Ministry of Ministry of Altar ServerAltar Server

(LECTURE)(LECTURE)

TABLE OF CONTENTS:SACRED VESSELSSACRED VESTMENTSTHE SANCTUARYLITURGICAL COLORSLITURGICAL SEASONSPARTS OF THE MASS

TThehe practical server must know and understand practical server must know and understand the various objects and vestments used in the the various objects and vestments used in the

liturgy.liturgy.

CORPORALCORPORAL- a sacred cloth of white - a sacred cloth of white linen around twenty inches square upon linen around twenty inches square upon which the chalice, paten and ciboria are which the chalice, paten and ciboria are

placed during Mass. placed during Mass.

PALLPALL- - a square of linen, stiffened with a square of linen, stiffened with starch, cardboard, or plastic, set on the starch, cardboard, or plastic, set on the chalice to prevent dirt or insects from chalice to prevent dirt or insects from

falling into it.falling into it.

PATENPATEN- - is the plate on which the bread is the plate on which the bread (big Host) used by the presider is placed (big Host) used by the presider is placed

and consecrated during the Mass.and consecrated during the Mass.

PURIFICATORPURIFICATOR- - a small piece of white a small piece of white absorbent linen, approximately eight by absorbent linen, approximately eight by

sixteen inches, folded in three sixteen inches, folded in three lengthwise, and marked with a cross in lengthwise, and marked with a cross in the center, employed during the Mass.the center, employed during the Mass.

CHALICECHALICE- - is a cup usually (but not always) is a cup usually (but not always) supported by a “node” (the central part of supported by a “node” (the central part of

the vessel, usually a knob) and set on a the vessel, usually a knob) and set on a base. This vessel is also used to hold the base. This vessel is also used to hold the Precious Blood of the Lord at the Mass.Precious Blood of the Lord at the Mass.

CIBORIUMCIBORIUM- - is really a paten in the form of is really a paten in the form of a chalice with a lid because the Sacred a chalice with a lid because the Sacred

Body of our Lord is placed in it. It is used Body of our Lord is placed in it. It is used also to contain the Hosts reserved in the also to contain the Hosts reserved in the

Tabernacle.Tabernacle.

CRUETSCRUETS- - are the vessels to hold the are the vessels to hold the wine (Blood of our Lord) and water ate wine (Blood of our Lord) and water ate

the Mass.the Mass.

PITCHER AND BASINPITCHER AND BASIN- - are used to hold are used to hold and catch the water for the washing of and catch the water for the washing of

the hands of the presider after the the hands of the presider after the Offertory and Communion. They are Offertory and Communion. They are

always paired with a towel.always paired with a towel.

COMMUNION PLATECOMMUNION PLATE- - is used during is used during communion, held by a server under the chin communion, held by a server under the chin

of those who receive communion directly of those who receive communion directly into the mouth.into the mouth.

FINGER TOWELFINGER TOWEL- - small clothes used by the small clothes used by the celebrants at various times in the liturgy, for celebrants at various times in the liturgy, for instance at the Preparation of the gifts in the instance at the Preparation of the gifts in the Mass, or by the bishop when administering Mass, or by the bishop when administering the Sacraments of Confirmation and Holy the Sacraments of Confirmation and Holy

Orders.Orders.

SACRAMENTARY BOOKSACRAMENTARY BOOK- - the book of the book of presidential prayers for the officiant of the presidential prayers for the officiant of the Eucharist and for any rites connected with Eucharist and for any rites connected with

the Mass.the Mass.

BELLBELL- - known as the “Sanctus Bell” is rung by known as the “Sanctus Bell” is rung by a server at Mass, at two elevations and as a a server at Mass, at two elevations and as a

warming before the consecration. It has warming before the consecration. It has practical use, to draw attention to the most practical use, to draw attention to the most

sacred moments of the Liturgy.sacred moments of the Liturgy.

LECTIONARY BOOKLECTIONARY BOOK- - the liturgical book that the liturgical book that holds the spiritual readings used during the holds the spiritual readings used during the

Liturgy of the Word in the Mass. This is Liturgy of the Word in the Mass. This is usually placed at the usually placed at the “ambo” “ambo” or lectern. or lectern.

SACRAMENTARY STANDSACRAMENTARY STAND- - is placed on the is placed on the altar at the preparation of gifts. It takes altar at the preparation of gifts. It takes

various forms, a metal or wooden book-rest or various forms, a metal or wooden book-rest or a cushion.a cushion.

THURIBLETHURIBLE- - is a metal bowl hanging by is a metal bowl hanging by three chains (usually) from a disc. It is three chains (usually) from a disc. It is

often mistaken for the “incense” and the often mistaken for the “incense” and the “charcoal”.“charcoal”.

INCENSEBOATINCENSEBOAT-- is shaped like a boat, is shaped like a boat, with a hinged lid and a matching spoon. with a hinged lid and a matching spoon. From the boat the grains of incense are From the boat the grains of incense are spooned onto the burning coals in the spooned onto the burning coals in the

Thurible. Thurible.

CREDENCE TABLECREDENCE TABLE- - is a movable table is a movable table to the side of the altar covered with white to the side of the altar covered with white cloth, upon which are placed the things cloth, upon which are placed the things needed for sacred functions, particularly needed for sacred functions, particularly

the Mass, such as the chalice, cruets, the Mass, such as the chalice, cruets, basin, and finger towel. basin, and finger towel.

PROCESSIONAL CROSSPROCESSIONAL CROSS- - is a large is a large crucifix, set on a long staff, to be carried crucifix, set on a long staff, to be carried in procession, and perhaps used as the in procession, and perhaps used as the

altar cross at Mass.altar cross at Mass.

PROCESSIONAL CANDLEPROCESSIONAL CANDLE- - are two tall candlesticks are two tall candlesticks carried in procession by two servers. carried in procession by two servers.

MONSTRANCEMONSTRANCE- - is a larger vessel, is a larger vessel, really a stand to display the Host at really a stand to display the Host at

exposition of the Blessed exposition of the Blessed Sacrament . Sacrament .

LUNETTELUNETTE- - is the gift clip which holds Host when is the gift clip which holds Host when exposed in the Monstrance.exposed in the Monstrance.

PYXPYX- - is the round container which holds the is the round container which holds the Host and Lunette in the Tabernacle. A smaller Host and Lunette in the Tabernacle. A smaller

pyx, like an old-fashioned watch case, is used to pyx, like an old-fashioned watch case, is used to take the Eucharist to the stick.take the Eucharist to the stick.

ASPERGILIUMASPERGILIUM-- is also known as the is also known as the “bucket” and the sprinkler as an “aspergil”. “bucket” and the sprinkler as an “aspergil”.

OIL STOCKSOIL STOCKS- - usually takes the form of a usually takes the form of a metal cylinder, with compartments for the metal cylinder, with compartments for the sacramental oils (oil of the sick and oil of sacramental oils (oil of the sick and oil of Chrism for Baptism and Confirmation).Chrism for Baptism and Confirmation).

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ALBALB- - is a white garment reaching to is a white garment reaching to the ankles. It is derived from the the ankles. It is derived from the

ancient Roman tunic and is a sign of ancient Roman tunic and is a sign of purity. The word “alb” comes from the purity. The word “alb” comes from the

Latin word for “white”.Latin word for “white”.

STOLESTOLE- - is a distinctive sign of those is a distinctive sign of those who have received Holy Orders as they who have received Holy Orders as they

carry out the ministry in sacrament carry out the ministry in sacrament and worship.and worship.

CHASUBLECHASUBLE- - is the major Eucharistic is the major Eucharistic vestment, worn over the stole and the alb. It vestment, worn over the stole and the alb. It

is the color of the season or day. is the color of the season or day.

DALMATICDALMATIC- - is worn by the deacon. It is worn by the deacon. It resembles a large coat, of the color of the resembles a large coat, of the color of the season or day. It is worn over the stole and season or day. It is worn over the stole and

the alb.the alb.

COPECOPE- - is a large semi-circular cloak, held is a large semi-circular cloak, held at the front by a clasp or band of fabric. It at the front by a clasp or band of fabric. It

is used for solemn celebrations of the is used for solemn celebrations of the sacraments and for Benediction of the sacraments and for Benediction of the

Blessed Sacrament.Blessed Sacrament.

HUMERAL VEILHUMERAL VEIL- - is a large white shawl, is a large white shawl, worn around the shoulders while carrying worn around the shoulders while carrying the Blessed Sacrament in procession and the Blessed Sacrament in procession and

white giving the Eucharistic blessing at the white giving the Eucharistic blessing at the benediction.benediction.

MITREMITRE- - is a double-pointed head-dress, with is a double-pointed head-dress, with two lappets hanging at the back. It has been two lappets hanging at the back. It has been

used by bishops since the 12used by bishops since the 12thth century. century.

CROZIERCROZIER- - is a staff, usually with a is a staff, usually with a shepherd's crook at the top, is a sign of his shepherd's crook at the top, is a sign of his

pastoral office the Bishop carries it to remind pastoral office the Bishop carries it to remind us that he is the pastor and guardian of us that he is the pastor and guardian of

God’s people. God’s people.

PECTORAL CROSSPECTORAL CROSS- - is the bishop’s is the bishop’s necklace. It is worn under the chasuble and necklace. It is worn under the chasuble and the dalmatic, under the cope but above the the dalmatic, under the cope but above the

mozeta. mozeta.

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*Liturgical Seasons: Ordinary Time - (33-34 weeks)Christ the King Advent Season - (4 weeks)Christmas Season - Birth of Jesus – (Dec. 25) Holy Family Epiphany Baptism of JesusOrdinary Time Lenten Season – Ash Wednesday Last Supper Death of JesusEaster Season – Resurrection Ascension Pentecost – (50 days after lent)

**Liturgical Colors:Liturgical Colors: GreenGreen - - is the color of plant life, abundant in spring. It is used to is the color of plant life, abundant in spring. It is used to represent the triumph of life over death. Green is the liturgical color represent the triumph of life over death. Green is the liturgical color for the Trinity season in some traditions, and may be used during for the Trinity season in some traditions, and may be used during Epiphany in others. in others.

VioletViolet- is the color for penitence and mourning. It is also the color of - is the color for penitence and mourning. It is also the color of royalty. Purple is the liturgical color for the seasons of royalty. Purple is the liturgical color for the seasons of Advent and and Lent. .

Red Red -- is the color of blood, and so is used in the church as the is the color of blood, and so is used in the church as the liturgical color for the commemoration of martyred saints. As the liturgical color for the commemoration of martyred saints. As the color of fire, red is used as the liturgical color for color of fire, red is used as the liturgical color for Pentecost. .

WhiteWhite - has, since before biblical times, been recognized as a symbol - has, since before biblical times, been recognized as a symbol of purity, innocence and holiness. It is the liturgical color for the of purity, innocence and holiness. It is the liturgical color for the Christmas and and Easter seasons. White is sometimes represented by seasons. White is sometimes represented by silver. silver.

BlueBlue - the color of the sky is symbolic of heaven. It may also be used - the color of the sky is symbolic of heaven. It may also be used to symbolize truth. Blue is gaining acceptance as a liturgical color for to symbolize truth. Blue is gaining acceptance as a liturgical color for Advent..

  

**Parts of the Mass:Parts of the Mass: INTRODUCTORY RITES INTRODUCTORY RITES LITURGY OF THE LITURGY OF THE EUCHARISTEUCHARIST - -Entrance Song -Preparation of the Entrance Song -Preparation of the Gifts Gifts - -Veneration of the Altar -Eucharistic PrayerVeneration of the Altar -Eucharistic Prayer - -Penitential Rite -Communion RitePenitential Rite -Communion Rite - -“Gloria” “Gloria” - -Opening PrayerOpening Prayer

LITURGY OF THE WORDLITURGY OF THE WORD CONCLUDING CONCLUDING RITERITE - -First Reading -Final Blessing First Reading -Final Blessing - -Responsorial Psalm -DismissalResponsorial Psalm -Dismissal - -Second Reading Second Reading - -“Alleluia” “Alleluia” - -GospelGospel - -HomilyHomily - -Profession of FaithProfession of Faith - -Prayer of the Faithful Prayer of the Faithful

  

**Parts of the SANCTUARY:Parts of the SANCTUARY:

SanctuarySanctuary – – the highest place at the front of the Church within, which most of the highest place at the front of the Church within, which most of the action of the Liturgy of the Eucharist takes place. the action of the Liturgy of the Eucharist takes place. TabernacleTabernacle – is a small box, – is a small box, usually especially decorated, in which the Eucharist is kept when Mass is not usually especially decorated, in which the Eucharist is kept when Mass is not being stared.being stared. Paschal CandlePaschal Candle – – a large candle which is placed in the a large candle which is placed in the Sanctuary. It is used during the Baptism and Funerals. Sanctuary. It is used during the Baptism and Funerals. LecternLectern – – the place from which the readings are done, the gospel is proclaimed and the the place from which the readings are done, the gospel is proclaimed and the homily is given. homily is given. AltarAltar – the large, high table, usually located in the middle of the Sanctuary – the large, high table, usually located in the middle of the Sanctuary where most of the action of the Liturgy of the Eucharist takes place. where most of the action of the Liturgy of the Eucharist takes place. Altar CandlesAltar Candles – they are lit – they are lit to signal that Mass was started. to signal that Mass was started. Altar ClothAltar Cloth – a long white linen cloth draped over the altar ends as a symbol – a long white linen cloth draped over the altar ends as a symbol of the upcoming meal and also the cloth wrapped around the body of Jesus of the upcoming meal and also the cloth wrapped around the body of Jesus when he was buried.when he was buried. SacristySacristy – a sacred place where the sacred vessels, linens, book and – a sacred place where the sacred vessels, linens, book and vestments are located. vestments are located. CrucifixCrucifix – a fix cross in the center of the Sanctuary, which also symbolizes our – a fix cross in the center of the Sanctuary, which also symbolizes our Lord’s Passion. Lord’s Passion. Vigil LampVigil Lamp - it signify the presence of the Blessed Sacrament. - it signify the presence of the Blessed Sacrament. SacrariumSacrarium – a basin or sink, with a separate drain – a basin or sink, with a separate drain pipe directly to the earth for the disposal of water used for Sacred Purpose, as pipe directly to the earth for the disposal of water used for Sacred Purpose, as when washing/ altar linens. when washing/ altar linens. Presider’s ChairPresider’s Chair – is a sign of the priest’s role of presiding over the assembly – is a sign of the priest’s role of presiding over the assembly during the Liturgy of the Word and the Concluding Rite of the Mass.during the Liturgy of the Word and the Concluding Rite of the Mass.

Basic PRAYERSBasic PRAYERSTHE LORD’S PRAYERTHE LORD’S PRAYER

HAIL MARYHAIL MARY

GLORY BEGLORY BE

APOSTLE’S CREEDAPOSTLE’S CREED