Altar Servers 2012-2013

Sacred Heart Cathedral Raleigh, North Carolina

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Altar Servers

Requirements

At Sacred Heart Cathedral, the Altar Server is a representative of the parish family who has completed the sacraments of Baptism and First Eucharist and is a fourth grader or older. As a Server you have a special ministry in the Church. It is your privilege to assist the priest at Mass. What you do and how you do it can help others to understand the Mass better and make their love for God stronger.

Before You Come to Church

1. Get a good night’s sleep before you serve. 2. An altar server’s shoes should be black. 3. Please wear your best clothes to church. Do not wear sneakers or flip-flops to

Mass. 4. Hands ( including fingernails), and face should be clean. Use the School

restrooms if last minute clean up is necessary. 5. If you are unable to serve as assigned, it is your responsibility to find a substitute.

Before Mass

1. Arrive at least 15 minutes before the start of Mass, check in with the Mass Coordinator in the vestibule and get vested. Your robes will be on a rack in the small room just inside the vestibule. Be sure that the alb is not too long or too short. The alb should come to the top of your shoes and never touch the floor.

2. Pick up a copy of the bulletin and a hymnal and place them on your seat before Mass. You will need these to participate fully in the celebration of the Eucharist.

3. Return to the vestibule to wait quietly for the start of Mass.

At Mass:

The Gathering Rite

After the first verse of the Opening Hymn, the Cross-bearer leads the two Servers, the reader and the priest (and deacon) to the altar. The Servers walk behind the Cross-bearer, side by each. Note: the Cross-bearer carries the cross high enough to be seen by the assembly but not so high that it becomes difficult to balance. The Cross-bearer never genuflects or bows when carrying the cross.

Upon reaching the step in front of the sanctuary, the Cross-bearer carries the processional cross to its place in the corner by St. Joseph - facing the corpus toward the wall.

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The cross-bearer returns to the main floor at the step and waits with the rest of the procession as the reader places the Book of Gospels on the altar and then joins them at the step. Together, those in the procession genuflect (or bow, as able) and move to their places within the sanctuary – altar servers move to the bench. All remain standing at their seats, opening their hymnals and joining in the Processional Hymn.

The Act of Penitence and the Gloria

The priest (and deacon) moves to the presider’s chair and all gathered join in the Prayers of the Act of Penitence with which Mass begins.

When the priest finishes the sign of the Cross, the Greeting, the Penitential Rite and (usually) the Gloria, Server 1 brings the Roman Missal to the priest for the Opening Prayer (which we now call the Collect). A good cue is to pick up the Roman Missal while you are singing the words “For you alone are the Holy One, You alone are the Lord”. Another cue is when the priest says, “Let us pray.” Please hold the book along the bottom edge with your fingertips, allowing the spine of the book to rest against your chest.

After the priest finishes the Collect and the people answer AMEN, the server allows the priest to close the book and then carries the Roman Missal back to the bench or places it on a table – never on the floor. The Cross-bearer and Servers, along with the assembly, sit and listen to the readings.

Your posture while seated is important. Sit down in your place carefully. Once you are seated, sit tall without slouching. Place your hands in your lap in a relaxed manner.

Liturgy of the Word

The Servers sit quietly during the proclamation of the Word. Be attentive to what the lector is saying. Always look at the reader. The readings are the Word of God. God is speaking to us here and now.

Respond “Thanks be to God” at the end of the first two Scripture readings. Pick up the bulletin and use it for the singing of the Responsorial Psalm.

When the Gospel acclamation begins, the priest will stand. The Servers and the people also stand and join in the acclamation, then listen attentively to the Gospel.

At the end of the Gospel, the Servers and people answer: “Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.”

While the priest gives the homily, all sit quietly and pay close attention as God speaks to us through the homily.

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For the Profession of Faith and the Prayer of the Faithful, the Servers stand and respond with the congregation.

Remember - you are a part of the congregation even if you are sitting in a different place from them. It is important that you participate in all of the prayers, singing and responses. Your good example helps others to pray well.

Liturgy of the Eucharist

Part 1: Preparation of the Altar

Following the Prayer of the Faithful, the assembly and the priest will be seated. At that time – the music begins and the servers prepare the altar.

If there is no deacon:

Server 1 moves to the credence table by St. Joseph and takes the corporals from on top of the chalice. The first corporal is placed in the center of the altar, about 2 inches from the edge. (line the center up with the line on the floor) The second corporal goes on the right of the altar (line up the far edge of the corporal with the candlestick).

Server 2 brings the chalice over to the altar, placing it on the corporal in the middle of the altar.

Server 1 and 2 each carry over two Communion Cups – one in each hand. The Cups belong on the corporal to the right (not the corporal in the center of the altar). Use the folds on the corporal to line up the Cups two by two.

Server 1 returns to the credence table for the Roman Missal (and stand). These are placed on the altar to the left of the center corporal. The srver does not need to open the Missal or elevate the stand – simply place them to the left of the center corporal. At the same time, Server 2 brings the four purificators from the credence table to the altar and places three of them near to the Cups on the second corporal. The fourth purificator is placed by the Chalice.

While the altar is being prepared by Servers 1 and 2, the Cross-bearer takes the processional cross from the stand and moves down the main aisle to the vestibule. S/he waits there with the gift bearers until the priest moves from his chair to the front of the main aisle. Servers 1 and 2 join him at the main aisle. Once the priest is in position with a Server on each side, the Cross-bearer leads the people carrying the gifts up the aisle to where the priest and Servers are waiting.

The Cross-bearer places the cross in the stand and then moves to the credence table.

Servers 1 and 2 are with the priest at the edge of the sanctuary in the main aisle to receive the gifts of bread and wine from the people. The priest gives the gifts

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to each Server; they follow him back to the altar and stop at the step on the St. Joseph side of the altar. The server with the paten of bread steps up and hands it to the priest at the altar. The server with the cruet of wine waits at the edge of the altar until the priest gives a cue to step up. Hand the cruet of wine to the priest with the handle facing the priest. Stay near until the priest has finished pouring – he will hand the cruet back to the server. Bow and return the cruet to the credence table. In both cases, come all the way to the priest to deliver the gifts to him.

As the priest offers the paten of bread, the Cross-bearer takes the cruet of water and stands with the server who has the wine. Hold the cruet with the handle facing toward the priest. After the priest has taken the water and given the cruet back, the server bows and returns to the credence table.

The Cross-bearer puts the water cruet back on the credence table and returns to the bench. S/he takes the kneeling pad out from the corner and lays it down on the floor.

As the priest is offering the Chalice, Server 1 places the towel over his/her arm and takes up the basin. Server 2 takes up the large pitcher of water. Together, the Servers step up and move to the side of the altar to wait. When the priest is ready, he holds his hands over the bowl. Server 2 pours water over the priest’s hands into the basin; Server 1, holding the basin, keeps the towel on his arm easily accessible to the priest. After the priest has dried his hands and replaced the towel onto the arm of Server 1, the Servers bow together and make their way to the credence table where they deposit the pitcher, basin and towel.

The servers return to their seats for the Eucharistic Prayer.

If there is a Deacon

After the Offertory Hymn begins, the Deacon will move to the altar. Server 1 takes the Chalice from the credence table and hands it to the Deacon. The deacon will prepare the altar.

Servers 1 and 2 will take the communion cups, one in each hand, and hand them to the deacon. The deacon will place them on the altar.

Server 1 takes the Roman Missal with the stand and places them on the altar.

At the Offertory procession, Server 2 goes down with the priest and deacon to receive the gifts. As the priest and deacon come back to the altar, Server 1 takes the cruet of water from the credence table and stands next to Server 2 with the wine. Hold the cruets with the handles facing the priest. Then the deacon will prepare the chalice and hand it to the priest.

Server 1 and the Cross-bearer then take the basin, pitcher, and towel. They wash the priest’s hands, then place the vessels on the credence table and return to their chairs.

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Part II: The Eucharistic Prayer

The Servers and Cross-bearer continue to participate fully in the prayers and acclamations.

75 “In the dioceses of the United States, the assembly is to kneel after the singing or recitation of the Sanctus (Holy, holy) until after the Great Amen of the Eucharistic Prayer, except when the prevention by reason of health, lack of space, the large number of people present, lack of kneelers or other good cause. Those who do not kneel should make a profound bow when the priest genuflects following the elevation of the ciboria or paten and the chalice.”DOR,GN

Altar Servers are to kneel as prescribed above.

The Server kneeling closest to the St. Joseph statue will ring the bells one time (gently) when the priest extends his hands over the bread and wine (epiclesis). The same Server also rings the bells three times (more vigorously) when the priest raises the Bread and three times when the priest raises the Chalice.

50 “The use of bells during the liturgy of the Eucharist is recommended, as circumstances allow, in the celebration of the Sacred Liturgy. When used, bells are to be rung a little before the consecration and may also be rung during the elevations of both the paten and chalice. As is custom, the bells are rung once during the epiclesis and three times during the elevation of the chalice and paten.” DOR

Part III: The Communion Rite

The Servers remain standing and join the people in saying the Lord’s Prayer. 79 “While it may be a custom in some places to hold hands as the Our Father is prayed, this gesture is not encouraged as the reception of Holy Communion is the sign and bond of unity of the Church at prayer.” DOR,GN

The priest adds a prayer, to which the Servers and people respond by saying “FOR THE KINGDOM, THE POWER…”

At the Sign of Peace, the priest may shake hands with the Servers. If he does this, the Servers then give the greeting to each other. They say: “PEACE BE WITH YOU,” or some other appropriate greeting.

Server 2 offers the sign of peace to those near and then takes the four bowls (which are never stacked) from the credence table and places them on the altar or presents them to the priest. The Servers join the people in praying: “LAMB OF GOD…” and kneel with the assembly.

83 “The assembly is to kneel following the conclusion of the Agnus Dei (Lamb of God) as a sign of humility before the Presence of Christ, the Lamb of God, Who is about to be received by the faithful in Holy Communion.” DOR,GN

When the priest holds up the Host, they join with the people in saying: “LORD, I AM NOT WORTHY…”

If the Servers wish to receive Holy Communion, they remain on the altar and move forward several paces toward the side of the altar to wait at the step for

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the priest to bring them Holy Communion. After receiving, servers should step back to their places at the bench until the assembly begins to come forward to receive.

Once the procession has begun, Server 1 removes the Missal from the altar – placing the book on the servers’ seat. The stand can be placed on the corner of the step by St. Joseph.

The ciborium and center corporal are to remain on the altar. Server 2 removes the corporal to the right All servers assist in taking the vessels and linens from the credence table into the sacristy. When in the sacristy, recall that Mass is still going on. Do not talk, and go directly back into the sanctuary to wait for the priest to return to the altar. – the only things to remain on the credence table are the small cruet of water, the ablution cup, and a purificator. – the only things to remain on the altar are the main corporal and the large ciborium.

After the distribution of Holy Communion, the priest returns to the altar. The EMs bring their Bowls to the altar and then move to the credence table to wash their fingers.

The Cross-bearer should be at the credence table holding the ablution cup and purificator for the EMs.

As the priest places all the remaining consecrated hosts into the ciborium, Servers approach the altar to assist with clearing away all emptied vessels – carrying them to the credence table.

When the EMs have finished with the ablution cup, the Cross-bearer places it back on the credence table and then goes to the altar and removes the center corporal (if the priest has not already done so), being mindful to fold it carefully and correctly. It is removed to the credence table. All of the servers are to take up purificators and assist the priest with the vessels – drying them carefully and quietly at the credence table.

If a deacon is present, he will purify the vessels, but your job remains the same – assisting with the drying and careful placement of the vessels back onto the table. Remember – the bowls are never stacked.

After communion, following a time of sacred silence, the priest says “Let us pray” at which time Server 1 carries the Roman Missal over and holds it for the Prayer after Communion.

The Concluding Rite

The Server will, on occasion, continue to hold the Sacramentary for the final blessing.

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After the blessing, the final hymn begins. All servers wait while the hymn is sung until the priest moves off the step at the chair. Once the priest moves, the Cross-bearer retrieves the processional cross and moves into the center aisle several feet away from the step while the Servers move into position on the main floor in the center aisle on either side of the priest – usually at the step. All face the altar and wait for the priest to reverence the altar and move into the main aisle at the step. Servers genuflect with the priest; the cross-bearer offers a simple bow. When the priest turns, the Cross-bearer turns and leads the procession down the aisle – cross, servers side by each, [deacon], and priest.

Upon reaching the vestibule, the Cross-bearer may wait for the crowd to diminish and then return the cross to the stand by way of the side aisle. All Servers should remove their albs carefully and return them neatly onto a hanger on the rack in the small room off the vestibule.

When there is a baptism

Baptism: A Server moves to the font to assist. While the baby is being baptized with water, have a small white towel ready. Hand the towel to the priest after the baptism and then pick up the oil of chrism – wait for the towel to be given back.

Anointing: Keep the towel – the priest will need it again after the anointing. Hand the oil to the priest. Be prepared to receive the oil back from him and have the towel ready. When he has finished with both, the chrism and towel can be returned to the ledge.

Lighted Candle: While the priest is speaking about the white garment, return to the ledge and retrieve the baptism candle. Pass it to the priest when needed.

Preparation of the Altar and Presentation of the Gifts follow. Mass continues in the usual fashion.

Revised 9/19/12

GLOSSARY OF TERMS

Ablution: From abluere – to wash off. The ceremonial washing of the Eucharistic vessels and of the celebrant’s hands.

Acolyte: From akoluthein – to follow. Altar server at liturgical celebrations.

Adoration: From adorare – to worship. The practice of worshiping God, Father – Son – Holy Spirit.

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Advent: From adventus – coming. The liturgical season of preparation for the coming of Jesus Christ on Christmas.

Alleluia: From Hallelu-jah – praise God. A joyful exclamation during a prayer.

Altar: From arere – to burn. The table upon which the Eucharistic Meal is celebrated.

Ambo: From anabainein – to mount. A raised place in the sanctuary designed for the readings and their explanation.

Amen: From amen – so be it. The conclusion, said by the faithful, of the priest’s prayer, to show that it has been addressed in their name.

Asperges: From aspergere – to sprinkle. The rite of sprinkling and blessing the faithful with holy water.

Benediction: From benedicere – to speak well, to praise. The service of worship to the reserved Blessed Sacrament.

Blessing: From benedicere – to speak well, to praise. The gift of God’s grace asked for in the action of blessing.

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

respect.

Canon: From kanon – rule. The Eucharistic prayer of the Mass.

Celebrant: From celebrare – to celebrate. The one who leads and performs a solemn public worship: bishop – priest – deacon.

Censer: the container in which incense is burned. Collect: From colligere – to gather together. A short liturgical prayer, which conveys the idea of gathering the petitions of the people, addressed to God by the celebrant.

Concelebration: The celebration of the same Mass by bishop, priest or by several priests.

Credence Table: A table or shelf placed on one side of the sanctuary where certain articles are placed before or after the priest uses them at Mass: the chalice, the cruet, the basin and towel, etc.

Crucifer: Cross-bearer: the server who bears a cross in liturgical processions.

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Deacon: An ordained adult man who assists the priest at Mass, proclaims the Gospel, and sometimes delivers the homily. A deacon may be permanent: a man of the parish who has prepared for this ministry for several years; or transitional: a man in the final stage of preparation for ordination to the priesthood.

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

Doxology: From doxologia – word or declaration of glory. An expression of praise, as a rule in honor of the Blessed Trinity – “Through Him, with Him, in Him . . .”

Elevation: From elevare – to lift up. The raising of the consecrated Bread and Wine during the Mass that they may be seen by all those present.

Exposition: From exponere – to set before. A way of worshiping Christ present in the sacrament by exposing the Host to see.

Genuflection: From genuflectere – to bend the knee. An act of reverence performed either by kneeling or by bending one knee.

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

Hosanna: From hosiyahna – save, we ask. An invocation or a shout of joy used to welcome Christ during the Holy, Holy, Holy.

Host: From hostia – an offering. Bread made from pure wheatmeal, used for the celebration of the Mass. This term is used for the consecrated bread.

Hymn: From imnos – song of praise. A liturgical song proclaiming the praise of God.

Intinction: From intingere – to dip into. The action of dipping the consecrated bread into the wine at the Mass so that the two kinds can be given together. This is not practiced in the Raleigh Diocese.

Lavabo: From lavare – to wash. The washing of the celebrant’s hands during a liturgical celebration to show the purity of body and spirit for worship and prayer.

Lectern: A book stand for liturgical books and in particular for the lectionary.

Lectionary: The book containing the biblical readings used at Mass.

Lector: A person designated to proclaim the Holy Scriptures at Mass. The reading of the Gospel is reserved to priests and deacons.

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Lent: The period of forty days before Easter corresponding to the forty days spent by Jesus in the desert. This period is marked by fasting, abstinence, and a greater number of religious services. Litany: From litaneoa – petition. A form of prayer consisting of petitions or supplications with a fixed congregational use.

Liturgy: From leiturgia – people service. The main religious activity performed not for private goals, but for the sake of the people.

Mass: A name given to the celebration of the Eucharist since the fourth century. Other names are: the Breaking of Bread, the Lord’s Supper, Sacrifice of the Mass.

Novena: A public or private religious devotion lasting nine days in imitation of the nine days’ waiting by the Apostles for the coming of the Holy Spirit.

Ordinary: the part of the Mass which, as opposed to the proper, presents relatively few changes.

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

Pentecost: From pentekoste – the fiftieth day. A liturgical feast commemorating the descent of the Holy Spirit on the Church.

Presider: The bishop or priest who leads the liturgical celebration of the Holy Eucharist.

Procession: From procedere – to advance. Solemn marching along in an orderly way with a religious significance.

Pulpit: A raised place from which the celebrant or the preacher delivers his sermon. The Ambo.

Recessional: A hymn sung or other music played during the retirement of the celebrant and servers from the sanctuary to the sacristy at the end of a liturgical service.

Relics: The remains of a saint of blessed. In a wider sense, objects that have been in contact with the remains.

Reliquary: A receptacle for relics, such as the pyx or a small monstrance.

Requiem: From requies – rest. It is used to describe a celebration of the Eucharist for the repose of the faithful departed.

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Sacristy: A room near the altar or near the church entrance where the priest and servers put on their vestments for Mass, and where all the other things used at Mass are kept.

Sanctuary: The space around the altar.

Sermon: A talk given to instruct or encourage God’s people so that they may become more Christ-like.

Server: An assistant or helper to the celebrant, especially at the celebration of the Eucharist.

Stations: Representations of fourteen incidents from the time of the condemnation of Jesus by Pontius Pilate to his being placed in the tomb of Joseph of Arimatheus. Other names are: Via Crucis, Via Dolorosa or Way of the Cross.

Tabernacle: Small shrine in which the Blessed Sacrament is kept for adoration.

Thurifer: Censer-bearer, the server who carries the thurible or censer.

Triduum: Religious celebration lasting three days. Specifically the 3 days before Easter from Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Supper to the Solemn Easter Vigil.

Vigil: Eve of a feastday.

EXPLANATION OF VESTMENTS

Because the worship of God is so important, so holy, the priest wears special clothing, called vestments, when he celebrates the Holy Eucharist or any of the other sacraments.

First, he may put on the Amice, a white piece of linen about on foot wide and two feet long; it has ribbons or tapes at the upper corners which the priest ties around his waist to keep in place.

He then puts on the Alb, a long white garment with sleeves like a coat, reaching to his feet.

He may gather it in at the waist using the Cincture which he knots at the front. The cincture is a heavy cord with tassels at the ends.

The priest then puts on the Stole, which is a distinctive vestment of men of holy orders. He places it on his shoulders so that it hangs down in front.

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He then assumes the Chasuble, often called simply “the vestment”: the outermost garment worn in celebrating Mass. Chasuble and stole are usually made of the same material. The color is determined by the liturgical season or the feast being celebrated.

If a deacon is assisting the priest at Mass, he, too wears an alb (and cincture). He puts a stole on his left shoulder and crosses it under his right arm. He may also wear a Dalmatic, usually of the color of the priest’s chasuble.

GLOSSARY OF LINENS AND VESSELS

Sacramental Linens

Linen has much to teach us about the nature of purity. Genuine linen is an exquisite material. Purity is not the product of brute force or found in company with harsh manners. Its strength comes of its fineness. Its orderliness is gentle. But linen is also extremely strong; it is no gossamer web to flutter in every breeze. In real purity there is nothing of that sickly quality that flies from life and wraps itself up in unreal dreams and ideals out of its reach. It has the red cheeks of the man who is glad to be alive and the firm grip of the hard fighter.

And if we look a little further, it has still one thing more to say. It was not always so clean and fine as it now is. It was, to begin with, unsightly stuff. In order to attain its present fragrant freshness it had to be washed and rewashed, and then bleached. Purity is not come by at the first. It is indeed a grace . . . .

So the linen on the altar in its fine white durableness stands to us both for exquisite cleanness of heart and for fibrous strength. (ROMANA GUARDINI)

corporal. A square piece of linen about the size of a napkin which is placed on top of the fair linen on the altar. On this, the sacramental vessels are placed. The corporal may have one white embroidered cross at the front edge. It symbolizes one of the Lord’s grave cloths.

fair linen. A hand-hemmed cloth of fine linen which covers the top of the altar and hangs down at each end. It is embroidered only in white, with a cross in each corner and one in the center, representing the five wounds of Christ in his hands, his feet and his side.

lavabo towel. Used to dry the priest’s hands or fingers during the preparatory washing of the hands (lavabo) prior to the Eucharist. Also used during baptism to dry the hands of the priest and the head of the baptized person.

mandatory. A small linen cloth used to wipe the chalice, paten and fingers. It is oblong in shape and may be embroidered with a cross at the center.

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pall. A piece of cardboard or aluminum about eight inches square, covered with white linen. Usually it has a cross or some other symbol embroidered in white in the center. It is placed over the chalice.

purificator. A small rectangular piece of linen used to wipe the edge of the chalice as the Communion is administered.

SACRAMENTAL VESSELS

chalice. (Latin, “cup”) A metal or ceramic cup used to administer the wine at Holy Communion. The classic style is goblet-shaped and made of precious metal. The chalice is representative of the cup used at the Last Supper (1 Cor. 10:16 and 11:25-27)

ciborium. (Greek, “cup”) A companion piece in style and material to the chalice, it contains the bread of the Holy Communion. The cover of the cup may be topped with a cross.

cruet. A small pitcher-like vessel of glass or precious metal with a stopper; used to hold the wine and water for Communion

lavabo. (Latin, “I will wash”) A small metal bowl containing water for washing the fingers of the celebrant prior to Holy Communion (Ps. 26:6)

paten. (Latin, “dish”) A small dish of precious metal to hold the bread for the Holy Communion. The center may be depressed like a saucer.

pyx. Most commonly a small box or container made of precious metal which is used for carrying the Blessed Sacrament to the sick.

tabernacle. The ornamental receptacle for the vessels containing the Blessed Sacrament.

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SERVER’S PRAYER BEFORE MASS

Open my mouth, O Lord, to bless your Holy Name. Cleanse my heart from all

evil and distracting thoughts. Enlighten my understanding,

inflame my will, that I may serve worthily

at Your holy altar.

O Mary, Mother of Christ, the High Priest, obtain for me the most important grace

of knowing my vocation in life. Grant me a true spirit of faith

and humble obedience so that I may ever behold the priest

as a representative of God and willingly follow him in the Way, the Truth

and the Life of Christ. Amen.