantatthebeginningandendofthe
Mass.Itisthisserver'sresponsibilitytomakesurethattheRomanMissalisopenonthecorrectpageand
isheldinsuchawaythatthecelebrantcanreaditwithease.
• BringstheRomanMissaltothealtarduringthepreparationofthegifts.
• TakestheRomanMissalandthestandoffthealtarduringCommunionandplacesitintheSacristy.
CANDLEBEARERS(ALSOCALLEDLUCIFERS)
• Serveinpairs,andcarrycandlesatthebeginningandendoftheMass,aswellasattheGospel.
• Helpsbringthechaliceandotheritemstothesetthealtar.
• Assistsinthewashingofhands.
• HelpsclearthealtarafterCommunion,andperformsothertasksasrequired.
CROSSBEARER(ALSOCALLEDCRUCIFER)
• TheserverwhocarriestheprocessionalcrucifixatthebeginningandendoftheMass.
THURIFER
• Thisisaserverwhowillcarrythethurible.ThethuriblewillberequiredduringtheMassanditisthejob
ofthethurifertohaveitreadyasrequired.Caremustalwaysbetakenasburningcharcoalisusedinthe
thuribleandcanburn.
• TheThuriferistypicallytheSeniorServer.
SENIORANDMASTERSERVER
• Canserveinanyofthepositionsabove;assignsrolestotheotherserversandmakessureeveryoneis
readytoserve.
• ServesasthuriferifincenseisusedduringMass.
• SuperviseotherserversandmakesureeverythingisinitsproperplacebeforeandafterMass.
• Goesdowntothefootofthealtarwiththecelebranttoreceivethegiftsifnodeaconispresent.
ServingwithFewerServers:At5minutesbeforeMass,ifnotalloftheservershavearrived,proceedwiththenumberofserversavailableand
vested.Ifthereareonlytwoservers,beforeMassbegins,theyshouldplacetheprocessionalcandlesinthe
sacristyintheirnormallocation.Oneserveractsasthecruciferasnormal.Thecandlebearersprocessbehindthe
crucifer,withhandsfolded,andalsoproceedsasusual.
IfthereisonlyoneserverbeforeMassbegins,theserveractsasthecruciferandprocessesinasusual.
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WhatisMass?
ThewayIthinkofMassisthatitislikegoingtovisitafriend'shouse.Ifwethinkofthesequenceofeventsthat
happenwhenwegotoafriend'shousewecanseethatthereareequivalentstoeachinourMass.
Ifwelookatthecolumndirectlyundertheheading"InvitedtoaFriend'sHouse"weseethatwhenwearriveatthe
friend’shousewewillprobablywalkuptothefrontdoorandknockorringthedoorbell.Whenthedooris
answeredyouwillgreeteachotherandwalkin.
Ifwenowlookatthecolumndirectlyundertheheading"InvitedtotheLord'sHouse"weseethatatchurchthis
arrivaliscalledtheIntroductoryRite.YoucanfollowthenextsectionandnotethateverythingintheMasssetting
hasasimilarentrytothatwhichweexperiencewhenwevisitafriend.SothereforewecouldsaythatGodisour
friend,andweconsiderourselveshonoredtobeinvitedtotheLord’sHousetoshareinHisbanquet.
InvitedtoaFriend'sHouse InvitedtotheLord'sHouse
ArrivalKnockonthedoor
Greeteachother IntroductoryRite
Entrancechant/song
Greeting
PenitentialRite
Gloria
Collect(OpeningPrayer)
Conversation TalkandPlaytogether Liturgyofthe
Word
Readings
ResponsorialPsalm
Gospel
Homily
NiceneCreed
UniversalPrayer(Prayerofthe
Faithful)
Prepareand
cookfood
Setthetable
Wash/cookfood
Washhands
Liturgyofthe
Eucharist
Preparationofthegifts
Eucharisticprayer
EatMeal
Saythanksforthefood
Eatanddrink
Relax
CommunionRite
TheLord'sPrayer
Signofpeace
Communion
PrayerafterCommunion
DepartforhomeSayGoodbye
Leaveforhome ConcludingRite
FinalBlessing
Dismissal
HowdoesMassend,andwhatdoesthefinaldismissalmean?
AttheendofMass,wehavejustreceivedanextraordinarygift--theBodyandBloodofChristinCommunion.As
Masscomestoaclose,theCelebrantgivesafinalblessingtoallthepeople,askingforGodtoenterourlivesand
helpusgrowstrongerinourfaith.Duringthefinaldismissal,wehear“GoandannouncetheGospeloftheLord”
or“Goinpeace,glorifyingtheLordbyyourlife”or“Goinpeace.”ThisfinaldismissalistheLord’smissiontoHis
people;GodisSENDINGUStobringHismessagetotheworld.
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PlanoftheMass
THEINTRODUCTORYRITES 1.EntranceChant(ringbell)
2.Greeting
3.RitefortheBlessingandSprinklingofWater
4.PenitentialAct
5.Kyrie
6.Gloria
7.Collect(Proper)
THELITURGYOFTHEWORD 8.FirstReading(Proper)
9.ResponsorialPsalm(Proper)
10.SecondReading(Proper)
11.GospelAcclamation(Proper)
12.GospelDialogue
13.GospelReading(Proper)
14.Homily
15.ProfessionofFaith(Creed)
16.UniversalPrayer
THELITURGYOFTHEEUCHARIST 17.PresentationandPreparationoftheGifts
18.InvitationtoPrayer
19.PrayerovertheOfferings(Proper)
20.PrefaceDialogue
21.Preface
22.Sanctus(Holy,Holy,Holy)
23.EucharisticPrayer
24.TheLord’sPrayer
25.SignofPeace
26.AgnusDei(LambofGod)
27.InvitationtoCommunion
28.Communion
29.PrayerafterCommunion
THECONCLUDINGRITES 30.SolemnBlessing(Optional)
31.FinalBlessing
32.Dismissal
PAGE15
BeforeMass
ARRIVAL
AltarServersshouldarrive30minutesbeforethestartofMassandsigninwiththeSacristan.TheSeniorServer
willassignrolesforeachserver.
VESTING
GotothevestingroomtoputonyourAltarServervestments.Allserversshouldbevestedandreadytogo15-30
minutesbeforeMass.
Besuretowearanalbthatislongenoughtocometoyourankles,butnottoolongthatitcanmakeyoutrip.
Bothboysandgirlsshouldwearalbswithcincturestiedaboutthewaist.Thecinctureneedstobetied(overhand
knot)withknottotheleftsideandendseven.Donotplaywithoruntietheknotsattheendsofthecincture.
Makesurethealbiscleangoingonandcomingoff.Ifitneedscleaning,pleasesetitasideandletthesacristan
know.Yourvestmentsshouldneverbeleftonthefloor,noronashelfnoranywhereelsebuttheirproperhangers
andhooks.
ALWAYSBEGINWITHPRAYER
Sinceservingatthealtarisaprivilege,itisimportanttoprepareyourselfforthisministrybeforeeachMassby
prayingforGod’sgraceandassistance.Beginningwithprayerwillhelpyoutoremainfocusedonyoursacred
dutiesduringMassandtoserveinamannerpleasingtoGod.AnexampleofanAltarServers’Prayerisprovidedin
thismanual.
ThecelebrantandserverswillsayabriefprayerinthevestingroompriortothestartofMass.
PreparingtheNaveforMass
LIGHTTHECANDLES
• TheSacristanusuallylightsthealtarcandles30minutesbeforeMass,buttheSeniorServershouldcheck
toseeiftheSacristanneedsassistancetodothis.
• Carefullylighttheprocessionalcandles5minutesbeforeMass
PREPARETHETHURIBLE
• 30minutesprior:lighthalfapieceofcharcoalonthebottomofthethurible.Placeawholepieceof
charcoalontopofthesmallerhalfandlightthattoo.
• 15minutesprior:checktomakesurethecharcoalisstilllitandthecoalsarehot.
• 10minutesprior:placeanotherhalfpieceofcharcoalontopofthelitcoals;lightthecharcoalifrequired.
ThuriferandBoatbearertakethethuribleandboattothefrontoftheNave;standjustinsidethedoors
ontheJosephsidetoawaittheprocessionalgathering.Swingthethuribleandmakesuretheairis
gettingtothecoals.
• 5minutesprior:Gotothesacristytoretrievethecrucifix,processionalcandles,andthurible/boat.
PAGE16
• Priortotheprocession,theThuriferandBoatbearerpresentsthethuribleandboattothecelebrantfor
charging.
DuringMass
PROCESSION
• TheprocessionformsatthemainentranceinthenarthexoftheChurchunlessthecelebrantadvisesyou
otherwise.Processionbeginsassoonasthesingingbegins.Walkslowlyandreverently.
• TheOrderOfProcession:
1. Thurifer(ifbeingused);swingsthethuriblewhilewalkingdowntheaisle.
2. Crucifer
3. CandleBearers
4. Additionalservers(ifpresent)
5. Deacon,ifpresent-Lector,ifthereisnoDeacon(LectorwillcarrytheBookofGospels)
6. Celebrant
• TheBookoftheGospelswillbeplacedonthealtarandtheCelebrantwillbow/genuflecttowardsthe
altar.Onceatthealtar(wheretostand)-
o Bowyourheadslightlyifcarryingsomething.Ifyouarenotcarryinganything,bowreverentlyto
thewaistorgenuflect.
o ThuriferandBoatBearerwillstopatthenorthcornerendofthealtarontheJosephsideofthe
Nave,readytohandthethuribletothedeaconorcelebrantifnodeaconispresent.
o TheCruciferstopsatthecrucifixplacedonthealtarontheJosephsideoftheNave,facingthe
altar.
o CandleBearersstopatthealtarcandlesoneithersideoftheNave,facingthealtarcandles.
o Anyextraserversaretopositionthemselvesoneithersideofthealtarsothereisaneven
numberonbothsides.
o Afterthecelebrantkissesthealtar,CrossandCandleBearersmovetotheSacristytoplace
candlesandcrucifixbackintheirplaceandextinguishthecandles.
• Ifincenseisused:
o Thuriferstepsupontothepredellaandpresentsthethuribletothedeaconorcelebrantifno
deaconispresent.(Thepredellaisthesteporplatformuponwhichthealtarisplaced.)
o ThuriferstepsbackoffthepredellaandwaitsfortheCelebranttofinishincensingtheAltar.
o WhentheCelebrantisfinishedincensingtheAltar,Thuriferstepsuptoreceivethethuriblefrom
thedeaconorcelebrantifnodeaconispresent.
o Replacethethuriblebackonitsstand.Openthuribleandallowairtocontinuetofreelygetto
hotcoals.Addahalfcharcoaltothethurible;ensureitignites.
• Returntopewoncefinished.-bebrief,bequiet!
OPENINGPRAYERS(BookBearerOnly)
• IntroductoryRite.
o ThecelebrantmaychoosetoreadtheIntroductoryRitefromtheRomanMissal.Immediately
gettheRomanMissal;bookshouldbeopentothepagewiththeIntroductoryRite.Whenthe
celebrantisfinishedreadingtheIntroductoryRite,closetheMissal(butkeepyourfingeronthe
pagemarkedwiththeredribbon),andmovetostandinfrontofthepews.
PAGE17
• SprinklingRite:
o TheBookBearertakestheRomanMissaltothecelebrantalreadyopenedtotheprayersforthe
RiteofSprinkling.
o Twootherserversbringtheaspergillumandaspersoriumtothecelebrantfortheblessingofthe
water.(Aspergillum:thebrushorinstrumentusedforsprinklingholywater;Aspersorium:abowl
orcontainerofholywaterusedforsprinkling)
o Afterthecelebrantblessesthewater,BookstandsbeneaththearchinfrontoftheSacristydoor
andwaitsforthesprinklingofthecongregationtobefinished.Thetwoserversfollowthe
celebrantanddeacon,holdingtheaspersoriumwhiletheysprinklethecongregationwithholy
water.
o Afterthecelebrantanddeaconarefinishedsprinklingthepeopleandreturntotheirchairs:
§ ThetwoserversreturntotheSacristyandplacetheaspersoriumonthecountertop(the
holywaterwillbeusedduringotherMasses)
§ TheBookBearerbringstheRomanMissalbacktothecelebrantfortheclosingprayerin
theRiteofSprinkling.
§ DuringAdventandLent,theGloriaisomitted.AftertheclosingprayeroftheRiteof
Sprinkling,theBookremainsinfrontofthecelebrantfortheCollect.Turntothecorrect
pageintheMissalifthecelebrantdoesnotturnthepagehimself.
• Collect:
o AttheendoftheGloria,whenyouhear,“withtheHolySpirit,”bringthemissalbacktothe
celebrant.Openthemissaltothemarkedpage.Whenthecelebrantisfinishedreadingthe
Collect,bringthemissalbacktotheSacristy.
LITURGYOFTHEWORD
• AftertheCollect,allserverssitandlistenattentivelytotheWordofGod.
• ResponsorialPsalm(afterthePsalmistbowsandwalkstowardtheambo):
o CandleBearersgototheSacristyandlighttheprocessionalcandles
o Thuriferandboatreadiesthethurible.Thuriferstartsswingingthethurible.
• 2ndReading:
o Towardtheendofthe2ndreading,Candles,Thuriferandboatarestandinginthearchoutside
theSacristydoor.
o Startwalkingoutassoonasthe2ndReaderreverencesthealtar(bows)andstartswalkingbackto
thepews.
o CandleBearersstandinfrontofthealtar.
o Thurifer/boatwalktothecelebrantandpresentsthethuribleforcharging.
o Afterthecelebrantchargesthethurible,boatreturnstotheSacristytoplacetheboatonits
stand,thenreturnstothepews.Thuriferstandstotheleftofthecelebrant’schair.
• Gospel:
o WhenthecelebrantordeaconstartstowalktothealtartoretrievetheBookoftheGospels:
§ CandleBearersstepupontothepredellaandstandsoneithersideofthealtar.
§ Thuriferwalksforwardandstandsbehindthecelebrant/deacon.
o Asthecelebrant/deaconwalkstotheAmbo:
§ CandleBearersmovetostandoneithersideoftheambo
§ Thuriferleadstheprocessiontotheamboandstandsbehindthecelebrant/deacon,
thenswingsthethurible
o Afterthecelebrant/deaconannouncestheGospelreading:
§ Thuriferhandsthethuribletothecelebrant/deacon
PAGE18
§ Celebrant/deaconreturnsthethuribletotheThuriferafterincensingtheBookofthe
Gospels.Thuriferremainsinplace,swingingthethurible.
o AftertheGospelreadingisfinished:
§ CandleBearersandThuriferreturntotheSacristy(exitbehindtheTabernacle).
§ CandleBearersextinguishthecandlesthenreturnstotheirseats.
§ Thuriferadds1pieceofcharcoaltothethuriblethenreturnstohis/herseat.
PREPARATIONOFTHEGIFTSANDALTAR
• ImmediatelyaftertheCreed,twoserversgototheSacristy.
• AfterthePrayersoftheFaithful,theRomanMissalandchalicestackarebroughttotheAltarandhanded
tothecelebrant/deacon(waitforthecelebrant/deacontotakethemfromyouthenreturntothe
Sacristy).
• Whenthecelebrantanddeaconwalkforwardtoreceivethegifts:
o Oneservertakesthewatercruetandpurificatorstothedeacon/celebrant.Serverwaitsbythe
Altarforthedeaconorcelebranttohandbothcruetsback.Theservertakesbothcruetsbackto
theSacristythenbringsoutanyremainingvessels.
o Theremainingserversbringouttheothervessels.Thecommunioncupsarebroughtoutfirst,
followedbythepatens.ServersreturntotheSacristyforanyremainingvesselsasrequired.
o Serversshouldbowslightly(headnod)whenhandingitemsovertothecelebrant/deacon.
o Serverstakethethuribleandboattothedeacon/celebrant.Aftercharging,replacetheboaton
thestand.
• WashingofHands:
o Twoserverstakethepitcherofwaterandthelavabo(bowl)totheAltar(waitforthecelebrant
tofinishincensingtheAltar).
o Oneserverpourswateroverthecelebrant’shands;theotherwillhandthetoweltothe
celebrant.
o Afterthewashingofhands,returntotheSacristyandpouroutthewaterthatisinthelavabo
intotheSacrarium.
o Usethetoweltodryoutthelavabo;placethetowelinthehamperusedforlinens.
o Returnthepitcherandlavabotothecredencetable.
o Returntoseats.
LITURGYOFTHEEUCHARIST
ThisisthemostimportantliturgyoftheMass.Thisisthetimewhenthebreadandwineareofferedtobecomethe
BodyandBloodofJesusChrist.Serversshouldkneelatthistimeasasignofreverenceandfaith.Itisvery
importantthatyoubestill,payattention,andnotbeadistraction.Donotplaywithyourcincture,withyourhair,
withyourfingernails,etc.Allsuchactsaredistracting,firsttoyourself,thentothecelebrant,andthentoallthe
peoplewhoaretryingtopayattentiontothisimportantprayer.
DuringtheHoly,Holy,Holy(Sanctus,Sanctus,Sanctus)
• ThurifertakesthethuribletothefrontoftheAltar
• ServermovestotheAltarandstandswherethebellsandpilloware.
Consecration
• ThebellsshouldberungwithamusicaltoneduringthreepartsoftheEucharisticprayers:
o Epiclesis(whentheCelebrantcallsdowntheHolySpirit):onelongring.
PAGE19
o ConsecrationofthebreadtothePreciousBodyofJesusChrist:3three-secondrings.
o ConsecrationofthewinetothePreciousBloodofJesusChrist:3three-secondrings.
• Quietbellsafterlettingthemringoutandatendofthirdsetofrings,slidepillowwithbellsbacktotheir
“resting”position.
• Afterthe“GreatAmen”,bellringercanreturntoplaceinthepew.
• ImportantnotetoallServers:PleaseexchangetheSignofPeacewiththoseimmediatelyaroundyou.
Althoughitiswellmeaning,itisliturgicallyimpropertogoaroundtheChurchtoexchangepeace,forit
disruptstheflowoftheliturgy.
• AftertheSignofPeace,theLambofGod(“AgnusDei”)issungandeveryonekneels.Thecelebrantwill
thenconsumethePreciousBodyandBlood.WhenthecelebrantputstheChalicedownontheAltar,
ServerswillstandandlineupattheJosephsideofthecelebrant’schairinasinglefilelinetoreceive
Communion.
Communion
• ReceivetheEucharistinaprayerfulmannerbeingawareofimmenseprivilegeandsacrednessofthisact.
PleasecheckyourhandsforparticlesofthePreciousBodyandBloodafterreceiving(consumethemifthe
particlesarebigenough,orrinseyourhandsintheSacrariuminthesacristy;DONOTwashyourhandsin
thebathroomsink).
• PleasereturntofarleftsideoftheServerPewandreflectonyourexperiencewiththelivingChrist.
• BookBearer/Crucifer,remainsintheSacristyandwaitsforCommuniondistributiontothecongregation
tobegin.ThenshouldproceedtotheAltartoretrievetheMissalandreturnittotheSacristy.
• OncetheExtraordinaryMinistersarefinisheddistributingHolyCommunion,Serversshouldstandandline
upontheJosephsideoftheAltarastheydidduringthesetupoftheAltarbeforetheconsecration.The
Deacon/CelebrantwillreturntheCiboriumtotheTabernacle–genuflecttotheTabernaclewiththe
Deacon/Celebrant.
• Deacon/CelebrantorAcolytewillcleartheAltar,givingtheServersassembleditemstoreturntothe
Sacristy.Remember,ifanacolyteispresent,hewillbringbackthemainchalice
• OncetheAltarisclear,ServersshouldbeinSacristypreparingfortheRecessionoutoftheNave.
PrayerafterCommunion
• BookBearerwillbringouttheRomanMissalforthePrayerafterCommunion.Standinfrontofthe
celebrantwiththebookopenedtothemarkedpage.Tallerserverswillholdthemissallowerandtothe
side;shorterserverswillholdthemissalhigher.
• CandlebearersareintheSacristy,lightingtheprocessionalcandles.
• ServersareintheSacristy,liningupinthesameorderastheProcession,andawaitingtheFinalBlessing.
THECONCLUDINGRITES
SolemnBlessing
• AtcertainMasses,asolemnblessingwillbegiven.Ifthereisaspecial/solemnblessing,asecondserver
willbringouttheBookofBlessingsimmediatelyafterthePrayerafterCommunion.
FinalBlessingandRecession
• ServersarelinedupinthesameorderastheProcession;processionalcandlesarelit.
• ThuribleandBoatdonotprocessout.
PAGE20
• AttheconclusionoftheFinalBlessing,andoncethechoirbeginsplaying,serverswalkoutandstand
beforethealtar.
o CruciferleadstheprocessionfromtheSacristytothefrontoftheAltarinthemainaisle.
o Allserversareturnedaround,facingthealtar,andwaitforthecelebrantanddeacon.
• Serversnotholdinganythingwillgenuflecttothealtaralongwiththecelebrantanddeacon.
• Afterthecelebrantanddeacon(andserversnotholdinganything)genuflecttothealtar,allturnaround
andslowlyprocessoutofthenaveintothenarthex.
• ServerswaitintheNarthexforthecelebranttoblessthem,thentheyproceedtoperformafter-Mass
duties.
DUTIESAFTERMASS
• ReturnthecrucifixandcandlestotheSacristy
• Extinguishallcandles(includingthealtarcandlesandpaschalcandleiflit)
• Returntothevestingroomandproperlyhangup/replacerobes,cincturesandcrosses
• Thurifer:
o Emptyoutthehotashesfromthethuribleintothesmallbucketonthefloorbeneaththethurible
o EmptyouttheashbucketintotheashcanoutsidetheJosephsideexitdoor(besuretokeepthe
doorproppedopenwhileyoudothisoryouwilllockedoutofthebuilding)
o Refillthethuriblewith1½piecesofcharcoal
o Refilltheincenseboatandcharcoalcontainerifrequired
o Cleanuptheareaaroundthethurible
PAGE21
Tim
ingCues/Prompts
INTRODUCTORYRITES
o Aftertheprocessionintochurch,ThuriferwaitsbythealtarwhiletheCelebrant
incensesthealtar
1.
Greeting
o AltarServerbringsuptheM
issalrightawayiftheCelebrantwantstoreadthe
IntroductoryRite
2.
PenitentialAct(OmittedifthereisaSprinklingRite)
•
SprinklingRite(im
mediatelyafterthegreeting)
o AltarServerbringsuptheM
issal
o 2Serversbringuptheaspergillumsandaspergilla,andstandinfrontofthe
Celebrant
o W
hentheCelebrantreturnstohischair,ServerbringstheM
issalbackto
theCelebrantfortheSprinklingRiteclosingprayer
3.
Collect
o ServerbringsuptheM
issalbeforetheGloriaisfinished,at“w
iththeHolySpirit,
inthegloryofGodtheFather.Amen”(M
issalisopenedtotheCollect)
o (NoGloria)ThebookbearershouldbringtheRomanM
issaltothecelebrant
immediatelyafterthelast“LordHaveM
ercy”response.
LITURGYOFTHEW
ORD
1.
ResponsorialPsalm
o Afterthepsalm
istwalkstothefrontofthealtarandbows(forthefirsttim
e),
CandleBearersgototheSacristytogetcandlesready
o Ifthereisincense,theThuriferandBoatBeareralsogotoprepare/retrievethe
thurible/boat
2.
SecondReading
o Beforethesecondreadingisover,Thurifer/BoatBearerandCandleBearers
standinthearchoutsidetheSacristy
o ServerswalkoutwhentheLectorbowsinfrontofthealtarafterthesecond
reading.(Thelector’sbowalsopromptsthechoir;see*below)
o CandleBearersstandinfrontofthealtarandwaitsforthe
Deacon/Celebranttostandup
o Thurifer/BoatBearerwalkstotheCelebrantandpresentsthethurible
forcharging(*Thechoirwillwaitforthechargingofthethurible
beforestartingthem
usic)
3.
Gospel
o CandleBearersm
ovetothesidesofthealtarwhentheDeacon/Celebrant
walkstothealtartoretrievetheBookofGospels
o CandleBearerswalktotheambowiththeDeacon/Celebrant
o ThuriferstandsbehindtheDeacon/Celebrant;givestheDeacon/Celebrantthe
thuribletoincensetheGospel;remainsbehindtheDeacon/Celebrantand
swingsthuribleduringtheGospelreading
4.
PrayersoftheFaithful
o TwoserversbringtheM
issalandChalicestacktothealtarafterthePrayersof
theFaithful
LITURGYOFTHEEUCHARIST
1.
PresentationandPreparationofGifts
o ServersbringoutthevesselswhentheDeacon/Celebrantwalkforw
ardto
receivethegifts
(bringoutthecupsFIRST,thenthepatens)
o Thurifer/BoatBearerstandsonthepredellabythealtar;handsthethuribleto
theDeacon/Celebrant;waitswhiletheCelebrantincensesthealtar
o Serversbringoutlavaboandpitcher(immediatelyifnoincense,orfollowthe
Thurifer/BoatBearertothealtar.)
o ThuriferwaitsoutsidetheSacristyfortheconsecration
2.
EucharisticPrayer
o DuringtheSanctus(Holy,Holy,Holy):ThuriferandServerforBellsproceedto
thealtar.
3.
CommunionRite
o Thuriferincensesthealtar;serverringsthebells
o ReturntopewsaftertheGreatAmen(beforetheOurFather)
4.
Communion
o AltarserversproceedtothealtartoreceiveCommunionaftertheCelebrant
drinksfromthechaliceandplacesitonthealtar.
o AltarserverretrievestheRomanM
issalandstandfromthealtarafterthe
distributionofCommuniontothecongregationbegins.
5.
PrayerafterCommunion
o ServerbringstheM
issaltotheCelebrant,openedtothepagewiththePrayer
afterCommunion
CONCLUDINGRITES
o ServerswaitintheSacristywiththelitcandlesandcrucifix
1.
SolemnBlessing(ifused)
o ServerbringstheM
issal/BookofBlessingstotheCelebrant
2.
Dismissal
o Serverswalkoutwhenthem
usicbegins;thethurible/boatdoesnotprocess
out
PAGE22
MassPrayersandResponses
GREETING
Celebrant:TheLordbewithyou.
People:Andwithyourspirit.
PENITENTIALACT,FORMA(CONFITEOR)
IconfesstoalmightyGod
andtoyou,mybrothersandsisters,
thatIhavegreatlysinned
inmythoughtsandinmywords,
inwhatIhavedone
andinwhatIhavefailedtodo,
(StrikeBreast)throughmyfault,throughmyfault,
throughmymostgrievousfault;
thereforeIaskblessedMaryever-Virgin,
alltheAngelsandSaints,
andyou,mybrothersandsisters,
toprayformetotheLordourGod.
PENITENTIALACT,FORMB
Celebrant:Havemercyonus,OLord.
People:Forwehavesinnedagainstyou.
Celebrant:Showus,OLord,yourmercy.
People:Andgrantusyoursalvation.
Or:
Celebrant:Kyrie,eleison
People:Kyrie,eleison
Celebrant:Christe,eleison
People:Christe,eleison
Celebrant:Kyrie,eleison
People:Kyrie,eleison
GLORIA
GlorytoGodinthehighest,
andonearthpeacetopeopleofgoodwill.
Wepraiseyou,
weblessyou,
weadoreyou,
weglorifyyou,
wegiveyouthanksforyourgreatglory,
LordGod,heavenlyKing,
OGod,almightyFather.
LordJesusChrist,OnlyBegottenSon,
LordGod,LambofGod,SonoftheFather,
youtakeawaythesinsoftheworld,havemercyonus;
youtakeawaythesinsoftheworld,receiveour
prayer;
youareseatedattherighthandoftheFather,have
mercyonus.
ForyoualonearetheHolyOne,
youalonearetheLord,
youalonearetheMostHigh,
JesusChrist,withtheHolySpirit,
inthegloryofGodtheFather.Amen.
DIALOGUEATTHEGOSPEL
Celebrant:TheLordbewithyou.
People:Andwithyourspirit.
Celebrant:AreadingfromtheholyGospelaccordingto
N.
People:Glorytoyou,OLord.
NICENECREED
IbelieveinoneGod,
theFatheralmighty,
makerofheavenandearth,
ofallthingsvisibleandinvisible.
IbelieveinoneLordJesusChrist,
theOnlyBegottenSonofGod,
bornoftheFatherbeforeallages.
GodfromGod,LightfromLight,
trueGodfromtrueGod,
begotten,notmade,consubstantialwiththeFather;
throughhimallthingsweremade.
Forusmenandforoursalvation
hecamedownfromheaven,
(Bow)andbytheHolySpiritwasincarnateoftheVirgin
Mary,
andbecameman.(EndBow)
ForoursakehewascrucifiedunderPontiusPilate,
hesuffereddeathandwasburied,
androseagainonthethirdday
inaccordancewiththeScriptures.
Heascendedintoheaven
andisseatedattherighthandoftheFather.
Hewillcomeagaininglory
tojudgethelivingandthedead
andhiskingdomwillhavenoend.
IbelieveintheHolySpirit,theLord,thegiveroflife,
whoproceedsfromtheFatherandtheSon,
whowiththeFatherandtheSonisadoredand
glorified,whohasspokenthroughtheprophets.
Ibelieveinone,holy,catholicandapostolicChurch.
IconfessoneBaptismfortheforgivenessofsins
andIlookforwardtotheresurrectionofthedead
andthelifeoftheworldtocome.Amen.
PAGE23
APOSTLES’CREED
IbelieveinGod,theFatheralmighty,
Creatorofheavenandearth,
andinJesusChrist,hisonlySon,ourLord,
(Bow)whowasconceivedbytheHolySpirit,
bornoftheVirginMary,(EndBow)
sufferedunderPontiusPilate,
wascrucified,diedandwasburied;
hedescendedintohell;
onthethirddayheroseagainfromthedead;
heascendedintoheaven,
andisseatedattherighthandofGodtheFather
almighty;
fromtherehewillcometojudgethelivingandthe
dead.
IbelieveintheHolySpirit,
theholycatholicChurch,
thecommunionofsaints,
theforgivenessofsins,
theresurrectionofthebody,
andlifeeverlasting.Amen.
INVITATIONTOPRAYER(RESPONSE)
People:MaytheLordacceptthesacrificeatyour
hands,forthepraiseandgloryofhisname,
forourgoodandthegoodofallhisholyChurch.
PREFACEDIALOGUE
Celebrant:TheLordbewithyou.
People:Andwithyourspirit.
Celebrant:Liftupyourhearts.
People:WeliftthemuptotheLord.
Celebrant:LetusgivethankstotheLordourGod.
People:Itisrightandjust.
HOLY,HOLY,HOLY
Holy,Holy,HolyLordGodofhosts.
Heavenandeartharefullofyourglory.
Hosannainthehighest.
BlessedishewhocomesinthenameoftheLord.
Hosannainthehighest.
MYSTERYOFFAITH
Celebrant:Themysteryoffaith.
People:A—WeproclaimyourDeath,OLord,
andprofessyourResurrectionuntilyoucomeagain.
orB—WhenweeatthisBreadanddrinkthisCup,
weproclaimyourDeath,OLord,untilyoucomeagain.
orC—Saveus,Savioroftheworld,forbyyourCross
andResurrectionyouhavesetusfree.
THELORD’SPRAYER
OurFather,whoartinheaven,hallowedbethyname;
thykingdomcome,thywillbedoneonearthasitisin
heaven.
Giveusthisdayourdailybread,
andforgiveusourtrespasses,
asweforgivethosewhotrespassagainstus;
andleadusnotintotemptation,
butdeliverusfromevil.
CONCLUSIONOFPRAYER
People:Forthekingdom,thepowerandthegloryare
yoursnowandforever.
SIGNOFPEACE
Celebrant:ThepeaceoftheLordbewithyoualways.
People:Andwithyourspirit.
BREAKINGOFTHEBREAD
LambofGod,youtakeawaythesinsoftheworld,
havemercyonus.
LambofGod,youtakeawaythesinsoftheworld,
havemercyonus.
LambofGod,youtakeawaythesinsoftheworld,
grantuspeace.
Latin:
AgnusDei,quitollispeccatamundi,
misererenobis.
AgnusDei,quitollispeccatamundi,
misererenobis.
AgnusDei,quitollispeccatamundi,
donanobispacem.
INVITATIONTOCOMMUNION
Celebrant:BeholdtheLambofGod,
beholdhimwhotakesawaythesinsoftheworld.
Blessedarethosecalledtothesupperofthelamb.
All:Lord,Iamnotworthy
thatyoushouldenterundermyroof,
butonlysaytheword
andmysoulshallbehealed.
CONCLUDINGRITES
Celebrant:TheLordbewithyou.
People:Andwithyourspirit.
Incensing
Thethurifertypicallybearsthethurible(andboatifthereisnoadditionalservertoholdit).
ThesmokeoftheincenserepresentstheprayersofthefaithfulrisingtowardsGod.
WHENISINCENSEUSEDINTHEMASS?
• DuringtheEntranceProcession
• AtthebeginningoftheMass,toincensethecross,Paschalcandle,andthealtar
• AttheprocessionbeforetheGospelandtheproclamationoftheGospelitself
• Afterthevesselshavebeenplacedonthealtar,toincensetheofferings,thecross,andthealtar,aswell
astheCelebrantandthepeople
• AttheelevationofthehostandthechaliceaftertheConsecration
• IncensemaybeusedatfuneralMasses,andatthegravesiteattheburialservice.
LIGHTINGCHARCOAL
Thethurifershouldchecktoensurethatthecharcoalsarestilllitduringtheresponsorial,andiftheincensewillbe
neededfortheelevations,duringinitialpartofthehomily.
Usingtongs,holdthecharcoalsoyoucanlightitfromunderneath;keeptheflameonituntiltheedgesturnwhite.
HANDLINGTHETHURIBLE
Whileprocessingwiththethurible:
• Swingthethuriblegentlywiththecoverslightlyopen
• Donotallowthethuribletoswinghigherthantheheightofyourwaist
• Walksolemnlyandinthecenteroftheaisle
• Becarefulwhenwalkingaroundcorners
• Stopswingingthethuriblewhenwalkingupordownsteps
Whenyouareholdingthethuriblebutnotmoving:
• Keepthecoverslightlyopen(thiswillallowforanairflowandkeepthecovercool)byholdingthedisk
undertheindexfingerandthumbofaclenchedhand(butinawaythatthechainsarenotaffected;i.e.,
crimped)andthecoverchainringdrapedoverthediskandheldbythethumb(oranyotherfinger)
• Holdthethuribleinyourlefthandwhenitisnotfilledwithincense.
• Holdthethuribleinyourrighthandafterthecelebrantputsinandblessestheincense.
Bowbeforeandafteryouincenseanyone.
Thentakethechainsbeneaththediskwithyourlefthand,andholdyourlefthandagainstyourbreast.Graspthe
chainsnearthecoverbetweentheindexfingerandmiddlefingerofyourrighthand.Holdingthethuribleatthe
heightofyourchest,raiseitinfrontofyourfaceandswingitoutwardtowardthepersonbeingincensed.
PAGE25
References
SACRAMENTALS
TheSacramentalsthatweuseduringMassarealsoancientinorigin.Somecomefromtheancienttraditionsofthe
OldTestamentsacrifice.Somearemodeledafterthingsweuseeveryday.Themostspecialoftheseareusedto
holdtheBlessedSacrament.AnythingthattouchestheEucharistiswashedinaspecialsink,sothatnoteventhe
smallestpartofChrist'sBodyorBloodistreateddisrespectfully.
ABLUTIONCUP
Theablutioncup,filledwithwater,
isasmallbowl-likecontainer,
locatednearthetabernacle(for
usebythecelebrant/deacon)and
onthecredencetable(foruseby
theEMoHCs).Afterthe
distributionofHolyCommunion,
thecelebrant/deaconandEMoHCsmaycleanse
his/herfingersinthewater,thenwipesthefingers
onapurificatororfingertowel.
ASPERGILLUM&ASPERSORIUM
TheAspergilisanimplementused
tosprinkleholywater.Itmaybea
typeofbrush,oritmaybeaball
onahandlewithholesinit.Early
aspergillumsweremadefromthe
Hyssopplant.Thebucketinto
whichtheaspergillumisdippedis
calledtheaspersorium.
BOAT(INCENSEBOAT)
TheIncenseBoatisa
coveredmetalbowlwith
hingedlidsusedtohold
theincensetoputinthe
Thurible.Itusuallyhasa
matchingspoon.
BOOKOFGOSPELS
AspecialeditionoftheLectionary,the
BookofGospelscontainsonlythe
gospelreadingsforMass.Itiscarriedin
procession.TheBookofGospelsis
oftenmoredecoratedthanthesimpler
lectionary.
CANDLES
TherearetwomainkindsofcandlesusedinmostMasses:TheProcessionalCandlesarecarriedintheprocession,
andusedtocallattentiontotheAmbowhentheGospelisbeingread.TheAltarCandlesremainoneithersideof
theAltar.OthercandlesusedincludethePascalCandle,theChapellamp,andtheAdventcandles.
Candles(Altar)
Candles(Chapel
Lamp)
Candles(Paschal) Candles
(Processional)
PAGE26
CANDLELIGHTER
TheCandlelighterisalong
hollowtubewithawickinit
forcarryingtheflametolight
thealtarcandles.Oursserves
adualpurpose,asithasan
extinguisherontheendofit
CHALICE
AChaliceisaspecialcuplinedwithgoldusedtoholdtheBlessedBloodattheEucharist.Everycelebranthasat
leastonechaliceofhisown.
Fr.Kirk’sChalice
(no other priest/celebrant uses this
one)
Chaliceforallother
celebrants
CIBORIUM&STACKEDCIBORIA
(plural:Ciboria)
ACiboriumisabowl,
sometimesona
pedestal,linedwith
goldandusedtohold
theBlessedBodyat
theEucharist
CRUET
Acruetisasmall
pitcherwitha
stopperusedtohold
thewaterandwine
forconsecration.
FINGERTOWEL
AFingerTowelisaplainwhitelinentowelforthe
celebranttodryhisfingersaftertheceremonial
washing.
LAVABO&PITCHER
TheLavaboisthesmallbowl
thatcatchesthewater
pouredoverthecelebrant's
handsattheceremonial
washing.Thenamecomes
fromanancientprayerin
Latinwhichbegins,"Iwillwash"(lavabo,inLatin)
PAGE27
LECTIONARY
TheLectionaryisthebookof
ScripturesfromwhichtheFirst
andSecondreading,and
sometimesthePsalmsareread.
MONSTRANCE
TheMonstranceisalarge,
ornate,oftengoldcovered
vesseltodisplaytheBlessed
SacramentforBenediction
PALL
ThePallisa
squarestiff
linencloth
usedtocover
thechalice.
PATEN
ThePatenisasmallornateplatewhichsitsontopof
theChaliceandholdstheHostatconsecration
PRAYERSOFTHEFAITHFUL
Theprayersofthe
Faithfularefoundinthis
book.Thereisa
separatebookforthe
SpanishMass.
Placethisbookonthe
floorbesidethe
deacon’schair.Ifthere
isnodeacon,placeitin
thetopshelfoftheambo.
PURIFICATORS
Purificatorsarelinentowels,foldedinthirds,usedto
wipetheedgeofaChaliceorCommunionCupafter
eachcommunicanthasreceivedtheEucharistic
Blood.
PYX
ApyxisasmallmetalboxtoholdtheEucharisttobe
takentotheMinistryofthesickorhomebound.
SACRAMENTARY
TheSacramentary(officiallycalledtheRoman
Missal)isthebookofprayersandinstructionsfor
thecelebrant,whichincludesallMasses,special
prayers,andrites.
PAGE28
SEASONALBURSE&VEIL
Theburseisthefoldingcasemadefromtwosquaresof
rigidmaterialcoveredincloth.Theburseisplacedon
topofthechalice,patenandveil,andservestoholda
corporaland/oranextrapurificator.
TheBurseandVeilshouldbeinthecolorofthe
liturgicalseason.
THURIBLE
TheThuribleisametalcontaineronachaininwhich
incenseisburned
PAGE29
THECHURCHBUILDING
Churcheshavechangedoverthecenturies.EarlyChristiansmetinprivatehomestocelebratetheEucharist.Often,
theymetinsecret,toavoidpersecution.Churchesinthemiddleageswereoftenthecenterofatown,andthe
largestbuilding.Today'schurchescanbelargeorsmall,traditionalormodern.AllCatholicchurcheshave
importantfeaturesincommon.
AMBO
TheAmboistheraisedreadingstand
wheretheScripturesarereadandthe
homilyisnormallygiven.Itissometimes
incorrectlycalleda"lectern"or"pulpit".
Theterm"Ambo"meansthatthereisonly
onestand,whichservesallofthe
purposes.
Nothingisreadfromtheamboexcept
Scriptureandprayer.Announcementsare
madefromanothermicrophone.
*Notethatthebottomshelfoftheambois
wheretheBookoftheGospelsisplaced
aftertheGospelreading.Allotheritems
(Father’shomily,Lectionary,Psalm,etc.)
gointhetopshelf.
AMBRY
TheAmbryisthelockedcabinetthat
storestheblessedoilsusedforBaptism,
Confirmation,HolyOrders,andthe
AnointingoftheSick.Thebishopblesses
theseoilsduringHolyWeekattheChrism
Mass.Whentheyarebroughtbacktothe
ParishfromtheCathedraltheoilsare
placedinglassvesselsandstoredina
lockedcabinetornichelocatednearthe
baptismalfont.
TheswitchtoturnontheAmbrylightison
thewallbehindthesoundtecharea.
PAGE30
CHAPELOFRESERVATION
TheChapelofReservationorEucharisticChapelis
thesmallroomorareawherethetabernacleis
kept.Itsdoorismarkedwithacandletoindicate
thepresenceofChristintheTabernacle.
CHOIR
Thechoirreferstothatgroupofpersonswho
assisttheassemblyintheirdutyofsingingthe
liturgy.Choiralsoreferstothatareaofthe
churchspacereservedforthisgroupofpersons.
Musicalinstrumentsthatsupportthemusic
ministryarelocatedinthisspaceaswell.
CREDENCETABLE
TheCredenceTableisasmallertablewherethe
sacredvesselsarekeptduringMasswhenthey
arenotbeingusedatthealtar.
Thecredencetableisfirstcoveredbyalarge
credencecloth,thenacorporalisplacedontop
ofthecredencecloth.Thecorporalprovidesa
2ndlayeruponwhichthesacredvesselsare
placed.
FONTorSTOUP
Theholywaterfountainsorbowlsatthe
entrancesofthechurch.Fontsarethelarger
bowls;stoupsarethesmallones.
ThelargeshellisusedastheBaptismalFont.The
stoupsareaffixedtothewallateachentranceto
thenave(twoatthefront,andtwointhe
overflowsection).
PAGE31
NARTHEX
TheNarthexistheenclosedroombetweenthe
outsidedoorsandthenave.AtSt.Gabriel,our
Narthexisagatheringspaceforpeopletomeet
beforeandafterMass.OurNarthexallowsaccess
totheoverflowroom,classrooms,library,and
therestrooms.
NAVE
TheNaveisthemainareaofthechurchwhere
thepeopleatMasssit.Theterm"nave"comes
fromthesamewordas"navy"andrepresents
theshipofoursalvation,likeinNoah'sArk.
PREDELLA
Thesteporplatformuponwhichanaltaris
placed.
PAGE32
SACRARIUM(alsoPISCINA)
TheSacrariumisasinkwithadraingoingdirectly
intotheground.Itisusuallyfittedwithacover
andlock.Itisusedtodisposeofsacredlinen
washandrinsewater,usedholywater,used
baptismalwaterandblessedashes.The
Sacrariumisneverusedforanythingelse.
SACRISTY
TheSacristyistheroomwherethevestments
andsacramentalsarekept.St.Gabrielfeatures
twosacristies:theVestrywherethecelebrants
putontheirvestments(sometimescalledthe
“vestingroom”),andthe"workingsacristy"next
totheAltarwherealltheSacramentalsarekept.
SANCTUARY
Thesanctuaryareaistheopenspace
immediatelyaroundthealtar.OurSanctuaryisa
raisedplatformwithsteps.Itisinthisspacethat
youfindthepresider’schair,altar,cross,and
candles.
TABERNACLE
TheTabernacleisagold-linedboxthatholdsthe
consecratedEucharist.Itislockedtopreventthe
Eucharistfrombeingtreatedsacrilegiously.
ThekeytothetabernacleisinsidetheVessels
cabinet,ontopofthegoldshell.
PAGE33
SACRISTY
TOPDRAWERS:
Thetopdrawersbeneaththecredencetable/counter
contain:
• Lighters
• Purificators
• CorporalsandBurse/Veil
• Towels(forthecleansingofliturgicaldigits)
HOSTS&WINECABINET
Thiscabinetisbeneaththecredencetable/counter,on
theleftside.
Thetopshelfcontainsboxesofregularhosts,a
containeroflargehosts,andlowglutenhosts.
Thebottomshelfcontainsbottlesofwine.
Note:extralow-glutenhostsarekeptinaboxinside
thefreezerinthekitchen.
HOSTS
Thehostshaveadatewrittenontheoutsideofthe
box(month/day).Usetheearliestdatefirst.
Eachsleevecontains100hosts.Usetheplasticbin
tostoreanyhoststhataretakenoutofthebox.
PAGE34
VESSELSCABINET
Ciboria,patens,andchalicesarestoredinthiscabinet.
Thepyxusedforlow-glutenhostsisalsostoredhere.
Onlyclean,dry,andpurifiedvesselsarestoredinthis
cabinet.
CHARCOAL,ASPERGILLUM,ASPERSORIUM,PRAYERBOOKS,EXTRASUPPLIES
Thiscabinetisonthebottomleft(ontheSacrariumsideofthesacristy),
beneaththevesselscabinet.
Onthetopshelf:
• Charcoal,lighters,incenseandothersuppliesforthethuribleand
boat
• TheAspergillumandAspersorium
• PrayerbooksforTheStationsoftheCross
Onthebottomshelf:Thebottomshelfcontainsmiscellaneousitemsnot
commonlyused.
• BookcoversfortheSpanishBookoftheGospels
• A“specialcloth”(nottobeusedasanaltarcloth)
• Extra“emergency”purificators
PAGE35
TOPMIDDLECABINET
Thebottleofblessed/HolyWaterisstoredhere.This
waterisforrefillingtheholywaterfontsinthenave.If
youemptyit(orfinditempty),fillitwithwaterfrom
thekitchensinkandaskadeaconorcelebranttobless
it.
Thebowlandscrubbingpadarealsostoredhere.
Whencleaningouttheholywaterfonts,besureto
pourouttheholywaterintheSacrariumoroutsidein
thedirt(whereitwon’tbewalkedover).
BOTTOMMIDDLECABINET
Theextravotiveand6-hourcandlesarestoredhere.
Donotthrowawaytheemptybox;it’susedtoclean
outthevotiveholders.
LITURGICALBOOKSCABINET
ThiscabinetholdstheLiturgicalBooks,boththe
EnglishandSpanishversions:
• RomanMissal
• Lectionary
• BookoftheGospels
• PrayersoftheFaithful
• BookofBlessings
PAGE36
ALTARCLOTHSANDBAPTISMSUPPLIESCABINET
Thiscabinetisonthebottomright(ontheSacrariumsideofthe
sacristy),beneaththeliturgicalbookscabinet.Thetopshelfcontains
thecommonlyusedaltarcloths.
L-R(TopShelf):
• Credencecloths(thesmallonesareusedforthesmalltablebythe
soundboardandthelargeronesareforthecredence
table/countertopinthesacristy
• DailyMassaltarcloths
• Altarcloths
L-R(BottomShelf):
• Baptismcandles
• Smallhandtowels(intheback)
• Mediumsizedtowels
• Largetowels
ORDO
Anannualbookletcontainingshortandabbreviated
instructionsfortheMassandofficetobecelebrated
eachdayoftheyear.
Usetheordotofindthereadings
andgospelusedforthe
appropriateliturgicalday.
Theordoisstoredinthetop
rightdrawer,beneaththe
cabinetthatstorestheliturgical
books.
THURIBLESUPPLIESCABINET
Thiscabinetisontherightside,beneaththe
LiturgicalBookscabinet.
Anextrathurible
andboatarestored
inthiscabinet.
Extracharcoal,
matchesand
lightersarealso
storedhere.
PAGE37
OTHER
WHERETODISPOSEOFASHESANDUSEDMATCHES
Disposeofashesinasmallmetaltrashcanjust
outsidethedoornexttotheconfessional.
Makesureyoupropthedooropenoryouwill
lockyourselfoutofthebuilding!
Ensurethelidfitssecurelyoverthetrashcan
whenfinished.
EXTRACANDLES
Extracandles(votives,6-day,andtaperedcandles)arekeptinthe
storageroom.Ifyouhavetogetanewboxofcandlesoutofthe
storageroom,besuretotrimdownthewicks(andmakeanoteofiton
thetopofthebox).
PAGE38
ServerLevels/Advancement
THEREWILLBE4DIFFERENTSERVERLEVELS.
• Level1:ApprenticeServer–newserver(lessthan6monthsservice)
• Level2:AltarServer–6monthsto2years’service;mostserverswillbeinthislevel
• Level3:SeniorAltarServer–greaterthan2years’servicewithspecificexperience
• Level4:MasterAltarServer–uniquelevel;thereisnotanautomaticprogressiontothislevel
THINGSALLALTARSERVERSSHOULDKNOW:
1.Sacramentals–identitythembynameandknowwhattheyareusedfor,andwhen
2.Churchfeatures–identitythembynameandknowwhattheyareusedfor
3.Sacristylayout–identifyitemslocatedintheSacristyandknowwhattheyareusedfor,andwhen
4.Massmovementsandprocedures
ADVANCEMENTOPPORTUNITIES:
• Serverswillbeconsideredforadvancementbasedonspecificcriteria.
• Advancementwillbebasedon:
o Knowledge(orderoftheMass,andidentification/explanationofvariousitemssuchas
Sacramentals,churchitems,anditemsintheSacristy)
o Specificexperience(numberoftimesserving,servingatspecialoccasionMasses)
o Leadershippotential(abilitytocoach/mentor/teachotherservers)
LEVEL1–APPRENTICESERVER
AnApprenticeisanewserverwhoisjuststartingoutandstilllearningthepartsoftheMassandserver
responsibilities.DuringthefirstseveralMasses,theapprenticeisdemonstratingtothemselvesandtothe
communitythathe/sheisfullycapableofserviceatallpartsoftheMass.
Requirements:
• MusthavereceivedFirstHolyCommunion
• Mustbeat9yearsoldorolder
• AttendanewAltarServertraining(thesessionforApprentices)
• Knowtherolesperformedbyaltarservers
• Knowtheappropriatedress,appearance,gestures,andposturesexpectedofaltarserver
• BefamiliarwiththeOrderofMass
• ParticipateintheprayersandresponsesoftheMass
• Beabletoidentifythefollowingpartsofthechurch:
o Altar
o Ambo
o Sanctuary
o Sacristy(workingSacristy)
o Vestry(frontSacristy)
o Deacon’schair
o Presider'schair
o AltarServer’spew
• BeabletoidentifythefollowingSacramentals:
o Sacramentary(ortheRoman
Missal)
o Chalice
o Paten
o Pyx
o Ciborium
o Cruets
o Purificators
o ProcessionalCandles
o AltarCandles
• Afterserving6monthsand12MassesasanApprentice,theApprenticeServermayrequesttobecome
certifiedasanAltarServer
PAGE39
LEVEL2–ALTARSERVER
ThemainbodyofserversismadeupofAltarServers.AnAltarServerisaserverwhoislearningtomasterservice
attheMass.Thisserveriscompetentinhis/herduties,andisworkingtolearnmoreaboutthevariousrolesand
responsibilitiesoftheAltarServer.
Requirements:
• Musthaveservedaminimumof6monthsasanApprenticeServer
• Musthaveservedaminimumof12times;thiscouldbeduringaregularorspecialMassorservice
• ParticipatefullyintheprayersandresponsesoftheMass
• MustmeetalloftheApprenticeServerrequirements
• Beabletoidentifythefollowingpartsofthechurch–AllofthepartsofthechurchrequiredofApprentice
Servers,plus:
o EucharisticChapel(orChapelof
Reservation)
o CredenceTable
o Nave
o Narthex
• BeabletoidentifythefollowingSacramentals–AlloftheSacramentalsrequiredofApprenticeServers,
plus:
o BookofGospels
o Lectionary
o PrayersoftheFaithful(black
binder)
o BookofBlessings
o LavaboandPitcher
o ChaliceStack
o Corporal
o Pall
o Burse
o Veil
o FingerTowel
o Thurible
o Boat
o Candlelighter
• Mustbeabletoshowthefollowing:
o ProfoundBow
o HeadBow
o Genuflection
o Howtolightcandlesusingmatches,alighter,andthecandlelighter
o Howtoproperlyextinguishacandleusingthesnuffer
o Howtocarrytheprocessionalcandlesandcross
o Howtotieacincture
o Howtousethelavabowithoneserverandwithtwoservers
LEVEL3–SENIORALTARSERVER
TheAltarServeradvancestotheSeniorAltarServerpositionbasedontheirproventrackrecordofservice.They
areexperiencedintheresponsibilitiesforspecialservices,andtheircompetenceatweekendMassiswell
established.
SomeSeniorAltarServerswillshowacommitmenttoleadershipintheirservice.Theyreachouttonewerservers
tohelpthemlearn.
Requirements:
• ServedatleasttwocalendaryearsasanAltarServer
• ServedateachspecialMass/serviceatleastonetime.SpecialMasses/servicesare:
o AshWednesday
o StationsoftheCross
o HolyThursday
o GoodFriday
o EasterVigil
o ChristmasMass
o CorpusChristi
o FeastoftheArchangels
PAGE40
• Mustbeatleast12yearsold
• Servedinallpositions(CROSS,CANDLES,INCENSE,BELLS)
• MustmeetalloftheAltarServerrequirements
• MustbeabletosettheRomanMissalforMass
• Knowthe6HolyDaysofObligation
• MustbeabletoparticipateintheprayersandresponsesoftheMass
• MustbeabletoidentifythefollowingpartsoftheChurch:--Allofthepartsofthechurchrequiredof
AltarServers,plus:
o Ambry
o Sacrarium
o Tabernacle
o Fonts
• MustbeabletoidentifythefollowingSacramentals:
o AlltheSacramentalsfromtheAltarServerlist,plus:
o Aspergillum
o Aspersorium
o Lunette(orLuna)
o Monstrance
o AblutionCup
• Mustbeabletoshowthefollowing:
o AlloftheposturesanddutiesatMass
o Howtoservewithonlyoneortwoservers
o Howtochargethethurible
o Howandwheretodisposeofthehotashesfromthethurible
• MustdirectlyparticipateinthedirecttrainingofanApprenticeandAltarServer
LEVEL4–MASTERALTARSERVER
NotallserverswillqualifyasMasterAltarServers.Thosewhoaspiretohigherdedicationintheirserviceshould
discusstheirintentionswiththeAltarServerCoordinator.Theseserversaregivenresponsibilitiesbeyondwhat
otherserversareaskedorpermittedtodo.
SeniorServersdesiringtoadvancetoMasterserverwillbeapproved,trainedandguidedbyDeaconMason.
Requirements:
• MasterAltarServershaveatleastthreefullyearsofexperienceasanAltarServer.
• Mustbeatleast14yearsold
• MustbeaSeniorAltarServerandmasteredserviceoftheregularMass;musthaveparticipatedinthe
specialoccasionMassesmultipletimes(listedintheSeniorAltarServerrequirements).
• MustbeabletoministertheRomanMissalduringtheLiturgyoftheEucharist.
• MasterAltarServersarethePeerLeadersoftheMinistry.TheyassistinthetrainingofAltarServersand
SeniorAltarServers.
• TheyadvisetheAltarServercoordinatorintheconductoftheministry.
PAGE41
St.GabrieltheArchangelCatholicChurch
AltarServerandParentContract
Pleasereadanddiscussthefollowingrequirements.Ifyouagreetoallthesestatements,pleasesignbelowand
returnacopytotheparishoffice.
Altarservers:
• Ifreelychoosetobeamemberofthisministry.
• Ipromisetocarryoutmydutieswithattention,dignity,andreverence,sothatIcanbeanexampleforthe
entirecommunity.
• IdesiretogrowinmyunderstandingoftheMassandOurCatholicFaith.
• IpromisetocometoMassprepared,havingprayedbeforehandandhavinggottennecessaryrest.
• Iwillreviewmyresponsibilitiesregularly,correctinganymistakesorsloppiness.
• Iwillbeprompt,arriving30minutesbeforeMass.
• IfIamabsent,Iwillfindasubstitute.
• Iwillbeopentosuggestionsbythepastororothercelebrants,inmyefforttostriveforperfectioninthis
ministry.
• Iwillstrivetodemonstrategoodbehavioratalltimes.
Parents:
• Ipromisetoassistmychildinthisministry.
• Iwillspeakwithmychildaboutthegracesreceivedincarryingoutthisministry.
• Iwillreviewmychild’sresponsibilitiesforthisministry,helpingthemtobecomefamiliarwiththe
protocols.
• IwillensurethatmychildhasproperlypreparedforMass,bybeingproperlypreparedandrecollected
myself.
• Iwillensurethatmychildarrives30minutesbeforeMass.
• Iwillassistmychildinfindingasubstitute,whennecessary.
• Iwillspeakwithmychildaboutobedienceandrespect.
________________________________ _______________________________ ________________
AltarServer Parent Date