Our Lady of Pompeii :: Lancaster, New York

AltarAltar ServerServerHandbookHandbook

Revised: January 2015

Our Lady ofOur Lady of PompeiiPompeii

Altar Server Prayer

Saint John Berchmans- Patron Saint of Altar Servers

Father in heaven, your Son, Jesus Christ showed his love for you by serving his needy sisters and brothers.

I now ask you to give me your help as I serve you and your people.

Open my mouth to praise you in word and song. Open my ears to hear your Word. Open my hands to do your work well.

Take from my heart all distracting thoughts. Help me know what I should do, and do it well.

Help me to serve reverently at your holy altar, and so give you praise and glory, now and forever.

Saint John Berchmans- Pray for Us

Amen.

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BEFORE MASS

Altar servers should arrive 15-20 minutes before the start of Mass.

Use the bathroom BEFORE you do anything else. It is not appropriate for you to leave your place during Mass unless it is a real emergency. The same holds true for drinks of water. If you need a drink get one before Mass begins and that’s it.

VestingGo to the servers’ sacristy, which is the room on the parking lot

side near the altar area, and sign in. There is a big sheet of paper on the bulletin board and a pen on top of the file cabinet. Next, put on your altar server vestments (clothes): a long white robe, called an alb, and rope belt around your waist, called a cincture. Find the right size alb for you and flip the alb over your head and zip the zipper up fully. DO NOT STEP INTO THE ALB!!!!!! This runs the risk of getting it dirty and even possibly ripping it! Your alb should not be above the ankle and no

lower than where your shoe flattens out. Then tie the cincture around your waist. The color of the cincture should correspond with the color of the priest’s vestments. To tie the cincture, fold it in half, and wrap it around your waist. Then take the looped end, and fold it back, making two loops. Fold the 2 loops under the cincture to make one loop. Finally, put the knotted ends through the loop and pull tight. Then put on a cross. The cross should go underneath the alb hood.

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Gift PreparationTake the gifts: the flagon (the glass container with wine), the cruet (the the glass container) filled with water, and the paten (the metal plate) with hosts (the bread wafers used for communion) from the counter in the servers’ sacristy to the gift table in the back of Church.

Make sure that the credence table (the table for the objects used for Mass) has all that is needed for that Mass. Be sure the

chalice (the cup used by the priest), the correct number of communion cups (the metal cups used to distribute the Precious blood to the people), the lavabo bowl (the bowl used for washing the priest’s hands) and a lavabo towel (the towel used to dry the priest’s hands). There may also be extra patens with hosts and empty patens for use to distribute the body of Christ. If

you think something is missing or you are not sure, check with the sacristan, deacon or priest. Light the candles on either side of the altar using the lighter from the priests’ sacristy. Remember, whenever you pass the tabernacle (the place where the Eucharist is kept) before Mass, you are to genuflect (touching your right knee to the floor).

Check to make sure there are at least 3 purificators (the white cloths used to clean the chalice) on the altar. If there are 4 communion cups on the credence table then there needs to be 5 purificators.

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After we pray in the priests’ sacristy, get the processional cross from the sanctuary (the area where the altar is) and bring it to the sacristy.

Leave the sacristy and go up the side aisle to wait in the area between the two sets of doors in the back of the Church, the vestibule, to line up for the processional.

INTRODUCTORY RITES

Opening ProcessionWhen the priest, gives the music ministry a signal, line up inside the Church near the center door. The processional cross is first, then the other servers behind two by two. Servers not carrying anything should carry a missalette (the book we use at Mass for music and Mass parts) and join in the opening song.

When the people in Church, called the congregation, begin singing, the altar servers walk slowly up the center aisle with the cross-bearer in front and the other servers following.

When you reach the sanctuary, the cross-bearer moves to the side that the stand for the processional cross is placed; right where the organ pipes jut out. The cross- bearer stands about two persons to the outside of the altar. The other servers split to the side they are on and stand in line starting with the leg of the altar and moving out.

After all of the ministers: extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion (those who help distribute communion), the lector (the person who proclaims the readings), the deacon and priest are lined up at the front of the sanctuary, the priest will either genuflect or bow to the tabernacle. All servers who are not

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carrying something to be used at Mass, either genuflect or bow, but do what the priest does.

Let any clergy (the priest and deacon) proceed to the altar. Then the cross-bearer puts the processional cross on its stand and goes to the area where the chairs and kneelers are.

While at your places, throughout Mass, keep your attention on the priest and deacon in case there is a need.

Opening PrayerShortly after the start of Mass, we sing the Gloria (Glory to God in the highest) except during Advent and Lent. During the Gloria, one of the servers, or the book-bearer on the priest’s side will pick up the small maroon book, called the Roman Missal, and be ready to bring it to the priest.

When the priest says “Let us pray”, the server brings the book to him. The server stands on the deacon side a step or two in front of the chair. The priest or deacon will open the Missal to the ribbon. Cradle the Missal with both hands on the bottom of the book with the top resting in your chest bone.

When the priest finishes the opening prayer, close the Missal and walk back reverently to your place and sit down for the readings.

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LITRUGY OF THE WORD

Altar servers should sit up straight and listen attentively to the readings and homily as they are proclaimed from the ambo (where the readings and homily are done).

Servers should sing the responsorial psalm and gospel acclamation along with everyone else.

LITRUGY OF THE EUCHARIST

After the General Intercessions (the prayers the lector voices for all of us) have been prayed, the priest will say a closing prayer. The congregation will sit down.

Preparation of the Altar As soon as everyone sits, one of the servers on the ambo side goes to the credence table and brings the objects we need for Mass to the altar: the priest’s chalice, the communion cups and any patens with hosts in them. Bring the objects two at a time (one in each hand) and place them on the altar. The chalice is placed at the right corner of the book, the patens are placed on the left side of the book, and the communion cups are placed in a straight row right at the end of the corporal, the large white cloth on the center of the altar. Any empty patens are left on the credence table for later use.

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Receiving the GiftsWhile the altar is being prepared, the servers from the book side and the other server from the ambo side walk down the stairs to receive the gifts. Take a gift from the deacon or the priest and wait until the deacon or priest turns to walk up the stairs. When the priest or deacon bows, you bow too. Follow him and stand reverently with the gifts on the ambo side of the altar. Hold the cruet and flagon with the handle facing away from you. The two servers with the flagon of wine and cruet of water stand in the open space between the altar and the back wall. The deacon or priest will take the flagon of wine and fill the chalice and communion cups. When he gives back the flagon, stay where you are. Then he will take the cruet of water and pour a drop into each chalice. When he gives the cruet of water back to the server, both servers bow their heads slightly and walk back together to the credence table.

The servers then get the cruet of water, lavabo bowl and lavabo towel. One server is to hold the lavabo bowl and cruet with water and the other server holds the opened lavabo towel. Walk reverently and stand in the space between the altar and back wall. The priest will wash his hands. When he hands back the towel, both servers bow their heads slightly and walk back to the credence table, place the objects back in their place and go to your places. If your place is on the priest’s side of the sanctuary use the sacristy to get to the other side- do not cross in front of the altar and tabernacle.

One of the ushers (a person who helps people find seats in church and takes up the collection) will bring the large basket with the collection to the front. One of the servers on the ambo side walks down the stairs where the railing is and gets the basket with two hands and carries it to his/her side of the altar directly behind the candle.

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Eucharistic Prayer When the congregation kneels, so do you. Be sure to kneel

straight and pay close attention.

The servers on the ambo side have the bells on the outside of the kneelers next to the first kneeler. The bells are used at two times. The first time is when the priest raises the large host after the consecration (the prayers over

the bread and wine that transform them into the Body and Blood of Jesus) and the second time is when he raises the chalice after the consecration. Each of these two times, ring the bells until the priest brings the large host and chalice down to the altar.

Sign of PeaceExchange the sign of peace with each other and the deacon and priest. DO NOT cross over in front of the tabernacle. DO NOT MAKE ANY EXCESSIVE SIGNS TO THE SERVERS ACROSS THE SANCTUARY!!!!!! A simple peace sign is okay but please, no waving or distracting gestures.

Communion After the sign of peace, the altar servers are to stand in a row on the sides of the altar making a line beginning at the wall where the organ pipes jot out. After you have received the host and if you choose to receive the cup with the precious blood, remain standing in your place. If you do not want to receive from the cup, go back to your kneeler and kneel down.

Stay kneeling or sit during communion. This is not a time for talking or leaving the sanctuary.

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Rather, this is a time to give thanks to God for all we have been given. Stay in your place, pray, sing with us!

Cleaning Up After CommunionWhen you see the priest and deacon approaching the altar after communion, one server from the ambo side gets the cruet with water and brings it to the altar. The priest or deacon will put a paten or a chalice down for you to pour water into. Pour the water until the priest or deacon tells you to stop. Bow your head slightly and walk slowly to the credence table to put down the cruet.

Both servers on the ambo side are to come over to help clear the altar. Take two items [one in each hand] at a time and place them on the credence table. When finished, return to your place and sit down.

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DISMISSAL RITE

Prayer after Communion After the silent prayer that comes after communion and the announcements, the priest says, “Let us pray.” Immediately, an altar server, or the book-bearer, from the priest’s side brings the Missal to the priest. Again, the server stands on the deacon side a step or two in front of the chair. The priest will open the Missal to the ribbon. Hold the book the same way as is done for the opening prayer. After the priest ends the prayer, walk slowly back to your place.

At times the priest may do a special blessing over the people. If this is the case, at the end of the prayer, he will place his hand on the Missal which is your clue to wait for the special blessing. After the priest has given the final blessing, close the book and go to your place.

Closing ProcessionAfter Mass is ended, the priest and deacon will begin to sing along with the congregation. When the priest and deacon move to venerate the altar, the cross-bearer gets the processional cross and proceeds with the other servers to the same places as you were at the beginning of Mass.

The priest, deacon and other ministers will also fill in. When the priest bows or genuflects, if you are not carrying something for Mass, you do the same.

With the cross-bearer leading, process out slowly and reverently. When you get to the back of the Church, walk around the side aisle to get back to the sacristy.

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AFTER MASS

Put the processional cross back in its place, extinguish the candles and tidy up the sanctuary making sure your chairs and kneelers are in place.Take off your cincture, cross and alb, hang it on the correct hanger and put it in order in the closet . Also, if there is an alb on the floor, please pick it up and hang it up. Make sure that the sacristan, priest, or deacon do not need help cleaning up the altar and cleaning the communion dishes. After that, you are free to go.

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OTHER SPECIAL THINGS AT MASS

If there are any out of the ordinary things that happen at Mass like the bishop is here for some special event, use of incense, holy water, special guests or a million other things you will be instructed on what to do and how to do it.

THANK YOU

Thank you for giving of your time in serving God and all of us at His altar. God Bless you!

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DEFINITIONS OF CHURCH TERMS

Alb: A long white garment which covers the entire body. This is always worn by the deacon and priest. Altar servers also wear an alb. It means that a person wearing it has been cleansed in Baptism.

Altar: The Lord's Table, where the Eucharist is celebrated.

Altar Cloth: The long white cloth that covers the top of the altar and hangs over the ends of the altar.

Ambo: Also called a pulpit. This is the stand or lectern where the readings are proclaimed.

Benediction: A service of special devotion to the Eucharist. This is different from Mass.

Boat: A small container that holds the incense. This is carried by the thurifer (altar server) in the left hand.

Book-Bearer: The altar server who carries the book during the opening and closing prayers

Cassock: A long red, black, or white robe that some altar servers and seminarians wear.

Chalice: The cup used by the celebrant when he consecrates the wine into the Blood of Christ.

Chasuble: A long, flowing robe that goes over the celebrant's head. This is the vestment that people can see. It comes in the colors of the church year (green, white, purple, red and rose).

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Ciborium: A covered chalice or container used to hold the hosts during Mass and in the tabernacle.

Cincture: A thin rope, tied around the waist over the alb.

Clergy: The priest and deacon.

Cope: A long cape that is worn by the celebrant during some ceremonies. It is open in the front, and held together by a clasp. It is often the color of the church season.

Corporal: A square piece of white cloth which is spread over the altar cloth. It is put on the altar where the celebrant will say Mass. The chalice, paten, and ciborium are placed on it for consecration.

Credence Table: A place in the sanctuary where all the objects used for Mass are put before and after they are actually used.

Cross-Bearer: The altar server who carries the cross

Cruets: Covered, bottle-like containers or small pitchers that hold the water and wine used for Mass.

Dalmatic: A small chasuble worn by the deacon. It is usually open at the sides, but is the same color as the chasuble. A deacon may wear this or just an alb and stole.

Flagon: A metal or glass pitcher which is sometimes used to hold the wine for Mass. This is used when there are many people to receive the Blood of Christ at Mass.

Genuflect: To briefly touch the right knee to the floor.

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Homily: An explanation of the readings used at the Mass. This is a talk which comes after the Gospel. The homily is given by the priest or deacon.

Host: The round piece of bread used for Mass. The celebrant uses a larger host so that everyone is the church will be able to see it.

Humeral Veil: A long cloth, usually white, which goes over the celebrant's shoulders and covers his arms. This is attached by a clasp in the front. It is usually used during Benediction.

Incense: A mixture of leaves, bark and other natural materials which gives off a sweet-smelling smoke when burned. This smoke rises and represents our prayers rising to God.

Lavabo: The ceremonial cleansing of the celebrant's hands before the Eucharistic Prayer. The servers bring a bowl, the water cruet and a towel while the celebrant prays for forgiveness.

Lectionary: The large book containing the Bible readings used at Mass. This is the book used by the lector or reader at Mass.

Lector: Also called the reader. This is the person who proclaims the Word of God at Mass.

Monstrance: A large metal container to display or show the host. It is often gold or silver-colored. Benediction is the ceremony when the monstrance is most often used.

Offertory table: The table on which the offertory for Mass is placed.

Pall: It is a cloth-covered square that fits over the chalice.

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Paschal candle: A large wax candle placed in the tall holder to symbolize the light of the Risen Christ. It is blessed at the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday night.

Paten: A round metal plate which holds the host used by the celebrant during Mass.

Priests’ Sacristy: The room in the church where the celebrant prepares for Mass. Most of the objects for Mass are kept in this room.

Purificator: A small white cloth used to clean the chalice and paten after Communion.

Roman Missal: The large book which contains all the prayers said by the celebrant during the Mass.

Sacristan: A person who prepares all of the vessels for Mass.

Sanctuary: The area around the altar.

Sanctuary candle: There is always a single candle burning by the tabernacle to show the presence of the Eucharist. This shows the presence of Christ, the light of the world, in the church.

Servers’ sacristy: The room where all the lay minsters gather. It is also the room where the clothes [vestments] for the altar servers are kept.

Surplice: A shorter white garment that goes over the cassock.

Stole: A long band of cloth worn during ceremonies (especially Mass) by a Bishop, priest or deacon. This is a symbol of the sacrament of Holy Orders.

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Tabernacle: The place where the Eucharist is kept. As a sign of reverence, a server genuflects whenever passing in front of the tabernacle before or after Mass.

Tabernacle key: The key used to lock the tabernacle.

Thurible: The metal container that holds the hot charcoal for the incense. This is carried by the thurifer in the right hand. It can also be called the censer.

Thurifer: The server who carries the thurible and the boat. This server usually leads the procession at the beginning and at the end of the Mass when incense is used.

Venerate: To kiss the altar. The priest and deacons do this at the beginning and end of every mass.

Vestments: clothing that the priest, deacon and altar servers wear at mass.

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Liturgical Colors:

Red: Red is used when we celebrate a martyr, the Holy Spirit, or the Passion of Jesus

Green: Green is used during Ordinary Time. Ordinary Time is when we celebrate Jesus’s general ministry.

Gold: We use gold when we celebrate something joyous. For example, during the Christmas and Easter season, the vestments are gold.

Purple: Purple is used during advent and lent. It is also the color the vestments are when we celebrate the sacrament of Reconciliation.

White: White is used during some feasts. On some Marian feasts and during Eucharistic adoration, the vestments are white.

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