Altar Servers Guidebook

Letter from Fr. Buchmeier Dear Altar Servers and Parents:

Congratulations! You are part of a very special group of people: our

parish’s altar servers. You may not fully realize it, but your desire to

be an altar server is a call from God and it is God whom you serve in

your ministry as an altar server. Through this service, you will not

only assist the priest and deacon, but you will help our entire parish

worship God in the Holy Mass, which the Church calls “the source

and summit of our Christian life.

We hope the booklet will make you more confident in your role.

Please read through this booklet carefully. If you or your

parents/guardians have any questions about the guidelines

contained in this booklet, please be sure to ask Deacon Rob Stout or

the altar server coordinators.

I hope that your service in the altar server ministry will last for many

years. May this ministry give you much joy and help you to know

God more closely, follow Him more devoutly, and love Him more

and more every day.

Parents/Guardians, you have permitted your child to undertake an

awesome ministry and responsibility. Our parish depends on our

altar servers, including your child, to worship God in the Holy Mass.

Please instill in your child the importance of fulfilling his

commitments to serve. To me faithful in attendance and

punctuality. Impress upon your child that this is a gift for God.

Thank you for making this ministry possible.

God Bless You!

Father Robert Buchmeier

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Attendance Policy

Promptness Policy Dress Code Policy Words and Things Which Should Be Familiar to You Things to Know in the Sanctuary Actions to Learn THE HOLY MASS

Before Mass Begins The Order of Mass and the Altar Server's Role Introductory Rites Liturgy of the Eucharist Communion Rite Concluding Rite

St. Tarcisius – Patron Saint of Altar Servers The Crashing Cruet Attendance, Promptness, and Dress Code Policies

Because service at God's altar is such a special privilege, Holy

Cross Parish has several policies that must be observed if

someone wishes to be an altar server.

Following these policies shows that you understand how

important the ministry of altar server is to Our Lord, his

Church, and our parish family.

Attendance Policy Service at God's altar is a great privilege and a serious

responsibility. We expect the altar servers of Holy Cross Parish

to honor this privilege by being responsible.

When you receive your schedule in your email, look for your

assignments and then put them on your calendar at home.

Make sure your parents/guardians know when you are

assigned. Please carefully read the letter that comes with the

schedule. Be sure to give the letter to your parents/guardians

so they can read it, too.

If you lose or misplace your schedule, please contact the Altar

Server Coordinators or the Parish Office. Another copy will be

sent to you.

You must honor your commitment to the altar server ministry

by showing up for all assignments. If you cannot be at a Mass

for which you are scheduled, you must find a replacement

from another team. If you try to arrange for a replacement and

you cannot find anyone to take your place, you must let your

team captain know so that he/she can help find a replacement.

(If a team captain needs a replacement, he/she should only call

another team captain to be his/her substitute.)

Q: What happens if I have a last-minute emergency?

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A: Contact your team captain and the Altar Server Coordinators as

soon as possible to let them know what happened. Then we will

know that you didn't just forget and that you do take this

responsibility seriously.

Promptness Policy You must be on time for your assignment. What does "on time"

mean? "On time" means 15 minutes before Mass is scheduled to

begin!

Dress Code Policy Please make sure that you always dress appropriately when serving

Mass. What should you wear when serving?

For Boys:

Dress Slacks and Dress Shirt or Polo Shirt

Dress shoes with a non-skid sole.

For Girls:

Dress slacks/skirt and top or a dress.

Dress shoes with a non-skid sole

Please remember that appropriate attire also means the following:

• No jeans or sweat pants

• No shorts of any kind.

• No short skirts or dresses.

• No T-shirts or athletic jerseys

• No sleeveless tops, no backless tops, no tops with bare shoulders,

no tops with bare midriffs.

• No sneakers, flip-flops, or shoes without a back strap.

• Girls should avoid shoes with high heels.

Please follow the Dress Code carefully. It is embarrassing for

everyone when someone has to be spoken to about his/her attire.

… In the liturgy, you are much more than simple “helpers of

the parish priest.” Above all, you are servers of Jesus Christ,

of the eternal High Priest.

Dear young people! Your contemporaries wait for the real

"Light of the world” (see John 1:9). Do not hold your

candlestick only inside a church, but carry the light of the

Gospel to all those who are in darkness and are living through

a difficult time in their life.

—Saint John Paul II

Address to Altar Servers

August 12, 2001

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Words and Things Which Should Be Familiar to You As an Altar Server, there are many words and things which should

be very familiar to you. Some of them you knew before you started

preparing to be an Altar Server; most of them were shown to you

during your preparation classes. We have listed them here

alphabetically for easy reference. This is not a comprehensive list; it

contains just some of the more usual things, actions and dates which

refer to your duties as Altar Server.

If you have questions, don’t hesitate to ask any of the priests,

the deacon or the adult acolytes of Holy Cross Church. They will be

more than happy to answer your questions and help you with any

difficulty you may have.

ADVENT: The four weeks before Christmas during which we prepare

for Christmas. The Celebrant wears a violet CHASUBLE.

ADVENT WREATH: A festive wreath of greens arranged to hold three

purple and one white candles. The candles are lighted on the Sundays

of Advent.

ALB: A long, white garment always worn

by the celebrant, which covers the entire

body. At Holy Cross, the Adult Acolytes

also wear albs.

ALTAR: The place where the sacrifice of

Jesus is offered to God; the Lord's Table,

where the Eucharist is celebrated. It is

always treated with respect because it also

represents Christ, who is the center of our

parish life.

ALTAR CLOTH: The long white cloth that covers the top of the altar

and sometimes hangs over the ends.

AMBO or PULPIT: A stand or lectern where the readings are done. At

Holy Cross it is to the right of the Altar.

ASCENSION: The celebration of the return of Jesus to the Father is

forty days after Easter. Still within the Easter season, the Celebrant

wears a white CHASUBLE.

BENEDICTION: A service, different from Mass, of special devotion to

the Eucharist, the real presence of Christ among us. If you are

interested you may serve at this celebration and special instructions

will be given to you.

BOAT: A small container that holds the incense. This is usually

carried by the THURIFER in the left hand.

CANDLE-BEARER: The servers who carry candles at either side of the cross in the processions of Mass. At Holy Cross they may also have important parts during the proclamation of the Gospel and bringing the gifts from the back of the church.

CASSOCK: A long robe that reaches from shoulders to ankles. Priests usually wear it black. At Holy Cross the servers wear a red cassock with a white SURPLICE over it. CELEBRANT: The priest who leads the ceremony; usually a parish priest, but it may also be a visiting priest, the Bishop, or (in some ceremonies) a deacon. CELEBRANT’S CHAIR: The chair used by the celebrant priest during Mass. It can also be

called the Presidential Chair. At Holy Cross it is located to the left of the altar. The Deacon (if present) sits next to it, and the servers sit behind it. CENSER: See THURIBLE.

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CHALICE: The cup used by the celebrant when he

consecrates the wine into the Blood of Christ.

CHALICE VEIL: A cloth covering the chalice while it is

on the credence table. It matches the color of the

CHASUBLE.

CHASUBLE: A long, flowing robe that goes over the celebrant's head. This is the vestment people see. The colors of this vestment change according to the various seasons in the Liturgical Calendar. CHRISTMAS: The Birth of Jesus at Bethlehem, when God became one of us. The celebration lasts 12 days, ending on Epiphany, on January 6. The priest wears white CHASUBLE. CIBORIUM: A chalice or container with a cap or cover, used to hold the consecrated bread during Mass and in the TABERNACLE afterwards. CINCTURE: A thin rope, tied around the waist over the alb. CONCELEBRATION: The celebration of one Mass by more than one priest. This will usually happen during Holy Week, at Confirmation, and on special occasions. CORPORAL: A square piece of white cloth which is spread over the altar cloth where the celebrant will say Mass. The celebrant’s chalice is placed on it. CREDENCE TABLE: A side table in the sanctuary where all the objects used for Mass are put before and after they are actually used. At Holy Cross it is located to the left of the altar, next to the servers’ chairs. CROSS-BEARER: The server who carries the cross during processions.

CRUETS: Covered, bottle-like containers that hold the water and wine used by the priest. They have a small dish or tray under them. DALMATIC: A coat-like vestment worn by the deacon. It is usually open at the sides and is the same color as the priest’s chasuble. A deacon may wear this or just an ALB and STOLE. DEACON: A man ordained by the Bishop to serve the community. Deacons can read the Gospel at Mass, preach the homily, prepare the bread and wine, and help with Communion. They can also baptize, celebrate marriages, and help at funerals. Larger parishes may have more than one. At Holy Cross presently we have three Deacons. EASTER: The celebration of Jesus’ Resurrection from the dead. This is the most important feast day of the Church Year and lasts for almost two months, until Pentecost. The priests wears a white CASSOCK during this time. EASTER VIGIL: The night before Easter Sunday, the most important Mass of the year is said only after sunset. It includes several different ceremonies, often including Baptisms. EUCHARIST: A Greek word that means “thanksgiving.” It refers to the bread and wine that have been consecrated, but it also refers to the part of the Mass where the consecration takes place, the Liturgy of the Eucharist. EUCHARISTIC PRAYER: The prayer the celebrant says in the name of the congregation. This prayer consecrates the bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ. Through it, the celebrant reminds us of the great things God has done for us, and we give thanks to Him GENUFLECT: To briefly touch your right knee to the floor. A server genuflects EVERY TIME he/she passes in front of the TABERNACLE as a sign of respect for the Eucharist. Only those carrying the cross or the candles do not genuflect but make a simple bow instead. HOMILY: An explanation of the readings or a lesson of what God’s words mean in our lives. It comes after the Gospel. The homily is

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usually given by the Celebrant. HOST: The round piece of unleavened (without yeast) bread used for Mass. The celebrant uses a larger host so that everyone in church is able to see it at Consecration. INCENSE: A mixture of resins and other materials which gives off a sweet-smelling smoke when burned. The smoke represents our prayers rising to God.

LAVABO: The washing of the celebrant's fingers before the Eucharistic Prayer. The servers bring to him a bowl or tray, the water cruet, and a finger towel. LECTIONARY: The large book containing the Bible readings used at Mass. This is the book used by the Lector. It is the companion of the ROMAN MISSAL. Mass and is placed on the altar for the Eucharistic Prayer. It is the companion book to the LECTIONARY. LECTOR: The word means “reader.” This is the person who reads from the Lectionary. LENT: Is the period of forty days before Easter, beginning with Ash Wednesday. The color of the celebrant’s chasuble is violet, for penance.

MONSTRANCE: A large metal container to display or show the host. It is often gold or silver-colored. Benediction is the ceremony when the monstrance is most often used. PALL: A cloth-covered stiff square that fits over the chalice. PASCHAL CANDLE: A large candle placed in a tall holder to symbolize the light of the Risen Christ. It is blessed at the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday night and then stays in the sanctuary until the end of Pentecost. The Paschal Candle is lighted during every ceremony. After Pentecost, it is placed near the baptismal font, and is used during all Baptisms and funerals throughout the year. PASSION SUNDAY: Also called PALM SUNDAY is the Sunday before Easter. Palms are distributed at Mass, but the relevant thing of the day is the reading of the story of the Passion and Death of Jesus. PATEN: A round metal plate which holds the host used by the celebrant during Mass. PENTECOST: Fifty days after Easter we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit to the Apostles and the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is also called the Birthday of the Church. The Celebrant uses red colored vestments. PROCESSION: A solemn way to walk, sometimes with the use of incense, inside or outside of the church building. Several people walk together toward or away from the sanctuary, usually at the beginning or end of a ceremony. There can also be smaller processions during Mass at the Gospel time. PURIFICATOR: A small white cloth used by the Celebrant to clean the chalice and paten after Communion. PYX: A small container used to bring Communion to the sick and house- bound.

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ROMAN MISSAL: This is the large book which contains all the prayers said by the celebrant during Mass. It is held by a server at the beginning and end of the Mass. SACRARIUM: A special sink in the sacristy where the water goes directly into the ground. It usually has a metal cover. The cloths and vessels used for Mass are washed here. SACRISTY: The room where the celebrant, deacon and servers prepare for Mass. Most of the vestments and objects used for Mass are kept in this room. SANCTUARY: The area around the altar. Normally is one or more steps higher than the rest of the church to help people see what happens there. SANCTUARY CANDLE: A single candle constantly burning near the tabernacle to show the presence of the Eucharist, which is the true presence of Christ, the light of the world, in the church. SERVER: Someone who helps the Celebrant during a ceremony.

STOLE: A symbol of the sacrament of Holy Orders. It is a long band of cloth worn during ceremonies by bishops, priests, and deacons. It is usually of the color of the Church season, or special day. A deacon wears a stole over the left shoulder. Priests and bishops wear their stoles over both shoulders. SURPLICE: A white garment that is half the length

of a cassock. It is worn over the cassock.

TABERNACLE: The place where the Eucharist is kept. Holy Cross has it behind the altar. As a sign of reverence, we must genuflect whenever passing in front of the tabernacle.

THURIBLE: The metal container that holds the hot charcoal to burn the incense. This is carried by the thurifer in the right hand. It can also be called the CENSER. THURIFER: The server who carries the thurible

and the boat. This server usually leads the procession at the beginning of Mass when incense is used. TRIDUUM: Any religious devotion that lasts for three days. This refers especially to the Easter Triduum of Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Easter Vigil.

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Things to Know in the Sanctuary

1. Altar Server’s Chairs 2. Credence Table 3. Celebrant’s Chair 4. Sanctuary Candle 5. American Flag 6. Tabernacle 7. Main Altar 8. Papal Flag 9. Altar Candles

10. Side Chairs 11. Ambo 12. Processional Cross 13. Celebrant proclaiming

the Gospel 14. Thurifer 15. Candle Bearers 16. Baldachin over and

around the tabernacle

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Actions to Learn Folding Hands: Put palm against palm of your hands. Cross your thumbs to form an “x.” Keep your elbows near your body. Make sure that your hands are held in front of your chest, with fingers pointing up at a 45° angle. Sign of the Cross: Begin with folded hands. As you say “In the name of the Father,” touch your forehead with the tips of the fingers of your right hand extended; then as you say “. . . and of the Son,” with the same fingers of your extended right hand touch your chest, just above your stomach; then, when you say “. . . and of the Holy. . .” use those fingers to touch your left shoulder; when you say “Spirit,” touch your right shoulder. You say “Amen,” & return your hands to the folded position. Small Sign of the Cross: This sign is made at the announcement of the Gospel and follows the action of the Priest or Deacon. Closing the fingers of your right hand, make a cross with your index and thumb, the thumb being on top. With that cross, mark three small crosses, one on your forehead, one on your lips, and one on your chest, while praying silently “May the Lord be in my mind, on my lips, and in my heart.” Genuflecting: Catholics genuflect to show respect for the Blessed Sacrament, that is, the Real Presence of our Lord Jesus Christ in the Tabernacle. Genuflecting always start from the standing position. Never genuflect while moving. With hands folded and eyes on the Tabernacle, bring your right leg about half a step back, then bend your right knee to the floor, even with your left foot, body erect. Pause briefly, and then rise to the original standing position, feet together. Genuflect before and after Mass, and whenever you pass

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in front of the Tabernacle. Only those carrying the Cross or the candles do NOT genuflect, but make a Simple Bow instead. Bows: The Simple Bow or bow of the head is a slow nod and only the head is lowered, keeping the body straight. The Profound Bow or bow of the body is made from the waist, with hands folded. The body is bent forward about 30 degrees. It should be made slowly and reverently. Sitting: Sit always erect, with the palms of your hands flat against your legs and the edge of your fingers close to your knees. NEVER cross your legs when wearing a cassock. Standing: Do not slouch. Stand erect with hands properly folded. When you are in the Sanctuary you are visible to the entire congregation.

THE HOLY MASS Before Mass Begins Please remember that you must arrive at church 15 minutes before

Mass is scheduled to begin.

Q: Why so much this extra time?

A: This time is really not "extra." You need this time to:

• Report to the Sacristy to sign in and vest.

• Put on your cassock and surplice properly.

• Get your assignment from the Team Captain

• Receive any special instructions that might be necessary for that Mass.

• Wait in the Sacristy until the priest or deacon tells to you to go to the

Narthex.

• Pray and think about the important ministry in which you are about to

participate-the most important reason of all to arrive on time!

Please remember to be quiet, orderly, and respectful while you are

getting ready and while you are waiting for Mass to begin.

A few points to help you so you will not be a distraction:

• When you are standing, stand up straight with your hands

folded in prayer.

• When you are sitting, sit still with your back against your chair

and with your hands in your lap.

• When you are kneeling, your back should be straight and your

hands folded in prayer.

• No conversations during Mass unless you are asking for

directions.

• No fidgeting, kicking your legs while you are sitting down, etc.

• If you are the book-bearer, hold the book steady and keep you

head looking straight ahead; no looking around.

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• If you make a mistake, calmly correct yourself or wait for

instruction from the priest or deacon. (The congregation will

probably not see that you made a mistake.)

The Order of Mass and the Altar Server's Role Introductory Rites Procession:

The procession forms in the Narthex. The order of the procession is

as follows:

• Cross-bearer with candle bearers on either side

• The Deacon with the Book of the Gospels (or a Lector if there is

no Deacon)

• Deacon and Priest

The cross-bearer leads the procession. Wait until the priest or

deacon signals you to begin the procession. Remember that any

altar servers that are not carrying the cross or a candle should have

your hands folded in prayer.

When the cross-bearer and the candle-bearers reach the sanctuary,

proceed to the center of the rug, stop, bow your heads and then

proceed to the left, place the cross and the candles in the proper

place and then proceed to your seat and remain standing. When

the priest reaches his chair, the book-bearer brings the BLACK

binder to him. The priest will open the book to the correct page,

and you will hold the book for him at the level he indicates

Blessing and Sprinkling Holy Water:

This rite is usually done only on very special occasions, for example,

the Sundays of Easter. Usually the Deacon will help the priest. If

there is no Deacon, the Priest may ask an altar server to help.

Opening Prayer:

When the priest says, "Let us pray," the book-bearer immediately brings the RED book to the priest. Walk with dignity and reverence. When you reach the priest, the priest will open the book to the correct page, and you will hold the book for him at the level he indicates.

At the conclusion of the opening prayer, the book-bearer returns the book to the credence table and then returns to his seat. All the servers sit down when the assembly sits down.

When the homily is completed and the priest or deacon has returned to his chair, the book-bearer brings the BLACK book to the priest. The priest will open the book to the correct page, and you will hold the book for him at the level he indicates.

Liturgy of the Eucharist Once the General Intercessions are completed, the Liturgy of the Eucharist begins.

As soon as the intercession reader returns to his/her seat, the servers do the following:

Two altar servers bring the chalice and the missal from the credence table to the altar.

If a deacon is assisting at Mass, the server hands the missal to him. Then the other server hands the chalice to the deacon.

If a deacon is not assisting at Mass, place the missal on the altar to the left of the corporal. Place the chalice on top of the corporal.

Once the missal and chalice have been placed on the altar, the two servers bow to the altar and return to the credence table.

Presentation and Preparation of the Gifts:

Once the priest stands up and begins to move to the front of the sanctuary, the altar servers do the following:

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One of the altar servers meets the priest and deacon at the bottom of the steps.

Another server removes the stopper from the water cruet and waits for the server with the wine cruet to return to the credence table.

Then the following takes place:

The priest or deacon hands the wine cruet to the server standing with him at the foot of the sanctuary.

The priest, deacon, and server enter the sanctuary. The server with the wine cruet goes to the credence table where the other server is waiting with the water cruet. The server with the wine cruet removes the stopper and places the stopper on the credence table.

Both servers enter the sanctuary together, bringing the water and wine cruets to the altar. The server with the wine cruet stands closest to the altar.

When presenting the wine and water cruets, hold them with the handles facing the deacon (or priest). Wait while the deacon (or priest) pours the wine and water into the chalice. When the cruets are returned to you, make a slight bow and return the wine cruet to the credence table.

Washing of Hands:

One of the servers, waiting near the credence table, hands the basin to the server holding the water cruet and the towel to the server holding the wine cruet.

The two servers, who had been assisting at the altar, return together to the side of the altar. The server holding the water cruet and basin stands closest to the altar.

The server holding the towel places the towel over his/her hands, holding his/her hands as we do in prayer. The server with the towel stands next to the server with the basin, on his/her left.

After the priest washes his hands, both servers bow. They return the water cruet, basin, and towel to the credence table.

When the priest says, "Pray, brethren, that our sacrifice may be acceptable to God, the almighty Father," the assembly stands. At this time, all the servers stand and come forward and stand in front of the kneeling pads located on the steps at the side of the altar.

Point to Remember: If only one server assists with the Washing of Hands, he/she places the towel over his/her left arm and carries the basin in one hand and the water cruet in the other hand.

After the Holy, Holy, Holy is sung or recited, the assembly kneels for the Eucharistic Prayer. The altar servers kneel on the pad located on the sanctuary step.

Consecration:

After the priest prays the words of consecration over the bread and as he lifts the host which is now the Body of Christ, one of the altar servers rings the bells for a count of 5.

After the priest prays the words of consecration over the wine and as he lifts the chalice filled with what is now the Precious Blood, the same altar server rings the bells for a count of 5.

Important Point to Remember: The altar server who rings the bells places them on the step touching the riser so no one will trip over them.

Communion Rite After the priest says, “Through Him and with Him and in Him, O God Almighty Father, all glory and honor are yours for ever and ever,” the congregation says, “Amen” and stands up. The altar servers stand up.

Sign of Peace:

The priest comes to where the altar servers are standing and exchanges a sign of peace with them.

The Servers' Responsibilities during the Communion Rite:

All the servers are to stand on the top step to receive Communion. After the Priest and Deacon have gone to distribute Communion,

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the altar servers remove the Book from the altar and place it on the book table; remove the Chalice, paten, pall, and purificator from the altar and place them on the credence table. Always hold the chalice with TWO hands-one hand around the stem, the other resting on top of the chalice.

After the altar is cleared, the servers return to their seats. Be seated at the bench that is recessed against the wall. Use this time to thank the Lord for his many blessings, especially for his Presence in the Eucharist.

When the priest stands and says, "Let us pray," the book-bearer brings the RED book to the priest in the same way he/she did at the beginning of Mass.

Remember to walk with dignity and to carry the book with reverence. When the priest is finished. Return the RED book to the book table and bring the BLACK binder to the priest.

Concluding Rite Dismissal:

The priest or deacon sends the assembly out to serve God and his people. As soon as the music begins (or, if there is no music, when the assembly says, "Thanks be to God”, the cross-bearer picks up the Processional Cross and the candle-bearers pick up the candles and line up along the back of the rug in the sanctuary facing the altar.

After Mass

Mass is not over until the last word of the last hymn is sung! Therefore, wait until the hymn is finished before returning to the sanctuary to bring the cruets, basin and chalice into the sacristy.

Remove your cassock and surplice and hang them on a hanger in the closet.

St. Tarcisius – Patron Saint of Altar Servers Pope Benedict XVI, welcomed some 50,000 altar servers who participated

in his General Audience of Wednesday, Aug. 4.

The pope told the young people about St. Tarcisius, a youngster who

regularly came to the catacombs with great love for the Eucharist. St.

Tarcisius lived during the time

of Emperor Valerian, who was

harshly persecuting Christians.

Hence it was rather dangerous

for people to bring the

Eucharist to prisoners and the

sick following Mass. But one

day young Tarcisius asked the

priest to send him. On his way,

Tarcisius met some other

youngsters who tried to take

the Eucharist away from him.

He refused, even though they

kicked him and threw stones at

him. He was so seriously

injured that he died. When his

dead body was brought back to

the priest, Tarcisius was still clutching close to his breast a small linen bag

which contained the Eucharist.

The pope used this story to remind the altar servers of the deep love and

great veneration we must all have for the Eucharist. He encouraged them

to serve the Lord in the Eucharist generously and faithfully, to guard their

friendship with Jesus, just as St. Tarcisius guarded the most holy sacrament

of the altar. He asked them to communicate to their peers the gift of their

friendship with the Lord and to do so with joy, with enthusiasm, and without

fear. He also told them how fortunate they were to be able to be so close

to the altar when the sacred mysteries are celebrated and how important

their service was for the spiritual growth of God’s people.

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The Crashing Cruet Altar boys and girls of a certain age across the globe will confirm that in their

estimation one of the most embarrassing sounds in the whole world is that

of a cruet crashing to a marble floor of a church where they are at the altar

serving holy mass. This is well illustrated by the story of a boy who

experience this minor calamity.

One 8-year-old youngster dropped the cruet whilst serving a Bishop

in the cathedral. He later said that “There is no atomic explosion that

as loud as the crash of a wine cruet falling on the marble floor of a

cathedral in the presence of a Bishop. I was frightened to death.”

Fortunately, the Bishop handled the problem with great wisdom

because the two of them had a very friendly conversation afterwards

in the sacristy. “Young man, where are you going to go to school

when you get big?” inquired the bishop. The boy looked up and told

him he wanted to go to the Spalding Institute which was named after

the bishop himself. The Bishop asked the question a different way

“Did you ever hear of Louvain?” The altar server replied that he had

not. Bishop Spalding then said, “Go home and tell your mother that I

said when you get big you are to go to Louvain, and some day you will

be just as I am.”

As requested to youngster went home, told his mother when it

transpired and she informed him that Louvain was a great Catholic

University in Belgium. He promptly forgot the whole incident until

two years after his ordination when as a

young priest he entered the famous halls

of Louvain. “Oh this is the place where

Bishop Spalding told me I should go.” As

foretold by Bishop Spalding, this young

server grew up to become one of the most

famous bishops in the world: the Servant

of God, Archbishop Fulton J Sheen.

Altar Server,

Serve at the Lord’s altar

As if it were your first time,

As if it were your last time,

As if it were your only time.

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Portions of this booklet are taken from the

booklet produced by Saint Peter’s Parish in Olney.