Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church

Altar Server Handbook

Revised May, 2017

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Table of Contents

Letter to Parents ..................................................................................... 3

Letter to Servers ..................................................................................... 4

Roles in the Assembly ............................................................................ 5

Requirements of an Altar Server ............................................................ 6

Characteristics of a Server ..................................................................... 6

Some Basic Rules .................................................................................. 6

What Do I Need To Know? .................................................................... 7

A Brief Explanation of the Mass ............................................................. 8

Serving at Sunday Mass ...................................................................... 10 Order of Procession ....................................................................... 10 Gospel, Homily, and Creed ........................................................... 11 Offertory and Preparation of the Altar............................................ 11 Communion Rite ............................................................................ 13 Dismissal and Recessional ............................................................ 14 Things to Remember ..................................................................... 15

Other Information ................................................................................. 15 Attendance Policy ........................... Error! Bookmark not defined. Postures ......................................................................................... 15 How to Dress .................................. Error! Bookmark not defined. How to Behave ............................... Error! Bookmark not defined. Vestments ...................................................................................... 17 Serving at Weddings...................................................................... 17 Serving at Funerals........................................................................ 18 Serving for the Archbishop ............................................................ 18 The Closets and Cupboards of the Church ................................... 18 Who Wears What? ......................................................................... 19 Catholic Tableware ........................................................................ 19

Server Levels ....................................................................................... 20 Appendix I – Prayers Used During Mass ............................................. 25

Appendix II – Glossary ......................................................................... 26

Bibliography and References ............................................................... 31

Notes………………………………………………………………………...31

Altar Server Pledge………………………………………………………...32

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Dear Parents,

WELCOME! Your child has expressed interest in actively participating in Mass by serving at the altar. Serving at Mass is a special privilege. It allows your child to be close to the altar, to carry the cross, to carry the light of Christ, to hold the book of prayers, and most importantly to understand the rites of our Faith. Altar servers are an important part of our parish and they add so much to the celebration. Please review this handbook with your child. There’s a lot to learn! It is important to note that servers are accepting a very important ministry and we should encourage them to participate fully. Servers will progress and be recognized as follows: Novice Server: 0-12 months of service; wear the wooden cross. Skilled Server: 12-24 months of service; pass an evaluation; wear the

silver cross. Senior Server: 24-36 months of service; pass an evaluation; wear the

gold cross. Senior servers assist in training other servers. Master Server: more than 36 months of service; pass an evaluation;

wear the gold cross and gold cincture. Master servers help plan and conduct server training classes and serve at special liturgies.

You play a very important role in making your child’s experience successful and meaningful. First, encourage your child to serve at Mass on a regular basis in order to gain proficiency. There are usually more opportunities to serve at the Saturday and Sunday evening Masses. Second, it is very important that altar servers arrive 15 minutes before Mass begins and check in with the sacristan. The sacristan will need to find alternate servers for servers who haven’t checked in on time. Finally, please have them dress appropriately for serving at the altar. Serving is an important responsibility - our dress should reflect the dignity of the celebration. I have entrusted the training of our servers to Mrs. Kemper and her team of leaders and Master Servers. Mrs. Kemper and I welcome your questions, concerns and suggestions. Please feel free to call upon us! Fr. Patrick

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Dear Servers, Thank you for offering to serve Holy Mass. Maybe you have been serving for a long time, or maybe you’re about to serve for the first time. Either way, welcome to this beautiful and important ministry! To be an active participant in the Mass is very special. I hope you will enjoy serving at Mass and will be enriched by your ministry. It is a wonderful way to serve God and to grow in your faith. Servers exercise a genuine liturgical ministry. You’ll carry the cross, carry the light of Christ, hold the book of the prayers–and sometimes you’ll swing the thurible and send incense upward, symbolizing our prayers. How awesome this is! But you should take your responsibilities very seriously and serve with great care and reverence. I pray that through serving, you will develop a keen awareness of the special nature of the Mass. This handbook is a reference for how to serve at Mass: it explains what to do and why you do it. You’ll have opportunities to practice before you serve for the first time, and you’ll have help from priests and experienced altar servers. You’ll also have special training sessions for special celebrations. But reading this booklet will help you learn a lot, too. For those of you who have served for a year or more already, this handbook will be especially useful to remind you of the whys behind the actions you’re already familiar with. A deeper understanding of the whys will result in a deeper understanding of your faith and your service. This manual can help you to be a great server. Read it. Keep it in a safe place. Read it again. It will help you pass your evaluations as you progress. Some of the words may be new to you, so there’s a glossary at the end of this handbook. Words in bold print throughout this manual are especially important since we'll be using these words during training and when you serve, so it's best to learn them as quickly as possible. You will have many wonderful experiences as an altar server. Serving will help you to get close to God, develop new friendships, and learn more about our Catholic faith. It is my hope that this ministry will help you grow in your faith in Jesus and your prayer life with Him. Once again, welcome! Mrs. Kemper

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Note: Altar servers can be either boys or girls, young women or young men. They can be cross bearers and book bearers, thurifers and candle bearers. To keep this handbook simple, the cross bearer is referred to as a girl and the book bearer as a boy. But either gender can perform either role.

ROLES IN THE ASSEMBLY

The sacristan is the person who sets things up before the Mass and makes certain all of the other roles for Mass are filled. The sacristan works in the sacristy. Other people help, too: people who clean and who decorate God's house, people who wash and iron the altar linens and vestments, and people who train the ministers and make the schedules. Hospitality helps the assembly gather together. They welcome strangers and visitors and they help everyone find a to sit in the house of God. They also collect the money, organize people in the procession to receive Holy Communion, and give people bulletins to take home. Leading the assembly in worship is the celebrant. Officially, the chief celebrant is the Archbishop, but he cannot be with all the parish churches at the same time, so priests are ordained to lead the assembly at Mass and serve the Church in other ways throughout the week. The deacon helps the celebrant by reading the Gospel, preparing the gifts of bread and wine, and holding the chalice. Like a bishop and a priest, the deacon is ordained, chosen by God to serve the Church. The cantor helps us all to sing. Sometimes the cantor sings alone so that we may all listen and then join in the singing. The choir is a group of singers who also lead the assembly in song. Other music ministers play instruments like the organ or the piano. The lectors proclaim (read out loud) the readings from the lectionary. The lectors may also carry the Book of the Gospels in procession. The Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHCs) help to distribute the body and blood of Christ to all the baptized. And helping to get things set up and put away, carrying the cross and candles and vessels of smoking incense, holding the book of prayers, assisting at the Lord's table with water and wine are the servers - you! Because servers have different jobs, they have different names:

• Crucifer – carries the cross, also called the cross bearer

• Thurifer – takes care of the bowl of burning incense (the thurible)

• Book bearer – holds the Roman Missal (book of prayers) for the celebrant at the beginning and end of Mass.

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REQUIREMENTS TO BE AN ALTAR SERVER A Candidate must meet the following requirements:

• Have a strong desire to serve at the altar.

• Have received your First Holy Communion.

• Be an active member of your Catholic parish community.

• Believe in the teachings of the Catholic Church.

• Know the major prayers of the Mass from memory.

• Know how to properly genuflect.

• Be able to carry at least the wooden processional cross.

• Be able to hold and carry the large Roman Missal for the celebrant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF A SERVER A Server should posses the following characteristics:

• Have natural and careful movements - do not fumble and stumble.

• Be alert and attentive - do not daydream, yawn, or fall asleep.

• Have foresight - anticipate what might happen next.

• Be cooperative - be able to work together in a team.

• Be comfortable praying in public.

SOME BASIC RULES Before you come to Church, make sure:

• your shoes are clean.

• your hands and fingernails are clean.

• you have been to the restroom.

• you have had something to eat and drink, but remember to fast 1 hour prior to receiving Holy Communion (Eucharistic fast).

When you arrive at Church:

• Make sure you arrive at church 15 minutes before Mass starts.

• Get things ready according to your job. For most Masses you will either serve as the cross bearer or the book bearer. Please discuss this between servers. It's best to regularly do both jobs so you can get used to what's involved.

• Put on your alb and cincture, and then make sure your hair is combed.

• Say a quiet prayer before serving.

• Light the altar candles, get the appropriate processional cross, and wait by the Church entrance.

After Mass:

• Say a prayer of thanksgiving.

• Hang your cincture and robe neatly back in the closet.

• Return the processional cross and extinguish the candles.

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WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW? You will need to learn more about your faith. Altar servers play a very important role during the Mass. It is important that you know not only what to do and how to do it, but why you do it. But there is more to being a good server than that. A good server is reverent and responsible. Reverent To be reverent means to stand in wonder before something beautiful and great, important and holy. It means to feel love and show respect for that which is beautiful and great, important and holy. Reverence requires us to use our minds, our hearts, and our bodies. How do we do this? First, use your mind to think about how beautiful and great, important and holy God is. Remember that when the baptized people gather together, God is there. Second, use your heart to feel love for God and for the people of God. Pay attention to what you are doing. Third, use your body to show your love. Wash up. Comb your hair. Dress in your “Sunday best.” Walk slowly. Stand up tall. Sit up straight. Fold your hands when you are not carrying something. Carry things carefully. Bow smoothly from the waist. These are just a few ways to be reverent! And not only that. Listen when the Scriptures are being read. Sing when the assembly sings. That is part of being reverent, too. To be a good hockey player, to jump curbs on a skateboard, to skip rope with fancy tricks, or to learn how to dance well, you have to practice. Being reverent takes practice, too. Sometimes we forget what to do or we get the giggles. That is okay for a beginner; as you grow you will learn how to control yourself. The important thing is that you become more reverent as you get older. Responsible A good server is also responsible. Being responsible means you:

• come to practice and learn how to serve.

• volunteer to serve regularly to improve your skills.

• keep offering to serve even if you’re not needed at a particular Mass.

• dress appropriately (no tennis shoes or faded jeans).

• come on time: 15 minutes before Mass begins.

• come ready to serve God with gladness.

• know what to do and ask when you do not.

• work as a team and help the other servers do a good job.

• read this handbook over again after you have served for a while to brush up on what you know and to practice getting better at serving.

Being reverent and responsible isn’t boring or hard. It’s fun and it gets easier with practice. Now you’re ready to learn more about the Mass in the next section. Thank you for being reverent and responsible!

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A BRIEF EXPLANATION OF THE MASS Introductory Rites This is the first part of the Mass. The intent is to get the assembly united as a community properly prepared to hear God's Word and celebrate the Eucharist. It includes the:

• Entrance hymn

• Greeting

• Penitential Rite (rite of blessing and sprinkling)

• Kyrie (Lord, have mercy)

• Gloria (Glory to God)

• Opening prayer Liturgy of the Word This is the part of the Mass between the opening prayer and the preparation of the gifts during which the Word of God is proclaimed, responded to and reflected upon. It includes the:

• First Reading

• Responsorial Psalm

• Second Reading

• Gospel Acclamation (Alleluia)

• Gospel Reading

• Homily

• Profession of Faith (Creed)

• General Intercessions (Prayer of the Faithful) Liturgy of the Eucharist This is the major part of the Mass after the Liturgy of the Word and ending before the Concluding Rite. This part corresponds to the words and actions of Christ at the Last Supper. Christ took bread and the cup, gave thanks, broke, and gave them to His disciples saying: "Take and eat; this is my Body. Take and drink; this is the cup of my Blood. Do this in memory of me." Preparation of the Gifts The deacon or priest prepares the altar and the gifts, then the priest prays over the bread and wine and helps the assembly get ready for the tremendous sacrifice that will take place. It includes the:

• Offertory song

• Preparation of the altar

• Preparation of the bread

• Preparation of the wine

• Washing of hands

• Invitation to prayer

• Prayer over the gifts

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Eucharistic Prayer This is the center and high point of the Mass that makes Christ present for us in His passion, death, and resurrection. During it, the entire assembly joins Christ in remembering the works of God and in offering the sacrifice. It includes the:

• Introductory dialogue

• Preface

• Holy, Holy, Holy

• Eucharist prayer

• Thanksgiving

• Acclamation

• Epiclesis - asking God to consecrate the host and wine

• Institution - narrative and consecration

• Anamnesis - a "remembering"

• Offering

• Intercessions

• Memorial Acclamation

• Great Amen Communion Rite This is the part when God gives the gift of Himself to us. It includes the:

• The Lord's Prayer

• Sign of peace

• Fraction Rite (breaking of the bread)

• Lamb of God

• Communion

• Silent prayer

• Prayer after Communion Concluding Rite Immediately after the Communion Rite, there may be announcements. Then just as the people were greeted at the beginning of the Mass, so now the celebrant greets the people again and blesses them in one of three forms: the simple one, a more solemn blessing (particularly at various seasons or on specific feast days), or a prayer over the people. The deacon assists throughout the Concluding Rite, including the:

• Blessing

• Dismissal

The Mass is the most important celebration on earth! It is very important that you come to know and appreciate what's happening on the altar. Best of all - YOU get to participate in this

incredible celebration in a very special way. GIVE THANKS TO GOD!

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SERVING AT SUNDAY MASS We usually use two servers at each weekend Mass, but there may be more than two servers during special celebrations. Please come to church early, 15 minutes before Mass begins. Let the sacristan know you are volunteering to serve and then decide who will serve as the cross bearer and who will serve as the book bearer. If you can't decide peacefully, the sacristan can help you. Put on an alb (the white robe). You will need help the first few times. The alb should go all the way down to above your ankles. Then choose a cincture (the colored rope that goes around your waist) that fits you. Use the appropriate liturgical color for your cincture (look on the calendar by the bulletin board, ask the sacristan, or see what color vestments the priest or deacon are wearing). Wash your hands, then look at yourself in the mirror and make sure your hair is combed. Go from the sacristy to the room behind the altar so you can light the candles and get the processional cross. Remember to genuflect as you pass by Jesus in the monstrance. Wait reverently at the doors leading into the Church until the procession begins. Even if you have not signed up for the Mass you are attending, please come to the sacristy 15 minutes before Mass and ask the sacristan if a server is needed. If you’re not needed for that Mass, please offer again! Order of Procession We enter the Church in a procession in the following order:

Thurifer (when used) Cross bearer carrying the processional cross Candle bearers (when used) Other server(s) Lector(s) Other ministers Deacon Celebrant(s)

Once the cantor or choir has started the words to the entrance hymn, the thurifer (if used) or cross bearer starts walking. Everyone proceeds down the main aisle to the sanctuary steps. At the steps, the cross bearer continues directly to the room behind the altar without pausing or bowing. After putting the processional cross away, the cross bearer takes her place in the second row, closest to the credence table. The book bearer

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stops at the steps off to the right, bows when the other ministers bow, goes to the credence table to get the Roman Missal, and then stands if front of his seat (closest to the assembly). The celebrant and deacon kiss the altar and go to their seats. Mass continues with the Greeting, the Penitential Rite, the Gloria, and the Opening Prayer. When the celebrant says, “Let us pray,” the book bearer carries the Roman Missal to the priest and holds it against his chest in front of the priest. Sometimes the celebrant may want you to bring the Roman Missal at the very beginning. In this case, be ready to bring the Missal right after the entrance hymn has concluded. (Notice: sometimes the celebrant may use holy water to sprinkle the assembly instead of saying the Penitential Rite. He will let you know before Mass). The Gospel, Homily, and Creed On special occasions additional servers will be used as candle bearers and a thurifer, or the regular servers will be asked to do these jobs. The candle bearers get the processional candles from either side of the altar. They then wait behind the altar (and behind the thurifer who has previously assisted in preparing the thurible with the deacon or celebrant) and wait for the priest or deacon to get the Book of the Gospels from the altar. The thurifer and candle bearers then proceed toward the ambo. The candle bearers stand one at each side of the ambo during the proclamation of the Gospel, while the thurifer waits by the left-hand side of the deacon or celebrant. Once the Gospel reading has ended, the candles are returned to the altar and the thurifer returns the thurible to the room behind the altar. If you are asked to fill these positions, you'll get specific instructions on what to do. The Offertory and Preparation of the Altar At the end of the General Intercessions, the congregation sits down. Both servers go the credence table together. The cross bearer gets the priest's chalice, while the book bearer takes the Roman Missal from the plastic stand. Both walk over to the altar together. If there is a deacon present: The cross bearer gives the priest's chalice to the deacon, while the book bearer gives the Roman Missal to the deacon or places it on the altar. Both servers – together – make a slight bow from the waist before leaving the altar. The deacon will set the altar. Both servers return together to the credence table and pick up two communion cups each (with purificators) and place them on the right side of the altar. They bow again before leaving. Both servers return to get the lavabo dish, lavabo towel, and cruet, and place them on the right side of the altar, bow, and return to their seats.

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If there is no deacon present: The book bearer places the Roman Missal on the stand on the left side of the altar, then gets and places the lavabo dish, lavabo towel, and cruet on the right side of the altar. The cross bearer places the priest's chalice (with paten), host, purificator, two corporals and pall on the right side of the altar. She unfolds one corporal neatly in the center of the altar, places the paten with host on the center of the corporal, the priest's chalice above the paten in the center of the corporal, and the pall to the top right side on the corporal (see sketch below). The second corporal goes to the right of the first. Both servers go together to the credence table to get two communion cups each (with purificators), walk back to the altar together, and place them on the right side of the altar on the corporal. Then, both servers return to their seats together. Once the altar is set, it should look like this:

A. Roman Missal B. Paten and host C. Chalice

D. Pall E. Corporal F. Purificator

G. Communion Cups H. Lavabo dish & towel I. Cruet

When the collection is finished, look and pay close attention to the priest and deacon. When they move to the steps that is the cue for the servers to go to the foot of the sanctuary with them. The book bearer stands to the priest's left and the cross bearer to the priest's (or deacon's) right.

↑Assembly↑

↓Priest↓

H

G

G

G

G

I

A

E C

B

D

F

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The priest or deacon will receive the gifts and then give them to the servers. Servers do not bow to the people bringing up the gifts. After the priest and deacon bow, the book bearer places the collection baskets in front of the altar. Once the priest or deacon hands you the paten or the flagon and bows to the people bringing up the gifts, go and stand at your station to the right of the altar and wait for him to take it from you. The cross bearer is closest to the assembly. The cross bearer picks up the lavabo dish and lavabo towel. The priest or deacon will hand the cruet to the book bearer who will pour water over the priest's hands. Both servers remain at the side of the altar until the priest finishes washing his hands. After the washing of the hands, both servers bow as the priest bows. Walking together, the book bearer will then take the empty flagon and the cross bearer will take the other items back to the credence table, then both servers take their seats in the second row. The book bearer kneels next to the hand bell. At the proper times in the Mass, the book bearer rings the bell—not too soft, not too loud—for 3 seconds (about the time it takes to say “Father, Son, and Holy Spirit”). The proper times for the ringing of the bell are when the priest lifts the host and again when he lifts the chalice. Communion Rite The Communion Rite consists of the Our Father, the Sign of Peace and the distribution of Holy Communion to the people. Pray the Our Father standing in place at your seats, with your hands folded in front of you. At the Sign of Peace, reverently greet the other server as well as the priest(s) and deacon. The book bearer will receive the Roman Missal from the priest or deacon and bring it to the credence table, while the cross bearer brings any remaining ciboria from the credence table to the left side of the altar. After the sacristan brings the Eucharist from the tabernacle and hands it to the priest or deacon and passes in front of you, step forward to receive Communion. When the priest or deacon comes to you, bow and then receive the Body of Christ on your tongue or in one hand placed on top of the other. Also bow reverently before receiving the Blood of Christ.

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As the Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHCs) leave to distribute communion, go quietly to your chair and remain standing with your hands folded in front of you. Please sing the communion hymn along with the congregation. After communion, the priest remains standing until the Eucharist has been returned to the tabernacle and then sits. At this time, the cross bearer goes to the altar, folds the corporals, and takes them and the pall to the credence table before returning to her seat. Meanwhile, the book bearer gets the Roman Missal from the credence table and places it on the chair between the servers or holds it in his lap. Remember: Do everything together. Once the altar has been cleared, return to your seats together and sit down together. Dismissal and Recessional When the priest and deacon stand up after a period of silence, the book bearer picks up the Roman Missal and holds it to his chest. When the celebrant says, “Let us pray,” the book bearer carries the Missal to the priest and holds it against his chest in front of the priest. When the priest finishes the closing prayer and perhaps a solemn blessing, the book bearer brings the Missal to the credence table and returns to his seat. As the hymn starts, the cross bearer goes to get the processional cross and stands with it next to her chair. As the priest and deacon move toward the altar, the cross bearer goes down the sanctuary steps and stands at the second set of pews, facing the altar. The book bearer goes to the foot of the sanctuary, gets the collection baskets, and stands between the first set of pews, facing the altar. The other ministers will join the priest and deacon at the bottom of the sanctuary steps. When the priest bows, the cross bearer bows her head and the book bearer bows from the waist. As the priest turns, both servers turn and go down the aisle the in the same order they entered: the cross bearer goes first, then the book bearer, then the remainder of the procession. After the cross bearer and book bearer leave the church, they return to the sacristy. The book bearer gives the collection basket to the sacristan.

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The cross bearer returns the processional cross to the room behind the altar, then returns to the sanctuary and carefully snuffs out the candles. Note: The glass is very hot. Please do not touch the glass! After you have neatly hung up your alb and cincture, leave the sacristy knowing you have served well! Please say a prayer of thanksgiving! Things to Remember Always arrive early, at least 15 minutes before Mass. Great altar servers strive to do everything the best they can, being reverent and responsible; outstanding servers are always thinking ahead to what comes next! Dress neatly! The appearance of your hair, clothing and shoes reflects your awareness of the special nature of the Sacrament you are privileged to serve. Please look reverent. When serving, always move slowly and with reverence. Never run. When you are not sure what to do, do nothing! Stand reverently and the priest or deacon will tell you what to do.

OTHER INFORMATION Postures Walking - We do a lot of walking everyday and sometimes we get sloppy as we do it. Always walk with your back straight and your head held high. Walk slowly during processions and when you walk in the sanctuary. Bowing - When you bow to someone or something at Mass, it should be a smooth forward inclining of your head and shoulders. When you bow to the altar, bow deeply at the waist and bring yourself slowly to your full height. When you bow before receiving Holy Communion, bow your head slowly and gracefully. Never walk and bow at the same time; stop, then bow. Genuflecting - When you genuflect, keep your hands in front of your chest while you go down on your right knee. Keep your body straight. Do not wobble, or you may look like a newborn moose trying to walk.☺ Be sure that your alb is not going to trip you on the way down or up. Kneeling - When you kneel, your body should be upright and your hands should be in front of your chest, well above your waist. If you lean your body forward or backward you will hurt the muscles in your back or the ligaments in your knee.

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Standing - Always stand up straight with both feet firmly on the floor. To help keep you from fainting when standing for a long time, bend one knee slightly and wiggle your toes. Please do not lean against the wall. Sitting - Sit down on your chair carefully and gracefully. Once you are seated, sit tall and please do not slouch. Place your hands on your lap or flat on your thighs in a relaxed manner. Watch how the priest and deacon hold their hands and do as they do. Never cross your legs. Hands - Unless you are sitting down or carrying something, your hands should be kept joined in front of your chest; fingers locked together. Keep your hands high up on your chest. If you are carrying something in one hand, hold the other hand flat on your chest. When you are not holding or carrying something, fold your hands. Eyes - During Mass, always look toward the place where the action is happening--normally the celebrant's chair, the ambo, or the altar. When a reader is reading the Scriptures, you should be looking at the reader. General Appearance - Know what you are to do while serving, and when you are to do it. Never fidget. Always do things smoothly. If you make a mistake, try not to get flustered. Your Attire It is important to realize that it is a great privilege to serve. It should be reflected in how you dress and behave. Thus, it is important that you wear appropriate clothes and footwear for serving at Mass. You should dress differently for Mass than you might when going to the movies. If you're not certain what dressing appropriately means, please ask your parents or the Altar Server Coordinator. Please try to wear dark colored shoes and not tennis shoes. No shoes with flashing lights! ☺ There are a few simple points to remember:

• Boys and young men should wear dark dress trousers, dark socks, and dark shoes. No tennis shoes. Nice sandals (with socks) are okay, too. Dress shoes are best.

• Girls and young women should similarly wear nice pants or a skirt, appropriate socks or stockings, and shoes. No tennis shoes. Nice sandals (with socks) are okay.

Hair should be neatly done and well combed, regardless of length or style.

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Your Behavior When in the sacristy or in church, show the greatest respect for where you are and for those around you. Do not distract others by the way you behave. Try to minimize talking while in the sanctuary, except when participating in the Mass. Sit and kneel in an appropriate manner. When you are not holding something, join your hands together in prayer. Never run or cause people to look at you thus distracting them from their prayers. Remember to pay close attention to the things happening so that you are ready to do what you have to when you have to. Take full part in the Mass, including the singing of the hymns. Vestments Respect the vestment (alb) you wear and let the sacristan know if it needs to be cleaned or repaired. Hang your alb up properly when you have finished serving. Be aware that most albs are made from lightweight material. What you wear underneath an alb will show through. For this reason, servers should avoid bold stripes, designs, and words on T-shirts of any kind which may cause distraction. It is recommended that you wear solid colors, but white would be the most appropriate choice of shirts and blouses. Likewise pants, dresses and skirts should also be of some solid color. Extra things that Senior Servers and Master Servers need to know... Serving at Weddings When two members of the Church celebrate the sacrament of marriage, there is often a Mass to celebrate their commitment. A wedding Mass is basically the same as any other Mass. The priest and/or deacon will show servers the differences. They include the following:

• Preparation: the celebrant may need help preparing a few extra objects:

a small plate for the wedding rings.

the bucket of holy water and sprinkler.

an extra book besides the Sacramentary (the rites book).

• Processions: the entrance procession and the closing procession will probably be different. The celebrant will tell you how the processions will go.

• Marriage ceremony: the marriage ceremony itself takes place after the homily and before the preparation of the gifts. The celebrant may need the servers to help with the blessing of the rings by holding the rings, the holy water, and the rites book. Stay standing next to the celebrant until he moves to the chair or to the altar.

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• Communion: the bride and groom will receive communion first, and may receive both the Body and Blood of Christ. The celebrant will tell you if he needs you.

Serving at Funerals Whenever a member of the Church dies, the Church prays that he or she may have eternal life. A funeral Mass is almost the same as any other Mass, with special prayers and rites for the deceased. The parish priest will show servers the differences. They include the following:

• Preparation: the celebrant may need help preparing a few extra objects:

Paschal candle: a symbol of the new life of Jesus resurrection.

funeral pall: a reminder of our baptismal garment.

holy water: a reminder of being baptized with water.

thurible: incense to show respect and honor.

• Entrance procession: the celebrant and the servers go to the door of the church to pray for the person who has died and to welcome the family and friends. Servers will assist the celebrant by carrying the holy water, pall, and ritual (the rites book with the order of Christian Funerals). The procession leads everyone into church.

• Closing procession: the celebrant will give you specific instructions on how to serve at a funeral when that special time comes. The most important thing to remember is to be respectful around the family during this special time of sadness. It would not be appropriate to laugh or in any way be silly.

Serving for the Archbishop When the Archbishop comes to our parish to celebrate the Eucharist, two more servers will sometimes be assigned. These two servers have a special job: one takes care of the Archbishop's special things (like the crosier) and another takes care of the Archbishop's miter. A special rehearsal with all the servers will be scheduled to explain and practice all the things you are supposed to do during such a special celebration. Serving at a Mass presided by the Archbishop is not so difficult, and with some practice you will be able to successfully carry out your duties. The Archbishop usually brings someone with him to help train the servers. The Closets and Cupboards of the Church The church is pretty much like home. We have cabinets, closets, and places to store many things. You will soon learn that the church has many interesting things. We wear different types of clothing to serve

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Mass. The priest uses special cups and plates during Mass just like when you have that special dinner at home or at a relative's house and they use the special plates and silverware. To properly serve on the altar we need to learn more about these special things. Who Wears What? Priest Deacon Altar Server Alb Alb Alb Chasuble Dalmatic Cincture Cope Stole Cross Humeral Veil Humeral Veil Amice (Not Common) Cincture Stole Cincture Catholic Tableware Chalice Communion Cups Ciborium Monstrance Lunette Pyx Paten Corporal Purlficator Lavabo Dish Lavabo Towel

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SERVER LEVELS NOVICE SERVER A new altar server! You wear a wooden cross. It is important that you have a good attitude to serving and that you realize what you are doing, why you are doing it, and for Whom you do it. You are expected to maintain a high standard of serving. You are expected to memorize the prayers in Appendix I. You need to know what happens during different parts of the Mass, know what the responses are, and be able to join in at the appropriate time. During this beginning stage of your training you will be expected to carry out these tasks: Carrying the Processional Cross The server carrying the processional cross follows the thurifer to the altar or leads the procession when there is no thurifer. The cross bearer does not bow to the altar but sets the processional cross in its place in the room behind the altar. At the end of the Mass the cross bearer retrieves the cross and leads the procession out of the church. Assisting at the Preparation of the Gifts When you assist with the preparation of the gifts, you will bring the chalice, ciboria, and Roman Missal to the altar; set the altar properly; and assist the priest during the lavabo rite, holding the water cruet and the lavabo dish. Moving Around the Sanctuary You should be able to move around the sanctuary in a dignified manner that does not draw attention to yourself or distract others. You should also be able to move to the correct places for the different parts of the Mass without being prompted. After Mass Help bring all the items from the sanctuary as asked. Put things where they go. Give the collection to the sacristan. Completion of this Stage Following 12 months of service, the Novice is eligible to advance to the next level: Server. This happens once you demonstrate that you can do all of the above well. Faithful attendance is most important!

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SKILLED SERVER The Skilled Servers wear a silver cross to show that you have progressed beyond being a Novice. During this intermediate stage of your training you will be expected to carry out these tasks: Setting the Church for Mass It is important that everyone knows how to set up for Mass and what things should be where. Even though the sacristan normally does this, it is important that you know how to do it yourself in case the sacristan needs help. The following are of special importance:

• Ambo: Located toward the choir area, this “podium” should have the lectionary that will be used for the readings during Mass.

• Credence table: Located by the windows by the baptismal font, this table should have: the Roman Missal; lavabo dish for the washing of hands; lavabo towel for the priest to dry his hands on; water cruet; celebrant's chalice (with purificator, two corporals and a pall), ciboria, communion cups with purificators; and ablution bowl and towel.

• Offertory Table: Located in the entryway outside the Church, this table holds the ciborium (or ciboria, if there is more than one) containing the hosts to be used. A suitable container of wine (flagon) is placed next to the hosts.

• Servers seating: Bells for book bearer to ring are located next to the server seat closest to the assembly, and missalettes and hymnals for the priest, deacon, and servers are located by the seats.

Carrying the Candles During Mass The carrying of candles is a prominent feature during certain special Masses. It is important not to spill the wax from the candles! Take notice of where the candles are placed and when they are required during the Mass. The candles are carried in procession behind the cross bearer and are placed on either side of the altar. During the Gospel, the candles are processed up to and held either side of the ambo; after the Gospel the candles are returned to the sides of the altar. At the end of Mass, the candles are carried in procession out of church behind the cross.

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Tidying Up After Mass Take careful note of what things are brought from the sanctuary and what things are left out. Remember that the things you will be carrying are valuable objects and should be treated with care. Never carry more than two things at once, and take care not to drop what you are carrying. Never run. Remember that everything has a home and should not be left in the sacristy for someone else to clean away. This is just as important as serving, and so no one should leave until everything has been cleared away. Finally, hang up your vestments properly and keep the vesting area in good order. Maintaining High Standards It is important that you have a good attitude about serving and that you realize what you are doing, why you are doing it, and for whom. You will be expected to maintain a high standard of serving. Completion of this Stage After 24 months of service you can take a written and oral exam to see if you have mastered the above areas. If you pass both, you advance to Senior Server and you are awarded the gold cross!

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SENIOR SERVER Senior Servers are identified by the gold cross you wear. This stage will cover more difficult jobs, to include training Novices and Skilled Servers. Again, along with this higher responsibility comes higher expectations. As a Senior Server, you will be expected to carry out these tasks: Using the Thurible during Mass The thurifer waits at the door of the Church for the priest to place some incense in the thurible. Carrying the thurible, the thurifer then leads the procession and moves to the altar where incense will first be used. The thurifer gives the thurible to the deacon or priest. The priest will then reverence the altar and crucifix. The thurible is then returned to its stand in the room behind the altar. At the end of the second reading, the thurible is brought to the deacon or priest, who again puts incense into it. The thurible is then carried in procession to the ambo where it is used to reverence the Book of Gospels. At the preparation of the gifts, the thurible is used to incense the gifts, the altar, priest and people. It is then returned to the room behind the altar and is not needed any more. At the end of Mass, the thurifer processes out with the others, leaving the thurible behind. Understanding what to do on Special Feasts The senior server has to be able to assist at major feasts such as Christmas and Easter. There are special training sessions for these feasts. Displaying Leadership Qualities At this stage you should be able to lead others who serve, leading by example. You will need to make decisions and instruct others on what to do, especially new servers. You’ll need to be friendly to the younger servers and respect them, all the while encouraging them to reach their full potential. You’ll also be expected to assist the sacristan by overseeing what happens before and after Mass. Above all, you must be respectful, honest, and reliable. Maintaining a High Standard You must be able to show that over a period of time you can maintain a good standard in what you have learned in the two previous stages. This

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way you will set a good example to those who are following you along the course. Completion of this Stage Once you have completed three years of service, you can take a written and oral exam to advance to the most senior rank of Master Server. MASTER SERVER Master Servers must show leadership, have a broad knowledge of the Mass, be self-disciplined, have a deep desire to help others, and be able to plan, organize and lead a server training session. You must have also served with the Archbishop. Master servers are awarded the gold cross and gold cincture!

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APPENDIX I – PRAYERS USED DURING MASS Penitential Rite I confess to almighty God and to you, my brothers and sisters, that I have greatly sinned in my thoughts and in my words, in what I have done and in what I have failed to do, [All strike their breast] through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault; therefore I ask blessed Mary ever-Virgin, all the Angels and Saints, and you, my brothers and sisters, to pray for me to the Lord our God. Gloria Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to people of good will. We praise you, we bless you, we adore you, we glorify you, we give you thanks for your great glory, Lord God, heavenly King, O God, Almighty Father. Lord Jesus Christ, Only Begotten Son, Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us; you take away the sins of the world, receive our prayer; you are seated at the right hand of the Father, have mercy on us. For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord, you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father. Amen. Nicene Creed I believe in one God the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth of all things visible and invisible. I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only-begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages. God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father; through him all things were made. For us men and for our salvation he came down from heaven, (at the following words, up to and including “and became man”, all bow) and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate, he suffered death and was buried, and rose again on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead and his kingdom will have no end. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. I believe in one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church. I confess one baptism for the forgiveness of sins and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen. Sanctus (Holy, Holy) 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 The Lord's Prayer Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

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APPENDIX II - GLOSSARY Ablution - The cleaning of the chalice and paten after Communion. Also, the cleansing of the celebrant's and EMHCs’ fingers to remove any crumbs from Communion. Alb - A long linen tunic, worn since the fourth century. The name comes from the Latin word, 'albus', meaning white. Altar - The structure on which the Eucharist takes place, also called the Table of the Lord. Ambo - The holy place where God's word is spoken. Amice - An oblong, white cloth with two tapes which the priest sometimes wears around his shoulders, underneath the alb. It is now usually part of the alb, and not a separate vestment. Assembly - All of the baptized people and all the people preparing to be baptized, gathered together around Christ Jesus, gathered together to celebrate the liturgy. Another word for assembly is congregation. Other names for the assembly are "The people of God," “The body of Christ," and "The Church." Bell - Used to call people's attention to the consecration. Benediction - a Latin word that means "blessing"; a service with singing and scripture readings and prayers where we worship Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, and the celebrant blesses the people by holding the Sacrament up high and making the sign of the cross. Book of Gospels - Contains all the Gospel readings for the Church's year. It is brought to the ambo during the Gospel acclamation. It may be carried into church as part of the entrance procession or put in a special place before the celebration begins. Candle Bearers - The servers who carry the candles in the processions of Mass. They are most often on both sides of the processional cross. Chalice - a cup that holds the wine that becomes the blood of Christ. Cantor - A minister who leads the singing and sings the verses of the psalm. Chasuble - The word literally means 'little house'. Worn at Mass by the priest, it now symbolizes the garment of Christ who is the true celebrant

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of every Eucharist. It covers all the other vestments and its color changes according to the season of the Church's year. Ciborium - A container that holds the body of Christ. The plural is ciboria. Cincture - A rope belt that is tied around the waist. Cope - A large, full length cape, held by a clasp at the front, worn for Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament and on other solemn occasions. Corporal - Its name comes from the Latin word 'corpus' meaning a 'body.’ It is a square of white cloth, on which the chalice and paten and Holy Communion are placed during the Mass, to catch particles of the Blessed Sacrament, should any fall from the vessels. The corporal is normally placed on the altar during the preparation of the gifts. Credence Table - The little side table on which all the things that are necessary for the Mass are placed. Creed - A speech that all baptized people make to say what they believe about God. At Mass we usually recite the Nicene Creed. Crosier - Carried by the Archbishop. Looks like a shepherd's crook and reminds us that the Archbishop is chief shepherd of the flock of Christ in any given area. Crucifix - A cross on which is the figure of Jesus. Cruet - Small vessel that contains water or wine for the Mass. Dalmatic - A sleeved top garment worn by a deacon. Deacon - A minister ordained to serve the poor and to serve the assembly by giving directions, presiding the celebration of baptisms, marriages and funerals, reading the Gospel, preaching, and assisting at the altar. Easter - The celebration of Jesus' resurrection from the dead. This is the most important feast day of the Church year. Eucharist - A Greek word that means "thanksgiving." It refers to the bread and wine that have been consecrated. It also refers to the part of Mass where the consecration takes place, the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

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Eucharistic Prayer - The long prayer said by the celebrant in the name of the congregation. This prayer consecrates the bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ. Flagon - Large container that holds the wine that is carried in the offertory procession. Genuflect - A sign of love for God that we show when we go down on one bended knee (the right knee). This is done by anybody whenever passing in front of the tabernacle, as a sign of respect for the Eucharist. Gloria - The Latin name for the song that the angels sang when Jesus was born, and the song that we sing at Mass: "Glory to God in the highest!" Gospel - A Greek word that means "good news." There are four gospels in the Bible; they are the books that tell about the life and work of Jesus. Homily - The talk that the bishop, priest or deacon gives after the Scripture readings. The homily helps us to understand what we have just heard from the Bible. It helps us to think about how we can live closer to God by helping others. Host - The round piece of bread used for Mass. The celebrant uses a larger host so that everyone in church will be able to see it. Humeral Veil - A long, rectangular garment, held by a clasp at the front, worn by a priest or deacon when carrying a ciborium or monstrance containing the Blessed Sacrament. Incense - A substance that gives off clouds of sweet smelling smoke when sprinkled onto burning charcoal. Incense Boat - So called because it is sometimes shaped like a boat. It contains the incense, which will be burned in the thurible. Lavabo - The ceremonial cleansing of the celebrant's hands before the Eucharistic Prayer. The word lavabo is Latin and means "I wash." The servers bring a bowl, the water cruet and a towel while the celebrant prays for forgiveness. Lavabo Dish - The bowl used to wash the celebrant's hands. Lavabo Towel - A linen napkin used to dry the celebrant's hands.

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Lectionary - A book containing all the Scripture readings for Mass. It is placed on the ambo before Mass begins. Lector - A minister who reads the Scripture readings. Liturgy - A Greek word that means “work of the people." It is the name that we give to our celebrations of the Eucharist, Baptism, Confirmation, Penance and Anointing of the Sick, Marriage and Ordination, Morning and Evening prayer. Lunette - A crescent-shaped clip made of gold or of silver-gilt, which is used for holding the Host in an upright position when exposed in the monstrance. Mass - The principal celebration of Catholic worship. Jesus is present in the reading of the Word of God, in the bread and wine of the Eucharist, and in the worshipping community. We celebrate his presence and give thanks for his life-giving sacrifice. Miter - A tall, pointed hat in two pieces worn by a Bishop. It reminds us of the tongues of fire that seemed to light upon the apostles on the first day of Pentecost. Monstrance - A metal container on a stand. It is used at expositions and benedictions of the Blessed Sacrament. It may be plain or very elaborate, but it always has a little glass window through which you can see the host. Music Minister - The minister who organizes the music for the liturgy. Sometimes the music minister plays the organ, piano, guitar or other instrument, directs the choir and is the leader of the cantors. Pall - A large cloth draped over the coffin like an alb, to remind us that the person who has died is baptized. Paten - A plate from which the communion is served. Pentecost - Fifty days after Easter. This is the celebration of the coming of the Holy Spirit to the Apostles. It is sometimes called the “Birthday of the Church.” Presidential Chair - The chair on which the principal celebrant sits. Priest - A minister ordained to serve in a special way as a leader of the assembly, to proclaim the Gospel and to celebrate the sacraments.

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Procession - A solemn way to walk through the church building, usually during the beginning and end of a Mass or ceremony. There can also be smaller processions during a ceremony. This may be done with music or in silence. Sometimes processions are held outside the church building. Processional Cross - A tall, sometimes fancy crucifix carried into church at the head of a procession, as-- a sign of our faith, and is the basic symbol of Christianity. It reminds us that Jesus died for us. Psalm - A holy song from the Book of Psalms in the Bible. There are 150 psalms. The church sings the psalms at Morning Prayer, at Evening Prayer, at Mass (after the first reading) and at other times, too. Purificator - A cloth that is used to wipe the chalice each time it is used. Pyx - A small metal container, used to take Holy Communion to the sick and housebound. Roman Missal - A book which the priest uses at his chair and at the altar. It can also be called the Missal. It gives instructions on how the priest and deacon are to celebrate and also contains all the prayers said at Mass. Sacristan - A minister who takes care of all the things in the sacristy, and who helps prepare all the things needed for liturgy. Sacristy - The room where the clergy and servers prepare themselves for Mass. Sanctuary - Sacred part of the church where the altar, ambo and presidential chair are. Server- you! ☺ Stole - This important vestment, worn around the neck, shows that the priest and deacon is celebrating one of the Sacraments. It also shows that the priest and deacon have the duty to preach the Word of God. Tabernacle - The place where we keep the consecrated hosts. Thurible - The container inside which charcoal and incense are burned. It is suspended from chains and is also swung during parts of the Mass. Thurifer - The server who carries the thurible and the incense boat. This server usually leads the procession at the beginning and at the end of Mass when incense is used.

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BIBLIOGRAPHY AND REFERENCES The following sources were consulted to prepare this handbook: Serve God with Gladness, Philippart, David, LTP, Chicago, IL The Complete Server, Lanz, Kerry J. & Post, W. Ellwood, Morehouse-Barlow Company, Inc., Wilton, CT http://www. saintferdinand.org http://www.guildofststephen.org http://www.olmm.org http://www.Iiturgicalcommission.org http://worship.Ia-archdiocese.org/guidelines/AltarServers.pdf http://clawww.lmu.edu http://www.lexorandi.org http://www.cathworld.org http://www.olsparish.org http://www.sacredheartbowie.org http://www.nccbuscc.org

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Altar Server Pledge With God's help, I _____________________________________ promise to be a reverent and responsible altar server at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church. I have read the Altar Server Handbook and promise to follow the guidance in it. I promise to come to practice, know when I am scheduled to serve, come when I am scheduled (or find a substitute), and come early. I will come well prepared. I promise to pay attention to the Mass, sing the songs, say the prayers, and join in whatever the assembly does. I promise to know my duties as a server and do them the best I can. I will ask questions when I do not know something. I promise to treat people of the Church, the house of God and all the things in it with love and respect. I want to serve God with gladness! _________________________ ___ ________________ Your Signature Date _________________________ ___ ________________ Your Dad's or Mom's signature Date _________________________ ___ ________________ Trainer’s signature Date