Holy Spirit Church

LITURGY > ALTAR SERVERS

Minister Description: Altar Servers assist the Presider and serve at the table for weekend Eucharist and special occasions.

Altar Server Chair: Frank Ricchio, 268-0642

Table of Contents

Altar Server Schedule
Ministry Description
Hand Book (Altar Server specifics are highlighted in bold in the text)

Preparation before Mass
Introductory Rites
Liturgy of the Word
Liturgy of the Eucharist
Dismissal Rites
Duties after Mass

Diagrams
Glossary
Altar Server Dress Code
Procedures for Incense

Ministry Description

Objective:

Altar servers actively participate with the Presider in performing the various parts of the liturgy. They remain attentive to the Presider for any special needs. Altar servers report to the Mass Coordinator 15 minutes before Mass to see if special items will be used, such as incense or holy water, and ask for special instructions if there is a Baptism or First Holy Communion. An Altar Server can expect to serve approximately once a month. Members of this Ministry are young men and women in grade 5 and above who are baptized and have received First Eucharist. They must be able to take and follow direction and behave with maturity and reverence on the altar.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Recognize that appointment to this Ministry is for the purpose of meeting the needs of the Parish Community in participating with the Presider in performing the liturgy.
Secure the monthly schedule for service at scheduled Parish Masses from the Parish website or other designated location, in a timely manner. If a schedule conflict does occur, then it is your responsibility to secure a substitute.
Arrive in a timely manner, at least 15 minutes prior to the start of the Mass for which you are schedule to serve and report to the Mass Coordinator.
Wear appropriate attire and be properly groomed when serving in the role of Altar Server. No Jeans allowed at any time.
Engage in full participation in the Mass, i.e., joining in the singing, extending a Peace greeting etc.
Participate willingly in training and/or scheduled Ministry meetings.

Qualifications:

Is a fully practicing Catholic known to be committed to growth in holiness.
Possesses a sense of Liturgical Prayer.
Is in at least 5th grade and is Baptized and has received First Eucharist.
Able to take and follow direction.
Behaves with maturity and reverence on the Altar.

Relationships:

Responsible to the Parish Coordinator of Altar Servers; works a collaboration with other servers at scheduled Masses, with the mass coordinator and in particular with the Presider of the Mass at which one is schedule to serve.

Hours Needed:

Regularly scheduled Saturday Evening and Sunday Masses, Masses during the Christmas and Easter Season, and other Liturgical Celebrations for which members of the Ministry may be needed.

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Handbook

Preparation before the Eucharist

Arrive 15 minutes before Mass and check off your name in the EMOE binder on the stand outside the Sacristy against the windows.
Decide with the other Altar Servers who is carrying the cross (Cross Bearer), who will be holding the Sacramentary (Book Bearer) during Mass and who will set the chalice and Corporal (Chalice Bearer).
Check in with the Mass Coordinator and review the Order of Worship for special instructions. It’s on the bulletin board in the sacristy and on the bulletin board on the alb cabinet.
Double check that the water bowl, the towel and the cruet are on the credence table.
Place the Sacramentary on the Altar Server seat after ensuring that the proper book marker is in place for the correct mass and the marker is coming out the side of the book.
Place the Presider’s binder on the Presider chair after review by the Presider and Liturgy of the Word Book if appropriate.
Place the 4 minute catechesis timer on the Altar Server seat for use at the end of Mass. Make sure you know how to use it.
A few minutes before Mass starts, the Cross Bearer picks up the cross from the stand near the sacristy door and proceeds to the back of the church for procession.
The Book and Chalice Bearers get the candles from the altar and proceed to the back of the church where the Mass Coordinator will light the candles when the Presider greets the community.

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Introductory Rites

Assembly of the procession

All procession participants should gather by the main doors of the church 5 minutes prior to the beginning of Mass. This includes the Presider.
Participants line up according to proper procession order. (Incense Bearer if appropriate, Cross Bearer, Candle Bearers, Lectors with Book of Gospels, EMOEs, other people if appropriate, and Presider.) Mass Coordinator can assist with this.
Mass Coordinator will light the candles right before the procession starts.
Presider proceeds to the altar for the Call to Worship.

Call to Worship by the Presider

Mass Coordinator should let the Presider know that mass is ready to begin before he proceeds for the Call to Worship
Presider greets the Community and asks visitors to be recognized.
If first Sunday of the Month, Presider will ask for birthdays and anniversaries within the month
Special recognition given to 25^th, 50^th and above anniversaries and special event birthdays.
Presider invites Community to greet each other by name and moves to the back of church.

Entrance Song/Procession

Cantor/Music Group will begin the processional song once the Presider has returned to the back of church and receives a signal from the Mass Coordinator.
If incense is used the Incense Bearer leads the procession, and stands at the foot of the altar until the Presider reaches the altar.
Cross Bearer leads the procession or follows the Incense Bearer if appropriate, pauses reverently at the foot of the altar and then places the cross in the holder behind the altar, and proceeds to his/her seat.
The Candle Bearers proceed to the ambo side of the altar and place the candles in the candle stands by the ambo. Proceed to the back of the altar to their seats.
Lectors follow the candles in procession; Lector 1 carries the Book of Gospels with book opening held to their left, proceeds to the foot of the altar. Lector 1 does not bow, but instead pauses reverently at the foot of the altar table, and then proceeds behind the altar and places the Book of Gospels in the stand on altar, with the opening to their left.
The other 2 Lectors follow behind the first Lector to the altar table; bow and then all Lectors proceed to seats. Each needs to leave enough space between them so they do not run into each other.
EMOEs follow the Lectors in procession; they bow to the altar table and proceed to their seats within the community. Please keep enough space between pairs of EMOEs so you don’t run into each other.
The Presider proceeds to the foot of the altar.
Presider kisses altar and proceeds to his seat.

After the Presider has arrived at his seat, Cantor/Music Group will finish current verse of song and do one more verse before concluding. Make sure that at least 2 full verses of the Processional Song are completed before ending.

Greeting by Presider

Penitential Rite or Rite of Blessing and Sprinkling Holy Water

Optional depending on the Liturgical Season or other special considerations – should be noted in the Ministry notes.
If Sprinkling Rite is used, omit Penitential Rite.
Cross Bearer holds holy water bowl for Presider as he blesses the Community. Follow the Presider as he goes around the church.

Kyrie – typically used with Penitential Rite Form A (Confiteor).

Gloria – omitted during Advent and Lent, sometimes this may be sung

During the Gloria, the Book Bearer should begin to ready the Book for use during the opening prayer. Hold the book in your right or left hand using your hand like a bookshelf. Use the other hand to find the ribbon and open the book. Hold the Book open with both hands supporting the book like a shelf and rest it against your stomach.

Opening Prayer

Presider will say “Let us pray”. Book Bearer proceeds directly in front of the Presider and opens the Sacramentary to the pre-marked position. Hold the book open so the Presider can read the prayer. Keep the pages flat, your fingers out of the text and stand still while the Presider is reading. It is best to steady the open book by leaning it against your forehead or against your chest. Do not move too close to the Presider.
When the Presider has finished reading, close the Sacramentary and return to your seat.
Altar Servers sit at the same time.

CLOW dismissal

Presider calls forward all children grades 1-6, if the Presider forgets to call the children forward the 1^st Lector may have to make this invitation.
Presents the CLOW book to one of them
Asks the Community to raise hands in blessing as the children proceed to the hall with a Catechist
Ushers walk the children over to the Parish Hall
Music is played or sung as they proceed out. Please use a song that is known to the Community such as “Christ be our Light”

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Liturgy of the Word

First Reading

Responsorial Psalm

Second Reading

Gospel Acclamation

Community led by Cantor/Music Group begins the Gospel Acclamation after waiting 15-20 seconds.
Presider removes the Book of Gospels from holder on altar
Presider opens to Gospel and processes the Word around the front of the altar to ambo. Presider should process around the altar on the main floor rather than one of the intermediary steps.
As the Presider moves to the ambo to read the Gospel, all Altar Servers stand and remain standing for the Gospel reading.

Gospel Reading

Presider Proclaims the Gospel
10 seconds after the conclusion of the reading, the Community led by Cantor/Music Group repeats the Gospel acclamation.
The Presider lowers the lectern and then places the open Book of Gospel on the stand in front of the ambo.
When the Presider has finished reading the Gospel, all Altar Servers sit when the Presider has stopped at the front of the altar and listen attentively to the Homily.

Homily

Dismissal of Catechumens and Candidates – (5:00pm Mass only during RCIA season)

Special Rites within the weekend liturgies

Profession of Faith

General Intercessions

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Liturgy of the Eucharist

Preparation of the Altar and the Gifts

Community led by Cantor/Music Group begins the offertory procession song.
Presider is seated.
Presider asks ushers to place collection baskets on the main floor level of the altar area (not on the raised steps of the altar) for the offertory procession. Presider invites the Community forward to present themselves and their gifts. Ushers invite them to come forward as well.
During the collection, Lector 2 and 3 take the candles from the ambo holders and move them to the Altar holders.
When the procession collection is complete, 2 side aisle ushers collect the baskets and stack them on the step in front of the altar.
The ushers call the people taking the gifts forward to the gift table.
Altar Servers go to the credence table to get things to set the Altar.
The Chalice Bearer sets the table
The Book Bearer places the Sacramentary in the center of the corporal, near the bottom edge of the corporal.
Altar Servers then go back to their seats until the Presider goes forward to receive the gifts.
As soon as the Presider gets up to receive the gifts, the Chalice Bearer and Book Bearer follow the Presider to the foot of the altar to receive the gifts from the people.
The Cross Bearer proceeds to the back of the altar to the credence table for the cruet. Immediately proceeds with the cruet to the altar and wait for the Presider to return to the altar.
The Usher Captain then begins the procession of the gifts. The ushers send the people taking the gifts forward to the altar.
Presider accepts gifts, hands them to the Altar Servers who take them to the table. See figure 3 for placement of gifts on the altar.

Prayer over the Gifts

The Chalice Bearer goes to the bottom shelf of the credence table and gets the Lavabo bowl (large bowl with water). The Book Bearer gets the towel for the washing of the Presider’s hands. Both proceed to the altar.
The Cross Bearer holds the cruet and pours a small amount of water on the Presider’s hands for washing.
Altar Servers replace the Lavabo bowl, towel and cruet on the bottom shelf of the left credence table.
Altar Servers then process to the back of the altar and stand at the foot of the altar for the entire Eucharistic prayer.
If there is only one Altar Server, the Mass Coordinator should assist. The Altar Server should get the cruet and the Mass Coordinator should take care of the bowl and the towel.
Offertory song concludes by finishing the current verse of the song.
Presider proclaims the presidential prayer.

Preface

Holy, Holy, Holy

Eucharistic Prayer

Memorial Acclamation

Amen

Lord’s Prayer

Altar Servers go up to the altar on each side of the Presider and join hands with the Presider for the Lord’s Prayer.
Community joins hands

Sign of Peace

The Mass Coordinator and EMOEs should proceed to the credence table during the Sign of Peace.
The Mass Coordinator should be ready to assist the Altar Servers with getting ready for the distribution of Communion.
During the exchange of the sign of peace, Altar Servers exchange the sign of peace with the Presider, each other, and then go to the credence tables to bring the cups, bread plates and purificators to the altar. Please carry the wine cups 2 at a time. You will need to make multiple trips.
When all the cups and plates are on the altar, the Altar Servers should go to their position in line for the reception of Communion.
After sanitizing their hands, the EMOEs then proceed to the Redmond side of the altar for reception of communion. Bread EMOEs line up first followed by wine ministers as shown in diagram.

Cup/Pour and Cup/Assist positions proceed to the Presider’s right side by the altar.

Breaking of the Bread

Communion

Presider receives Communion under both Species.
Presider distributes Communion under both Species to the Cup/Pour and Cup/Assist positions.
Presider should give the Chalice to the Cup/Pour position and a cup to the Cup/Assist.
Presider distributes Consecrated Bread to the Mass Coordinator, the instrumentalists and Cantor from the music group, then the other EMOEs and Altar Servers. He then proceeds to his station and faces the altar.
After receiving Communion, the cup pour follows the Presider to distribute wine to the ministers behind the altar. The cup assist should help if 4 or more ministers. If fewer than 4 ministers, the cup assist will proceed to the EMOE line and give wine after they have received Eucharist from the Presider.
The cup pour will join the cup assist in giving wine to the EMOEs, but the cup pour will go to the middle of the line and end with the altar servers
Remember, please wait until the EMOEs have received the bread before giving them the wine
Once an EMOE has received Communion under both species, immediately go to the altar and pick up your plate/cup. If you are a bread EMOE, make sure you pick up the plate closest to your position since the Presider divides the bread according to the number of people in each section
If you are a cup minister, please select the cup that is most appropriately filled with amount of wine that fits your section. Not all cups will have the same amount of wine.
All EMOEs and Presider continue to face the altar until the Presider signals to begin distribution
Community led by Cantor/Music Group begin Communion procession song
Once the Communion distribution begins, the Chalice Bearer will go up to the altar, fold the corporal and place it on the right credence table,
If the Sacramentary is on the altar, the Book Bearer takes it and puts it on the presider's chair.
There should be nothing left on the altar. Then proceed to their seats and remain standing.
The Community remains standing during the distribution of the Eucharist until the last person has received including the Music Group.
Ushers can help with the flow of people for Communion distribution.
Ushers inform EMOEs to distribute Communion to disabled community members.
When children come forward to receive, please try to bow down to their level when presenting them with the Eucharist.
If you run low on bread or hosts, signal the Mass Coordinator. If Communion is running low, the Mass Coordinator may ask you to break the host. Please follow the Mass Coordinator’s instructions.
If you run out of wine, inform the Mass Coordinator and the closest wine minister so they can change position to accommodate your line as well as their own.
If your position is done, please look to see if you can be of assistance at another station or ask the Mass Coordinator. If you have extra bread, give it to another bread minister. ( Please try to use all the bread on your plate)
If you drop bread/hosts, immediately stop and pick it up and either consume it or put it aside on your plate. If wine spills, signal for the Mass Coordinator who will cover the spill with a purificator.
If someone is coming for a blessing, not Communion, (arms crossed), please touch their shoulder and say the following: May the Almighty Father bless you in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit".
Mass Coordinator should look for any EMOE or the Presider who needs additional hosts from the Ciborium during distribution. When providing more hosts, please place them into the bread tray on the side that they are holding the tray.
When the presider has completed distribution, he can give his bread plate to the Mass Coordinator and return to his seat.
When an EMOE has concluded Communion distribution at their station and there is no other station to help, they return their vessel to the credence table or to the Mass Coordinator and return to their seat.
The Mass Coordinator will collect any remaining Consecrated Hosts into the ciborium and places it into the tabernacle.
The Mass Coordinator will also collect any remaining Consecrated Bread into one tray and cover with a corporal. Once complete, the Mass Coordinator quietly returns to the Sacristy area for the remainder of the Mass.
Once everyone has received Communion, Presider will signal Community and the Altar Servers to be seated for Silent Prayer.
Silent prayer is observed for an appropriate period of time. A meditation song may be sung during this sacred silence.

Prayer After Communion

Presider prays this prayer while seated in the chair using the Sacramentary.
Ushers place Bulletins in the holders on the doors and on the table by the front door.

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Dismissal Rites

Announcements

Ushers may take up a second collection during this time.

4 Minute Catechesis - Presider

Greeting- Presider

Blessing – Presider

If it is the first Sunday of the month, special blessing on 25th, 50th or above anniversaries, special birthdays or special events.
Other special blessings may be appropriate depending on the occasion for a particular Sunday.

Dismissal- Presider

Recessional

Community led by Cantor/Music Group begins recessional hymn
When the Presider goes up to the altar, the Cross Bearer proceeds to the back of the altar, removes the Cross from the stand and proceeds to the foot of the altar to stand directly behind the Presider.
Book Bearer and Chalice Bearer follow the Presider to the foot of the altar. Stand on both sides of the Presider.
Lectors proceed to the foot of the altar and stand on either side of the altar servers. Lector 1 should be on the right (when facing the altar) of the altar servers and Lectors 2 and 3 should be on the left of the altar servers. Do not process out with the Book of Gospels.
EMOES go to the altar and stand on either side of the Lectors on the side that they served Communion on.
There should be an equal number of ministers on both sides of the Presider.
Recessional begins at the second verse of the hymn. When the Presider bows, all bow and turn to process out. Cross Bearer first, then the 3^rd Lector, then the outermost EMOEs, followed by the next EMOEs and so on, then Lectors 1 & 2, any additional people (Baptisms, new parishioners, etc.) and then the Book Bearer, Chalice Bearer and Presider.
Mass Coordinator takes the missal from the Presider as he exits the church.
Ushers select children to stand by the doors and hand out bulletins or hand out themselves.

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Duties After Mass

Place the Sacramentary, 4 Minute timer, and Presider’s binder back in Sacristy.

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Altar Server Dress Code

Please remember to dress with the dignity which is befitting the Eucharistic celebration when you are scheduled to serve. Servers should be neat, clean, and simply dressed in such a way as not to draw attention to themselves. Examples of things that do not meet these criteria are jeans, flip flops, short skirts/dresses, shorts (tailored golf shorts are acceptable), low-cut shirts or spaghetti straps, bare mid-riff shirts (your shirt should be long enough to meet your pants), tattered clothes and guys should have their shirts tucked into their pants. Dress is especially important as a Server because you are visible to the community throughout the entire Liturgy.

If you have any questions, please contact the Altar Server Coordinator.

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