Mary, Mother of the Redeemer Parish.

Mary, Mother of the Redeemer Parish. Altar Servers Manual Children who have received the Sacrament of First Communion may assist the priest during Mass by being an Altar Server. The training sessions are compulsory and are complimented with these written guidelines. PROCEDURES 1. DUTIES BEFORE MASS BEGINS The following sections will describe your duties while serving. Your ministry starts when you arrive at the church and end when you leave the church. Therefore, please note the sections describing duties before and after Mass, as well. Please wear your Sunday best clothes and good shoes (no tennis shoes ) 1

1. Arrive to the church 15 minutes before the Mass is scheduled to start. 2. Make sure your hands are clean (including artwork). 3. Go to the Altar server room and place your coat and/or boots (if you have) there and put on your Alb. 4. Shortly before the Mass begins, father will say a prayer in the Sacristy, joined by the lectors and altar servers 5. Take the Processional Cross and the two Processional Candles to the Sacristy. 6. Light the two Processional Candles, using the candle lighter. 7. Go to the entrance of the church and be ready for the procession, using the middle aisle. 2. THE ENTRANCE PROCESSION 2.1 Entrance Rite: The procession must have the following order: It is lead by the Cross bearer Followed by the two candle bearers side by side, followed by other altar server, if present Followed by the lectors Deacon (when present will carry the Gospel book) Priest If less than 2 Altar servers are present, the processional candles will not be used. Only the Processional Cross The procession begins on a cue of the presider or the choir or music minister starts singing the entrance hymn. Start walking but don t rush. This is a solemn procession. The cross bearer, who is the first, will determine how fast the whole procession walks. Adjust your speed to remain at the same distance from your neighbors in the procession all the time. You all are a team. 2

When the procession reaches the stairs leading up in the Sanctuary, the servers who carry Something (cross bearer and candle bearers) do not bow and goes to the Sanctuary and place the cross in the designated slot, The two candle bearers place the candles on the stands on the left side of the Altar and go to their places and remain standing. Other Altar servers, if any, stand at the sanctuary steps, and when the Priest and Deacon stop, all make a profound bow to the Altar and proceed to their respective places. OPENING RITES: Greeting Make the sign of the cross when the Presider greets the congregation in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit Penitential Rite Think of your sins and say the I confess along with everyone. When you say through my fault gently strike your chest with your right fist. This strengthens the acknowledgement that the fault is yours, and expresses sorrow for it. Opening Prayer In our Parish, book bearer doesn t need to bring the prayer Book to the Priest because is already placed in the stand in front of his seat. Glory to God Learn the words of the hymn and sing along with everyone. LITURGY OF THE WORD Be seated for the first and second readings and pay attention to what is being read. At the end of each reading answer Thanks be to God Stand for the proclamation of the Gospel. 3

Candle bearers pick up the candles and stand beside the Priest or Deacon before the altar. (turn face Priest or Deacon) Candle bearers go in procession with the Priest or Deacon to the Ambo. During the Gospel acclamation, candle-bearers stand beside the Priest or Deacon and place candles on the stands provided until the Gospel reading is finished. At the end of the Gospel reading answer Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ Sign of the cross on the forehead, lips and chest. After the introduction of Gospel reading. After Gospel reading has been proclaimed, the Gospel book is carried by the Priest or Deacon in procession to the stand before the Altar. Then Candle-bearers return the candles to the stands and return to their seats to listen to the homily. After the homily we profess our faith. Say and think the Creed as the congregation recites it. The Liturgy of the Word ends with the Prayer of the faithful. After each petition, ask aloud God, Lord, hear our prayer. LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST Following the Prayer of the faithful and during the collection, you set the Altar: After the Prayer of the Faithful, place the microphone, Book and the Chalice on the Altar. Bring up the Book and vessels like this. 4

The Book goes to the left and the chalice goes at the right corner of the Altar If there is a family bringing up the gifts, the Cross-bearer goes to the back and leads the Offertory Procession. The Cross-bearer secures the Cross to its designated slot. Two altar servers join the Priest at the center aisle to receive gifts, the server who receives the ciborium proceeds to the altar and hands the ciborium to the Deacon or place it to the left side of the altar. The server, who receives the cruet of wine and water proceeds to the credence table, removes the cruet lids and hands them to the Deacon or place them to the left side of the altar.(with lids removed) Stand together on the left side of the altar. If Deacon is present, he will set up the table, Wait until the Deacon pours wine and a little water in the chalice. If Deacon is NOT present, When the priest goes to the altar, bring water and wine cruets (with lids removed) to the altar. Stand together on the left side of the presider. Wait until the Presider/Priest pours wine and a little water in the chalice. When the priest has finished pouring, each server takes a cruet. Wait for the priest to hand both cruets. Then gently bow, together, and then leave. Go to the credence table,put back the tops and place the cruets on the credence table. 5

One server picks the finger bowl and the cruet, and the other server takes the towel and unfolds it so that the priest can easily use it to dry his fingers. Both servers approach the side of the altar and wait until the priest turns towards them The server holding the finger bowl and the water cruet pours some water on the priest s fingers, holding the bowl so that the water drops in it. The other server holds the towel towards the priest. The priest can dry his fingers by taking the towel or while the server holds the towel. When the hand washing is complete, both servers bow gently towards the priest. Bowing signifies respect shown to Jesus. The priest, during the Mass represents Jesus, so bowing to the priest is bowing to Jesus. Both servers go to the credence table and place the finger bowl, cruet and towel. Both return to their places. EUCHARISTIC PRAYER: Serving reminders Bells: 1. Bells are rung three times during the Mass 2. Once at the Epiclesis (when the priest puts out his hands over the gifts) 3. Three times at the elevation of the Eucharist 4. Three times at the elevation of the chalice Eucharistic prayer Stand and answer the words of the presider: Sing or recite Holy, holy, holy along with the congregation.. One server goes to kneel besides the bell, located in the left side of the Sanctuary, close to the credence table. As soon as Holy, holy, holy song is ending - A little before the consecration (Ring bell to signal kneeling down to the faithful. The priest prays upon the gifts asking the Holy Spirit to make them holy, so that they may become for us the Body and Blood of our Lord, Jesus Christ, and places his hands, palms down, over the bread and wine. When the priest says: Take this, all of you, and eat it: this is my body which will be given up for you. and then raises the host, that has just become the Body of Christ, for all to see and adore, the server rings the bell. The bell is rung for as long as the host is raised. (3x3) When the presider says: Take this, all of you, and drink from it: this is the cup of my blood, the blood of the new and everlasting covenant. It will be shed for you and for all so that sins may be forgiven. Do this in memory of me. And then raises the chalice containing the Blood of Christ, the bell is rung again for as long as the priest holds up the chalice. (3x3) first during the elevation of the host and second (last) during the elevation of the chalice. If incense is used, one altar server does it in the center position The server remains kneeled for the rest of the Eucharistic prayer. 6

All altar servers join in singing or reciting the Mystery of faith All altar servers join the Great Amen. Communion rite All servers stand and pray the Our Father along with the congregation. During the rite of peace, altar servers line up on the left side (as seen by the congregation) of the Altar. They exchange the Peace be with you and respond and with your spirit, handshake with one another and the priest. Servers stand while the priest breaks the bread and join in reciting or singing the Lamb of God. The priest will offer communion to the Eucharistic ministers, if present, and then to altar servers. Altar servers will assist the Eucharistic ministers. Altar servers which are not assisting the Eucharistic ministers, will return to their places after having received the Body of Christ. Stand and pray, thanking God for the privilege of having been a server at the Mass and having shared in His Body. You can also tell God anything else you want. Stand while the entire congregation is offered communion. When the communion is done and the presider returns to the Altar, one server takes the water cruet from the credence table, removes the cap and approaches the Altar. Hold the cruet from its bottom. The presider will take it and pour a little water in the chalice and than hand it back to you. Gently bow and take the cruet back to the credence table. AFTER COMMUNION When the presider or Deacon has finished drying the chalice, and the consecrated hosts have been returned to the Tabernacle, take from the Altar to the credence table the following items: Chalice, Paten, any empty ciborium. Go and sit in your place. Concluding Rite When the presider says Let us pray go and prepare for the procession. The processional cross and candles are retaken by the servers who carried them at the beginning of the Mass. When the presider blesses the congregation, make the sign of the Cross. After the presider says Go in peace, and the congregation responds Thanks be to God go and line up in front of the Altar, facing the Altar, in the following order: servers who don t carry anything, if present, the candle bearers, the cross bearer. Leave some space between the stairs of the Sanctuary and the Altar servers group, for the presider. The presider will stand in front of all (again, as facing the Altar) When the presider bows, the servers who don t carry anything also bow. If you carry the processional cross or candle, do not bow. Turn around and start walking slowly towards the back of the church. The cross bearer holds up the cross while walking. 7

After arriving to the back of the church bow to the cross and the candle bearers extinguish the candles. After the Mass The processional candles and the cross are now put back in their places Go to the Altar servers room and take off your alb and cincture. Place the cincture in the cabinet and take home your alb. You have just finished your duties for the day. 2.2 Duties of Altar servers Postures There are a number of postures you will be using while serving during Mass. The following is a short description of each such posture: Bowing To bow is a sign of respect. You incline your head and shoulders forward for about 1-2 seconds. When you bow, stop. Don t walk and bow at the same time. Genuflecting is a way to show respect and reverence. Keep your hands in front of you, bend your right leg and lower it until your knee touches the ground. Bow your head and then stand up. Kneeling is the posture that shows most reverence and adoration. When you are kneeled, keep your body straight. Walking - During the various duties you will have to walk. Never rush, never run. Walk as you do normally. Standing The best standing is up straight, having both feet touch the floor. Do not lean against the walls or anything else. Standing is a sign of praise and acclamation 8

stand at chairs like this: Not like this: Sitting When you sit, do it up straight and don t move your body all the time. Keep your both feet on the floor, and your hands on your lap. When you sit, sit like this 9

Not like this: Attention Pay a close attention to everything that is happening during the Mass. Always keep an eye on the presider, just in case he needs some assistance. Our Blessed Sanctuary - Mary Mother of the Redeemer The Sanctuary is the space at the front of the church within which the Mass takes place. The word means holy place. It is often set apart from the rest of the church by being slightly elevated. There are many things in the sanctuary with which you should be familiar. Main Altar This is the large, high table located in the middle of our sanctuary where most of the Liturgy of the Eucharist takes place. In ancient times, the altar was the place where a sacrifice was offered to God; therefore it is at the Altar where the sacrifice of the Mass takes place. The liturgical colors are often draped across the altar. 10

Ambo (Pulpit/Lectern) This is the place from which the sacred readings and homily are given. Most of the Liturgy of the Word takes place at the Ambo. It is the special place set aside for Sacred Scripture. Tabernacle This is the ornate place where the Eucharist is reserved. Hosts are taken out and returned to the Tabernacle at communion time. Proper reverence by genuflection is to be given to the Tabernacle at all times when the Sanctuary light is lit. Altar servers will genuflect when they pass in front of the tabernacle the first time and then bow at all other times during Mass. 11

Sanctuary Light The sanctuary light is a candle in a red holder that is lit when the Blessed Sacrament is present within the Tabernacle. Paschal Candle The Paschal Candle, used during the mass from the Easter Vigil through Pentecost, is placed in the left forefront of the Sanctuary next to the Ambo. The candle is to be lit before Mass to commemorate the Risen Christ among us. After Pentecost, it remains at the baptismal font and is not lit during mass. 12

Credence Table(s) Is used for the purpose of holding the cruets, bowl, chalice, ciboria and other items required for the celebration of the Mass. We have two credence tables. The other is located on the side of the Altar where the water and wine cruets are placed Cruet, Bowl and Finger Towel The cruet (pitcher-like vessel containing water), the bowl, and finger towel are to be used during the Preparation of the gifts. These are kept on the credence table. Presider s Chair The chair from which the priest leads the prayers and rites of the church. The adjacent chairs are for deacons or concelebrants. 13

Bells Bells are rung three times during the Mass Once at the Epiclesis (when the priest puts out his hands over the gifts) Three times at the elevation of the Eucharist Three times at the elevation of the chalice The bells are located near the kneeler towards the outside of the altar server pew. Processional Candles and Cross There are four candles, two located at each corner of the main altar. The two used for the processional are located in the entrance of the church. The cross is also located in the entrance of the church with the two candles. Altar servers are NOT to light the Altar candles 14

Baptismal font The baptismal font is located at the Sanctuary of the church. This is where the priest or Deacon will conduct the sacrament of baptism. Holy Oils A consecrated mixture of olive oil and balsam, blessed by the bishop and used by the priest or bishop for the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Anointing of the Sick. Holy water Water that has been blessed for the purposes of spiritual cleansing. Our church has a vessel containing holy water at the entrances. 15

Altar Vessels and Other Sacred Vessels: Chalice The large cup used at Mass to hold the wine that becomes the blood of Christ. The priest will use the Chalice on the left during the Eucharistic prayer. Ciborium This is a large vessel used to hold the Blessed Sacrament in the tabernacle. Paten Bowl This is a small bowl that matches the chalice. It holds the bread that becomes the body of Christ. 16

Purificator This is a triple folded rectangular white cloth used to cleanse the chalice Corporal A white linen napkin, usually starched, on which are placed the vessels containing the bread and wine during Mass. It is folded into a small square. When unfolded, it is placed on top of the altar cloth. Monstrance This is a large ornate vessel used to hold the Blessed Sacrament for Benediction and eucharistic processions. 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. 17

Apergillum Also called the holy water sprinkler, it is a perforated metal ball or tube on a handle that holds holy water used by the priest or deacon to sprinkle the faithful or articles to be blessed. It is often kept in a small bucket (with a handle) that holds holy water. Thurible The metal container extended from a chain in which charcoal is burned for liturgical ceremonies. It has a lid that can be raised. 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. Pyx A pocket watch shaped case in which Communion is kept to distribute during sick calls. 18

Vestments worn by the Priest and Deacon Alb This long, white, dress-like vestment can be used by all liturgical ministers including the priest, deacon and altar server.. Stole A stole is a long cloth, often ornately decorated of the same color as the chasuble. According to the manner in which it is worn, it is the mark of a priest or deacon. The priest wears it around the neck, letting it hand down the front. A deacon wears it over his left shoulder and fastened at this right side like a sash. 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. 19

Dalmatic The dalmatic is a loose-fitting robe with open sides and wide sleeves worn by the deacon. It takes its color from the liturgical feast. The deacon wears the stole over the dalmatic across his left shoulder. Other Vestments used by the Priest in liturgical ceremonies Cope A cape-like vestment that is worn over the alb and put on over the shoulders and hangs to the ankles. It is open in the front and clasped at the neck. The priest wears it in processions, at Benediction, and in other services. Copes can be found in any of the liturgical colors. Humeral veil This is a long narrow, shawl-like vestment used at Benediction and in processions where the Blessed Sacrament is carried. 20

Ministers at Mass It takes quite a few people to celebrate Mass. To Minister means to serve. All of these people serve the parish and help the congregation at Mass to worship. Priest, Celebrant The priest presides over the celebration of Mass. Sometimes, at what is called a concelebrated Mass, there may be more than one priest. The priest who presides at mass is the one you should be most concerned about as your job is to help him. Deacon When present, the deacon usually proclaims the Gospel, preaches, prepares the gifts for Eucharist, helps to distribute Communion, and gives direction to the people. Acolytes / Altar Servers This is you and how you serve the Priest and the Church Community are listed in this manual. Lector The person(s) who read(s) the first two readings during the Liturgy of the Word. Cantor- Psalmist The person who leads the hymns, acclamations, and the responsorial psalms. Music Director This person is in charge of the music for the Mass. Choir The choir leads the church community in song. Sacristan This person helps prepare the Mass for the priest, lights the candles and provides assistance to the altar servers. Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion These ministers assist with the distribution of Communion. Greeters These people greet the community as they arrive for Mass. Ushers The people take up the collection 21