Altar Server Training Manual Good Shepherd Catholic Community Colleyville, TX July 22, 2014
Table of Contents Introduction Letters from Father Mission Benefits Requirements Expectations Service Levels Communications & Scheduling Safe Environment Certification Altar Server Formation Dress and Appearance Gesture, Posture, etc. Sacristan Altar Server Coach Arrival No Show Altar Servers Robes Server s Prayer Before Mass Altar Server s Role During Mass Candles Procedures During Mass Movement to and from Altar Server Seating Area Entrance Procession Roman Missal & Rites Book Presentation of the Gifts Washing of Hands Procedure Sign of Peace Eucharist Ministers to the Sick & Homebound & the Icon & Silver Tray Recessional After Mass Incensing Baptisms Entrance Procession Baptisms- - Ceremony Structure of the Mass Definitions and Religious Objects
Mission All altar server activities are in support of the following goals for the young men and women who actively participate in the altar server ministry. The altar server mission at Good Shepherd Catholic Community is: To development a closer relationship with the Lord To grow in the knowledge of the teachings of the Catholic Church To serve the parish by assisting at Mass and other religious services Benefits Youth benefit from the altar server experience because of the opportunity To increase their personal relationship with God. Servers are involved in some of the holiest and most sacred events in our tradition of Catholic worship experiences that can help an altar server grow in Grace and closeness to the Lord. To provide service for the parish. The altar server provides assistance during the liturgical services. To serve as a role model. Altar servers are highly visible and this visibility should present a positive, reverent and shining example to all others present. To develop in responsibility and teamwork. Accurately completing assigned liturgical tasks helps a young man or woman to grow in confidence and maturity. Additionally, servers must grow in the skills of working with others in order for religious services to be celebrated in a reverent and holy manner. Finally, the altar server experience can be a wonderful resume addition. To be an open door to other ministries. The altar service ministry is often the first ministry in which a young Catholic will participate. This experience can lead the way to other parish ministries. Requirements Altar servers at Good Shepherd Catholic Community are required to Be Catholic, have been Baptized and have received their First Holy Communion Have completed 4th grade Comply with the diocesan s Safe Environment certification requirement (see the Good Shepherd Altar Server website page for details) 4
Expectations In order to serve at Mass, altar servers are expected to: Maintain reverence during Mass and other liturgical services. In the House of the Lord, reverence means maintaining a prayerful attitude at all times and includes: o Folding hands in prayer when standing, walking or kneeling. The only exceptions are when sitting or holding an object. o Participating in all prayers and songs. Remember, singing is praying. o Sitting straight with both feet on the floor (no crossed legs). o Facing the person talking o Paying attention. Since it is easy to be distracted in church, it requires effort to pay attention and to pray. o Handling all liturgical items reverently, prayerfully and carefully. Training o Participate in all altar server training sessions and meetings. o Know the training materials for the ministry Scheduling o Arrive at least 20 minutes before assigned services. o Work through the Ministry Scheduler Pro substitute process at least 48 hours in advance when your schedule changes. o Call other altar servers to find a last minute replacement when ill and not able to serve. o Submit Can t serve dates/times in Ministry Scheduler Pro program (requires log- in) prior to creation of each new schedule. Teamwork o Work as a team with other altar servers, altar server coaches and sacristans to the serve the ministers and parishioners in the best manner possible. o Help to educate and train new altar servers in a loving and Christ- like manner. o Be a good example to others in humility, dress, reverence, words and actions. Service Levels Each altar server at a Good Shepherd Catholic Community religious service has specific responsibilities and as a result, they are numbered. Usually, there are 4 servers at the weekend Masses and the positions are numbered Server 1, 2, 3 and 4. Server responsibilities for 1 and 2 are always reserved for experienced servers while Servers 3 and 4 are reserved for newer, less experienced servers. New servers always start as Servers 3 or 4. 5
Communications and Scheduling All altar server communications are handled by email. In order to communicate effectively, altar servers and/or their parents should regularly review their email. All ministries at Good Shepherd are scheduled using the Ministry Scheduler Pro (MSP) online program. The program requires the selection of at least one preferred weekend Mass but more may be selected. If only one Mass is selected, then only that Mass will be scheduled. New schedules are created about every three months. Three weeks or so prior to the creation of a new schedule, all servers are requested by email to enter the Can t serve dates/times for the coming 3 months. The new schedule is then created based on Mass preference(s) and the Can t serve dates/times selected. Servers and their parents should work closely together to ensure that the Can t serve dates/times selected are in line with the family s calendar. Once the schedule for the quarter has been created, all servers are alerted of their assignments by email. The new schedule can also be accessed anytime via the My Schedule tab in MSP. Because plans change from time to time, altar servers may request a substitute for a scheduled assignment. This is also done through the MSP program. Please do this as early as possible to allow time for a substitute to be found. If a last minute substitution is needed because of illness or other reasons and there isn t enough time to use the MSP program, find a substitute by personally contacting other altar servers. Once a new server has completed all paperwork, an email with a user name, password and a link to the MSP program is sent to the new altar server. The new server will then be scheduled when the next schedule is created. 6
Safe Environment Certification The diocese of Fort Worth mission on Safe Environment training reads: Dedicated to ensuring a culture of safe and respectful conduct in all ministries of the Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth, enhancing and protecting the dignity and trust of all God s people. The diocese requires Safe Environment certification for all parish volunteers, employees and clergy. This includes parents of altar servers. New servers can be trained but they can t be scheduled until they are Safe Environment certified. There are 3 levels of certification: 5th grade through 12 years of age: Using a professional script, parents meet with their child for about 1 hour to discuss 16 points on safe environment. To become certified contact the parish office for the Keeping Children & Youth Safe s Educational Program for Pre- Teen Volunteers Ages 10-12 Years Old. Once all paperwork is completed, turn it in to the parish office. This certification is only completed once and is valid until the altar server turns 13 years of age. 13 years through high school senior year: To become certified (1) access the Safe Environment Program page of the church website, (2) complete the paperwork (Ministry Volunteer Application for Youth) and (3) complete the registration form indicated on the website page. Take the completed forms to one of the training sessions also indicated on the website page. The program is standardized for the diocese. If the training dates indicated are not workable, other nearby parishes may offer session dates and times that are workable. Adults (after high school senior year): To become certified (1) access the Safe Environment Program page of the church website, (2) complete the paperwork (Authorization for Release of Information) and (3) complete the registration form indicated on the website page. Take the completed forms to one of the training sessions also indicated on the website page. The program is standardized for the diocese. If the training dates indicated are not workable, other nearby parishes may offer session dates and times that are workable. 7
Dress and Appearance Altar servers at Good Shepherd wear white robes that present a very reverent and clean look. Since these robes often do not cover an altar server s shoes, it is important that the shoes servers wear are in keeping with the robes they wear. For this reason, male servers should wear closed- toed shoes such as dress shoes or Dockers. They can be either black or brown in color. Female servers should wear either closed- toed ladies dress shoes or dress sandals. They should be either black or brown. Please, no tennis shoes or flip- flops. Also, loud prints can show through the robes so please come to the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass wearing solid colored clothing. Servers should be sensitive to the jewelry, earrings, bracelets etc. they wear and whether these items are distracting and inappropriate for the reverence of the Mass. Come to the service well groomed but makeup should be minimal to present a natural appearance. Since servers often hold religious objects, please wash your hands before coming to Mass. Gestures, Posture, Etc. Your humble service at the Sacrifice of the Mass helps all of the ministers to simplify their motions and eliminate distractions. By performing your movements well, you are helping the community to focus on prayer. All things we do at church are in the Name of the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit. When making the sign of the cross, do so reverently. See the photo for the correct way to make the sign of the cross. The holy water is used upon entering the church to remind us of our Baptismal promises, which was done in His Name. We begin and end the celebration of the Mass in worship and praise of Him. And all blessings we receive, or pray for, are granted by Him. During Mass, altar servers are to handle all liturgical items reverently, prayerfully and carefully. When not holding an object or sitting, all servers should fold their hands in prayer as indicated in the image. Folded hands should point straight up with no gaps between fingers. 8
This is to show reverence for the Sacred Sacrifice of the Mass as well as to present a prayerful example for all present. Maintain a prayerful posture throughout the mass. Walk calmly, stand straight, evenly distribute your weight and relax your knees. Do not chew gum in church. Leave your phone at home or with your parents. When sitting, do so reverently. This does not include slouching. Servers are expected to participate fully in the Holy Mass. This usually means partaking of Holy Communion. It also includes participating in the reciting of prayers, singing, etc. Remember singing is praying. When seated, altar servers should stand, kneel and sit with the assembly. When not participating in the liturgy, servers should be silent. The reason for this is that talking or whispering among servers is not reverent and can be distracting to everyone present. In other words, silence is an essential part of the liturgy. When kneeling, servers should use the pads that are provided. This is mostly because it helps to keep the robes clean. During Mass always look towards the place where the action is happening: the celebrant s chair, the ambo, the altar, etc. When a reader is reading the scriptures, you should be looking at the reader. Keep your attention on the presider in case he is in need of your assistance. At Good Shepherd the Tabernacle is in the Eucharistic Chapel. This chapel is located between the Monumental Doors and the Marian Garden. The Tabernacle is where the unused consecrated hosts are kept. Since consecrated hosts are the sacred body of our Lord, the appropriate, reverent response when entering and leaving that space is to genuflect. If the Tabernacle were in the sanctuary as it is in many other Catholic Churches the reverent response would be to genuflect upon entering and leaving the church. The reverent response before the altar is to bow. This is because the altar is the place of sacrifice and the place of the sacrificial banquet. It is upon the altar that Christ will become present in the consecration of the bread and wine. There is an exception and that is that altar servers do not bow or genuflect while holding candles or other religious objects. Finally, the appropriate reverent response is to bow before receiving the Precious Body and Blood of Christ during communion. Sacristan Usually, after being dressed, the sacristan for your Mass will stop by the Liturgical Minister s room. Good Shepherd uses sacristans as a support to the presider at all weekend Masses and special occasions. There are actually 3 or 4 sacristans that rotate responsibility at each of the 4 weekend services. Their support function includes overseeing the altar servers during Mass and ensuring that the presider has access to the religious items being used during the service. The sacristan usually stops by the Liturgical Minister s room before Mass to cover any special procedures for that particular service. 9
Altar Server Coach There are (or will be) four altar server coaches (ASCs) at Good Shepherd with each one assigned to one of the four weekend Masses. This ministry of the ASC is to become at part of the altar server team at his/her assigned Mass. Their support includes working with altar servers before and after Mass, ensuring that all altar servers are present and properly dressed, improving altar server training, evaluating each altar server s performance and working to support and improve the ministry. Get to know your altar server coach. He/she will be a big asset to you as an altar server. Arrival All altar servers are to arrive in the Liturgical Minister s Room at least 20 minutes before Mass starts. This provides time for each server to achieve the following requirements prior to Mass: 1. Sign- in 2. Dress (see information on Robes below) 3. Put on a nametag (if you don t have one, tell your altar server coach) 4. Meet with the altar server coach (if one is available for your Mass) 5. Meet with the sacristan, if required 6. Pray The Server s Prayer Before Mass 7. Light your candle & be at the back of the church in time for the Procession In We understand the challenges that parents face preparing families for Mass. That being said, the altar server coach has a responsibility to the sacristan, the presider and the faithful to have a full complement of altar servers. For this reason, if a scheduled server is not present by 10 minutes before Mass starts, a substitute will be found to replace the missing altar server. Thank you for understanding. No- Show Altar Servers From time to time an altar server doesn t show for an assigned Mass. This is not desirable but does happen. For this reason, servers who are not scheduled to serve and arrive early for Mass are encouraged to stop by the Liturgical Minister s room in case a fill- in is needed. 10
Robes After checking in, the next task is to dress. Robes are put over your street clothes and can be found in the closet in the Liturgical Minister s room. The robe size is determined by the altar server s height. See the chart below. Servers can either determine their height at home and using the chart below determine their robe size or use the measuring tape on the wall next to the closet in the Liturgical Minister s Room to determine height and then the chart on the closet door to determine robe size. The robes have hoods and servers should help each other to make sure the hoods are properly positioned. Please adjust robe size as servers increase in height. Ft. Ins. Robe Size Ft. Ins. Robe Size Ft. Ins. Robe Size 4 3 38 5 0 47 5 9 56 4 4 39 5 1 48 5 10 57 4 5 40 5 2 49 5 11 58 4 6 41 5 3 50 6 0 59 4 7 42 5 4 51 6 1 60 4 8 43 5 5 52 4 9 44 5 6 53 4 10 45 5 7 54 4 11 46 5 8 55 The Server s Prayer Before Mass Five minutes before Mass the church bells ring. This is the deacon s cue to go to the Liturgical Minister s Room and to lead all altar servers in The Servers Prayer before Mass. The prayer is below and can also be found on the doors of the closet in the Liturgical Minister s room: The Server s Prayer Before Mass Open my mouth, O Lord, to bless your holy name. Cleanse my heart from all evil and distracting thoughts. Enlighten my understanding, inflame my will, That I may serve worthily at your holy altar. O Mary, mother of Christ, the high priest, Obtain for me the most important grace of knowing my vocation in life. Grant me a true spirit of faith and humble obedience So that I may ever behold the priest as a representative of God And willingly follow him in the Way, the Truth and the Life of Christ. Amen. 11
Candles During Mass at Good Shepherd, there are usually 6 candles on the altar. Two of them almost always remain on the altar and the sacristan lights these two candles prior to Mass. The remaining candles are lit and then brought to the altar by the altar servers during the Entrance Procession. All 6 candles require candleholders. There are candleholders on the altar and a candleholder in the Liturgical Ministers room (see photo). Immediately after the prayer with the deacon, altar servers light their candles using one of the fireplace lighters and move as a group to the back of the church to prepare for the Entrance Procession. Candles are to be held straight up and down in order to keep the oil from spilling and to maintain a reverent look. Procedures at Mass Document Although the altar server procedures at Good Shepherd Masses are standardized, there can be modifications from time to time so a separate document has been created to accommodate these changes. It is entitled Procedures at Mass and can be accessed on the altar server website page. This information piece covers most procedures for each of the 4 altar servers during a normal Mass. It is important that altar servers are familiar with these procedures. The document is dated at the top of the first page. The Procedures at Mass can and should be printed and used as a quick reference. However, before using older versions of this document, it is wise to check the website page to confirm that you are using the most current version. While the Procedures at Mass piece covers most of the procedures during Mass, there is a wealth of other information that altar servers also need to know and is covered in this training manual. 12
Altar Server Seating Altar servers and the sacristan sit in the chairs behind the presider s chair. Server and sacristan seating assignments are the same at each Mass and are indicated in the following photo. Note that the chair to the far right is left available for a priest and it may or may not be used at any given Mass. Movement to and from the Altar Server Seating Area Frequently, during Mass, altar server procedures will direct servers to go to the altar server seating area or leave from the seating area and, usually, the procedures call for one of two paths for the servers to take via the choir aisle or via the ramp. These two paths are shown in the photos below. 13
Entrance Procession Once inside the church, the first task for altar servers is to become positioned for the Entrance Procession. This procession begins from the monumental door aisle the aisle that is just inside the large monumental (entry) doors. Most would likely consider this the main aisle of the church. The following photo shows the positioning for each server for most weekend Masses. The cross bearer the person carrying the cross stands in front of Servers 1 and 2 and leads the procession in. The procession starts with the music and all servers follow the cross bearer towards the altar. Servers 1 and 3 move towards the right side of the altar and Servers 2 and 4 move towards the left side of the altar. All servers move into the positions indicated in the photo below. All servers reverently wait on the floor of the sanctuary (not the step) facing their candleholders. 14
All servers continue waiting in position until the presider bows before the altar and starts up the steps. When this happen, all servers place their candles in their respective candleholders and move towards their seats. Servers 1 and 3 turn right to move towards their seats via the choir aisle while Servers 2 and 4 go up the steps as indicated in the photo above and move to their seats via the ramp. Roman Missal & Rites Book Server 1 is always in charge of handling and holding the Roman Missal and the Rites Book. These are Server 1 s main responsibilities. During Mass, the Roman Missal is always stored on the credence table as indicated in the photo except when on the altar. The altar server performs an important function during mass when holding the Roman Missal. When the presider addresses God, he extends his arms in a position called orans. This tradition has been practiced since the early days of Christianity and the altar server facilitates the orans when holding the book. The position for the Rites Book on the other hand is always on the presider s side of the presider s table except when being held by Server 1 or the presider. This table is next to the presider s chair. If the presider hands the Rites Book to the altar server after a reading, it is to immediately be returned to the presider s table. 15
On occasion Server 1 is to stand on the first step holding the Roman Missal. The first step is just to the left of and slightly behind the presider s chair. When in this position the server is to reverently holding the book in an upright position until the presider gives an indication that he is ready for the altar server to move into position. When holding any book for the presider or deacon, Server 1 should be ready to physically move as requested. This is to make it easier for the presider or deacon to read the book. When holding either the Roman Missal or the Rites Book, always stand facing the presider or deacon and slightly to his left. The cue that the reading is complete is when the presider closes the book. Presentation of the Gifts When the lead usher waves from the center of the monumental door aisle, all altar servers move with hands folded in prayer via the choir aisle to the front of the altar. Server 1 picks up the large basket at the point (not show in the photo below), places it in front of the altar and then moves to the position indicated in the first photo below and waits with hands folded in prayer. Server 3 moves to the position indicated in the photo below by walking behind (if possible) the presider and waits with hands folded in prayer. Servers 2 and 4 move directly to the positions indicated in the photo below and wait with hands folded in prayer. 16
Once the people bringing up the gifts arrive, they hand the gifts to the presider. He then hands the gifts to the servers as follows: Server 3 and 4 each receive a basket, turn around and walk up the steps, place their baskets in front of the altar and then walk to the left of the altar with hands folded in prayer and return to their seats via the ramp. Server 2 is handed the silver tray (containing pyxes) and the icon. Server 2 then turns, goes up the steps of the altar to the corner of the altar nearest the presider s chair (as indicated by an X on the photo above) and hands the icon and silver tray to the deacon. Server 2 with hands folded in prayer, then goes around the front of the altar (as indicated in the previous photo) and down the ramp to the credence table. Server 2 s next movements are covered in the Washing of the Hands procedure in the next section. Server 1 receives the wine cruet containing wine and holds it in his/her left hand, walks up the steps of the altar, and goes to the left side of the altar (as indicated in the previous photo) to the position indicated by the X in the photo. Server 1 then removes the wine cruet s stopper and holds the stopper. When the deacon is ready, Server 1 hands the wine cruet (but not the stopper) to the deacon and waits until the deacon hands the wine cruet back. Server 1 places the stopper back on the wine cruet and then walks down the ramp to the credence table and places the wine cruet with stopper on the credence table. Server 1 s next movements are covered in the Washing of the Hands procedure (next section). Washing of the Hands Server 1: Immediately after placing the wine cruet (with stopper) on the credence table, Server 1 with hands folded in prayer walks back to the altar and receives the water cruet from the deacon and waits facing the presider in the position indicated in the following photo. Server 2: Immediately after arriving at the credence table, Server 2 picks up the finger towel, places it on his/her left arm, picks up the lavabo with his/her right hand and immediately moves to the Server 2 position at the altar as indicated in the photo below. Once in position, Server 2 waits in position for the washing of the hands. 17
When the presider is ready for the washing of the hands, he turns and puts his fingers over the lavabo being held by Server 2. At that point, Server 1 pours water from the water cruet over the presider s fingers. The presider raises his hands to indicate that Server 1 is to stop pouring. The presider then takes the finger towel from Server 2 s arm, dries his hands and puts the towel back on Server 2 s arm. Server 1 and 2 both move down the ramp to the credence table. Server 1 places the water cruet on the table and Server 2 places the lavabo and finger towel on the table. With hands folded in prayer, both servers then return to their seats. Sign of Peace At the end of the Lord s Prayer when the presider says For the Kingdom, the power and the glory., Server 1 and 2 with hands folded in prayer, proceed up the ramp and stand at the top of the ramp and wait. The presider will exchange the sign of peace with the deacon and then both exchange it with Servers 1 and 2. Then Server 1 receives the Roman Missal from the presider and Server 1 moves via the ramp and places the Roman Missal on the credence table and then with hands folded in prayer, returns to his/her seat. Server 2 waits patiently with hands folded in prayer at a position about halfway between the top of the ramp and the altar for the large bowl. While waiting, the presider is filling the Eucharistic Minister s bowls with consecrated hosts from the large gold bowl and the process may take a little time. When completed, the presider turns and hands the empty large bowl to Server 2 who moves down the ramp, places it on the credence table and returns to his/her seat with hands folded. 18
Eucharistic Ministers to the Sick and Homebound and the Icon and Silver Tray When Communion has completed, the presider sits in the presider s chair. This is the cue for Server 1 to stand, go and stand behind the presider s table and ask the presider if he is ready for him (Server 1) to take the Rites Book. The presider expects this and will usually immediately hand the Rites Book to Server 1. Server 2 stands with hands folded in prayer and then both Server 1 and Server 2 move to stand as indicated in the positions indicated in the photo below. Both servers face the Marian aisle and reverently wait Server 2 with hands folded in prayer and Server 1 holding the Rites Book in a reverent position. Both should be prepared to wait for a few minutes. When the presider stands and invites the Eucharistic Ministers (EM s) to the sick and homebound to come forward, Servers 1 and 2 move to join the presider at the front of the altar. Server 1 stands in front of the presider to hold the Rites Book. Server 2 with hands folded in prayer, moves around the back of the presider (if possible) to stand next to the presider on the presider s right side. The presider will hand server 2 the icon and silver tray. Server 2 holds the silver tray flat so that the EM s can retrieve the pyxes from the tray. 19
Once the blessing of the EM s has been completed, the presider will close the Rites Book and Server 2 with hands folded in prayer, returns to his/her seat. Server 1 with hands folded in prayer immediately goes to the credence table to pick up the Roman Missal and then moves to stand on the step waiting for the indication from the presider. Once the reading is complete, Server 1 places the Roman Missal on the credence table and with hands folded in prayer, goes to his/her seat. Recessional When the Recessional music starts, all four servers stand and with hands folded in prayer, move to their assigned candles (the same candle they processed in with). Servers 2 and 4 move via the ramp and then down the steps. Servers 1 and 3 move via the choir aisle. Immediately after arriving in front of their assigned candles, each server retrieves his/her candle from the candleholders. Servers 2 and 4 then turn and face the monumental door and Servers 1 and 3 turn and face the Marian aisle. All servers then wait patiently and reverently. The presider moves down the steps, turns and bows to the altar. At this point all servers immediately process towards the monumental doors. Servers 1 and 2 move to meet each other and then process out shoulder- to- shoulder. Likewise, Servers 3 and 4 meet and also process out shoulder- to- shoulder immediately behind Servers1 and 2. After Mass Once the procession has passed through the Monumental Doors, servers should proceed directly to the Liturgical Ministers Room. Once there, servers should gently and carefully blow out their candles so as not to spew hot oil. Then all candles should be put in the candleholders. Server 1 then leads all altar servers in The Server s Prayer After Mass. It is located on the closet door of the Liturgical Minister s Room. Following is that prayer: The Server s Prayer After Mass O Lord, Jesus Christ, eternal High Priest I thank you for the privilege of having served at the Holy Altar of your Sacrifice Now, as I put aside the garment of that service, I ask that I may at all times think of you. May I ever seek you and find you; May I always follow you; May your priestly spirit be in my heart and your holy name on my lips; And to your praise and glory may every work of mine be done. Every ready in your service may I always know and do your will in all things And by your grace, persevere unto the end. Amen. 20
Following the prayer, servers are to put their nametags on the nametag board, remove their robes and hang them on the appropriate hanger (based on size). If a robe needs washing, hang it on one of the hooks on the outside of the closet. Baptisms Baptisms frequently occur on weekends and following are the procedures for these special occasions. The sacristan or altar server coach will let altar servers know prior to mass that a Baptism is scheduled. Entrance Procession Positioning When There Is A Baptism When there is a Baptism, the altar servers start Mass positioned differently than at a normal weekend Mass. See the following: Once the Baptismal Rite at the back of the church is completed, servers move to the normal Mass positioning and then process to the altar as a normal Mass. 21
Baptism Ceremony The Paschal Candle is always lit during a Baptism. It is the large candle that is located next to the Baptismal Font. The Baptismal ceremony occurs immediately after the homily. All four servers immediately move with their hands folded in prayer, into position as indicated in the photo above. The sacristan usually stands between Server 2 and Server 3. The presider meets Server 1 at the indicated position and will hand Server 1 the Rites Book. It is common for the presider to ask Server 1 to move slightly to make reading easy for the presider. Upon arriving at his/her position, Server 2 picks up the candle lighter from the floor, adjusts the wick for easy lighting and waits in position with the candle lighter in hand. See the photo on the next page. Upon arriving at his/her position, Server 3 picks up the Baptismal Candle(s) that are on the Baptismal Font and waits in position holding the candle(s). See the photo on the next page. Upon arriving at his/her position, Server 4 picks up the white garment(s) that are on the Baptismal Font and waits holding the garment(s). See the photo on the next page. When the presider goes into the Baptismal Font for the Baptism, Server 1 continues holding the Rites Book and waits in the position indicated in the photo above. Church Candle Lighter with Snuffer 22
While the presider is actually baptizing the baby (or the last baby if there is more than one), Server 2 raises the candle lighter and takes flame from the Baptismal Candle and moves back to his position and waits holding the lighted candle lighter. When the presider exits the Baptismal Font, the presider, Server 1 and the Baptismal party all move to the positions indicated in the photo below. 23
When the Baptismal party is in position: Server 3 moves behind the Baptismal party and hands the godfather(s) the Baptismal candle and with hands folded in prayer, immediately moves back to the Server 3 position indicated in the previous photo and waits again with hands folded in prayer. Server 4 moves behind the Baptismal party and hands the godmother the white garment(s) and with hands folded in prayer, immediately moves back to the Server 4 position indicated in the previous photo and waits with hands folded in prayer. Server 2 follows Server 3 by moving behind the Baptismal party and lights the Baptismal candle(s) that was just handed to the godfather(s). Server 2 immediately returns to the position indicated on the previous photo. Server 2 then extinguishes the candle lighter by using the lever that moves the wick inside of the candleholder, places the candleholder back on the floor and waits in position with folded hands. When the Baptism is completed, Server 2, 3 and 4 move to their seats with their hands folded in prayer while Server 1 with hands folded moves to the credenza table, picks up the Roman Missal, moves to the first step near the presider s chair and waits for the presider to motion. Note: Sometimes there is only one godparent. When this happens, both the Baptismal Candle and the white garment are given to the one godparent. Incensing Incensing is usually reserved for special services at Good Shepherd. The incense smoke represents the prayers of the faithful rising towards God. The practice has been used in the Catholic Church since antiquity and is thought to be rooted in earlier Jewish traditions. The thurible is the vessel that holds the incense as it is being burned. The boat is the receptacle that holds the incense and spoon. See the photo. Sometime before the incensing ritual, a charcoal is put in the thurible and lit. Once the charcoal is red Thurible & Boat hot and the incensing ritual starts, the incense is spooned from the boat onto the burning coal to produce the incense smoke. Usually, the presider or deacons does this. Frankincense is often used as the incense. The person holding the thurible is called the thurifer and the person holding the boat is called the boat bearer. 24
Structure of the Mass I. Introductory Rites a. Entrance Procession b. Greeting c. Penitential Rite d. Kyrie (Lord have mercy, Christ have mercy, Lord have mercy) e. Gloria (Feast Days, Solemnities, all Sundays except during Lent and Advent) f. Opening Prayer II. Liturgy of the Word a. First Reading b. Responsorial Psalm c. Second Reading (except weekdays) d. Alleluia or Gospel Acclamation e. Gospel f. Homily g. Profession of Faith h. General Intercessions III. Liturgy of the Eucharist a. Preparation of the Altar/Presentation of the Gifts b. Prayer over the Gifts c. Eucharistic Prayer a. Preface Dialogue b. Sanctus c. Memorial Acclamation d. Great Amen IV. Communion Rite a. Our Father b. Sign of Peace c. Breaking of the Bread d. Communion 25
e. Period of Silence f. Prayer after Communion V. Concluding Rite a. Greeting b. Blessing c. Dismissal d. Recessional and Closing Song 26
Definitions and Religious Objects While serving at Mass, altar servers handle many religious objects and materials and they often are required to obtain them. To be able to do this, servers should know what these objects are, how they are used and where they are kept. That is the purpose of the following. Photos of objects are at the bottom of this section. Altar The altar is the holy table from which the priest presides over the Liturgy of the Eucharist. It is covered with a linen cloth and the corporal on top. Ambo The pulpit, where the readers stand and from which the priest, deacon or lay ministers read the scripture, where the cantor leads the responsorial psalm and where the homily is usually delivered to the congregation. Baptismal Candle The Baptismal Candle symbolizes the light of Christ and the light that will show the way as the infant begins his/her journey of faith. Book of Gospels The large silver and gold covered book carried in to the church during the procession and used by the deacon or priest to proclaim the gospel. Chalice The chalice is the large cup that holds the wine for the presider uses during the consecration and communion. Ciborium The ciborium is the large container that holds the consecrated hosts, the precious Body of Christ. It is housed in the Tabernacle in the Eucharistic Chapel and is carried to the altar during mass by the lead Eucharistic minister and returned to the Tabernacle after Holy Communion. Credence table The table located near the large crucifix that hold s the celebrant s chalice, wine cruet, water cruet, lavabo dish, hand towel, Roman Missal, wine goblets and host bowl. 27
Daily Chapel The Daily Chapel is the chapel adjacent to the main sanctuary where daily mass, adoration and other liturgical celebrations take place. Deacon A permanent deacon has been ordained after receiving training. He can proclaim the Gospel, preach homilies, assist the priest at mass, baptize, distribute Holy Communion, witness at weddings and preside at funeral or burial services. A deacon cannot consecrate the bread and wine for Holy Communion. (Extraordinary) Eucharistic Minister Eucharistic Ministers are lay ministers who are not ordained but are at the service of Christ and the Church. Their title emphasizes service ( does of little things ) and not status. They assist with the distribution of Holy Communion. Finger towel Towel used by the presider to dry his hands after the washing of the hands. It is usually on or near the lavabo. Eucharistic Chapel The Eucharistic Chapel houses the Tabernacle and space for votive candles (small candles lit for prayer offerings) and private prayer. Holy Water sprinkler and bucket The Holy Water sprinkler is used by the priest to sprinkle Holy Water on people or objects that he blesses. It is used in special rituals and during the Easter season. Icon The icon is handed during Mass to a family who had been selected before Mass. There is a prayer for vocations on the icon that the family is to read at their house. Lectionary The lectionary is a large book containing the bible readings that are read by the reader during mass. Liturgical Minister Room The Liturgical Ministers Room is off of the narthex and is the room where altar servers are to sign in at least 20 minutes before mass. It is the room where servers put on albs, find their nametags, pray before and after mass, light and pick up candles and receive any special instructions for that service. Narthex The narthex is the lobby between the outer doors and the inner doors of the sanctuary. 28
Lavabo This glass bowl is used to catch the water during the washing of the hands ceremony. Ordinary Ministers of the Eucharist Ordinary Ministers of the Eucharist are ordained ministers such as the bishop, priest or deacon at the celebration of the Eucharist or communion service. Paschal (Easter) Candle This candle is the large candle located near the baptismal font. It is blessed and first lit at the Easter Vigil, the special evening mass celebrated the night before Easter. The Paschal candle is used during baptisms, funerals, and Holy Masses during the Easter season. Presider The presider is the priest or bishop who is the main celebrant at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Other priests or bishops may be present but only one is the presider. Presider s chair The presider s chair is the chair from which the priest or bishop presides during the Liturgy of the Word and during the concluding prayers of the mass. The chair may only be used by the ordained. Purificator The purificator is a triple- folded, white linen cloth used to catch any of the Precious Blood that may drip from the cup or chalice during the reception of Holy Communion. A purificator may also be used to purify the chalice after communion. A purificator is usually found on top of the presider s chalice during mass. Rites Book The Rites Book is a binder and not really a book. It contains special rites, blessings, readings, announcements, etc. for a particular service. Roman Missal The Roman Missal is a large book of prayers used by the priest at the presider s chair and at the altar during Holy Mass. Sacred Chrism The Sacred Chrism is specially perfumed oil that is blessed by the bishop at the Chrism Mass during Holy Week each year. It is used at baptisms and confirmations in the parish. Sacristan The sacristan assists the presider and is responsible for the altar servers as well as all religions items used during a service. 29
Sanctuary The sanctuary is the area where the altar and the ambo are located. Silver Tray The silver tray holds pyxes. Pyxes are containers that hold the consecrated Body and Blood of Christ that are distributed to people who for health reasons cannot be at church to receive communion. Tabernacle The tabernacle is from the Latin word for tent. It is a large, ornate box- like container in the Eucharistic Chapel in which the consecrated Eucharistic Bread is stored. These hosts are used for communion for the sick and for adoration outside of mass. Vesting Sacristy This is the room next to the Liturgical Minister s Room where the priest and deacon vest (dress) and prepare for mass. Water cruet A small crystal water container used for several purposes during the Holy Mass. White garment The white garment is placed on the baby that was just baptized as a symbol of putting on Christ. It is a sign of becoming a new creation, clothed with Christ. Wine cruet A small crystal container with a stopper used to sacramental wine. Working Sacristy The Working Sacristy is the room located at the back of the church behind the large crucifix at the base of the altar. Many items used during Mass are housed in this room and the Eucharistic Ministers and sacristans use the room to prepare for Mass and other religious services. 30
Baptismal Candle Icon Silver Tray 31
White Garment 32