Altar Server Handbook

Transcription

1 Altar Server Handbook Section A: All Servers Part One: Schedules Mr. Glass will put copies of the schedule in the Vesting Sacristy a few weeks before the current schedule runs out. You will hear an announcement at Mass to check the sacristy for a new schedule. The schedule will also be posted on Keep your schedule in your Altar Server folder. Mark the dates on your family calendar, and remind your parents when you are serving. If you are scheduled for a Mass, get to the sacristy 20 minutes BEFORE Mass. You need this much time to help get ready for Mass. By 10 minutes before a Mass, other servers may volunteer to take your place if you have not arrived. You are very LATE if you are not in the sacristy 10 minutes before Mass begins. Part Two: Getting Ready at Home Say a morning prayer when you get up, asking God to help you do your best as a server. Offer your work to Him. Remember, Do your best and God will do the rest. Here is a prayer a server can offer before coming to Church on a day when you are scheduled to serve: An Altar Server s Prayer Oh, Jesus, my King and Lord, by the grace of the heavenly Father and the power of the Holy Spirit, guide me in all things as I serve You today at the Altar so I may be always worthy of Your presence. If I happen to make an error, may it be a lesson so my service will be perfect tomorrow. Jesus, I love you with all my heart. Amen. (St. John Berchmans, Patron saint of Altar servers) Rev Printed 11/15/2008

2 You must wear nice clothes as a server. Boys must have long pants, and a good shirt with a collar. Girls may wear long pants, or a skirt that reaches the knees, and a good shirt no tank tops, ever. Shoes must have closed toes, and should not be a style that will not slip off easily. Dark color shoes are best. Please: no bright or sparkly shoes. Heels should be no more than 1 inch. Flip Flops, sneakers, or sandals are never OK for serving Mass! The heels and soles should not make noise on the floor. Serving is important work you are doing for God and the Church. It is not a fashion show. It is a good idea to always wear nice clothes to Church since you are a server. You might be asked to substitute, and it will be best if you are dressed properly. Your hair should be neatly cut, and styled out of your eyes. If you have long hair, pull it back with an elastic band or clips. Fancy hair bows are not right for serving Mass. You should not wear bracelets or long earrings. Remember this is not a fashion show. Rev Printed 11/15/2008

3 Part Three: When You Arrive at Church Remember to genuflect every time you enter the Church. A server gives good example to others by showing that you are reverent at all times. Go first to the vesting sacristy. Sign in. If you are a substitute, sign in on the schedule, too. Put on your alb. It should reach to your ankles. Put on a cincture, with the knot on your right side. Do not use a cincture that is too long. It should not touch the floor. If you must wear a long cincture, loop it up at the knot so that it does not drag. Check yourself in the mirror. If your alb is above your ankles, change it to a bigger size right away. A long alb can be pulled up a bit with your cincture. If your sleeves cover the palms of your hands, fold them up neatly. You need your hands to serve! The first server who is vested should go to the work sacristy, and get the long lighter. Light the wick, and light the candles. Put the lighter back in the sacristy. If you are not used to using the lighter, ask an older server to show you, and make sure you learn how to do this job. If the Paschal Candle is being used, an Extraordinary Minister or the priest will light it, and put it out after Mass. Rev Printed 11/15/2008

4 Check the Book Side servers chairs for the Roman Missal. If it is not there, ask the priest as soon as you see him. Check the credence table for: The corporal and purificators The lavabo and towel The water cruet Communion bowls and cups The chalice If something is missing, ask the Extraordinary Ministers or the priest. Wait in the narthex for the priest and other ministers before Mass. Part 4: Right Before Mass The priest will lead all ministers (including servers) in a prayer before Mass. After this prayer, there should be no talking, unless there is a serious question about the Mass. Rev Printed 11/15/2008

5 Section B: Level One Servers A Level One Server will be on the Book Side during Mass. Part 1: The Entrance Procession After the prayer in the Narthex, the Book Side servers get the candles from the choir side of the Altar and return to the Narthex. To form the procession, the candles should be on either side of the Extraordinary Minister with the Cross. The Wine and Water servers are next, side by side. The Mentor is behind the Wine and Water servers. The Extraordinary ministers and Lector follow. The priest is last. As the procession begins, keep several feet between people at least two tiles on the floor is a good distance. The Cross and candles stop at the Altar steps, and all turn to the right. Move in a line to the stands. From behind the stands, the candles should be placed gently in their stands. The candles are placed first, then the Extraordinary Minister will place the cross. While the cross is being placed, these servers fold hands and move back to the Altar steps. As the servers moved to the stands, the Wine and Water servers move to the left side of the Altar steps. The Mentor stands to the right of the priest. When the priest bows, all servers also make a profound bow. Then all move to their seats. Remain standing. Note: When there is incense, the Mentor will lead the procession. After the priest venerates the Altar, he will incense it and the cross. The other four servers should be at their seats during this. Remain standing. Part 2: Mass Begins Pay close attention to the priest during the opening prayers. Answer with the people, and sing all hymns. After the Gloria the priest will say, Let us pray. Book 1 should be ready with the Roman Missal to move right away to stand in front of the priest. Remember to leave space between yourself and the priest. He will open the Rev Printed 11/15/2008

6 book and rest it in your hands. When he is done, he will close the book in your hands or motion to you that he is done. Return to your seat. Keep your eyes on the priest at all times. Part 3: The Offertory and Communion Mass continues. After the Prayer of the Faithful, the Wine and Water servers and the Mentor will be dressing the Altar with an Extraordinary Minister. After the corporal is spread on the Altar, Book 1 should carry the Missal to the Altar to place it there. If it is on the rack, make sure the rack is facing properly for the priest. The Missal should be opened to any ribbon. The priest will choose the page when he comes to the Altar. Return to your seat and watch the priest. When he moves to the Altar steps to receive the Offertory gifts, one server from each side should follow, with your hands folded, and stand beside him. This should be Book 2 and Wine and Water 2. The priest will hand the basket to Book 2. Walk past your chairs, going up the Altar steps near the priest s chair. Walk behind his chair and place the basket in front of the credence table. The basket must be on the wooden step, so it is not in the priest s way at the table. Return the same way to your seat. During the Eucharistic Prayer, servers should stand and kneel along with the people. Use the cushions for kneeling. Do not slide the cushions in and out during this time. Instead, slide them out once. Stand behind them when the people rise, and kneel again at the right time. At Communion, slide the cushions back under the chairs before you join a Communion line. You may sit after receiving Communion to pray, so that there is clear space for others to walk past you. 1. Pay close attention to the Altar during Communion. After the Extraordinary Minister goes to the tabernacle, Book 1 and 2 go to the Altar to help with clearing the altar. Carry vessels two at a time to the credence table. Place them at the priest s side. Move the Missal to fold the corporal. First, fold UP from the bottom edge. Crease it along the folds you see. Next, fold DOWN the top. Then fold in the right side, still creasing it along its fold lines. Last fold in the left side. Carry it reverently to the credence table. Place it on top of that corporal, at the end of the cups. Rev Printed 11/15/2008

7 Close the Missal and take it to your seat. If the rack is being used, carry the Missal on the rack. When the priest says, Let us pray, Book 2 should be ready with the Missal to move right away to stand in front of him. He will open the book and place it in your hands. When he is done, he will close the book in the server s hands or motion that he is done. Return to your seat. Part 4: Mass Ends, Processing Out Pay attention to the priest and the Extraordinary minister who carries the cross. As he takes up the cross, follow him to the center aisle. Book 1 and 2 should be in the aisle, one behind the other, on the choir side. The Mentor stands beside the priest. Turn and face the Altar. Wine and Water 1 and 2 will become the partners of the Book side servers in the procession. When the priest bows, you should make a profound bow also. Turn towards the center of the aisle, and follow the cross out. Keep two tiles between you. You will follow the cross to the vesting sacristy. One or two servers should return to the work sacristy. Use the long lighter to carefully put out the candles. Return the lighter to its place. All servers hang up albs, zipping zippers, and placing albs in the proper places. Hang cinctures on the pegs. If any robes are not hanging, take care of them. Rev Printed 11/15/2008

8 Section C Level Two Servers After you have about one year of experience as an Altar server, you may be asked to become a Level Two Server. You must show that you understand and do everything from Section A of this handbook. Mr. Glass will invite you to be trained as a Level Two server. In this Level, you will serve the Wine and Water Side. Part 1: Right before Mass Prepare to serve as it is described in Section A. Complete all tasks before Mass, and take your place in the Entrance Procession. You will be partners, following the Book Side Servers who are carrying the candles. At the Altar steps, as the Book Side Servers move to the candle stands, both Wine and Water Servers move to the left side of the steps, and stop, facing the Altar. Leave space between yourselves and the priest for the Lector, who will be placing the Book of the Gospels on the Altar. The Lector will return to this place. When the priest bows, all servers also make a profound bow. Move to your seats and remain standing. Part 2: The Liturgy of the Word For most Sunday Masses: You will be seated for the first readings of the Liturgy of the Word, and then stand for the Gospel as the congregation does. On special Sundays and some feasts, the priest will tell you before Mass if he will use incense and use the candles during the Gospel. If this is happening, we will do the following steps: For Sundays in special Liturgical Seasons and certain Feast Days: Simple Incense will be used before Mass, at the Gospel, and at the Offertory. 1. Make sure the incense stand is in place beside the credence table, along with the boat. There should be the glass bowl with an extra charcoal on the wall. There should be a clothespin also on the wall. 2. The Mentor will carry the incense in the entrance procession. Remember, Smoke goes first. 3. When the procession reaches the Altar, the candles and cross will be placed in their stands. After the profound bow, all servers except the Mentor will go to their seats. Remain standing. 4. The priest will incense the Altar and the cross. When he finishes, the Mentor will take the thurible to the stand beside Rev Printed 11/15/2008

9 the credence table. Make sure to prop the thurible open. The Mentor should sit on the Wine and Water side. 5. At the Alleluia, the Mentor, now a Thurifer, should go to the credence table, and close the thurible. Carry the boat and thurible and stand in front of the priest. He will impose the incense and bless it. Close the thurible, and move to stand behind the Ambo. Leave room for the priest to enter the Ambo. 6. At the same time (the Alleluia), both Wine and Water Servers should get the candles from the stands beside the Ambo. Go to the center of the Sanctuary. The priest will stand there and bow to the Altar, before getting the Book of the Gospels from the Altar. You should stand side by side, leaving a clear space for the priest between you. When the priest turns toward the Ambo, the server closest to the Ambo should walk to the side of the Ambo and stand facing it. The server on the other side of the priest should walk around the back of the Ambo, down the steps, and back up past the railing to stand on the other side of the Ambo. The two servers will be facing each other. The priest will introduce the Gospel, and then incense the Book of the Gospels. He will return the thurible to the Thurifer, who stays in place during the Gospel. Allow the thurible to sway slightly. Candle servers will remain still as the priest proclaims the Gospel. After the priest ends the Gospel, turn and go back to the candle stands. Place the candles gently back in their stands, and return to your seats for the homily. The Thurifer returns the thurible to the stand, propping it open. Add the extra charcoal at this time. Return to your seat for the homily. Part 3: The Offertory After the Prayer of the Faithful, an Extraordinary Minister will dress the Altar with the corporal and place the purificators. The Mentor at this time should get the thurible and wait at the credence table. The Wine and Water servers should bring the vessels to the Extraordinary Minister. Bring bowls first, then cups, and last the chalice. Return to your seats for the Offertory Procession. Rev Printed 11/15/2008

10 When the priest goes to the Altar steps for the Offertory Procession, Wine and Water 2 should follow and stand to his right. Receive the flagon from him, and return to the Altar. You should be standing side by side. Wine and Water 1 should wait at the credence table with the water cruet. The priest will take the communion bowl to the altar. WW1 should come forward with the water cruet. The priest will receive the wine flagon next. This server should wait for the empty flagon and return it to the credence table. Pick up the boat if incense is being used. After the priest adds water to the chalice, the server with the water cruet should return to the credence table. Wait there. At this time, the Thurifer and boat server should go to the priest. He will load the thurible. (The boat server should receive it back from the priest and return immediately to the credence table. Place the boat on the stand. Remain there, getting ready to assist the priest to wash his hands.) The Thurifer should step back to give the priest room to circle the Altar easily with the incense. When the priest returns behind the Altar, he will give the thurible to the Thurifer and fold his hands. The priest will bow, and wait for the Thurifer to incense him. Do this three times. Next, the Thurifer passes around the Altar on the right and faces the congregation on the Choir side. While holding the chain of the thurible in both hands, raise both arms to the congregation, with your hands open. This is their signal to stand. After they stand, incense them three times. Turn and repeat this to the congregation on the tabernacle side. Then, return the incense to the stand at the credence table. Prop it open. Return to your seat. As soon as the Mentor incenses the priest, the other servers should come to him with the water cruet, lavabo and towel. Assist him to wash his hands. Return the vessels and towel to the back of the credence table and return to your seats. During these actions, servers are to move smoothly, leaving room for the priest s actions and for each other. The sanctuary space Rev Printed 11/15/2008

11 should be a place of peaceful, reverent action. Remember what is happening. A server is not the main focus the Eucharist is. On most Sundays the Mass now continues with the servers in their places until after Communion. On special Sunday feasts, incense will be used one more time. Part 4: The Holy, Holy, Holy During Special Sunday Feasts Pay close attention during the Eucharistic Prayer. When the Music for the Holy, Holy, Holy begins, the Thurifer goes to the Credence table. Add one spoonful of incense on the charcoal, close the thurible, and proceed to the Altar steps. The other four servers follow the Thurifer to the front steps. As the music stops, all five servers kneel, with the Thurifer in the center, on the first step. The Book Side Servers and Wine and Water Servers should be past the angle of the step, so all five are spread evenly across the whole front of the sanctuary. As the priest raises the Precious Body, the Thurifer incenses it three times. Repeat for the Precious Blood. At the Lord s Prayer, the congregation will stand. Servers stand also. The Thurifer will return the incense to the credence table, propping it open. All servers return to their seats and stand. You should be reciting the Lord s Prayer with the congregation. Note: on a regular Sunday, this extra incense will not be used. Part 5: Communion and Afterwards for All Sundays Clearing the Altar and Arranging the Credence Table for Purification *Please refer to the diagram you received in training called Credence Table after Mass, Ready for Purification. There are extra diagrams taped up in the working sacristy. Look over the diagram before Mass to remind yourself how the table must be arranged. 1. Altar Servers should receive Communion as usual. Return to your seats to say a prayer of thanksgiving. Rev Printed 11/15/2008

12 2. WW2, should go to the altar and carefully pick up the priest s chalice and his purificator. Carry them to the credence table and place it one the right side, in the center. You will organize the table for purification. a. First, make sure that the lavabo, the towel, and the wine flagon are on the back edge of the table. These items do not need to rest on the corporal. b. Place the water cruet at the front left corner near you. Stand still and wait for communion to end. c. As the Extraordinary ministers of the Precious Blood bring their empty cups to the table, take them and begin to line them up in the middle of the corporal. Begin closest to the tabernacle wall. Place the dirty purificators in a neat pile behind the cups. The priest s chalice should now be at the right end of the row of cups. d. Keep watch for the Extraordinary minister to move toward the tabernacle steps with the ciborium. When he/she is moving, stand still and watch reverently. e. After the ciborium has left the sanctuary, a server will bring you the communion bowls. Place them along the front edge of the corporal. Begin closest to the tabernacle wall, and arrange them in a straight row. f. The priest will come to the table and pick up the first communion bowl. You should pour water over his fingers into the bowl. He will signal you when there is enough water. Hand him his purificator. g. Step away from the table, pass BEHIND the priest, and place the water cruet on the back edge of the table. It should be near the wine flagon. Do not reach in front of the priest to return the cruet to its place. h. Another server will bring the folded corporal from the altar. Make sure it is placed on the credence table on top of its corporal, NOT in the back edge. i. Return to your seat. 3. Meanwhile, WW1 should keep watch for the Extraordinary Minister who will need the door held to go to the tabernacle. When the minister receives the ciborium from the priest, go at once to hold the doors. In ordinary Masses, your work is done when the minister returns to the sanctuary. If there are only 2 or 3 servers present, you may help carry vessels to the credence table after doing the doors. 4. Meanwhile, two other servers should be ready to clear the altar of all vessels. Book 1 and Book 2 should move quickly Rev Printed 11/15/2008

13 but smoothly as soon as the ciborium leaves the sanctuary to the altar. Take any vessels the priest hands you to the credence table. Communion bowls should be brought back two at a time. DO NOT STACK THE COMMUNION BOWLS TO CARRY THEM. 5. After all vessels have been moved, Book 1 should get the Missal from the altar. 6. Last, the corporal is removed. First, fold UP from the bottom edge. Crease it along the folds you see. Next, fold DOWN the top. Then fold in the right side, still creasing it along its fold lines. Last fold in the left side. Carry it reverently to the credence table. Place it on top of that corporal, at the end of the cups. 7. All servers should be seated after the altar is clear. Book 1 should be ready to carry the Missal to the priest when he calls for it. Part 6: Closing Prayers and Recessional Following Communion and the closing prayers, watch for the Extraordinary Minister to take up the cross. Move after the minister to the center aisle. Wine and Water Servers will now be partners of the Book Side servers. Stand in the aisle, at the first and second pews. The Mentor will stand to the right of the priest. Face the Altar. As the priest bows, make a profound bow. Turn towards the middle of the aisle, and follow the cross up the aisle. Do not rush. Keep two tiles between you. You will follow the cross to the vesting sacristy. One or two servers should return to the work sacristy. Use the long lighter to carefully put out the candles. Empty the thurible Return the lighter to its place. All servers hang up albs, zipping zippers, and placing albs in the proper places. Hang cinctures on the pegs. If any robes are not hanging, take care of them. If you are asked to bring vessels from the credence table to the work sacristy, do not stack bowls. Carry just two at a time. Rev Printed 11/15/2008

14 Section D: Serving a Funeral After you have been a Level Two Server, you may be invited to be a Level Three Server. You will be trained for the Funeral Crew. The actions for Funerals are as follows: 1. Four servers will be assigned. Servers must wear regular shoes no sneakers or sandals. If the funeral is on a gym day, bring school uniform and shoes so that you can change before Mass. 2. Servers should arrive in Church 30 minutes before the Mass is scheduled to begin. 3. Servers should vest, light candles, check to see that the incense is prepared, place the stoup and aspergil at the baptismal font, and wait for the priest in the back pew of the Church, near the vesting sacristy. The sacristan or priest may help light the baptismal candle. 4. When the priest arrives, he will give any special directions, prepare the missal, etc. 5. When the priest is ready to begin Mass, one server should get the processional cross, and two should get the candles from the book side of the sanctuary. 6. The servers should form up for the entrance procession in the aisle at the vesting sacristy. The cross leads, followed by the two candles. Next is the fourth server who may carry the priest s book. The priest is last. There should be about 10 feet (three pews) between each position in the procession. Move slowly at all times. 7. The crucifer pauses at the Altar steps, and turns right toward the main aisle. 8. The candle bearers do the same. 9. The fourth server should bow at the steps, turn and follow. 10. The procession moves up the main aisle toward the baptismal font. The crucifer and candles should move past the casket to the back wall, turn and face the priest over the casket. The fourth server should stop at the head of the casket with the priest s book, and be ready to hand the aspergil to the priest. Servers should leave space around the casket. 11. After the prayers and sprinkling, the priest will signal the servers to process back to the Altar. Crucifer should lead with candles, fourth to follow. Rev Printed 11/15/2008

15 12. Candles move directly to holders, placing candles carefully, then return to the foot of the Altar. Candle servers become Book Side. Crucifer places cross in its stand and returns to the foot of the altar. The fourth server is already to the left of the priest. All bow with the priest. 13. When priest moves to venerate the Altar, Mass begins and continues as a usual Sunday Mass. 14. After the Prayer of the Faithful, Wine and Water 1 and 2 prepare the Altar and the gifts. Sometimes an Extraordinary Minister will be present and will assist. If none is present servers will do the tasks. 1 places corporal and purficators. 2 places cups. Return to seats to wait for Offertory procession, as on a Sunday. The priest will tell servers before Mass if there is to be an Offertory Procession. 15. Book 1 places the Roman Missal on the Altar, and returns to your seat to wait for Offertory procession, as on Sunday. 16. The priest will receive the gifts from the servers at the Altar; servers bring water, then lavabo and towel. Make sure to return empty the empty wine flagon to the credence table. 17. Servers make sure that cruets, lavabo and towel are on the back edge of the credence table at this time. 18. At The Lord s Prayer, Wine and Water servers go to work sacristy and light incense. 19. At communion, servers may receive the Eucharist with the congregation. Be alert to the priest s movement, so that Wine and Water 1 opens the door to the tabernacle as soon as he needs you. Wine and Water 2 removes vessels and linens from Altar. Place the cups in the center of the table, and the bowls along the front. 20. Book 2 removes the Roman Missal. 21. Wine and Water 2 should stand at the Credence table with the water cruet and the priest s purificator. When the priest returns to the table, pour a small amount of water into the first vessel for him. Hand him the purificator. Step aside and return to your seat. 22. When the priest returns to the sanctuary, Wine and Water 1 goes to work sacristy for the thurible. Wait there in silence. Wine and Water 2 goes through the sacristy and out to the Book side and sits. Be ready to carry the cross out. 23. Book 1 goes to the sacristy for the Boat. Wait in silence. 24. After Prayer after Communion, the Crucifer takes up the cross and moves to the center aisle. Servers with thurible and boat move to the top step of the sanctuary. Rev Printed 11/15/2008

16 25. When the priest moves to the Altar steps, the crucifer should be at the opposite end of the casket, turning to face the Altar 3 feet (one pew) beyond the casket. Thurifer and Boat come to the priest. Book 2 server comes forward to hold the priest s book. 26. The priest will fill the thurible, and incense the casket. Servers should respond to all prayers. 27. After the priest completes the prayers, he will signal the thurifer to lead the procession up the aisle. Procession order is: Thurifer, followed by Boat and Book Servers, then Crucifer. Move slowly, keeping 2 pews between positions in the procession. 28. The doors should be open. If they are not, Book and Boat servers prop them open, then rejoin procession. 29. The Servers form a line with the priest in the Narthex. Watch the Priest for his signal to move down the hallway to the doors. 30. The procession moves to the outside doors to the traffic circle. Prop doors open if they are closed. 31. Procession moves to the sidewalk ramp near the hearse. Servers pause and wait in a line facing the casket as it passes into the hearse. Wait until the priest tells servers to return to Church. 32. Servers should return the cross, boat and thurible to the work sacristy. One server extinguishes candles. All return robes to sacristy and return to school or home (on weekends.) Rev Printed 11/15/2008

17 Section E: Stations of the Cross You will serve in a group of 3: two will carry candles and one will carry the processional cross. Be in Church at least 15 minutes before the service begins. When you arrive in Church get vested, and light the candles. When the priest is ready to begin, get the cross and candles and begin the procession at the Baptism font. When you reach the foot of the altar, stand in place as the priest says the opening prayers. When the priest signals you, turn to the left and process up the aisle to the First Station. The Cross should stand in front of the station, with a candle on each side. Face the station. The priest will be to your side, leading the prayers. As the music plays at the end of each station, turn and step to the next one. Repeat, standing for the prayers and moving with the music to each for the first seven Stations. After the seventh station, the procession must travel across the back of the Church, past the Holy Family carving to reach the eighth. Repeat standing and moving with the music for each Station. After the 14 th station, the procession will turn down the side aisle and return to the foot of the altar for closing prayers. Return the candles and crucifix to their stands. Go to the foot of the Altar, with the priest. He will say the closing prayers. Hands are folded. When the priest turns, servers also turn and process up the aisle. After Stations, put out the candles. Return your alb to the sacristy. Rev Printed 11/15/2008

18 Section F: Glossary Part A: The Ministers at Mass All of these people serve the community, helping them worship well. 1. Priest Celebrant this is the priest who presides over the celebration of the Mass. Sometimes, at what is called a concelebrated Mass, there can be more than one priest. But the one who presides is the one you should be concerned most about. Mostly, your job is to help him. 2. Deacon this person may or may not be part of your team. When present, the deacon usually proclaims the Gospel, preaches, prepares the gifts for Eucharist, helps to distribute Communion, and gives directions to the people. 3. Acolytes you, another name for Altar Server. 4. Lector this is the person who reads the first two readings. There can be two lectors: one for the first reading, one for the second. At some Masses, a lector also leads the responsorial psalm, and the Prayer of the Faithful. 5. Cantor this is the leader of song. This person leads the hymns, acclamations, and the responsorial psalm at Sunday Masses. 6. Music Director this person is in charge of all the music in the parish. Frequently this person is also the choir director or organist. 7. Musicians these people play the various instruments that accompany the music for the Mass. Choir members are also ministers. 8. Ushers these people greet the community as they arrive for Mass. They try to be sure that everyone is comfortably seated. They take up the collection at Mass. Rev Printed 11/15/2008

19 9. Sacristan this person usually works before Mass, making sure that everything that is needed is where it belongs. You may be asked to help with this work. 10. Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist these ministers assist at Communion. At Sunday Masses they are part of the Entrance Procession. Part B: Things to Know About Because the Mass is such an ancient prayer, there are many elements that have become a part of the celebration. Servers must be familiar with these terms. You should know what these things are, how they are used, and where they are kept. SERVICE BOOKS These are the special books used during the liturgy. 1. Roman Missal This is a large book that contains all the words the priest uses during Mass, except the readings. 2. Lectionary This book contains all the Scripture readings for Mass. 3. Book of the Gospels This book contains the Gospel readings (taken from the Lectionary). It is usually carried in by the Lector. It is usually placed on the Altar, and then carried to the Ambo at the Gospel. 4. The Roman Ritual Books These books are used for the celebration of sacraments. For example, the Rite of Marriage, the Book of Blessings, or the Funeral Rites. 5. Ordo This book tells what feast day it is, what the readings are, and what is the proper color of the day. It is usually found on the counter in the vesting sacristy. 6. Hymnal This book contains the hymns and psalms for Mass. You should keep this book near you so that you can sing whenever possible. Rev Printed 11/15/2008

20 THE SANCTUARY The sanctuary is that space at the front of the church within which most of the action of the Mass takes place. The word means '"holy place." In our Church, this space is reached by a few steps. There are many things in the sanctuary with which you should be familiar. 1. Altar This is the large, high table in the middle of the sanctuary. Most of the action of the liturgy of the Eucharist takes place near the main Altar. 2. Altar Cloth This is the tablecloth for the main altar. It is usually white. 3. Ambo This is the place where the readings are done, the Gospel is proclaimed, and homily is given. There is also a lectern to the side, which is used by the cantor. 4. Credence Table A small table, on the wall near the tabernacle, on which the altar linens and vessels are kept until they are needed during Mass. The sacred vessels are purified here after Communion. The incense stand is placed beside this table when it will be needed during Mass. 5. Candles Ordinarily, there are candles on each side of the sanctuary, lighted before Mass by servers. The two from the Choir side are carried in with the procession. The two on the Tabernacle side may be carried to the Ambo during the Gospel on special Sundays or feasts. 6. Paschal Candle The Paschal Candle, used from the Easter Vigil through Pentecost Sunday, is placed near the Altar or Ambo and is lighted for all Masses during this season to commemorate the Risen Christ among us. It is also lighted during Baptisms and Funerals. 7. Cruets The pitcher-like vessels containing the water and wine. These are kept on the credence table until they are needed. 8. Processional Cross This is the cross mounted on a long pole that is carried at the head of the procession. It is kept in a stand at the side of the sanctuary. Rev Printed 11/15/2008

21 9. Tabernacle This is the safe-like container in which the Eucharist is kept. It is located in the Tabernacle Chapel. VESTMENTS In the earliest days of the Church, Mass was usually celebrated in people's homes. There were few Church members then. The priest and other ministers wore what everybody else wore. As years passed, the Church community got much bigger, so Mass had to be celebrated in larger buildings. Sometimes there were thousands of people there. People had to be able to tell easily who the various ministers were. As a result, special garments were adopted for the various ministers at Mass. The vestments we use today are very ancient in origin. They help us tell who is doing what at Mass. 1. Alb This long, white, vestment can be used by all liturgical ministers. It is helpful for the server to stand behind the minister, when he vests, to see that the alb hangs properly in the back. 2. Cincture This is a long cord used for fastening some albs at the waist. 3. Stole - A stole is a long cloth "scarf," often decorated, of the same color and style as the chasuble. According to the manner in which it is worn, it is a mark of the office of priest or deacon. A priest wears it around the neck, letting it hang down in front. A deacon wears it over his left shoulder and fastened at his right side like a sash. 4. Chasuble - The chasuble is the sleeveless outer vestment, slipped over the head, hanging down from the shoulders and covering the stole and alb. It is the proper Mass vestment of the priest and its color varies according to the feast or liturgical season. The server, standing behind the priest, should see that it hangs properly during vesting. 5. Dalmatic - The dalmatic is a loose-fitting robe with open sides and wide sleeves worn by a deacon. It takes its color from the liturgical feast. 6. Cope - A cape-like vestment that is put on over the shoulders and hangs to the ankles. It is open in the front and clasped at the neck. The priest frequently wears it in processions, at Benediction, and in other services. Rev Printed 11/15/2008

22 7. Humeral veil this is a long, narrow, vestment that is draped over the priest s shoulders during at Benediction and in processions where the Blessed Sacrament is carried. 8. Server's Alb This is a vestment used by servers. It is similar to the priest's alb. It is fastened around the waist with a cincture. 9. Cassock A long outer garment worn by some clerics. It is usually black. 10. Surplice This is a wide-sleeved garment, slipped over the head, covering the shoulders, and coming down below the hips. It is worn over the cassock or habit for services in which the alb is not necessary. ALTAR VESSELS Altar vessels are frequently called "sacred" because they have a distinctive role in our worship. 1. Chalice The large cup used at Mass to hold the wine that becomes the Precious Blood of Christ. 2. Paten This is a saucer-like dish that usually matches the chalice with which it is used. It holds the bread that becomes the body of Christ. 3. Ciborium This is a cup-like vessel (usually large) with a lid. It is used to hold any consecrated hosts that remain after Communion. It is kept in the tabernacle until those hosts are needed again. 4. Monstrance This is a large, ornate vessel used to hold the Blessed Sacrament for Benediction and Eucharistic processions. 5. Lunette A thin, circular receptacle, having a glass face that holds the Consecrated Host used at Benediction. It slides into the monstrance on a track. 6. Pyx 1. A metal case in which the lunette is kept in the tabernacle, or 2. A pocket watch-shaped case in which Communion used for sick calls is carried. Rev Printed 11/15/2008

23 7. Communion bowl a metal bowl that is used to hold the Precious Body at Mass. 8. Flagon This is the bottle or vessel used to hold the wine that will be consecrated at Mass for Communion. It is filled before Mass and brought to the rear of the church for the procession that will bring the gifts forward. 9. Communion Cups These are the chalice-like vessels, used at Communion when the people receive from the cup. They are usually kept on the credence table and brought to the altar at Communion time. MISCELLANEOUS Other articles used at Mass include the following: 1. Pall This is the white cloth that is placed over the casket at a funeral after the casket is brought into Church. 2. Corporal A white linen cloth, on which are placed the vessels containing the bread and wine during Mass. When unfolded, it is placed on top of the Altar cloth. It is also used at the tabernacle at Benediction or when the Blessed Sacrament is taken out. 3. Purificator This is a triple-folded rectangular white cloth used to cleanse the chalice and to dry the celebrant's fingers after the last ablution (washing). 4. Finger Towel A folded towel, used by the priest to dry his fingers after they have been washed during the preparation of the gifts. It is kept with the lavabo and is brought forward with it. 5. Thurible The metal container extended from a chain in which charcoal and incense are burned for liturgical ceremonies. It has a lid that can be raised. 6. Boat This is a small metal container that holds the incense to be put into the thurible. It has a cover and comes with a small spoon. Sometimes this vessel was shaped like a boat: it is a symbol of the Church, the boat of St. Peter. Rev Printed 11/15/2008

24 7. Aspergil Also called the holy water sprinkler, it is a perforated metal tube with a handle that holds the holy water used by the priest to sprinkle the people or articles to be blessed. It is often kept in a small metal bucket, the stoup, that holds holy water. 8. Extinguisher This tool takes its name from putting out candles. It is also used to light them, and can be called the long lighter. It is a pole with a tube at one side on the top with a retractable wick for lighting candles. The server using it should have enough wick exposed so that the flame will not go out until all candles are lit. Then the tab should be used to slide the wick down and put the flame out. Slide the wick back out immediately, so it cools outside the tube. The other side of the top is a cup for extinguishing the candles. Practice is needed to properly light and extinguish candles. Rev Printed 11/15/2008

25 Section B: Actions to Learn There are many actions to learn to serve Mass. The things we do may be a bit stiff at first, but through practicing them, they should become second nature to us things we do naturally and easily without thinking. Remember, servers are "public people"; they are seen. Your actions should never be sloppy. Folded Hands There is a simple rule for servers: When the hands are not in use, they should be folded except when the server is seated. Here is how you fold your hands: 1. Put palm against palm. 2. Put the left thumb over the right knuckle. 3. Put the right thumb over the left thumb to form an X. 4. Keep the elbows near the body. 5. Make sure that the hands are held with fingers pointing up. Hands should be folded in this manner whenever you are walking, genuflecting, or kneeling. Sign of the Cross Make this motion carefully. Place your LEFT hand at the center of your waist, open flat. With your RIGHT hand, open, touch your forehead, saying or thinking, In the Name of the Father. Next touch your left hand with your RIGHT, saying or thinking, and of the Son. With the Right hand, cross your body to touch your left shoulder, saying or thinking, and of the Holy. With your Right hand, cross back to touch your right shoulder, saying or thinking, Spirit. Fold both hands together at your waist, saying or thinking, Amen. When you are saying this blessing out loud, do not skip words. When you do this with holy water, touch only the tips of your right hand in the holy water font. When a priest is blessing you, tracing the Sign of the Cross in the air between you both, you should say, Amen as he finishes the gesture. Rev Printed 11/15/2008