ALTAR SERVER MANUAL.

An Altar Server’s Prayer

Dear Lord Jesus,thank you forcalling me to serve You at

Your Holy Altar.During the celebration of the EucharistI know that the priest takes Your placewhen, together with your People and in

the name of the Church, he makes presentagain Your Passion, Death and Resurrection.

Help me to carryout my role withprayful dignity

and participationin this memorial of

the Last Supper.Let me remain closeto you on earth thatone day I may sharein your glory. Amen

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INTRODUCTION CONGRATULATIONS! You have been chosen to be an altar server at St. Patrick’s Parish. This is a great honour and you should be very proud for two reasons. First, you have been called to serve a very awesome and vibrant parish in the Archdiocese of Toronto. Second, and more importantly, you have been chosen to participate in a Heavenly ministry by serving Christ in the various ways He is Present to us at Mass:

1. in the assembly of God’s people (the congregation), 2. in the celebrant (the priest or bishop who presides over the liturgy), 3. in the scriptural readings (the Word of God), 4. and most importantly, in the Eucharist.

These are the four ways Christ is Present to us in the liturgy, and your ministry, as an altar server, is a very important part of bringing His Presence to others. Since this is a great privilege, it also comes with great responsibilities. You are called to set an example for all those coming to Mass and to help lead them in worship. This means that you must be on your best behavior at all times while serving, and that you must carry out your altar server duties in a spirit of prayer and reverence—because your actions affect how others participate in the worship of the Mass and how they experience the Presence of Christ in the liturgy. This manual is a guide that will help you shoulder the awesome responsibility of being an altar server at St. Patrick’s. It will assist you in carrying out all your duties reverently and competently, and it will help you to fully understand the various tasks, which have been entrusted to you. Read it, study it and know it inside out. Also, be sure to take very good care of it. This is your own personal copy — so keep it in a safe and secure place, and do not lend it out to anyone.

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THE EIGHT CARDINAL RULES OF ALTAR SERVING 1. Be Punctual: It is important to be here at least 20 minutes before the start of the Mass.

A. This will allow you time to vest properly, to be assigned your designated role, and to receive any special instructions.

B. Last minute rushing in before the Mass creates a hectic, frantic situation that affects how you serve, and how others enjoy and participate in the liturgy.

C. Those who are not dressed and ready 5 minutes before the start of Mass, will not be allowed to serve.

2. Be Prepared: When you come to serve you must be ready and you must be in the right state of mind. This means the following:

A. If you’re in a bad mood, if you’re grumpy, if you’re fighting with your brother or sister, if you’re mad at your parents or your teachers — those things must remain outside the church for the time that you’re here. DO NOT bring them with you into the church. Those attitudes will affect how you serve, and consequently how others enjoy the liturgy.

B. When you’re here, you’re here to serve and that should be your top priority. Everything else can wait until after the Mass.

C. You must dress appropriately — dress shoes or your best shoes are to be worn; running shoes are discouraged and sandals and flip flops are not permitted.

3. Be Safe: The Church is NOT a place of play, but a place of prayer. It is important to keep safety on your minds at all times. This means the following:

A. DO NOT run in the Church — always walk cautiously to wherever you are going, whether you are in the sacristy or in the sanctuary.

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B. DO NOT handle or play with articles that are dangerous, for example matches, scissors or knives.

C. Be careful around lit candles — make sure no part of your body or clothing gets anywhere near the flame. Pay particular attention to your hair.

D. Vest safely — make sure your server gown is NOT too long so that you do not trip when you are walking. It is better for your server gown to be a little too short than too long. Use a cincture at all times.

E. If you are NOT feeling well, notify someone immediately. 4. Be Respectful: The Church should be a place where we treat everyone with respect — both adults and children. So when you are here, you must treat all your fellow altar servers with respect. This means the following:

A. DO NOT touch any of your fellow altar servers without his or her permission. B. DO NOT yell at your fellow altar servers or speak harshly to him or her. C. DO NOT tease or make fun of your fellow altar servers. D. DO NOT boss your fellow altar servers around. E. Respect and listen to the captain and the priest/celebrant at all times. F. There is 0 tolerance for any kind of intimidating or bullying behavior.

5. Be Co-operative: You are part of a team and you must be able to work as part of a team. This means the following:

A. You must be able to take instructions well and carry them out without putting up a fuss or being argumentative.

B. You must work well with your fellow altar servers and co-operate with them.

C. You are NOT here to show off. You are here to help give glory to God by your ministry as an altar server and your actions should reflect this — your ability to work as part of a team is an important part of that.

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D. You are NOT here to compete with your fellow altar servers, but to work together as a team to help make the Mass a holy and joyous experience for all participants.

6. Be Reverent: When you are serving at Mass, you must be reverent at all times in order to set a good example to everyone, so that all may be edified by your actions. This means the following:

A. When you are serving the Mass, you must participate fully in the Mass by: listening and paying attention to the readings and the homily, and by participating in the responses to the prayers.

B. You must genuflect, kneel and bow at all the appropriate times.

C. You must walk, sit, stand and kneel in a way that is dignified and reverent at all times. Remember everyone is watching how you behave, and your actions affect the quality of their worship.

D. When you are standing or walking your hands should be held in a praying position.

E. When kneeling, your hands should also be held in a praying position. You must kneel upright, not slouching or sitting on

your heels. F. When sitting, your hands should be held on your lap. Slouching is not permitted. Never play

with your cincture and/or your cross, or do anything that causes a distraction to those around you. You are not on stage; you are serving at God’s altar.

7. Be Mindful: Always pay attention to your environment and to what is happening around you. This means the following:

A. Things could change very quickly and you must be ready to act accordingly. Don’t assume someone will always be there to tell you what to do when something changes.

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8. Be Flexible: Your ability to accept and adapt to change is an extremely important part of being an altar server. This means the following:

A. Each Mass is a dynamic, fluid organism — i.e. each Mass is unique and no two Masses are exactly the same. Things will change and fluctuate from week to week and you must be able to adapt accordingly.

B. Mistakes are unavoidable. You should always strive to do your best, but you must be aware that even when doing your best, you will make mistakes. When you make a mistake, simply acknowledge it and correct it in a quiet and dignified manner.

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IT TAKES A VILLAGE TO CELEBRATE A MASS There are many people required to make a Sunday Mass operate smoothly for the benefit and edification of all participants. The following is a list of the various roles that are necessary to make the Mass a spiritually satisfying experience for all involved. They are listed in alphabetical order. Altar Servers: young boys and girls (and sometimes adults) who assist in the celebration of the Eucharist by carrying candles, holding books, etc. Altar servers are also generally referred to as acolytes.

Acolytes 1 and 2: the servers who carry the candles during the entrance procession, the Gospel procession, and during the recessional. Acolytes 1 and 2 also dress the altar by placing the Roman Missal and the missal stand on the altar as well as the chalice.

Acolytes 3 and 4: the servers who retrieve the ciborium and wine cruet brought up in the offertory procession and who then serve the Mass by bringing the wine and water to the priest (or deacon); as well as the lavabo dish, the finger towel and the small pitcher of water, so that the priest/celebrant can purify his hands before the consecration.

Captain: A senior, more experienced altar server who helps the other altar servers carry their

duties reverently and competently, and who assigns roles to the other altar servers before the start of Mass.

Cross Bearer/Crucifer: the server who carries the cross during the entrance procession, during the offertory procession, and during the recessional.

Cantor and/or Choir: the one (or ones) who lead all the singing during the Mass — for example: the responsorial Psalm.

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Celebrant: the main priest or bishop who presides over the liturgy and who consecrates the Eucharistic species (the bread and wine). Con-celebrants: those priests and bishops who join the main celebrant during the Mass. Con-celebrants are not required for a Mass, but it is not unusual to have one or more present. Congregation: the people who gather in the church to participate in the Mass. Deacons: there are three levels of holy orders (ordained ministry): 1) deacon 2) priest and 3) bishop. The deacon is the first level. A deacon is one who assists the priest or bishop during both the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist. The deacon reads the Gospel and helps to prepare the altar for the Consecration of the Mass. Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion: lay men and women who assist in the distribution of Holy Communion. They are called extraordinary because they exercise their ministry only when there isn’t a sufficient number of clergy (the ordinary ministers of Holy Communion) available to assist in the distribution of Holy Communion. Lectors: lay men and women who proclaim the first and/or second readings from Sacred Scripture. Master of Ceremonies: one who is present to make sure the celebration of the liturgy operates smoothly. A master of ceremonies is usually only present when a bishop is the main celebrant. Ministers of Hospitality/Ushers: lay men and women who welcome and greet parishioners and visitors as they enter the church. They also help to maintain order among the congregation throughout the body of the church (the nave).

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LITURGICAL SEASONS, COLOURS & RANKINGS A. LITURGICAL SEASONS (listed in chronological order):

Advent: this is the beginning of the liturgical year. Advent is a period when we anticipate the Second Coming of Christ at the end of time, and when we commemorate the First Coming of Christ during the fullness of time over 2000 years ago. It is a season of preparation. The colour for this season is violet/purple. Christmas: this is the celebration of the Birth of Jesus. It is extremely special because it means that the Son of God became a human being like one of us, while still remaining God. The colour for this season is white or gold. Lent: this is a period of repentance, of turning back to God. It is a period of fasting, penance and giving alms in spiritual preparation for the Paschal Mystery — the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus. The colour for this season is violet/purple. Holy Week: this is the final week of Lent when we remember Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem, the Holy City which we commemorate on Palm Sunday (or Passion Sunday). We commemorate particularly Holy Thursday (the birth of the priesthood) as well as the Passion and Death of Our Lord on Good Friday. The Mass of Chrism is also celebrated during this week,

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where all the priests from the Archdiocese gather together, with the Archbishop, who consecrates ALL the Holy Oils that all the priests will use for Baptism, Confirmation, and Anointing of the Sick throughout the year. Holy Week is both a time of joy and a time of sorrow. The colours for this period are purple/violet, white and red. Easter: this is a period of rejoicing as we celebrate the most important Feast in the Christian Church: the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. The colour for this season is white or gold. Towards the end of the Easter Season we also commemorate Jesus’ Glorious Ascension into Heaven. The Easter Season concludes with the glorious Feast of Pentecost when we commemorate the coming of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the Church. The colour for this Feast is red. Ordinary Time: this is the period when we celebrate the joy of being Christians and the joy of accompanying Jesus throughout His journey and ministry on earth. It is a period of growth and reflection. The colour for this period is green.

B. LITURGICAL COLOURS (listed in alphabetical order):

Black: is used to reflect death, mourning and despair. It is not commonly in use anymore, but on rare occasions it may be used for funerals and Masses commemorating the dead. Blue: is not an approved liturgical colour but is sometimes used in conjunction with the colour white or gold on Marian feast days — i.e. on Feast Days commemorating our Blessed Mother. Green: is used to reflect hope, growth, life, immortality, and fidelity. The colour green is used only during Ordinary Time. Red: is the colour of blood and of sacrifice, and is used to commemorate the feast days of Christian martyrs. Red is also the colour of fire, and so is also used to commemorate the

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Holy Spirit. Red is used on all feast days of saints who were martyrs. It is also used on Pentecost Sunday, Passion Sunday (Palm Sunday) and Good Friday. Rose: is used to reflect subdued joy. It is used only on Gaudete Sunday (third Sunday in Advent) and Laetare Sunday (Fourth Sunday of Lent). Violet/Purple: is used to reflect sorrow, repentance and preparation. It is used only during the seasons of Advent and Lent. It has a variety of shades ranging from bluish purple to a red-ish purple. The blue-ish purple is associated more with Advent, while the red-ish purple is associated more with Lent. White or Gold: is used to reflect innocence, purity, virginity, victory and joy. It is used on all occasions of the joyful and glorious mysteries of Our Lord (like Christmas and Easter) and those of Our Lady (like the Assumption and the Immaculate Conception). It is also used on feast days commemorating the Angels and those Saints who were not martyrs. It is also commonly used for funerals and for Masses commemorating the dead.

C. LITURGICAL RANK (listed in order of importance):

Solemnity: a solemnity is the highest ranking celebration during a liturgical year. A solemnity commemorates all the significant events in the lives of Jesus and Mary. They include the following: the Conception of Jesus (the Annunciation), the Conception of Mary (the Immaculate Conception), the Birth of Jesus (Christmas), the Resurrection of Jesus (Easter), the Ascension of Jesus into Heaven and the Assumption of Mary (Body and Soul) into Heaven. Apart from Mary, there are only four other saints whose feast days are categorized as solemnities: they are St. Joseph (Jesus’ earthly father and the husband of Mary), St. John the Baptist, and a joint celebration of St. Peter and St. Paul, the Apostles. The feast of All Saints is also a solemnity. A solemnity is always celebrated during a liturgical year. When a feast of greater importance occurs on the same day as a

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solemnity, the solemnity is postponed until another day. For example, if the Annunciation (March 25th) happens to fall on the same day as Easter Sunday, then the celebration of the Annunciation is postponed to a later date. Characteristics of a solemnity: 2 readings from scripture that are specifically chosen for that celebration (one reading from the Old Testament and one reading from the New Testament or two readings from the New Testament), a psalm, a Gospel reading, the Gloria and the Creed. Feast: a feast is the second highest ranking celebration during a liturgical year. Feast days often commemorate saints of great importance like the Apostles and the Gospel writers. A feast is also used to commemorate less significant events in the Life of Jesus and Mary such as the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple and Mary’s Visitation to Elizabeth. A feast is almost always celebrated unless it falls on the same day as a greater celebration. However, in some cases it can be celebrated if it falls on a Sunday. Characteristics of a feast: usually 1 reading from scripture (either one reading from the Old Testament or one reading from the New Testament), a psalm, a Gospel reading and the Gloria. The creed is not usually recited during a feast. Memorial: a memorial is the third highest ranking celebration during a liturgical year. A memorial is almost always the celebration of a well-known, but less significant saint such as St. Anthony of Padua. A memorial is also used to commemorate certain well-known titles of Mary such as: Our Lady of Sorrows and Our Lady of the Rosary. A memorial is always celebrated unless it falls on the same day as a greater celebration or on a Sunday. If so, the memorial is NOT celebrated during that particular liturgical year. Characteristics of a memorial: usually 1 reading from scripture (either one reading from the Old Testament or one reading from the New Testament), a psalm, a Gospel reading. There is no Gloria or creed for a memorial.

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Ferial: a ferial is the lowest ranking celebration during a liturgical year. It comes from the Latin word feria meaning feast. However it now refers to a day with NO proper feast – i.e. a regular weekday Mass. Characteristics of a ferial: usually 1 reading from scripture (either one reading from the Old Testament or one reading from the New Testament), a psalm, a Gospel reading. There is no Gloria or creed for a ferial Mass. Optional Memorial: along with a ferial, an optional memorial is also the lowest ranking celebration during a liturgical year. An optional memorial is usually the celebration of a lesser-known saint but is also used to commemorate lesser-known titles of Mary such as: Our Lady of Lourdes. An optional memorial is usually only celebrated at the discretion of the celebrant. Characteristics of an optional memorial: 1 reading from scripture (either one reading from the Old Testament or one reading from the New Testament), a psalm, a Gospel reading. There is no Gloria or creed for an optional memorial. Holy Days of Obligation: these are days that all Catholics are required to attend Mass. Every Sunday during the year is a day of obligation. Apart from that, there are only two other days in Canada that all Catholics must attend Mass. They are the Solemnity of Christmas (Dec. 25) and the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God (Jan. 1). Easter is always a day of obligation because Easter always falls on a Sunday. Octave: an octave is a solemnity that lasts 8 days. Some events in the Life of Jesus are so significant that we cannot do them justice in one day. There are only two octaves in the Roman rite. They are the Solemnity of Christmas and the Solemnity of Easter.

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GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS PARTS OF THE MASS I. INTRODUCTORY RITES — In Brief: the purpose of the introductory rites is the coming together of the faithful to take on the form of an assembly, a community, and prepare themselves to listen to God’s Word and celebrate the Eucharistic Sacrifice with reverence. Everyone is standing during all the introductory rites.

1.1 Entrance Procession — the celebrant (priest or bishop), deacon, altar servers, lectors, extraordinary ministers of Communion enter the church for celebration of the liturgy. The procession is led by the altar servers: 1) first, the cross bearer/crucifer and 2) second, the candle bearers and 3) third, any other servers. All bow to the Altar and genuflect to the Blessed Sacrament in the Tabernacle upon entering the sanctuary area (i.e. the area immediately surrounding the Altar). The cross bearer and candle bearers do not genuflect; since they are carrying liturgical items (i.e. the cross and the candles) they simply bow

their heads slightly to the Altar. Everyone then goes to their designated area in the sanctuary while remaining standing. 1.2 Veneration of Altar — the celebrant, as well as the concelebrants (if any), and the deacon (if any), venerate the Altar with a kiss upon entering the sanctuary area. 1.3 Greeting & Welcome — the celebrant greets all present at the liturgy, expressing the Presence of the Lord to the assembled community. 1.4 Penitential Rite — the celebrant leads the assembly/congregation in a general acknowledgment of our sinfulness by invoking God’s mercy and forgiveness on all our behalf using the following formulas: Confiteor — “I confess to almighty God and to you my brothers and sisters…”

Kyrie Eleison — “Lord have mercy, Christ have mercy, Lord have mercy…”

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1.5 Gloria — an ancient hymn of praise in which the Church, assembled in the Holy Spirit, praises and worships the Father and Christ, the Lamb of God. It is used on all Sundays (except those in Advent & Lent), and on all Solemnities and Feasts — the text originates from the Christmas narrative in the Gospel of Luke: Glory to God in the highest and peace to his people on earth…etc. 1.6 Collect/Opening Prayer — this prayer by the celebrant expresses the general theme of the celebration, praying to God our Father, on all our behalf — the response to the Collect/Opening Prayer is simply: “Amen.”

II. LITURGY OF THE WORD — In Brief: readings from Scripture and the chants between the readings form the main part of the Liturgy of the Word — the homily, Profession of Faith (a.k.a. the Creed), and the Prayers of the Faithful (a.k.a. the General Intercessions) complement and complete the Liturgy of the Word. In the readings, explained by the homily, God is speaking to His People, opening up to them the mystery of salvation, and nourishing their spirits — thus Christ is present to the faithful through His own Word — through the chants, the people make God’s Word their own, and through the Profession of Faith (Creed) affirm their adherence to it — finally, having been fed by God’s Word, they make their petitions in the Prayers of the Faithful (General Intercessions) for the needs of the Church and for the salvation of the whole world.

2.1 First reading — a reading usually taken from the Old Testament, (except during the Easter Season where it is almost always taken from the New Testament) — it is usually read by an adult lay volunteer known as a lector — the response to the first reading is: “Thanks be to God.” The assembly/congregation is seated during the first reading. 2.2 Responsorial Psalm — between the first and second readings, a Psalm is read or sung aloud — the response is repeated after each verse — if spoken, it is led by a lector, if sung, it

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is led by a cantor — the response to the Psalm varies from Sunday to Sunday. The assembly/congregation is seated during the Psalm. 2.3 Second reading — a reading taken from the New Testament, read by a lay volunteer (a lector) — the response to the second reading is also: “Thanks be to God.” The assembly/congregation is seated during the second reading. 2.4 Gospel Acclamation — this acclamation of praise to God follows the second reading and prepares the assembly for the Gospel — it is always sung and is usually led by a cantor (or in some cases the celebrant). Everyone stands for the Gospel Acclamation. 2.5 Gospel Reading — a reading taken from one of the four Gospels — during a Mass, it is always read by a deacon, a priest, or even a bishop (in the absence of a priest or deacon), but never by a layperson — the response to the Gospel reading is: “Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.” Everyone stands for the proclamation of the Gospel. 2.6 Homily — the homily follows the Gospel reading and it is either done by the celebrant, or by another bishop or priest other than the celebrant (i.e. the homilist), or by a deacon — the homily is usually a reflection on the theme and/or readings of that particular Mass and on the application of those readings to our daily lives. The assembly/congregation is seated during the homily. 2.7 Profession of Faith (Creed) — the assembly/congregation, led by the celebrant, recalls and proclaims the fundamental teachings of the Roman Catholic Faith as expressed in either the Apostles’ Creed or the Nicene Creed — the Creed is used on all Sundays and Solemnities. Everyone stands during the Profession of Faith (the Creed).

2.8 Prayers of the Faithful (General Intercessions) — here the celebrant leads the congregation in prayers of intercession for all humankind: for the Church, civil authorities, those with various needs; and for all peoples and the salvation of all the world — the celebrant

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invites all to pray, while another minister (usually a lector, but sometimes a deacon) proclaims the prayers of petition and the assembly responds by asking God to hear and to grant our requests. Everyone stands during the Prayers of the Faithful (the General Intercessions). III. LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST 3.1 Offertory — following the Profession of Faith (the Creed) is the Offertory whereby the following occurs: 1) the Roman Missal, the chalice, and any ciboria are brought to the Altar by the servers from the credence table; 2) the

celebrant (or a deacon if present) dresses and prepares the Altar; 3) the Cross Bearer goes to the back of the church and leads people (who are usually chosen from the congregation by ushers/ministers of hospitality) to the sanctuary area where they present the gifts of bread and wine to the celebrant. At this point, the servers also assist the celebrant in receiving the gifts of bread and wine and bringing them to the Altar. The assembly/congregation is seated during the offertory. 3.2 Preparation of the Gifts — during the Preparation of the Gifts, at the Altar, the celebrant prepares for the Consecration of the Mass by blessing the water and wine and saying a prayer over them. The servers assist the celebrant at this point in the Liturgy of the Eucharist. On Sundays, this part of the Mass is usually accompanied by music — if not the

celebrant will say the following words out loud: “Blessed are you, Lord, God of all creation, for through your goodness we have received this bread we offer you: fruit of the earth, and work of human hands, it will become for us the bread of life…” — to which everyone responds: “Blessed be God forever.”

At this point, the servers then bring the water and wine to the celebrant (or a deacon if present) who pours them into the chalice. The celebrant (or deacon if present) will say quietly while doing so: “By the mystery of this water and wine, may we come to share in

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the Divinity of Christ, who humbled himself to share in our humanity — there is no response to this.

Then the celebrant will say: Blessed are you, Lord, God of all creation, for through your goodness we have received the wine we offer you: fruit of the vine and work of human hands, it will become for us our spiritual drink…” — to which everyone responds again: “Blessed be God forever.”

Following this, the celebrant will bow and say a prayer quietly to himself: With humble spirit and contrite heart, may we be accepted by you, O Lord, and may our sacrifice this in your sight this day be pleasing to you, Lord God. At this point, the servers bring a pitcher of water, a towel, and a bowl to wash the celebrant’s hands before the Eucharistic Prayer. While this occurs the celebrant says quietly to himself: “Wash me, O Lord, from my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.”

Then the celebrant will say: Pray brothers and sisters, that my sacrifice and yours may be acceptable to God, the almighty Father — to which everyone responds: “May the Lord accept the sacrifice at your hands for the praise and glory of his name, for our good, and the good of all his holy Church.” The assembly/congregation is seated during the Preparation of the Gifts, except at this point where everyone then stands.

3.3 Prayer over the Offerings — the celebrant says a brief prayer at the Altar over the bread and wine

asking that the gifts to be offered will be made holy and acceptable in the eyes of the Lord. 3.4 Eucharistic Preface — the Eucharistic Preface begins with an introductory dialogue between the celebrant and the assembly/congregation in which all are invited to join in prayer and thanksgiving to God:

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The Eucharistic Preface precedes the Eucharistic Prayer and usually begins with this introductory dialogue between the celebrant and the assembly/congregation: “The Lord be with you …” — response: “…and with your spirit.” “Lift up your hearts…” — response: “We lift them up to the Lord.” “Let us give thanks to the Lord our God…— response: “It is right and just.”

Sanctus – the Sanctus is the response of the community to the Eucharistic Preface as well as the continuation of the general theme of praise and thanks — on Sundays, it is usually sung: “Holy, Holy, Holy Lord, God of hosts. Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.”

3.4 Eucharistic Prayer

Epiclesis — the Epiclesis is the invocation of the Holy Spirit by the celebrant upon the gifts prepared at the altar — depending on which Eucharistic Prayer is used, the timing and formula for the epiclesis varies. The bells are rung at this point, just when the celebrant positions his hands over the gifts.

Consecration of the Bread and Wine — at this point, the celebrant consecrates the bread and wine by repeating the words of Jesus spoken at the Last Supper. The bells are rung: 1) first, when the celebrant raises the now Consecrated Host; and 2) second, when the celebrant raises the chalice containing the now Consecrated Wine.

Memorial Acclamation — The memorial acclamation varies and is usually sung — it begins with the celebrant chanting or saying: “The mystery of faith.” — Response: e.g. “We proclaim your Death, O Lord, and profess your Resurrection until you come again.”

Final Doxology — this concludes the Eucharistic Prayer and is either said or sung by the celebrant (and any concelebrants if present): “Through him, and with him, and in him, O God, almighty Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honour is yours, forever and ever.” The response to the Final Doxology is known as the Great Amen.

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3.5 Lord’s Prayer (Our Father) — the celebrant leads the faithful in praying the Our Father. 3.6 Exchange of Peace

The celebrant invites us to exchange a sign of peace with our fellow parishioners.

3.7 Agnus Dei

“Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us…” — the Agnus Dei is usually sung on Sundays. Everyone kneels following the Agnus Dei.

Following the Agnus Dei, the celebrant then holds ups the Consecrated Host and the chalice containing the Consecrated Wine, and says: “Behold the Lamb of God, behold him who takes away the sins of the world. Blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb.” Everyone responds by saying: “Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my rood, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.”

3.8 Communion Rite

After saying a prayer quietly to himself, the celebrant consumes the Consecrated Host, and drinks the Consecrated Wine from the chalice. The celebrant then gives Communion to the other ministers at the Altar (i.e. severs, lectors, extraordinary ministers of Communion). Communion is then distributed to the rest of the assembly/congregation.

IV. CONCLUDING RITES

4.1 Prayer after Communion (Closing Prayer)

After the distribution of Communion, everyone stands as the celebrant recites the Prayer Closing Prayer (the Prayer after Communion).

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4.2 Final Blessing

After the Closing Prayer, the celebrant gives a final blessing to the assembly/congregation.

4.3 Dismissal

After the Final Blessing, the celebrant dismisses the assembly/congregation in these or similar words: “Go forth, the Mass is ended.” To which everyone responds: “Thanks be to God.”

4.4 Recessional

After the Dismissal, the celebrant, along with any concelebrants (if present), the deacon (if present), the altar servers, the lectors, and the extraordinary ministers of Communion, all gather at the base of the sanctuary, facing the altar.

At the prompting of the celebrant, all bow to the Altar together, and genuflect to Blessed Sacrament in the Tabernacle. The servers who are carrying liturgical items (i.e. the cross and candles do not genuflect — they simply bow their heads slightly just like in the beginning. The servers then lead everyone to the back of the church in the same order they led everyone into the church: i.e. 1) first, cross bearer; and 2) second, candle bearers; and 3) any other servers.

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