altar server manual - st. norbert's church · as an altar server you will continue to be...

ALTAR SERVER MANUAL

ST. NORBERT’S PARISH

2008-2009

ALTAR SERVER MANUAL

ST. NORBERT’S PARISH

2008-2009

This manual belongs to ____________________

St. Norbert’s Parish, North York, Ontario, Canada Altar Server Manual

2

Table of Contents

1 Introduction ....................................... ............................................................................... 3 2 Our Faith .......................................... ................................................................................. 3

2.1 The Holy Bible ............................................................................................................. 3 2.2 The Creed ................................................................................................................... 4

3 The Church ......................................... .............................................................................. 7 3.1 About St. Norbert, our patron ...................................................................................... 7 3.2 Tour of the Church ...................................................................................................... 8

4 A journey through the Mass ......................... ................................................................. 17 4.1 Introductory Rite ........................................................................................................ 17 4.2 Liturgy of the Word .................................................................................................... 19 4.3 Liturgy of the Eucharist.............................................................................................. 21 4.4 Concluding Rite ......................................................................................................... 26

5 Worship in the liturgical year and liturgical colou rs ................................................. .. 27 5.1 Liturgical colours ....................................................................................................... 27 5.2 Liturgical Seasons ..................................................................................................... 27

5.2.1 Advent................................................................................................................ 27 5.2.2 Christmas Season............................................................................................. 28 5.2.3 Ordinary Time .................................................................................................... 28 5.2.4 Lent .................................................................................................................... 28 5.2.5 Triduum.............................................................................................................. 28 5.2.6 Easter Season.................................................................................................... 28 5.2.7 Ordinary Time .................................................................................................... 28

6 Religious items.................................... ........................................................................... 28 7 Duties of Altar servers ............................ ....................................................................... 36

7.1 Postures .................................................................................................................... 36 7.2 Duties ........................................................................................................................ 37 7.3 Before Mass .............................................................................................................. 37 7.4 During Mass .............................................................................................................. 37

7.4.1 Entrance Rite ..................................................................................................... 37 7.4.2 Liturgy of the Word............................................................................................. 38 7.4.3 Liturgy of the Eucharist ...................................................................................... 39 7.4.4 Concluding Rite.................................................................................................. 41

7.5 After the Mass ........................................................................................................... 41 8 Conclusion......................................... ............................................................................. 41 9 Appendix ........................................... .............................................................................. 43

9.1 Prayers and hymns ................................................................................................... 43 9.2 Prayer for Altar Servers............................................................................................. 45 9.3 Stations of the Cross ................................................................................................. 46


3

1 Introduction Congratulations on your decision to become an altar server. You have just undertaken a very serious and rewarding responsibility. Being an altar server is a great privilege. Before becoming an altar server, you may have participated in the children’s liturgy at St. Norbert’s. If so, you most likely remember that when you came back into the church to join the congregation in the celebration of the Mass, you had the chance to stand for a while right next to the altar. You could see and experience everything “first-hand”. As an altar server you will continue to be equally close to God. More than that, you will have the opportunity to serve God by your prayers, to serve the priest by assisting him in presiding over the Mass and to serve all present at the Mass by helping everyone to celebrate the Mass in the best possible way by making sure everything runs smoothly. You will begin a training period. During this time, senior altar servers will explain the duties you have to perform and you will use this manual as reference. This manual will try to give you an insight to our faith, will try to make you familiar with our church and describe the four parts of the Mass. You may already be familiar with some of these from the time you were preparing for your first Holy Communion. In addition, the manual will describe all your duties while serving. All through the manual we will try to explain why we do what we do.

2 Our Faith

2.1 The Holy Bible The source of our faith is the Holy Bible. The Holy Bible is a wonderful book of stories that was written by people inspired by God. The word Bible comes from the Greek word “biblia”, that means “books”. Indeed, the Bible contains many books and it is divided into two parts: The Old Testament and The New Testament. The books of the Old Testament talk about God’s law, history, prophecy, wisdom. The New Testament contains books that tell about the life and ministry of Jesus, the history of the early Christians, letters and a book of prophecies. The important thing that we learn from the Bible is that God exists and loves us. The Old Testament teaches us about God and his relationship with the Jewish people. It also shows us that people disobey God and sin. God prepares a way to save His people by sending His Son, Jesus, the Messiah. (The word Messiah comes from the Hebrew language and means “The Anointed One”.)


4

The New Testament shows that God’s plan of salvation succeeded. Jesus, through His life, death and resurrection has redeemed us from our sins. Now we only have to say “Yes” to His offer of the gift of faith and follow Him

2.2 The Creed When we were baptized we became a member of God’s family and a member of the Catholic Church. Our parents and god-parents professed our faith for us. Today, when we participate in the Holy Mass every Sunday, we profess our faith. This time it is us. When we do this, we say what we believe in. This is called the Creed. Let’s take a look at the Creed to see what we believe in: I believe in God… We believe that God exists. He is the true living God, who is truth and love. He has revealed Himself to us and we respond in turn by believing in Him and doing His will. the Father almighty … God is Father because He was the first and because his loving care for us, who are His children. God is almighty because He is all powerful; nothing is impossible for Him. creator of Heaven and earth… God created everything we see all around us, including us. All these work in perfect harmony, showing they are the creation of God. Heaven exists, and it is the dwelling place of God. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord… Jesus is the only Son of God. He is our Lord, meaning that He is God Himself. He has liberated humankind from evil and death. He revealed to us everything we need to know about God. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit an d born of the Virgin Mary… Jesus took human form in the womb of Mary. The conception of His human body was achieved by the power of the Holy Spirit. He was born on Christmas Eve in Bethlehem, in Judea, Israel. Belief in the true Incarnation (the Son of God come in human flesh) is the distinctive sign of Christian faith. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, di ed, and was buried. He descended to the dead… As a human, He experienced suffering and death. Through his suffering and death he has released us from sin, evil and death. He died for our sins, by the will of God, his Father.


5

By saying “he descended to the dead” we mean that He did really die and through his death for us he conquered death. After dieing on the cross, His human soul united to his divine person. Then He went down to the realm of the dead so that those that died before Him could also hear His voice, and those who believed in Him could live. Then He opened the gates of heaven for the just. On the third day he rose again… Resurrection of Jesus is the centre of our faith. Jesus rose from the dead on Easter Sunday morning. He walked on Earth for 40 days, and was seen by many people. His resurrection is the source of our own future resurrection. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father… His Ascension gives us hope that we, too, may enter into heaven, and be united with Him. Being seated at the right hand of the Father means glory and honour. As a mediator between God and us, Jesus intercedes for us before the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead … There will be an end of this world we live in. On that day, the Judgment Day, Jesus will return and good will triumph over evil. We call this the Second Coming. On that day He will judge the living and the dead, each according to what they did, good or bad, and according to their faith. We do not know when the Second Coming will occur. Jesus said, "But about that day or hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Beware, keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come." (Mk 13:32-33). I believe in the Holy Spirit… Who is the Holy Spirit? We can think of the Holy Spirit as the unconditional and continuous love between the Father and His Son, Jesus. The power of this love is also poured upon us and working for our salvation. We have known the power of the Holy Spirit in action in many instances, like conceiving Jesus in Mary’s womb, descending on the Apostles on Pentecost Day and giving them the power and guidance to carry out all that Jesus had commanded them. We can also see Him in our days, when His power turns the bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ or when He instructs us to celebrate the liturgy, or teaches us to pray in hope, or helps us in living loving lifes. the holy Catholic Church… The Church is a means of union of people with God and union of people in the whole world, among themselves. The word "Church" means "convocation." It refers to those who are gathered by the Word of God to form His people and who, nourished with the Body of Christ, become one in the Body of Christ.


6

The word “Catholic” means universal. The Church was founded by Jesus, and it is the same undivided “universal” institution since then. the communion of saints… The "communion of saints" means communion among holy persons, people on Earth, those who have died and are being purified and those who already have made it to Heaven. This communion forms the Church. We are a communion because we have shared in holy sacraments, especially the Eucharist. This communion can benefit all: we pray for each other on earth; we can ask saints in Heaven to pray for us. It's like asking a friend to pray for us to God, and we also pray. But in this case, the friend is already in Heaven. We, at our turn can pray for the holy souls who are being purified in the Purgatory. the forgiveness of sins… God forgives our sins. We must be sorry for our sins, detest them and be decided not to sin again. By Jesus’ will, the Church has the power to forgive sins. This is done through bishops and priests in the sacrament of Penance, in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. the resurrection of the body and the life everlasti ng… After we die, Jesus will raise our dead bodies and reunite them with our soul, which is immortal. When that happens, our body will become everlasting and the righteous will live forever. The Universe will end and will be renewed in a new Creation called “new Heavens and a new Earth”. In this new universe, the heavenly Jerusalem, God will have his dwelling among people. Amen In the Hebrew language, “amen” comes from the same root as “to believe”. For this reason, when we say “Amen” after the Creed, we actually confirm once again its first words, “I believe”. We believe in all that we said. May your Creed be for you as a mirror. Look at yourself in it, to see if you believe everything you say you believe. And rejoice in your faith each day. (St. Augustine)


7

3 The Church

3.1 About St. Norbert, our patron Usually every church is dedicated to a saint. This saint is the patron saint of that church. The patron saint would protect and love the church. As we all know, the patron saint of our parish is St. Norbert. We, the members of the parish, can pray to St. Norbert and he will intercede to God for us. Who is St. Norbert.? Norbert was born in Germany around the year 1080. As a young man he had an impulsive temperament. While studying to become a priest, according to the will of his parents, he looked for distraction in pleasures, and material possessions. He was a favorite of the emperor (Henry V). Norbert spent all his time on frivolous things. He thought only of acquiring positions of honor. He was the first to arrive at parties and celebrations. He was thoroughly happy with "the good life." One day Norbert was riding through the countryside during a thunderstorm, when a lightning bolt opened up the ground before him, causing his horse to throw him to the ground where he lay unconscious. He heard a voice from heaven call out to him in the words of the psalmist, "Cease from evil, and do good." He began to think seriously about the way his life was going. He felt God very near, realizing that the Lord was offering him a warning and a chance to change. He took this opportunity and became a priest. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1115. Father Norbert worked hard to make others turn away from their worldly ways. He gave a good example by selling all he had and gave the money to the poor. St. Norbert is the founder of a community for the spreading of the faith. His group lived in the valley of Premontre. They lead a simple and religious life. From this group of people the Norbertine order was born, which today is one of the oldest orders in the history of the Catholic Church. St. Norbert never undertook any important work without first celebrating Holy Mass, and often spent entire nights in Church in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament. He was unusual in his time for celebrating the sacred mysteries daily, sometimes more than once. St. Norbert was chosen bishop of the city of Magdeburg. He entered the city wearing very poor clothes and no shoes. The guard at the door of the bishop's house did not know him and


8

refused to let him in. He told him to go join the other beggars. "But he is our new bishop!" shouted those who knew him. The guard was shocked and very sorry. St. Norbert combated a heresy which denied that Jesus is really present in the Holy Eucharist. His beautiful words about Our Lord's presence in the Blessed Sacrament brought the people back to their faith. In March, 1133, he and his friend, St. Bernard went in a military expedition to defend the Pope Innocent II, who had been forced to flee the Vatican. They joined the emperor and his army to return the true pope, Innocent II, safely back to the Vatican. St. Norbert died in 1134. Pope Gregory XIII proclaimed him a saint in 1582. We can learn many good things from St. Norbert, especially to take life seriously. We can also learn to appreciate Jesus in the Holy Eucharist and receive him with faith and love.

3.2 Tour of the Church The following is a brief description of St. Norbert’s church, trying to explain what you can see around when you are there. The Entrance As we enter we become part of the St. Norbert’s worshipping family. The first place we see is the entrance. This is where we prepare to enter God's house. We are often welcomed here by altar servers, ushers or the priest. This place is often called “the back of the Church”. We can pick up here the bulletin or other informative papers.

The Entrance hall


9

The Poor Box You may have noticed a box in the entrance hall where parishioners put money. The money from this box is used to help people who are in need.

The poor Box Holy Water Fonts Continuing to walk, you will notice two Holy Water Fonts, one on each side of the passage. These fonts contain holy water, the water we were baptized with. We dip our fingers in the holy water and make the sign of the cross. This reminds us of our baptism. When we were baptized, in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, we became members of the Catholic Church.

Holy Water Font Assembly space As we continue our way in, we enter a large room, the largest in the whole church. This is called the assembly space, where people gather for Mass. We can find here many rows of pews . The pews are the seats where people sit to listen to God's Word and pray. Most of the time during the Mass we sit. When something important is going on, we stand. And when


10

something very important is happening, we kneel. If you are in a pew, you will see at the bottom of the pew in front of you a kneeling bench that you can lower to kneel on it.

Assembly space

Kneeling bench If you look around on the walls you will see 14 pictures, numbered from 1 to 14. These are the Way of the Cross, or the Stations of the Cross . The pictures show the things that happened to Jesus on the day he died. Long ago, people went to the Holy Land, which today is in Israel, and visited the places shown in these pictures. Later on, the Way of the Cross was introduced in the church, as you see it at St. Norbert’s, to let those who could not travel to the Holy Land to participate in the passion of Jesus. Especially during Lent and the Holy Week we pray the Stations of the Cross. Below are the pictures of Stations 1 and 2. See the appendix for pictures of all the14 stations.

Station 1

Station 2


11

All around the walls, there are statues of saints. Standing in front of the statues, we pray and ask the saints (not the statue!) to intercede for us to God. At St. Norbert’s you can see the statues of St. Anthony, St. Matthew, St. Norbert, Sacred Heart, Mary and St. Joseph.

St. Anthony

St. Matthew

St. Norbert

Sacred Heart (Jesus)

Mary St. Joseph

If we turn to the left when entering the assembly space, we can see the Reconciliation room . Reconciliation is our chance to tell God that we are sorry for our sins. This is called the Sacrament of Penance. In this room there is a small "room" with a place for the priest to sit, and separated with a screen from the place for the penitent to kneel and confess his or her sins. This is called confessional. This way, the penitent can keep his or her anonymity. At the same time, most people now choose to sit on the chair in the far right corner and have a face-to-face confession with the priest.


12

Reconciliation room (screen for anonymity)

Reconciliation room (face-to-face

confession) The Sanctuary No matter where we stand in the church, our eyes are always attracted by the most important area: the sanctuary , the sacred space which is slightly higher than the assembly area. This is the place where the priest presides the celebration of mass. In the center of the sanctuary we can find the Altar, or Table of Eucharist . The altar is the holy table on which the Priest consecrates the hosts and the wine, asking the power of the Holy Spirit to turn them into the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. Thus, through the sacrament of Eucharist, the sacrifice of Christ for us is made present on the altar. The altar is also the table of the Lord, to which, we all, the People of God are invited. The altar is also the symbol of the tomb (Christ truly died and is truly risen).

Altar

Ambo (Lectern) One or more relics of martyrs or saints are commonly set into the altar. The altar at St. Norbert’s has a blood drop of St. Padre Pio.


13

As we face the sanctuary, on the left of the altar we find the Lectern or Ambo or the Table of the Word . It is a stand on which the Word of God is proclaimed from the lectionary. The lectionary is the book of readings from the Holy Bible. Jesus is truly present in God’s Word, so we show reverence to the lectern, also considered one of the two tables of the Mass (the other table being the Altar). The lectern is also used to give the homily. In the right far corner of the sanctuary we have the Tabernacle . It is the large, decorated box or safe in which consecrated hosts are kept. A red votive candle is burning on the right side of the tabernacle, meaning that Jesus is present in it. People always kneel or bow when passing in front of the Tabernacle as a sign of reverence. Consecrated hosts are kept both to distribute to the sick and for meditative prayer. The inscription on the Tabernacle at St. Norbert’s, “The Word Became Flesh”, is a quotation from the Holy Gospel, according to John, telling us that the Word, Jesus, came among the people, by becoming flesh, as people are. His presence amongst us continues; He is present in the Tabernacle. The word Tabernacle comes from the Latin language and means tent. In the Bible times, people worshiped God in tents. Behind the altar we can see a very special seat, the presider’s chair . The priest, the presider (leader) of the Mass uses this chair to sit on during the Liturgy of the Word and the concluding prayers of the Mass. Two additional chairs, one on each side of the Presider’s Chair are reserved for other priests, if participating in the Mass, or ministers, usually altar servers. If more altar servers participate, two benches on the two sides of the sanctuary are also available.

Presider’s chair

Tabernacle The Credence Table is located on the left wall of the sanctuary. It is used by altar servers to keep items they need but don’t currently use. The positioning of the Credence Table, close to the Altar, allows the altar servers to have the items easily handy when needed for Mass.


14

The Baptismal Font is the pool located to the right side of the sanctuary It contains water that has been blessed by the priest, who says a prayer of blessing, asking that the water be filled with the power of the Holy Spirit.

Credence table

Baptismal font Baptism is the very first Sacrament that we receive. The word 'Baptism' means to plunge or immerse. Some time ago, and again now in some places, babies are actually immersed in the water. At St. Norbert’s, as in many other churches, the priest pours three times water over the head of the one to be baptized. Immersing someone in water signifies that the person is dying, is buried and then resurrects with Christ as a renewed person. Through Baptism we become a new person and we enter the family of Jesus. Because of this, baptism opens the way to receiving the very special gifts of God and participating in communion. Jesus started his public life by being baptized by St. John. After his resurrection, when He sent out the apostles, said to them: “Go into all the world and proclaim the good news to the whole creation. The one who believes and is baptized will be saved” (Mk. 16:15-16) The Paschal Candle or Jesus Candle, is a very special candle standing by the Baptismal Font. This candle symbolizes the risen Christ, the Light of the World. The Jesus Candle is lit during the Easter Vigil Mass when it spreads its light to many small candles held by people, turning the darkness in the church into light. It is then kept lit till Pentecost. The Jesus Candle is lit and used to bless the water in the Baptismal Font every time someone is baptized. The Ambry is the place where the Holy Oils are kept. At St. Norbert’s it is a three-level shelf affixed to the right side wall of the sanctuary. The oils on the Ambry are: The Oil of Catechumens , the Sacred Chrism , and the Oil of the Sick . These oils, blessed by the bishop at yearly Chrism Mass at the Cathedral, are used for anointing.


15

Paschal Candle

Ambry Anointing has many meanings. It is a sign of abundance and joy; it cleanses and limbers (the anointing of athletes). It is also a sign of healing (it heals wounds). The Oil of Catechumens is used to bless those who are preparing to be baptized. The Sacred Chrism is used in Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Orders. The Oil of the Sick is used to strengthen and heal those who are sick. “Christ” means “The Anointed One”. Jesus was anointed by God with the Holy Spirit and with power. When one is anointed with holy oil it is a sign of a special relationship with Christ, the Anointed One. On the right side of the Sanctuary there is a room called Sacristy . It is the place where priests vest and prepare for the Mass. The Sacristy is also used to store sacred vessels, unconsecrated hosts, vestments and other items for use in the Mass. We also have here the sacrarium through which we dispose water that has been used for sacred purposes (like washing of sacred vessels or linen) and is no longer needed. The sacrarium drains this water directly into the ground.

Sacristy

Sacrarium


16

The picture hanging on the wall in the Sacristy is that of Padre Pio. This picture is displayed beside the altar during our special Padre Pio devotional masses. The Sacristy is also the place the priest prays before Mass, together will all ministers assisting in the Mass, including altar servers. Right across the Sacristy there is another room used by altar servers to dress for the Mass. It has a cabinet where the albs are stored. You will become very familiar with this room once you start serving.

Altar server’s room

Devotional area (right side of assembly

area)

Devotional area (left side of assembly area)

Devotional area

(in front of reconciliation room) There are three devotional areas with candles in the church. Two are on each side of the assembly area and one is in front of the reconciliation room. People light candles and pray. The burning candle is a reminder that their prayers continue even after they leave the church.


17

In the devotional area in front of the Reconciliation room, we have a Crucifix . It is located there so that people can pray privately to Jesus and feel Him close.

Choir loft

Organ in the choir loft As you stand or sit in the assembly area, if you look back you will notice a choir loft above. There is an organ used during Mass by some of the music ministers. Also, when a choir sings in the Mass it is usually installed up there.

4 A journey through the Mass Ever since God created us he loved us, more than we could ever imagine. All He wants in return is that we do only good things, love Him and one another. The Catholic Church teaches us: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life”. We tend to forget this and need to be constantly reminded of God’s steadfast love for us. This is the reason why we go to the Holy Mass every Sunday. At the Mass we thank God for everything He has done for us and thank Jesus for His sacrifice on the cross. We receive the Holy Communion which strengthens us by being united with Jesus, and it teaches us how to show God’s love to others. The Mass is a preparation for and then receiving the Body of Christ. It has two main parts: The liturgy of the Word and the liturgy of the Eucharist. Adding an Introductory rite at the beginning and a Concluding rite at the end, we end up with four distinct parts that flow naturally one after the other.

4.1 Introductory Rite The introductory rite brings us, the congregation, together and prepares us to celebrate mass together.


18

Entrance rite The Mass begins with an Opening Hymn. The priest and the other ministers process to their places. The procession is lead by an altar server carrying the cross, followed by two altar servers carrying candles (candle bearers), followed by a lector carrying the Lectionary and followed by the presider, the priest. The procession symbolizes that we are all on an ongoing journey of faith. The congregation joins the choir or the music minister in the hymn of praise. This unites us in a community and prepares us to listen attentively to the Word of God and to celebrate the Eucharist joyfully. Music is an important part of our worship. “He who sings prays twice” said St. Augustine. Singing is another way to worship God. Although the melody is usually very attractive, we have to pay close attention to the lyrics. The true meaning of a hymn is given by its words. When the procession reaches the Sanctuary, everyone genuflects or bows, as a sign of reverence, to the Tabernacle and the Altar. The priest will go to the altar and kiss it. Altar servers place the cross and the candles in the Sanctuary and go to their places. Greeting The priest invites the congregation to start with the sign of the cross, “in the name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”, and then will greet us saying “The Lord be with you” or “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all”. The sign of the cross reminds us once more that we belong to the family of God, through our Baptism. The greeting is not only a good wish but also a reminder of our faith, in God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Penitential Rite No matter how hard we try, there is almost always something that we did that we knew it was wrong and we should not have done, and so we have sinned. Now we admit that we have sinned and express that we are sorry, and we don’t want to sin again. We ask confidently for forgiveness so that we can be united with God. We recite together the Confiteor - I confess... and then we ask for mercy (Lord have mercy...). It is important to know that the Penitential Rite does not replace the Sacrament of Reconciliation. It just prepares us for the rest of the Mass. If we have serious or mortal sins, we should go to confess them (the Sacrament of Reconciliation).


19

Glory to God This hymn, also called Gloria, (Glory to God in the highest and peace to his people on earth…) is a very old hymn of the Church. Singing or praying it verbally, we express our praise to God in the three Persons of the Trinity (the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit). (See Appendix, Prayers and hymns) It is used on Sundays and Feast days only, and not in weekday celebrations of the Mass, and not during Advent and Lent.

4.2 Liturgy of the Word This is the first main part of the Mass. Readings from the Holy Bible are proclaimed. Through these readings God is speaking to us. Opening prayer This prayer is composed of praise, thanksgiving and petition to God, as we prepare to hear the Word of God proclaimed. The priest prays aloud, as everyone present joins in heart and mind. First reading The first reading is read and proclaimed by a lector. It is usually taken from one of the books of the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament of the Bible), covering events from the beginning of the world till the coming of Jesus. It reminds us of the origins of our covenant with God. It will connect in some way the Gospel. The reading concludes with the words “The Word of the Lord”. The lector declares that what was proclaimed was the Word of God. The congregation answers, “Thanks be to God”, as a sign of acknowledgement. Responsorial psalm The psalm is always closely related to the first reading and it is our response to it. The psalm is always chosen from the Book of psalms of the Hebrew Bible. Psalms are hymns written as poetry and inspired by God. The psalms can be recited (by the lector), or sung (by a music minister or a choir) on behalf of the congregation. The congregation joins reciting or singing the response. Second reading This reading is also read and proclaimed by a lector. The reading is taken from the New Testament, and is most often a part from one of the letters written to the early Church. It is omitted in weekday celebrations of Mass.


20

Although not directly related to the first reading and the Gospel reading, it is meant to show, together with the other readings, the continuity of the work done by God for our salvation, from the Old Testament, through the works of the Apostles and crowned by the Gospel of Jesus. The reading concludes with the same words as the first reading. Gospel acclamation Gospel acclamation is a short introduction to the Gospel reading. The Alleluia shows our love and praise for God who speaks his word to us. The word “Alleluia” comes from the Hebrew language and means “Praise the Lord”. During the first two readings the congregation has been sitting. During the Alleluia and the Gospel, the congregation stands, in sign of respect and reverence for the Gospel as the central revelation of our faith, and joins the choir. If this prayer is not sung, it is omitted. Also, it is omitted during Lent. Gospel The Gospel is proclaimed from one of the four gospels in the New Testament. (Matthew, Mark, Luke or John). It is the central reading because of the very special presence of Jesus in it. The Gospel is proclaimed by the priest. While introducing the reading the priest will make a small cross on his forehead, lips and heart with his thumb and will pray silently that God cleans his mind, lips and heart before he proclaims the Gospel. Usually, the members of the congregation do this along with the priest. The Gospel reading concludes with the words “The Gospel of the Lord”. The response is, “Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ,” proclaiming our faith in the presence of Christ among and in us, and acknowledge that He has just spoken to us. Homily God Himself speaks to us through the readings. The homily is meant to give us a better understanding of the Word. The homily takes the message in one or more of the readings and brings it in relation to everyday happenings of our lives. It tells us how to use the teachings in our present day lives. The homily is an integral part of the liturgy and is usually given by the presiding priest. During the homily the congregation is sitting. The Creed Lead by the presider, the congregation says the Creed. As we have seen previously, the Creed represents our faith. We not only recite it, but we say it from our hearts, thinking about each thing we say.


21

Saying the Creed at this point in the Mass, after the readings and homily, represents a way to respond and state our faith in the Word of God, just heard, before we begin to celebrate the Eucharist. Prayer of the Faithful We call to mind the needs of everyone, and present them to our loving Lord in prayer. Jesus said: “Ask and you will receive…” and “For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them”. Together, united in prayer and with Jesus among us, we pray for the Church, nations and their leaders, people in special need and the local needs of our parish. Usually a lector announces the petitions. We pray for the intentions in our heart, and respond aloud “Lord, hear our prayer”.

4.3 Liturgy of the Eucharist The liturgy of the Eucharist is the second main and a very important part of the Mass. It was established by Jesus Himself, at the Last Supper so that He could always be present in His Church, both as sacrifice and meal. He, by the will of His Father, died for us so that our sins may be forgiven. His sacrifice is present when the priest, representing Christ the Lord, carries out what the Lord did and entrusted to His disciples to do in His memory: At the Last Supper, Jesus took the bread and the cup and gave thanks; he broke the bread and gave it to his disciples, and said: "Take this and eat from it, this is my body." When the supper was ended, He took the cup and said: "Take this and drink from it, this is the cup of my blood... Do this in memory of me." At each Mass we remember His sacrifice and resurrection and pray for a stronger friendship with Him. He is also present in the consecrated host and wine, as a meal for our souls. He is consumed and our mind is filled with grace. This enables us to be more loving, united and charitable. Preparation of the Gifts Gifts of bread and wine are brought to the table by community members on behalf of the assembly. These include two cruets, one with wine and one with water and a container (ciborium) with communion breads, called hosts. The priest accepts them and gives them to the altar servers who place them on the Altar. Along with the gifts, a chalice is placed on the altar and the paten holding the main host for consecration. The gifts on the altar and the altar itself may be incensed. This is a symbol of the Church's offering and prayer going up to God.


22

The priest prays over the gifts and then he mixes water with wine in the chalice. Mixing water with wine is the way Jews used to do at meals in Jesus’ days. Then he washes his hands as an expression of his desire to be cleansed and made worthy to consecrate the host and the wine. Finally, he invites the congregation to pray that the sacrifice be acceptable to God. Our response is “Amen”. At this point the congregation stands to participate in the central prayer of the Mass, the Eucharistic prayer. Eucharistic prayer The word Eucharist comes from the Greek language and means “thanks and praise”. The Eucharistic prayer which follows is the center and summit of the entire celebration. Although the priest proclaims it, he does so not as an individual, but in the name and service of the community gathered, and so it is the prayer of the whole Assembly. The presider greets the congregation with the familiar “The Lord be with you”. He then invites us to “Lift up your hearts”. Lifting up our hearts means to set aside any problems and difficulties we may have, to stop thinking about them, and offer ourselves to God. Our response is “We lift them up to the Lord” confirming our self offering to, and willingness to be with God. Then the priest invites us to “give thanks to the Lord”. Our response is “It is right to give him thanks and praise”. In fact, we affirm that it is right to give thanks to God always and everywhere, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Preface Once we have shown that we are ready, the priest prays a prayer called “Preface” preparing us to be brought before God. The prayer evokes the wonderful things God has done for us. Our response is joy and praise: we sing or recite: “Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, 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 Holy, holy, holy is full of significance: “Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,” – we proclaim the holiness, power and supremacy of God; “heaven and earth are full of your glory” – we acknowledge the glory of God over everything in Heaven and Earth “Hosanna in the highest” - Hosanna is a Hebrew exclamation of praise to the Lord. Through this, we ask God for our salvation “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.” – We are praising Jesus Christ, and by saying this, we invite him to come to our souls.


23

“Hosanna in the highest” – the praise this time is addressed to Jesus. At this point all the congregation kneels. This signifies adoration but mostly a profound self-offering, in which we unite ourselves to the Sacrifice of Christ that is about to take place on the Altar. Epiclesis This part is called Epiclesis, which means “invoke upon”, the Greek language. The priest asks God the Father to send His Holy Spirit upon the gifts (bread and wine) to make them holy, “so that they may become for us the Body and Blood of our Lord, Jesus Christ”. While praying, the priest places his hands, palms down, over the bread and wine then makes a sign of the cross over them with his right hand. Consecration Then he recalls the events that took place at the Last Supper, which was the first Eucharist, instituted then, on the Holy Thursday by Jesus. The priest pronounces the words of the Consecration: FOR THE BREAD: “Take this, all of you, and eat it: this is my body which will be given up for you.” The priest raises the host for everyone to see. The bells are rung to signal that something really important is happening. This is the moment when the bread is no more bread but becomes the Body of Jesus. We look at the Body of Christ, adore it, and say silently, “My Lord, my God”, as apostle Thomas did. FOR THE WINE: “Take this, all of you, and drink from it: this is the cup of my blood, the blood of the new and everlasting covenant. It will be shed for you and for all so that sins may be forgiven. Do this in memory of me.” The priest raises the chalice with the wine that becomes the Blood of Jesus. The bells are rung again and we look and adore Jesus, present under the appearance of the wine. After the consecration, Jesus is fully present with his body, blood, soul, and divinity under the appearances of bread and wine, offering himself to the Father for the redemption of all. The Mystery of faith The priest invites us: “Let us proclaim the mystery of faith”. Our response is one of the followings:

1. Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again. 2. Lord, by your cross and resurrection you have set us free. You are the Savior of the

world. 3. Dying you destroyed our death, rising your restored our life. Lord Jesus, come in glory.


24

4. When we eat this bread and drink this cup, we proclaim your death, Lord Jesus, until you come in glory.

In fact, we proclaim our belief in the true presence of Jesus. We proclaim our belief in His death and resurrection. We also proclaim that He is the only way and we are waiting actively for His coming. The mystery of faith is either sung or prayed verbally. Anamnesis The name of this part of the Eucharistic prayer, Anamnesis, comes from the Greek language and means “Recalling to mind”. We are reminded Jesus’ passion, resurrection, and ascension into heaven, and that the Church is fulfilling His explicit command of celebrating the Eucharist: “Do this in memory of me.” Offering In the name of the Church and of the assembly taking part in the Mass, the priest offers Christ, present in the consecrated bread and wine, to God the Father. “Lord, look upon this sacrifice which you have given to your Church; and by your Holy Spirit, gather all who share this one bread and one cup into the body of Christ, a living sacrifice of praise.” Intercessions Finally, we pray for unity, for the Bishop, all the clergy, the living and the dead and for ourselves. Final Doxology The Eucharistic Prayer ends with the marvelous prayer of praise, sung or proclaimed by the priest, "through him, with him, in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honour is yours, almighty Father forever and ever" Through him: Through Jesus’ mediation, we have access to God. Jesus said: “No one can come to the Father except through me”, With him: Jesus is always with us. He wants us to be with him in work and in prayer; he wants us to be his friends. In him: The same life is in Him and in us. He said: “He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood lives in me and I live in him”. Through the Eucharist we are united with Him, we become part of His Body, we are in Him. In the unity of the Holy Spirit: The Church is a unity brought together by the Holy Spirit. He gives us the wisdom and power to stay united as children of God.


25

The Great Amen Our answer is called THE GREAT AMEN. We proclaim it together with great joy and commitment, thus including our own lives, freely given through, with, and in Jesus, for the glory and honour of God! Amen means “I believe”. Our Great Amen strengthens once more and finally our belief in all that has just occurred. St. Augustin said, “Amen is people’s signature” The congregation stands up. Although we have seen that the Eucharistic Prayer has many parts, we regard it as a whole. It is the whole Eucharistic Prayer, through the words and faith of the priest and the congregation, that has called forth the presence of Jesus, through the power of the Holy Spirit. Communion rite Communion means “union with”. Jesus became a real presence in the bread and the wine. In the communion rite, we enter in union with Him. We make our final preparations for receiving Him and being received by Him. We pray together, united in Him, the prayer He taught us to pray, the Our Father. In the prayer we say “…forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us…” We ask for the forgiveness of our sins, so that we could be worthily enter the communion with Jesus. We also forgive those who offended us in a way or another. God forgives us, so must we forgive others. Before the communion, we want to be reconciled with everyone. After we have just prayed saying “…we forgive those who trespass against us…”, the priest invites us to offer each other a sign of peace. This is usually done by a handshake and a greeting “Peace be with you” with the response “And also with you”. We do this with our closest neigbours only, but in our hearts we reconcile with the whole world. The priest breaks the bread (big host), just as Jesus did at the Last Supper. Breaking the bread means unity in Christ. The one bread, which is Christ, is broken and shared among us. By this, we, who are many, become united in one body. After breaking the bread, the priest drops a small part of the host into the chalice. This signifies the reunion of His Body and Blood in His Resurrection and in Heaven, and also in the Eucharist. We recite or sing Lamb of God. This is our prayer to Jesus, who takes away the sins of the world, to have mercy on us and grant us peace. Then the priest prays quietly that he may worthily receive Christ's body and blood. The congregation does the same by silent prayer.


26

As an invitation to the Lord’s table, the priest shows us the Body of Christ, saying: “This is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Happy are those who are called to his supper”. Our response is: “Lord I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the word and I shall be healed”. By this response, we humbly proclaim our strong desire to be united with God. We are now ready for the Holy Communion and we process together to be fed with the Body and Blood of Christ. We approach the priest or the communion minister. They show us the bread and say: "The Body of Christ". We respond “Amen”, meaning “I believe”. Our Amen is also a sign that we acknowledge the great gift we are about to receive. We may receive the bread either on the tongue or in the hand. When receiving in the hand, one hand can be cupped over the other. If we also receive His Blood, we approach another communion minister, who will say "The Blood of Christ". Our response is the same “Amen”. Christ is fully present in both the bread and the wine. Although both must be present in the Mass, the Bread is enough to enter in communion with Jesus. We return to our seats. Some sit, some kneel. This a time of praising and thanking God, by silently praying in our hearts. During the communion, a hymn, psalm, or other song of praise is sung by the music minister and the congregation can join. The priest again invites us to pray saying, "Let us pray", and unites our silent prayers in one. He asks that the Eucharist we have just celebrated together have an effect in our lives. Our response is “Amen”

4.4 Concluding Rite At this point announcements are read to remind us about upcoming events or activities in the life of the parish. The priest says “The Lord be with you”. Then he blesses the congregation in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, making the sign of the cross towards us. Everyone in the assembly blesses themselves with the sign of the cross. Then we are invited to “Go in peace…”. Our final response is “Thanks be to God”, signifying “Yes” and our thanks for all the wonderful things we have shared. The priest, together with the altar servers, leave in a procession, just as they did at the beginning of the Mass. A song, giving praise to God, is usually sung during the procession.


27

We return to the world we will live our life the coming week. But we are stronger than as we were when we came because we have just received the Eucharist, and Jesus will accompany us, within us, to face our everyday problems.

5 Worship in the liturgical year and liturgical col ours

5.1 Liturgical colours You may have noticed that the priest wears vestments of different colours. And the church is decorated with different colours. These colours have different meanings. The following colours are used:

Colour Meaning Used

Violet It represents repentance, sorrow for committed sins, humility. Advent and Lent

White Symbolizes celebration, light, purity, holiness, joy, innocence, triumph and transformation

Christmas season, Easter season, Holy Thursday, feasts of The Lord, feasts of Our Lady, feasts of the Angels, the feast of John the Apostle and feasts of saints that were not martyred

Green

Green, the colour of plants and trees, symbolizes life, hope and growth, our faith in God and hope in eternal life

Ordinary Time

Red

Fire (the tongues of fire which descended on the apostles on Pentecost) and blood (the Passion blood, martyrs)

Pentecost, Palm Sunday and Good Friday, feasts of the Holy Cross, feasts of the Apostles and Evangelists except for St. John, feasts of martyrs feasts consecrated to the Holy Spirit.

Rose Joy Optional. the Third Sunday of Advent (Gaudete Sunday) and on the Fourth Sunday of Lent (Laetare Sunday)

Gold (Yellow) Joy

Optional. Easter season. It can replace white.

5.2 Liturgical Seasons The worship of the church does not centre around the calendar seasons of spring, summer, autumn and winter, but rather around the event of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The seasons progress as follows:

5.2.1 Advent Advent begins the Church year. It starts the 4th Sunday before Christmas, and ends Christmas Eve. The word Advent comes from the Latin language and means “coming” or “arrival”. We


28

are waiting for and prepare for the coming of Jesus. Because repentance is central, colour used is PURPLE.

5.2.2 Christmas Season The Christmas season starts on Christmas Day and ends on The Baptism of the Lord. It is a joyous and feasting season. The colour used is WHITE.

5.2.3 Ordinary Time Ordinary time extends from the Baptism of the Lord to Ash Wednesday. The name “ordinary” does not mean “regular” or “usual”. It means that we reflect about the order of the life of Christ. Colour used is GREEN.

5.2.4 Lent Lent is the 40-day period (excluding Sundays) between Ash Wednesday and Wednesday of Holy Week. The word Lent comes from the old English and means “spring” or “springtime”. This season is one of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. We prepare to celebrate the paschal mystery, the central theme of our faith. Colour used is PURPLE.

5.2.5 Triduum Holy Thursday to Easter Sunday - celebrated as one long ritual focussing on the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

5.2.6 Easter Season The Easter season lasts for 50 days, from Easter to Pentecost. Colour used is WHITE or YELLOW, expressing the triumph and joy of the Resurrection.

5.2.7 Ordinary Time A second period of Ordinary Time extends between Pentecost Sunday and the First Sunday of Advent, when the liturgical year starts again.

6 Religious items Before we begin to look into the duties an altar server is required to perform, let’s take some time to become familiar with the items you will see or use. Some of these may slightly differ from church to church. All the pictures in this section represent the very same objects used at St. Norbert’s.


29

Vestments

Alb A long white robe worn during Mass by priests, deacons and altar servers to cover street clothes. It reminds us of our Baptism.

Cincture Cord used as a belt for the alb. It is a rope-like cord with knotted ends worn around the waist (like a belt) over the alb.

Stole The Stole is a long, narrow band of cloth that looks like a scarf. A priest wears the stole draped over his shoulders and hanging down in front; a deacon wears a stole draped over his left shoulder and diagonally across his chest. The stole is a sign of the priest's and deacon's ordination and is a symbol of their authority. The stole is coloured and it matches the liturgical colors of the day.

Chasuble The Chasuble is the outer vestment worn only by the priest at Mass, over the alb and stole. Just like the stole it is coloured.

Dalmatic A wide-sleeved tunic-like vestment open at the sides, worn as the outer garment by deacons and, sometimes by bishops as undergarment above the alb. As the chasuble, it matches the liturgical color of the day.


30

Special Vessels

Chalice A standing cup, usually made of precious metal, that holds the wine which becomes the Blood of Jesus after the consecration. The chalice reminds us of the cup Jesus used at the Last Supper.

Paten

A small saucer shaped plate of precious metal that holds the large host, and sometimes several smaller hosts as well.

Ciborium A special container often made of precious metal, which looks like a round gold box having a lid or cover. It is used to hold the bread (host) and later, the Body of Christ, once the Priest consecrates it. Consecrated hosts contained in ciboria are for distribution of Holy Communion to the faithful. Ciboria that hold consecrated hosts are stored in the Tabernacle.

Cruets Little vessels, usually made of glass, that contain the unconsecrated wine or water required for the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass

Finger Bowl and water cruet (pitcher) and towel The priest washes his hands in the Finger Bowl after pouring the wine and water from the cruets into the chalice. The towel is used to dry the hands of the priest after having washed his hands. The pitcher is used by the altar server to pour water on the hands of the priest.


31

Pyx A little case, just bigger than a host. It is used to carry Holy Communion to those who are sick or are unable to come to Mass. Monstrance A metal vessel, usually gold or silver-plated, with a transparent section in which the consecrated Host is exposed for the adoration of the faithful. The word “Monstrance” comes from Latin and means “to show”.

Special Furniture

Presider’s Chair The chair located in the Sanctuary behind the Altar. The presider priest sits on it when he presides (leads) at Mass, during the Liturgy of the Word and the concluding prayers of the Mass. This chair signifies his office in presiding over the assembly. There are two additional chairs on the sides of the Presider’s Chair. These are used by other priests, if the Mass is celebrated by more than one priest.

See picture under “Tour of the church”

Tabernacle It is the large, decorated box or safe in which the consecrated host is kept. A red votive candle is burning on the right side of the tabernacle, meaning that Jesus is present in it.


Altar The table of the Lord in the center of the sanctuary. It is the holy table from which the priest presides over the Liturgy of the Eucharist, and on which the host and wine are consecrated by the power of the Holy Spirit, making Jesus a real presence.



32

Lectern or Ambo It is a stand on which the Word of God is read and proclaimed during the Liturgy of the Word. The lectern is one of the two tables of the Mass (the other table being the altar). The lectern is also used to give the homily.


Ambry It is the place where the Holy Oils are kept. At St. Norbert’s it is a three-level shelf affixed to the right side wall of the sanctuary. The oils on the Ambry are: The Oil of Catechumens , the Sacred Chrism , and the Oil of the Sick . These oils, blessed by the bishop, are used for anointing.


Baptismal Font It is the pool located to the right side of the sanctuary. It contains water that has been blessed by the priest, who says a prayer of blessing, asking that the water be filled with the power of the Holy Spirit. The Baptismal Font is used in the Sacrament of Baptism.


Credence Table The Credence Table is used by altar servers to keep items they need during the Mass but don’t currently use.



33

Books

Lectionary A large book, which contains all the Bible readings used for the Liturgy of the Word. The lectors and the priest use it when proclaiming the Word of God. Sacramentary The book containing all the prayers said by the priest during the Mass; the Sacramentary is placed on the Altar.

Linen

Corporal The Corporal is a white square cloth placed on the altar during Mass, to hold the Chalice, bread, paten and Ciborium. It also prevents any small particles of the Body and Blood of Jesus from falling on the altar cloth. Purificator A white linen, with a small cross in the center. It is folded into thirds, right side out, to give a square with the cross in the center. When preparing the altar for Communion, a purificator is placed on the chalice. The purificator is used to dry the chalice after communion.

Pall A square piece of cardboard or plastic which is covered by linen and used to cover the chalice.


34

Supplies

Altar breads (Host) A thin, round unleavened wafer made of wheat. The word comes from Latin and means “victim”. After consecration by the priest, it becomes the Body of Christ. Wine The wine for the Eucharist must be from grapes (the fruit of the vine), natural, and pure, that is not mixed with any foreign substance. After consecration, it becomes the Blood of Christ.

See picture of Cruets

Incense and Incense boat Incense is a naturally occurring material that releases fragrant smoke when burned. The smoke symbolizes our prayers going up to Heaven. It is a symbolic link between Heaven and Earth. Incense is kept in a vessel called incense boat.

Other

Thurible (Censer) A metal container on a chain in which incense is burned by being placed on a burning charcoal.

Holy water tank A tank made of metal that is used to store holy water. It has a tap that allows filling other vessels.


35

Aspergil (Aspergillum) The holy water sprinkler used for blessings. The holy water in the pot.

Hand Bells Three bells attached to a single handle. Ringing these bells let people know that something very important is happening. Easter (Paschal or Jesus) Candle A large candle that represents the light of Christ. The candle is blessed at the Easter Vigil.


Processional Cross A crucifix, which is carried by an altar server at the head of a procession. It is mounted on a long staff in order to be easily visible to the congregation.

Processional Candles The candles that are carried by the candle bearers during the entrance and concluding processions.

Sacrarium A sink drained directly into the ground, used for the disposal of the sacred linen wash and rinse water, used holy water, used baptismal water and blessed ashes. No other use is allowed.



36

Altar Candles Two candles placed on the Altar (one at each end). As all other candles, they symbolize the triumph of light over darkness (good over evil).

Ablution cup A covered dish of water on the side of the tabernacle used by the priest, deacon or Eucharistic ministers to wash their fingers after distributing Communion.

7 Duties of Altar servers

7.1 Postures There are a number of postures you will be using while serving during Mass. The following is a short description of each such posture: Bowing – To bow is a sign of respect. You incline your head and shoulders forward for about 1-2 seconds. When you bow, stop. Don’t walk and bow at the same time. Genuflecting is a way to show respect and reverence. Keep your hands in front of you, bend your right leg and lower it until your knee touches the ground. Bow your head and then stand up. Kneeling is the posture that shows most reverence and adoration. When you are kneeled, keep your body straight and keep your hands folded. Walking - During the various duties you will have to walk. Never rush, never run. Walk as you do normally. Standing – The best standing is up straight, having both feet touch the floor. Do not lean against the walls or anything else. Standing is a sign of praise and acclamation (e.g. – “standing ovation”) Sitting – When you sit, do it up straight and don’t move your body all the time. Keep your both feet on the floor, and your hands on your lap.


37

Attention – Pay a close attention to everything that is happening during the Mass. Always keep an eye on the presider, just in case he needs some assistance.

7.2 Duties The following sections will describe your duties while serving. Your ministry starts when you arrive at the church and end when you leave the church. Therefore, please note the sections describing duties before and after Mass, as well.

7.3 Before Mass

1. Arrive to the church 15 minutes before the Mass is scheduled to start. 2. Go to the Altar server room and place your coat and/or boots (if you have) there and put

on your Alb. Check the schedule and identify the “cincture color” for the day. Take a cincture of that color.

3. Check the credence table and make sure you have all needed items: chalice with purificator, paten with big host, water pitcher. Water bowl and towel.

4. Check the water pitcher if there is holy water in it. If it is empty or it has little water, fill it with holy water from the holy water tank in the Sacristy. Then place it back on the credence table.

5. Check the water bowl. If it is full, or almost full, discard the water in the sacrarium. 6. Light the two Altar Candles on the two corners of the Altar, using the candle lighter. 7. Make sure the sound system is turned on. 8. If baptism is celebrated during the Mass light the Jesus Candle using the candle lighter. 9. Take the Processional Cross and the two Processional Candles to the Sacristy. 10. Shortly before the Mass begins, father will say a prayer in the Sacristy, joined by the

lectors and altar servers. 11. Light the two Processional Candles, using the candle lighter. 12. Go to the entrance of the church and be ready for the procession, using the middle

aisle. 13. The procession must have the following order: It is lead by the Cross bearer, followed

by the two candle bearers side by side, followed by other altar servers, if present, followed by the lector carrying the Lectionary, and followed by the presider. If less than 3 altar servers are present, the processional candles will not be used.

7.4 During Mass

7.4.1 Entrance Rite The procession begins on a cue of the presider. One lector welcomes the congregation, including visitors, and announces the presider. The choir or music minister starts singing the entrance hymn.

1. Start walking but don’t rush. This is a solemn procession. The cross bearer, who is the first, will determine how fast the whole procession walks. Adjust your speed to remain


38

at the same distance from your neighbours in the procession all the time. You all are a team.

2. When the procession reaches the stairs leading up in the Sanctuary, those who don’t carry anything bow to the Altar. The servers who carry something (cross bearer and candle bearers) do not bow.

3. The cross bearer goes to the stand, in the far left corner of the Sanctuary, and places the cross in it. The two candle bearers place the candles on the two sides of the cross.

4. Then all servers go to their places and remain standing (two servers on the chairs besides the presider’s chair; all others on the side benches).

Greeting

1. Make the sign of the cross when the presider greets the congregation “in the name of

the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit”

Penitential Rite

1. Think of your sins and say the “I confess…” along with everyone. When you say “through my fault…” gently strike your chest with your right fist. This strengthens the acknowledgement that the fault is yours, and expresses sorrow for it. Striking your chest is still practiced but it is optional.

Glory to God

1. Learn the words of the hymn and sing along with everyone.

7.4.2 Liturgy of the Word

1. Be seated for the first and second readings and pay attention to what is being read. 2. At the end of each reading answer “Thanks be to God” 3. Stand up when the presider approaches the lectern to read the Gospel (Gospel

Acclamation). 4. The servers sitting next to the presider will walk to the side benches and stand. They

will stand or sit there until the presider returns to sit in his chair. 5. When the presider makes three signs of the cross, one on his forehead, one on his

mouth and one on his heart, you can do so as well. 6. Remain standing and pay attention to the Gospel, as the presider proclaims it. 7. At the end of the Gospel reading answer “Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ” 8. During the homily be seated, as everyone else, and listen carefully. 9. After the homily we profess our faith. Say and think the Creed as the congregation

recites it. 10. The Liturgy of the Word ends with the Prayer of the faithful. After each petition, ask

aloud God, “Lord, hear our prayer”. Following the Prayer of the faithful and during the collection, you set the Altar:


39

1. Spread the corporal in the centre of the altar. 2. Put the chalice and purificators to the right of the corporal. The purificator must not be in

the chalice, but besides it, on the Altar. 3. Place the paten with the big host on the corporal. 4. Move the Sacramentary from the ambo in front of the presider’s chair to the Altar.

7.4.3 Liturgy of the Eucharist

Preparation of the Gifts

Members of the congregation will bring up two cruets, one with wine and one with water and a ciborium with unconsecrated hosts. The presider will go and wait for the Gift bearers on the stairs of the Sanctuary.

1. Go and stand on either side of the priest. Two or three altar servers should stand on the side of the presider.

2. The presider accepts the gifts from the gift bearers and hand them over to you, the altar servers.

3. Place the ciborium on the Altar. 4. Go with the cruets to the credence table. Remove their caps and place them on the

credence table. Then go with the cruets to the Altar, holding them from the bottom, so that the priest can catch them from the handle. This can be done by one server, holding both cruets, or by two servers, holding a cruet each.

5. Wait until the presider pours wine and a little water in the chalice. 6. When the priest has finished pouring, each server takes a cruet. Wait for the priest to

hand both cruets. Then gently bow, together, and then leave. Go to the credence table, put back the tops and place the cruets on the credence table.

7. One server picks the finger bowl and the cruet, and the other server takes the towel and unfolds it so that the priest can easily use it to dry his fingers.

8. Both servers approach the side of the altar and wait until the priest turns towards them 9. The server holding the finger bowl and the water cruet pours some water on the priest’s

fingers, holding the bowl so that the water drops in it. 10. The other server holds the towel towards the priest. The priest can dry his fingers by

taking the towel or while the server holds the towel. 11. When the hand washing is complete, both servers bow gently towards the priest.

Bowing signifies respect shown to Jesus. The priest, during the Mass represents Jesus, so bowing to the priest is bowing to Jesus.

12. Both servers go to the credence table and place the finger bowl, cruet and towel. 13. Both return to their places. 14. Remember, during the Liturgy of the Eucharist, all Altar servers stand besides the side

benches, and not the chairs.

Eucharistic prayer

1. Stand and answer the words of the presider: a. The priest says “Lift up your hearts”, our answer “We lift them up to the Lord”


40

b. The priest says “give thanks to the Lord”, our answer “It is right to give him thanks and praise”.

2. Sing or recite “Holy, holy, holy…” along with the congregation. 3. When the congregation kneels, all servers stand. 4. One server goes to kneel besides the bell, located in the left side of the Sanctuary,

close to the credence table. 5. When the priest prays upon the gifts asking the Holy Spirit to make them holy, “so that

they may become for us the Body and Blood of our Lord, Jesus Christ”, and places his hands, palms down, over the bread and wine, ring the bell while you count to three.

6. When the priest says: “Take this, all of you, and eat it: this is my body which will be given up for you.” and then raises the host, that has just become the Body of Christ, for all to see and adore, the server rings the bell. The bell is rung for as long as the host is raised.

7. When the presider says: “Take this, all of you, and drink from it: this is the cup of my blood, the blood of the new and everlasting covenant. It will be shed for you and for all so that sins may be forgiven. Do this in memory of me.” And then raises the chalice containing the Blood of Christ, the bell is rung again for as long as the priest holds up the chalice.

8. The server remains kneeled for the rest of the Eucharistic prayer. 9. All altar servers join in singing or reciting the Mystery of faith 10. All altar servers join the Great Amen.

Communion rite

1. All servers stand and pray the Our Father along with the congregation. 2. During the rite of peace, altar servers line up on the left side (as seen by the

congregation) of the Altar. 3. They exchange the “Peace be with you” and handshake with one another and the

priest. If children from the children’s liturgy are around the Altar, gently make your way to the priest, and present yourself.

4. Servers stand while the priest breaks the bread and join in reciting or singing the Lamb of God.

5. One server goes and kneels besides the hand bells. When the presider receives the Blood of Christ (drinks from the Chalice), ring the bell while you count to three.

6. The priest will offer communion to the Eucharistic ministers, if present, and then to altar servers.

7. Return to your place after having received the Body of Christ. Sit and pray, thanking God for the privilege of having been a server at the Mass and having shared in His Body. You can also tell God anything else you want.

8. Sit while the entire congregation is offered communion. 9. When the communion is done and the presider returns to the Altar, one server takes the

water cruet from the credence table, removes the cap and approaches the Altar. 10. Hold the cruet from its bottom. The presider will take it and pour a little water in the

chalice and than hand it back to you. 11. Gently bow and take the cruet back to the credence table.


41

12. When the presider has finished drying the chalice, and the consecrated hosts have been returned to the Tabernacle, take from the Altar to the credence table the following items: Chalice, Paten, any empty ciborium.

13. Return the Sacramentary to the ambo in front of the presider’s chair. 14. Go and sit in your place.

7.4.4 Concluding Rite

1. When the presider says “Let us pray…” go and prepare for the procession. 2. The processional cross and candles are retaken by the servers who carried them at the

beginning of the Mass. 3. When the presider blesses the congregation, make the sign of the Cross. 4. After the presider says “Go in peace…”, and the congregation responds “Thanks be to

God” go and line up in front of the Altar, facing the Altar, in the following order: servers who don’t carry anything, if present, the candle bearers, the cross bearer. Leave some space between the stairs of the Sanctuary and the Altar servers group, for the presider.

5. The presider will stand in front of all (again, as facing the Altar) 6. When the presider bows, the servers who don’t carry anything also bow. If you carry the

processional cross or candle, do not bow. 7. Turn around and start walking slowly towards the back of the church. 8. The cross bearer holds up the cross while walking. 9. After arriving to the back of the church, the candle bearers extinguish the candles.

7.5 After the Mass

1. All servers return to the sacristy, using the middle aisle. 2. The processional candles and the cross are now put back in their places: the

processional cross in the stand in the far left corner of the Sanctuary, and the candles in the Sacristy.

3. Extinguish the altar candles and the Jesus Candle, if it is lit. 4. Go to the Altar servers room and take off your alb and cincture. 5. Place the cincture in the cabinet and take home your alb. 6. You have just finished your duties for the day.

8 Conclusion Congratulations for having gone through this manual. You have now a better understanding on what is happening at Mass. You have also practiced and know what it feels like. At this moment, take a minute and reflect and answer yourself the following question: Are you here because you want to be and feel God’s call to be an altar server? It is important that your answer be “Yes”. You must be the one who wants to serve, since you are the one who serves. If you are here because someone else wanted you to be, you should reflect if, after learning this course, your


42

feelings have changed or not. If you are not sure, you may want to give it a chance and start serving. It is important that you know, that at any point, for any reason, if you don’t feel comfortable serving, you can quit or take a break to reflect. That is perfectly OK. You will start now to serve at masses and carry out duties actively. Relax and try to do everything naturally, without stress. The older servers are there for you to help you anytime you may need. Trust in God and go ahead to serve Him. Remember, Jesus is always with you. May God bless you.


43

9 Appendix

9.1 Prayers and hymns Confiteor (I confess…) I confess to almighty God, and to you, my brothers and sisters, that I have sinned through my own fault, in my thoughts and in my words, in what I have done, and in what I have failed to do; and 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. Lord have mercy Lord have mercy. Lord have mercy. Christ have mercy. Christ have mercy. Lord have mercy. Lord have mercy. Gloria Glory to God in the highest, and peace to His people on earth. Lord God, heavenly King, mighty God and father. We worship you, we give you thanks, we praise you for your glory. Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father, Lord God, Lamb of God, You take away the sin of the world, have mercy on us. You are seated at the right hand of the Father, receive our prayer.


44

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. Apostles Creed I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day He rose again. He ascended into Heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen. Holy, holy, holy Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, 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 Our Father 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.


45

Glory Be to the Father Glory Be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Lamb of God Lamb of God you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us. Lamb of God you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us. Lamb of God you take away the sins of the world, grant us your peace. The Hail Mary Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

9.2 Prayer for Altar Servers 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 help as I serve you and your people. Open my mouth to praise you in word and song. Open my ears to hear your Word. Open my hands to do your work well. Fill my heart with your wonderful love and my mind with knowledge of my tasks. Help me to serve reverently at your holy altar, and to give you praise and glory, Now and forever.


46

9.3 Stations of the Cross

1 - Jesus is condemned to death 2 - Jesus carries His cross

3 - Jesus falls the first time 4 - Jesus meets his mother

5 - Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus to carry his

cross 6 - Veronica wipes the face of Jesus


47

7 - Jesus falls the second time 8 - Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem

9 - Jesus falls a third time 10 - Jesus clothes are taken away

11 - Jesus is nailed to the cross 12 - Jesus dies on the cross


48

13 - The body of Jesus is taken down from the

cross 14 - Jesus is laid in the tomb

altar server manual - st. norbert's church · as an altar server you will continue to be...

Documents