Updated 10/3/2013

Our Lady of the Pines Parish

Altar Server’s Handbook

ST. DOMINIC SAVIO

St. Dominic Savio was born in Italy in 1842. One day when he was just four, he disappeared and his good mother went looking for him. She found the little fellow in a corner praying with his hands joined and his head bowed. He already knew all his prayers by heart! At five, he was an altar boy. When he was seven, he received his First Holy Communion. On that solemn day, he chose a motto: "Death, but not sin!" and he kept it always.

"A teenager such as Dominic, who bravely struggled to keep his innocence from Baptism to the end of his life, is really a saint," said Pope St. Pius X.

Yes, Dominic was an ordinary boy with an extraordinary love for God.

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At the age of twelve, Dominic entered the school run by St. John Bosco. Don Bosco examined him first and at the end of the questions, Dominic asked,

"What do you think of me?"

"I think you're good material," answered the priest, with a big smile.

"Well, then," said Dominic, "You are a good tailor, so if the material is good, take me and make a new suit out of me for Our Lord!"

Everyone in the school saw from the way he prayed that this boy was different.

One day Dominic began to feel sick and was sent home to get better. While at home he grew worse, instead, and received the last Sacraments. He was only fifteen then, but he did not fear death. In fact, he was overjoyed at the thought of going to Heaven. Just before he died, he tried to sit up.

"Goodbye," he murmured to his good father. Suddenly his face lit up with a smile of great joy and happiness. "I am seeing such wonderful things!" he exclaimed. Then he spoke no more, for he had gone to Heaven.

This latter title was given to him due to the following incident. One time, two boys filled the school stove with snow and garbage during the cold winter months. When the teacher came back into the room, they falsely accused Dominic of doing the "dirty" deed. Although disciplined in front of the entire class, Dominic refused to tell on the two mischievous boys. When the truth was later revealed, Dominic was asked why he didn't confess to his innocence. He remarked that he was imitating Our Lord, Who remained silent during His persecutions and crucifixion.

His feast day is March 9th.2

Prayer before Serving

Father in Heaven,Your son, Jesus Christ,showed His love for You by serving His needy brothers and sisters.

I now ask You to give me Your helpAs 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 evil and distracting thoughts.Help me to know what I should do and to do it well.

Help me to serve reverently at Your Holy Altar, and so give You praise and glory, now and forever.

Amen

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Contents

Introduction

1. Preparing to Serve Mass

2. Prior to Mass

3. Postures at Mass

4. Altar Server Positions and Duties

5. Altar Server “Do’s and Don’ts”

6. Serving within the Order of the Mass

7. When to Sit, Stand, and Kneel at the Mass

8. The Church Years

9. Dictionary of Church Terms

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Introduction

Being a server means serving God and God’s people at Mass. As servers give themselves to help the priest and people worship better, they also receive God’s help and blessing. Pope John Paul II once told a group of servers who came to visit him, “Serving at the Eucharistic table, and at the various liturgical celebrations, you draw directly ‘from the wells of salvation’ the strength necessary to live well today and then also to face your future more energetically.”

To learn all the matters of liturgical worship and its spiritual meaning is a true gesture of love for God.

At Mass our outward actions and appearance tell others a lot about how we are feeling on the inside. At Mass, our actions and appearance should show that we love God and God’s people. It should be clear that we think serving is worth doing and doing well. We should try to be the best servers we can be.

Happy Serving!

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Preparing to Serve Mass

Mass Schedules

The schedule for serving will be emailed and posted in the Ministry prep room at Church 3 months in advance. If you unable to serve on your scheduled day, please cross out your name so others may know you need a substitute.

Before you come to Church

1. Get a good night’s rest2. Be sure your shoes are clean and not squeaky and are what is

appropriate for serving Mass. NO tennis shoes.3. If you have a cold, be sure to have a handkerchief or Kleenex

in your pocket. 4. Be sure your face and hands are clean and hair is brushed and

pulled back out of your face. Try to look your best.

When you come to Church

1. Arrive at the Church at least 15 minutes prior to the beginning of Mass

2. Initial on the schedule for your assigned Mass time.3. Use the bathroom facilities before Mass begins 4. Locate and put on a properly fitted cassock and surplus.5. Check with the Sacristan for special instructions and duties.6. Always treat your Church and all it contains as VERY special

TREASURES.7. Be quiet in the Ministry Prep Room and avoid making

unnecessary noise.8. Always keep the Ministry Prep Room door OPEN.9. Be especially ready to help the priest if he is a visiting priest.

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Prior to Mass

If you are scheduled to serve you must arrive at the Church at least 15 minutes before Mass begins. Please proceed to the Ministry Prep room and check in by signing your name on the schedule. Upon arriving, please check “position duties” on the schedule for your assignments. If you are scheduled to serve and do not arrive 10 min. prior to Mass beginning, a substitute will then take your place and prepare for Mass.

The cassocks and surplices are hanging up in the closet for you to put on. The Cross Bearer is responsible for making sure that the cross and candles are in the Ministry Prep Room prior to Mass. Please wait inside of the Ministry Prep room until the Sacristan or Father asks you to proceed to the back of the church. Be careful if you’re carrying the cross and make sure not to let it hit the door frame as you enter the church.

Also, there are coat hooks for you to hang up your jackets. You may also put your personal belongings in the closet, if needed. Remember to always leave the door to the Ministry Prep room OPEN. Please remember it is everyone’s responsibility to keep the Ministry Prep Room clean.

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Postures at Mass

Posture is how you are using the different parts of your body.

Walking - Walk with your back straight and your head held high.

Bowing – When you bow to the priest, bow your head slowly and gracefully. When you bow to the Altar, bow with a graceful nod if you are holding a cross or candle. Do not walk and bow at the same time.

Genuflecting – Keep your hands in front of your chest while you go down on your left knee. Keep your body upright. Be sure you don’t trip on your cassock.

Kneeling – Your body should be upright and your hands should be in front of your chest. Hands together not folded.

Standing – Always stand up straight with both feet firmly on the floor. Don’t lean against furniture or walls. Be sure not to lock your knees.

Hands – Unless you are sitting down or carrying something, your hands should be kept joined in front of your chest palm to palm. Keep your hands high up on your chest.

Eyes – During Mass always look towards the place where the action is happening: the Celebrant’s chair, the lectern, or the Altar. When the Scripture is being read you should be looking at the reader. Look at the priests and other ministers as they speak and act in the Sanctuary.

Don’t be afraid to smile, an ancient prayer in the Bible says, “I will go to the Altar of God, to God who gives joy to my youth.” Psalm 42:4

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Altar Server Positions and Duties

Cross Bearer

Leads the Procession, in the event Incense is used the Server carrying the Thurible leads

Presents the Roman Missal to the Priest for the Opening and Closing Prayers

Places the Roman Missal on the Altar during the Collection Places the collection on the side of the altar Assist the Priest in the Washing of the Hands Removes the Roman Missal following Holy Communion Removes the Ciboria Tray from the Altar following Holy

Communion, if needed Leads the Recession out of the Church, in the event Incense is used

the Server carrying the Thurible leads

Candle Bearer

Follows the Cross Bearer in the Procession into the Church Brings the Water Cruet to the Altar for the Priest Brings the wine or bread to the Altar during the offertory Assist the Priest in the Washing of Hands Ring Bells during the Imposition of Hands and the Elevation of the

Blessed Sacrament Prepares the Altar for Holy Communion Helps to clear the Altar following Holy Communion If Incense is used, assists the Priest with the Thurible Follows behind the Cross Bearer in the Recession

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Do…

Dress properly for Mass.Always be at least 15 minutes early.Be patient with yourself it takes time to learn all the steps.Ask your parents and Altar Servers Servant Leaders for help in understanding the Mass.Ask questions before the Mass begins.Attend all training sessions and workshops.Learn the names of all the vessels used at Mass.Understand how to set up the Altar.Learn all the parts of the Mass.Look carefully at the Altar server schedule for your name.Be sure you and your parents know when you are to serve.Come to every Mass you are scheduled to serve if you can.Be kind towards everyone.Make a habit of asking if anything else needs to be done before leaving.Learn the liturgical seasons in the Church.

Don’t…

Don't leave the Altar when Mass begins for any personal reason unless it is an emergency.Don't be disrespectful toward others.Don't bring attention to yourself either by your behavior or what you are wearing.Do not run, chat, or do anything that shows lack of reverence whenever you are in the Altar area. You are in sacred space.Don't panic if you make a mistake.Don’t chew gum at Mass.Don't wear tennis shoes or flip-flops while serving.

10Serving within the Order of the Mass

When proceeding toward the altar please walk at a non-rushed pace. The Cross Bearer will lead and the Candle Bearers will follow the cross, one on the left and one on the right. Father and the Deacon will then follow the Altar Servers. When you come to the steps at the foot of the altar, use the following order to bow or genuflect….

candle#1 candle#2 Father Deacon observer cross

Once everyone is in position, all will bow their heads only (not at the waist). If you are an observer or mentor you will genuflect instead of bow. The Candle Bearers will proceed up the stairs and put their candles in the stands at either side of the podium. If you cross paths with the Deacon or Father, let them proceed to their chair first. The Cross Bearer will proceed up the ramp and put the cross in the stand next to the back door with Jesus facing the window. Then take your position in your designated chair behind Father (see below).

Table cross candle#1 candle#2 observer/mentor

The servers will follow along with mass by saying the prayers and singing. Note: During the Penitential Act prayer, remember to place your closed fist on your heart during the line “through my own fault, my most grievous fault.”

Following the “Gloria” Father says, “Let us Pray”. The Cross Server will then bring the Roman Missal to Father. When you’re bringing up the Roman Missal, make sure the spine is always next to your chest so Father can open up the Missal easily. Stand at an angle toward Father so he can also face the congregation. (Hint: face the door where the Holy Family statue is) Also, stand about an arm length from Father so he is not crowded. Father will read the prayer

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and then close the Roman Missal. The Cross Bearer will place the Roman Missal on the table next to the window and then proceed back to his/her seat.

The Altar Servers will be sitting in their seats for the 1st and 2nd Readings. After the 2nd Reading, the Cross Bearer will walk up to the Altar after Father or the Deacon picks up the Book of Gospels. The Cross Bearer will then take the holder for the Book of Gospels back to the table by the windows.

After the Gospel and homily, the ushers start the collection. The Deacon will then begin to set the altar. If there is no Deacon at Mass, the Cross Bearer will set the altar. The Cross Bearer’s only responsibility is to bring up the Roman Missal. The Candle Bearers will assist the Deacon by bringing up the dishes in the following order ……(see image below)

1.) Unfold Corporal2.) Bring up Father’s Chalice & Purificator and place on the bottom

right corner of the Corporal3.) Place additional Chalice’s in a row to the right of the Corporal 4.) Place additional Purificators to the right of the Corporal5.) Roman Missal holder 6.) Roman Missal 7.) Father’s mass intentions will always be on the altar and need to be

tucked slightly under the left corner of the Corporal8.) Occasionally we may have a gluten-free host that will need to be

brought up to the altar and that will be on a separate dish. It is to be placed at the top center of the Corporal.

Just a reminder - the communion dishes are not brought up to the Altar until after the "Lamb of God". The Candle Bearers will then proceed to the ambo to retrieve the candles for the altar. Please remember to bow after placing the candles in the holders and return to your seats and wait for the offertory. Always allow the Deacon or Father to return to their seats first if you are crossing paths near the altar. 12

Offertory (Presentation of Gifts):

When the gifts bearers are coming down the aisle, the Altar Servers will line up behind Father at the top of the stairs in the following order:

cross candle #1 candle #2 Observer

The gift bearers will give the gifts to Father. Father will then hand the gifts to the Deacon and then the Deacon will hand the gifts to the altar servers in the following way….Cross Bearer receives the collection bowl(s) and places them on the floor next to the altar near the chair side. (see following image)

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Candle #1 Bearer receives the wine and places it on the altar above the Purificator. Candle #2 Bearer receives the hosts and places them on the altar in the center of the Corporal. (see following image)

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Liturgy of the Eucharist:

Father begins to say prayers over the bread and wine at the altar. During this time, all of the Servers will go to the Credence Table. Cross Bearer gets the pitcher of water, Candle #1 Bearer gets the bowl to catch the water and the Candle Bearer #2 gets the towel. Each Altar Server will then stand at the back corner of the altar ready to wash Father’s hands. (This is a ceremonial washing so the water only needs to be poured lightly on Father’s fingers.) Father then says “Blessed be God Forever” and he will turn around to wash his hands. Altar Servers will stand in the following positions….

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After washing Father’s hands, return the pitcher, bowl and towel to the Credence Table and return to your seat/kneeler. Follow the congregation as they sing, pray, sit, kneel and stand.

The “Holy, Holy” is sung and everyone kneels. The Candle #2 Bearer will start ringing the bell when Father extends his hands over the bread and wine. Keep ringing the bell through the end of this prayer….”…sending down your Holy Spirit like the dew fall.” The bell will be rung a second time when Father elevates the Body of Christ. The bell will be rung a third time when Father elevates the Chalice with the Blood of Christ.

While we say the Our Father, Altar Servers should keep their hands together and not hold hands with each other. Also during the Sign of Peace, only shake hands with the person next to you. Remember to be reverent up by the altar as this is a time to not draw attention to yourself.

The “Lamb of God” begins and the Servers bring 2 communion dishes at a time up to the altar, beginning with the Cross Bearer. The communion dishes should be placed on the Corporal next to Father’s bowl. The Pyx should be brought up next and the extra Purificators should be brought up last. Note: if there is a total of 3-5 items to be brought up, make sure that each Altar Server brings at least one item up. (See image on following page)

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As the Eucharistic Ministers line up around the altar, the Altar Servers should also line up ready to receive Communion.

While Communion takes place, the Cross Bearer takes the Roman Missal and holder from the Altar to the back table by the windows. Then close the Roman Missal and bring it to the small table next to the Altar Server chairs (starting position for Roman Missal).

After Father closes the Tabernacle, the Servers may then have a seat.When Father says "Let us pray" the Cross Bearer will bring the Roman Missal to Father, held in the same way as the opening prayer. After Father closes the Roman Missal, return the Roman Missal to the same table and prepare for the dismissal of mass.

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Dismissal:Once the closing song begins the Cross Bearer retrieves the Cross and waits for Father to proceed to the altar. The Cross Bearer then walks down the ramp and stands between the 1st 2 pews and faces the Altar. The Candle Bearers go to the altar. In unison they bow, lift the candles from the stand, and then turn to their right and walk down the steps and stand at each corner of the bottom stairs facing the Altar. (drawing showing where each stands)

Father Deacon

Observer

candle#1 candle #2

Cross

The Cross and Candle Bearers will bow their heads as Father genuflects. If you are an observer you will genuflect instead of bow. Then everyone turns around to walk down the aisle. The Cross leads, walking at a comfortable pace. (Not too slowly and not too fast.) The Candle Bearers will follow at a “2 pew distance” behind the Cross Bearer. The Altar Servers will then proceed to the Ministry Prep Room and place their Cross & Candles in the stands. Hang the cassocks and surplices back in the closet and make sure you take all your belongings with you. Thank you for serving!

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When to Sit, Stand, and Kneel at the MassDuring the: You Should:

Introductory Rites:

Sign of the Cross STANDGreeting STANDIntroduction STANDPenitential Rite or Sprinkling STAND“Glory to God in the Highest” STANDOpening Prayer STAND

Liturgy of the Word:

First Reading SITResponsorial Psalm SITSecond Reading SITGospel Acclamation STANDGospel Reading STANDHomily SITProfession of Faith STANDPrayer of the Faithful STAND

Liturgy of the Eucharist:

Preparation of the Gifts STANDPrayer over the Gifts STANDPreface STANDEucharistic Prayer KNEEL or STANDLord’s Prayer STANDSign of Peace STAND“Lamb of God” STANDCommunion STANDPrayer after Communion STAND

Concluding Rites:

Final Blessing STANDDismissal STAND 19

The Church Year

The Church year has fifty-two Sundays. The Church Year is divided into three main sections or cycles:

The Christmas Season which is a part centered on the celebration of Christmas and Epiphany. Advent developed in the second half of the fifth century as a spiritual preparation for the Christmas Cycle

The Easter Cycle is a part centered on Easter, the resurrection of Jesus. Lent developed in the fourth century as a period of spiritual preparation for the great feast of Easter, with its reconciliation of penitents and baptizing of Catechumens

The Ordinary Cycle or Sundays, some occur after Epiphany, the rest of them after Pentecost. Occasionally an important feast day replaces one of the ordinary Sundays

The color of vestments that the priest will wear are dictated by the cycle of the year and other special times during the year:

White vestments are worn during the Easter and Christmas cycle, Feasts of the Lord, or Mary, Angels, All Saints Day and most Saints

Red vestments on Passion Sunday, Good Friday, Pentecost, Birthday Feasts of other Apostles, and evangelists, celebrations of Martyrs

Violet vestments are used during the seasons of Advent and Lent

Rose is optional for Gaudete and Laetare Sundays, the Fourth Sunday of Lent and the Third Sunday of Advent, respectively

Green vestments are worn during the Ordinary Cycles, unless replaced by an important feast day. 20

Dictionary of Church Terms

Ablution The ceremonial washing of the priest’s hands.

Acolyte Denotes the office ministry or order of clerics who assist at the Altar and at other liturgical functions.

Altar Server Also known as the Mass server, who is privileged to assist the Priest at the Eucharistic or other Liturgical Rites.

Adoration The practice of worshipping God, Father – Son – Holy Spirit.

Advent The Church’s liturgical season of preparation for the coming of Jesus Christ on Christmas.

Altar An elevated place or structure upon which sacrifices may be offered or incense burned or before which religious ceremonies may be enacted.

Ambo A raised podium in the sanctuary designed for proclaiming spiritual readings.

Asperges The rite of sprinkling and blessing the faithful with Holy Water.

Benediction The word means “blessing.” It is when we adore Jesus Christ in the Eucharist.

Blessing The gift of God’s grace.

Bow An inclination of the body made while standing to show reverence and respect.

Canon The Eucharistic Prayer of the Mass.

Cassock A long, close-fitting garment worn by members of the clergy or others participating in church services. 21

Celebrant The Bishop, priest, or deacon who leads the liturgical rite.

Censer The container, which incense is burned, also called the thurible.

Chalice The cup or goblet used for the consecration of the wine at Mass.

Chasuble The outer liturgical vestment worn by the priest at Mass.

Ciborium A cup like a chalice with a cover or a dish like cup used for holding the Body of Christ and distributing of the Holy Eucharist to the faithful.

Cincture The white cord used to gather the alb at the waist.

Collect A short liturgical prayer, which conveys the idea of gathering the petitions of the people, addressed to God by the Priest now called the opening prayer.

Concelebrating The celebration of the same Mass by bishop, priest and deacon or by several priests.

Corporal Refers to the square piece of linen cloth, about twenty inches square, used during the sacrifice of the Mass and other liturgical ceremonies involving the Blessed Sacrament, the Body of Christ. The chalice, paten and host are placed on it, from the offertory or preparation of the gifts to the Communion ablutions.

Credence Table Table most often on the side of the altars where the servers sit to place things necessary to serve the Mass (chalice, towels, extra bowls, extra hosts and wine, Communion cloths, towels).

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Crosier A pastoral staff conferred on bishops and abbots at their installations.

Crucifier Cross-bearer; the server who bears a cross in liturgical processions.

Cruets The vessels used to hold the wine and water for the celebration of the Mass.

Divine Praises The series of praises addressed to God after benediction, before the Host is replaced in the tabernacle.

Doxology Declaration of glory. An expression of praise, to the Blessed Trinity – “Through Him, with Him, in Him” recited by the priest.

Elevation The Raising of the Body and Blood of Christ during Mass that they may be seen and adored by all those present.

Exposition A way of worshipping Christ present in the sacrament by exposing the Host for people to see.

Genuflection To bend the right knee to the floor and rising up again as an act of reverence before the exposed or reserved Blessed Sacrament in the Church.

Homily Any kind of preaching of the word of God which closely follows a biblical text.

Host Bread made from pure wheat meal, used for the celebration of the Mass. This term is used for the consecrated bread.

Imposition of Hands When the priest places both hands over the bread and wine at the Canon of the Mass.

Lavabo The washing of the Priest’s hands during a

liturgical celebration symbolizing the purity of body and spirit for worship and prayer.

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Lectionary The book containing the biblical reading used at Mass.

Paschal Candle Large wax candle blessed at the beginning of the Easter Vigil and carried solemnly into the Church. It is used during the days between Easter and Pentecost and throughout the year at baptisms and funerals.

Presentation Table The table located usually at the back of the Church used to keeps the gifts on (wine, bread, prayer book, sometimes cups, and collection) until it is time to present them to the priest.

Purificator A cloth used to wipe chalice: a linen cloth used in some Christian churches to wipe the chalice after the celebration of Communion .

Pyx A container in which the consecrated Host for Communion are placed so that they can be taken to those who cannot leave home.

Roman Missal The book of liturgical prayers, directives and rubrics used by the priest while offering Mass.

Surplice A white outer garment like a smock, with wide, often flared sleeves, and varying in length

Tabernacle The prominently placed and suitably adorned receptacle in which the Blessed Sacrament is reserved in Churches, Chapels and Oratories.

Thurible A thurible is a metal censer suspended from chains, in which incense is burned during worship services

Thurifer Thurible bearer; the server who carries the thurible.

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