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Altar Server Ministry Coordinator: Annie Merfalen | Edition 1 | September 16, 2016 Saint Gabriel the Archangel Catholic Church ALTAR SERVER’S HANDBOOK
Transcript
Page 1: Saint Gabriel the Archangel Catholic Church1. the server advancement process 2. training resources 3. regular practices Altar servers will be trained to handle all of the tasks assigned

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

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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.

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• 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.

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• 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

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§ 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.

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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.

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• 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

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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)

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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)

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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.

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PAGE28

SEASONALBURSE&VEIL

Theburseisthefoldingcasemadefromtwosquaresof

rigidmaterialcoveredincloth.Theburseisplacedon

topofthechalice,patenandveil,andservestoholda

corporaland/oranextrapurificator.

TheBurseandVeilshouldbeinthecolorofthe

liturgicalseason.

THURIBLE

TheThuribleisametalcontaineronachaininwhich

incenseisburned

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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.

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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).

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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

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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.

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PAGE37

OTHER

WHERETODISPOSEOFASHESANDUSEDMATCHES

Disposeofashesinasmallmetaltrashcanjust

outsidethedoornexttotheconfessional.

Makesureyoupropthedooropenoryouwill

lockyourselfoutofthebuilding!

Ensurethelidfitssecurelyoverthetrashcan

whenfinished.

EXTRACANDLES

Extracandles(votives,6-day,andtaperedcandles)arekeptinthe

storageroom.Ifyouhavetogetanewboxofcandlesoutofthe

storageroom,besuretotrimdownthewicks(andmakeanoteofiton

thetopofthebox).

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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

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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

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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.

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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


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