THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE of COLUMBUS, OHIO

THE ALTAR SERVER’S MANUAL

Last Revised: April 9, 2013

Altar Server: _____________________________________________________

Table of Contents

THE MINISTRY OF SERVING AT THE ALTAR OF GOD ……....……………………….……..….. 2

GENERAL RULES FOR SERVING AT THE ALTAR ………………………………………….…..… 3

SETTING UP FOR MASS: ITEMS YOU NEED TO KNOW ………………………………………… 6

HOW TO SERVE SUNDAY MASS ………………………………………………………………….…… 7

HOW TO SERVE WITH A DEACON ………………………………………………………………..… 12

HOW TO SERVE EXPOSITION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT ……………………………. 14

HOW TO SERVE BENEDICTION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT ……………………….… 15

LITURGICAL VESTMENTS ……………………………………………………………………...……. 17

LITURGICAL ITEMS THAT EVERY SERVER SHOULD RECOGNIZE …………………….… 19

OTHER LITURGICAL MINISTRIES YOU MAY SEE …………………………………………..… 21

THE SPIRITUALITY OF AN ALTAR SERVER …………………………………………………..… 22

AN ALTAR SERVER IS GROWING IN VIRTUE WHEN HE OR SHE……………………….… 23

ALTAR SERVER’S PRAYERS …………………………………………………………………………. 24

CHECKLIST OF ALTAR SERVERS …………………………………………………………..……… 25

1.

The Ministry of Serving at the Altar of God

Serving at the Altar is a very important ministry in the Church. Altar servers add

to the solemnity that already surrounds the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. They assist

the Priest in important ways in his role as head of the worshipping church.

They perform important tasks by:

Carrying the processional Cross and candles in the procession at the

beginning and the end of Mass,

Presenting the Roman Missal to the Priest at different times during the

Mass,

Carrying the candles to escort those who carry the gifts to the Altar,

Assisting at Mass with incense;

Carrying the Chalice and helping to prepare the Altar for the Holy Sacrifice

of the Mass,

Washing the Priest’s hands,

Serving at Mass during funerals, weddings, and other special Masses,

And serving at other special events such as Exposition, Benediction, Vespers,

Rosary Processions, May Crownings, etc.

Altar servers help all in the parish to praise and worship God in a fitting manner.

Therefore, it is very important that parents also encourage their sons and

daughters to become Altar servers. Parents should take it upon themselves to

remind their children of their scheduled Masses and to make sure that they arrive

early to prepare for this important ministry.

2.

General Rules for Serving at the Altar

Appearance: To serve at Mass, Altar servers must be dressed appropriately. Be

neatly groomed and dressed. Please wear appropriate clothing and shoes to every

Mass you attend (even when not scheduled to serve) and offer to serve in case a

substitute is needed. Servers are never permitted to wear jeans, brightly colored

trousers or shirts under the alb. Sneakers are not to be worn when serving.

Exceptions are made when a server is asked to serve last minute. During the

summer months it is acceptable to wear shorts under the alb. Socks of appropriate

length must be worn so that bare legs are never visible when kneeling,

genuflecting, etc.

Hair: Hair must be clean; neatly combed/brushed and a natural color. No extreme

hairstyles or extreme hair colors. Hair should not hang or fall in the face.

Face: No excessive/extreme make-up on face, eyes, or lips.

Hands and fingernails: Hands must be clean of all rings and dangling bracelets.

Nails must be of practical length.

Ears: Earrings (ladies only), if worn, must be studs of an appropriate size and be a

neutral color. No dangling earrings, hoops, or bright colors.

Neck: Necklaces or chains, if worn, must be completely covered by the alb, so as to

be unnoticeable. No chokers.

Jewelry. No flashy jewelry - this includes, but is not limited to, earrings, watches,

bracelets, and rings. If you wear any such jewelry it must be removed before Mass.

Shoes: Must cover the entire foot and be clean and dark in color (preferably black).

No sneakers or sandals. If the shoes have laces, the laces must be tied.

Clothing: No turtleneck sweaters.

Gentleman:

Wear dark-colored slacks.

Wear a light-colored shirt. No bright tee shirts with messages or writing as they show

through the alb.

Never wear earrings or rings while serving.

No ponytails or extreme hair styles.

Ladies:

Pull back hair from the face. No cloth bows or lavish hair clips.

Wear nice, dark slacks or a dress/skirt that is at least knee-length and not longer than ankle-

length. No backless or sleeveless dresses, no denim or jeans, no Capri pants or shorts.

Wear skin-colored hose without runs, if you wear hose.

Wear a simple light-colored scoop or boat-neck top, blouse or shirt. No sleeveless tops.

Do not wear heavy makeup, lipstick, etc.

3.

Albs: Albs are to be chosen according to the appropriate height of the server, they

should fall just above the shoes, and every server should remember his or her alb

size. Albs, cinctures and neck crosses are to be hung up neatly after each use.

Posture: Altar servers should maintain a straight and upright posture at all times.

If your hands are free when standing or walking, join them together in a “prayer

position” in front of the chest. The right thumb should be placed over the left

locking it into position. Hands should never hang at one’s side or at the stomach.

Hands should never be placed in front of one’s face. When seated the server should

place hands on his or her knees or folded together in the lap at all times. Legs are

always to be placed parallel to each other with the feet securely on the floor. Legs

are never to be crossed or spread apart. Free-swinging hands or a slovenly posture

are distracting and detract from the beauty of the liturgy.

Movement: All movement (walking, processing) in the sanctuary is to be done in a

reverent, slow, but deliberate manner. You are never to run or move quickly in the

Sanctuary. A slow, ceremonial pace is always to be observed while serving.

Coordination: Servers always work as a team. Acolytes should process, receive the

offertory gifts, and perform other tasks in pairs. For example, candles should

always be carried and held at the same height even though the two servers may be

different heights. Coordination is very important and “doing your own thing”

detracts from the beauty of the liturgy.

Genuflection: A genuflection is made by bending the right knee to the ground and

keeping the back straight. A genuflection is always made whenever you enter or

exit the Church or when passing in front of the Tabernacle. Genuflections are to be

made towards the Tabernacle, where Christ is present, not toward the Altar. If you

are carrying candles or the Cross bow your head instead of genuflecting.

Bow of the Head: When serving the Priest at the Altar or at the Celebrant’s chair,

the server should always depart by making a bow of the head. To bow in this way,

make a slight tilt of both the shoulders and the head towards the Priest. Profound

bows (see next page) are made to the Altar of Sacrifice.

4.

Profound Bow: A profound bow is always made to the Altar (also called the Altar of

Sacrifice because at Mass during the Consecration, we see again the Sacrifice of

Calvary) The Thurifer also makes a profound bow before and after he or she

incense something or someone.

Switching With Other Altar Servers: It is your responsibility to find a substitute if

you are unable to serve at your assigned Mass.

Arrival Procedures: When you first arrive go into the sacristy and vest in alb,

cincture. Then see what needs to be done before Mass begins.

Responsibilities: The Crucifer (Cross-bearer) is responsible for carrying the Cross

in procession, and holding the Roman Missal for the Priest. The Acolytes are

responsible for carrying candles in procession, escorting the gifts, and for helping

to set up and clear the Altar. The Thurifer (incense bearer) is responsible for

carrying the censer in procession and for incensing Father, and the congregation. If

it is a special Mass servers may have other duties depending on what that Mass

requires.

5.

Setting up for Mass: Items You Need to Know

Every server is responsible for knowing the names of the different liturgical vessels that are

needed to celebrate Mass. For a complete list see the end of the manual, Some of the items you

will need to know to set up for Mass are the following:

Cruets of Water and Wine on tray Ciborium with Veiled Lid Chalice with Purificator, Paten and Pall

Patens Roman Missal and Stand Lavabo Bowl and Towel

Credence Table Stacking Ciboria

6.

How to Serve Sunday Mass

Regular Sunday Mass: The directions below explain the manner of serving Sunday

Mass in the ordinary form of St. Catharine Church, a Priest may need to make

certain changes to these directions from among the legitimate options that are

available to him. Please do what the Priest instructs you to do for Mass when you

are serving. Flexibility and responsiveness are two keys to serving well at the

Altar.

10 Minutes Before Mass: The Altar candles should be lit, while doing so check to

see that everything necessary for Mass is in its proper place on the Altar, credence

table and at the Priest’s chair. If incense is to be used at Mass it should be lit

before or at this time. At special liturgies make sure that there is a sufficient

amount of seats for servers, Deacons, Priests and the lector.

5 Minutes Before Mass: Light the Acolyte’s candles and prepare to form the

procession. Ask the Priest any questions you may have. You should begin by

saying, “Excuse me, Father.” Allow the Priest to address you before making your

inquiry. If you happen to see the Priest when arriving or setting up for Mass,

please say, “Hello Father” to him.

The Entrance Procession: When incense is used, the server carrying the censer

(i.e., the Thurifer) leads the procession down the nave of the church. The second

server (i.e., the Crucifer) follows directly behind him carrying the processional

Cross. If no incense is used, the Crucifer leads the procession.

AC1

Ŧ + C AC2

←Order of the Entrance Procession Ŧ - thurifer + - crucifer AC- acolytes C - celebrant

7.

As each server reaches the first step of the Sanctuary they make a bow of the head

to the Altar and proceed to their places. The Thurifer carrying the censer (if

incense is used) bows to the Altar and proceeds to the left and waits at the

credence table for the Priest Celebrant to arrive. If a server is not carrying

something he or she makes a profound bow. After setting down the candles and

Cross, servers should fold their hands in a “prayer position” in front of their chests.

When the Celebrant arrives he will reverence the Altar and (if incense is used)

turn to the Thurifer who then approaches from the left with thurible and boat. The

Thurifer hands the boat to the Celebrant and lifts the lid of the thurible so the

Priest can fill it, Father will fill (“charge”) the censer and bless the incense, when

he finishes close the lid and hand the thurible to him: He will then hand the boat

back to you. After Father has incensed the Altar wait until he makes a final bow to

the Altar and turns towards you, approach him to take the thurible and replace

and the boat on the stand then return to your seat. All servers wait with hands

folded, the Crucifer will bring the Missal to Father when the Gloria is almost over,

unless he asks for it immediately.

The Opening Rites: After the Processional Hymn has ended, the Priest will say,

“ In the Name of the Father…” Once this is finished, he will greet the people and

will begin the Penitential Rite or the Asperges (sometimes called the Sprinkling

Rite). Once the Penitential Rite or Asperges is finished, the choir will begin the

Gloria. After this the Priest will say, “Let us pray.” The Crucifer – who should

retrieve the Missal before the Gloria ends and have it ready in his or her hands –

should then walk in front of the Priest and present the Missal to him for the

Collect (opening prayer). If you are taller than the Priest, do not stand directly in

front of Him, stand a little to one side. Always leave room between yourself and the

Priest. The Priest will conclude the Collect by saying, “Through our Lord Jesus

Christ, Your Son…” The Crucifer closes the Missal, makes a bow of the head to the

Celebrant, sets the Missal on its stand on the Altar, and sits down.

The Readings and Gospel: If incense is used, the Thurifer should retrieve the

thurible and boat when the responsorial psalm ends, just before the Second

Reading begins. After the Reading concludes, wait for the reader to leave the

Sanctuary, and then take the thurible and boat to Father to be charged. Hand the

boat to the Celebrant and open the Thurible to be filled.

8.

Kneel for this if the Priest remains seated, if he stands, remain standing. Father

will charge the censer and hand you the boat, proceed with a reverential pace to

stand at the credence table, when Father makes a bow to the Altar and Book of the

Gospels, make a bow of the head. Then proceed to stand on the step down beside

the Ambo (Pulpit) and stand, lightly swinging the thurible, as you await the Priest.

After the Priest arrives, he will say “The Lord be with You.” After the congregation

responds, “And with your spirit,” he will say, “A reading from the Holy Gospel

according to …” He will then turn to the Thurifer who hands him the censer. He

will incense the Book of the Gospels or Lectionary and hand the censer back, when

he hands the censer back make a bow of the head and return the censer to its

stand, then return to your seat quietly and listen attentively to the Gospel. If

incense is to be used during the Preparation of the Gifts, add another charcoal

before returning to your seat.

Preparation of the Altar: After the Creed and intercessions the congregation sits

down. The Priest will go to the Altar to prepare it. Immediately one of the acolytes

should move towards the Altar to receive the Gospel stand, and place it on the

lower shelf of the Credence Table. Then the acolytes should bring over what is on

the Credence Table. First, take the Chalice and Paten to the Altar, then take any

other common cups and extra ciboria (patens, ciboriums, etc..) As soon as

everything is on the Altar, acolytes process together with candles to escort the gift-

bearers to the Altar. The Priest will go to the lowest step of the Sanctuary to

receive the gifts, other servers (preferably one from each side) go with him to

receive the gifts. If you receive a paten or ciborium, take it to the Altar, if you

receive the cruet of wine place it on the credence table. The acolytes set down their

candles and bring the cruets of water and wine to the Altar, when leaving the

Priest at the Altar, make a bow of the head to him. If incense is used, the Thurifer

gets the incense as the acolytes take the water and wine to the Altar. Hand the

boat to Father and open the censer, when it is charged receive the boat, step out of

the way and Father will incense the Altar and Gifts. When he finishes move

towards him to receive the thurible.

9.

Receive the thurible from Father and after bowing to him, incense him with three

swings, then bow again and go to incense each side of the congregation. When the

Thurifer leaves the Priest to incense the congregation, the Acolytes move forward

to wash the Priests hands, one holding the towel unfolded, the other holding the

lavabo bowl and cruet of water. The Acolyte holding the water cruet gently pours

the water over the finger of the priest until he nods or tells you to stop. The other

Acolyte gives the finger towel to the Priest and waits until he is finished. He or she

receives the finger towel from Father and both Acolytes make a bow of the head to

the Celebrant and go back to the credence table.

The Eucharistic Prayer: Move to the edge of the Altar rug. When the Priest says

the sacred words of consecration, make a profound bow as he genuflects.

The Sign of Peace: When he Priest invites the congregation to give the sign of

Peace, the servers give the sign of peace to each other and to the Priest.

Distribution of Holy Communion: After the Priest and Extraordinary Ministers go

down to distribute the Eucharist, return to your places and sit and pray while

Our Lord is with you, visiting you. When the Priest and Extraordinary

Ministers return, wait until the Priest begins to purify the vessels, he will

need an Acolyte to pour water into the Chalice for purification, DO NOT

make the Priest wait on you. Then wait until he purifies and moves the

vessels towards the side of the Altar, when he does this go to receive them

and place them on the credence table, making a bow of the head as you leave

him. The last thing to be brought back from the Altar is the Roman Missal

which should be removed by the Crucifer.

Final Blessing and Recessional: The Priest will sit for a short time to give thanks

after Holy Communion. When he stands he will sing or say, “Let us pray.”

The Crucifer - who should already have the Missal on his or her lap –

immediately brings it to the Priest. After the Priest Celebrant finishes his

prayer, the Crucifer closes and returns the Missal to its place. After the

announcements are finished, the Priest will give the final blessing.

10.

When the recessional hymn begins the Crucifer retrieves the processional

Cross and the Acolytes their candles. They then move down to the main aisle

of the nave. The Crucifer goes first followed by the Acolytes, then the

Thurifer if there is one (he does not carry the thurible). A space of one pew

should separate each rank of servers. The Priest Celebrant and any

concelebrants follow behind the servers. When you arrive at the back of the

Church do not go immediately to the sacristy. The Crucifer stands the Cross

beside the offertory table, and the Acolytes extinguish their candles and set

them upon the table.

Post Missam (After Mass) Duties: Assist the Sacristan by emptying and wiping dry

the lavabo bowl using the finger towl, gathering the linens into one place,

wiping dry the Chalice and patens, and setting the Offertory table and

Credence table for the Next Mass.

Last Mass of the Day: Compile the linens together, wipe dry the lavabo bowl with

the finger towel, dry the Chalice and Patens with a purificator, place

everything in its proper place in the sacristy. All servers return to the

Sanctuary to clear the credence table, extinguish the Altar candles, replace

the Gospel Book stand and do whatever else may need done. Work as a team.

Departing: Only after all of your duties have been finished should you take off your

alb. Before leaving, please make sure everything has been properly prepared

for the next Mass (or put away) and that all albs, cinctures and neck crosses

are neatly hung up. If the Priest returns to the sacristy before you leave,

please make sure you ask him if there is anything else that needs to be done.

Make sure you say goodbye to anyone in the sacristy before you leave, most

especially the Priest.

11.

How to Serve with a Deacon

A Deacon is an ordained cleric with an official role at Mass. All Priests were

ordained Deacons before they were ordained to the Priesthood. In the absence

of a Deacon, the Priest fulfills the Deacon’s roles. When a Deacon is present,

the Mass remains the same, but the way one serves is slightly changed:

For All Servers: The Deacon will sit at the Priest’s right. If a Deacon is present he

will usually read the Gospel instead of the Priest. He may also give the

Homily.

For Thurifer and Crucifer: You will be affected by the presence of a Deacon in the

following ways: Whenever the Missal is brought to the Priest Celebrant, the

Crucifer should go first to the Deacon, who will open the Missal to the proper

page for the Priest. Once the page is open, the Crucifer should turn to face

the Priest. The Deacon may need to read from the Missal for the Penitential

Rite. If so, the Crucifer should turn to face the Deacon. It is the Deacon’s job

to turn the pages for the Priest, so be attentive to his instructions. When the

Priest and Deacon have finished using the Missal, the Crucifer places it on

the Altar as usual. When it is time to set up the Altar, the Deacon will go to

the Altar and begin arranging the Missal. He will also prepare the Chalice

and Paten, and begin setting up the Altar.

If incense is used the Thurifer brings the thurible and boat to the Priest in

the usual way. However, he hands the incense boat to the Deacon, who will

open it for the Priest. The Thurifer then opens the thurible so that the Priest

can place incense in it. When the Priest is finished he will bless the incense

and the Thurifer will close the thurible, as usual. The Deacon will hand the

boat back to the Thurifer. After this, the Thurifer will hand the thurible to

the Priest. The Thurifer should then go and stand beside the Credence table

with the boat.

12.

After the Priest incenses the gifts and the Altar, the Deacon (not the

Thurifer) takes the thurible from the Priest and incenses the Priest.

Following this the Deacon (not the Thurifer) walks down to the first

Sanctuary step and incenses the people. When the Deacon returns he hands

the thurible back to the Thurifer who returns it to its stand.

After Holy Communion, the Deacon will clear the Altar and reset the Chalice.

The servers will retrieve the items and return them to the Credence table in

the usual way.

Acolytes: The Acolytes will be affected by the presence of a Deacon in the

following ways: At the Offertory, when the gifts are brought up, the Deacon

will accompany the Priest to the first Sanctuary step and stand at his right.

The Deacon will (usually) receive the wine and the Priest will receive the

bread. The Deacon will then hand the wine to the Acolyte standing near him.

Once the Priest and Deacon have returned to the Altar, the Acolytes will need

to bring the water and wine to the Deacon. They should do this sooner than

usual. Do not make the Deacon wait! If the Deacon is kept waiting, then the

Priest is kept waiting as well.

13.

How to Serve Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

Candles are placed on either side of the Monstrance. The Monstrance holds the Blessed Sacrament for Exposition.

A corporal is placed under the Monstrance.

The Luna holds the Consecrated Host. Humeral Veil The Priest wears and Alb, Stole and

Luna is placed inside the Monstrance. a Cope for Benediction.

Exposition: The servers should prepare the thurible with a lighted charcoal before

exposition begins. If there are two Altar servers, one server will carry the

thurible, he or she is Thurifer and the other will carry the incense boat, he or

she is the boat-bearer. If there is one server he or she carries both.

14.

If immediately after Mass the Servers should set the Corporal on the Altar

and the Monstrance sideways on top of it with the door open. The Priest

proceeds to the Tabernacle while the servers proceed to the front of the Altar

and wait at the steps. As soon as the Priest opens the Tabernacle and

genuflects, the servers kneel on the steps. The Priest will then retrieve the

Blessed Sacrament from the Tabernacle and place it in the Monstrance. After

the Priest places the Luna in the Monstrance, he will come to the front of the

Altar and kneel between the servers on the steps. The boat-bearer should

hand the Priest the incense boat and the Thurifer carefully opens the

thurible and holds it up for the Priest. The Priest will fill the thurible, after

which the Thurifer will close it. The Thurifer should hand the Priest the

thurible. The Priest will then begin singing O Salutaris Hostia.

If the Priest bows while kneeling the servers bow as well. When the Priest

incenses the Blessed Sacrament, each server should hold a side of the Priest’s

cope, if he is wearing one, and make sure his hands are free to swing the

censer. The Priest will incense the Blessed Sacrament three (or more) times.

If the Priest bows, the servers then bow as well. The Priest will hand the

Thurifer the thurible. The Thurifer should set the thurible down and the

Boat-bearer should set down the boat. The Priest and servers then proceed to

a pew and sit for prayer. When the Priest rises to go the servers retrieve the

thurible and boat and go with him.

How to Serve Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament

The Servers prepare the thurible with a lighted charcoal before Benediction begins.

The Thurifer carrying the censer and the Boat-bearer carrying the boat. All process

to the front of the Altar where the Blessed Sacrament is exposed in the

Monstrance. The Altar servers genuflect to the Blessed Sacrament with the Priest

and all kneel down.

The Thurifer carefully opens the thurible towards the Priest, while the Boat-bearer

opens the incense boat and hands it to the Priest. The priest will fill the thurible

with incense. The Priest will give the boat back to the Boat-bearer after which the

Thurifer hands the thurible to the Priest.

15.

The Priest will then intone (begin singing) the Tantum Ergo. If the Priest bows the

servers also bow to the Blessed Sacrament. The Priest will incense the Blessed

Sacrament three (or more) times. Please remember to hold open the Priest’s cope,

making sure his hands are free for the incensation. After incensing the Blessed

Sacrament, the Altar servers bow with the Priest a second time. The Priest will

then hand the thurible back to the Thurifer. The Priest will then recite a short

prayer knowsn as O Sacrum Convivium to the Blessed Sacrament. The servers

remain kneeling. If the Priest has stood up he will kneel back down again. As he

kneels down the server on his right should put down the censer and stand up. He

or she should retrieve the humeral veil from the first pew. He or she takes the two

clasps of the humeral veil and hands them, over the Priest’s shoulders, to the

Priest. The priest will join the clasps and the server should adjust the back of the

veil if necessary and kneel back down. The Priest ascends the steps and gives the

Benediction with the Monstrance in the form of a Cross. The Thurifer should raise

the thurible three times to incense the Blessed Sacrament. The Priest will set the

Monstrance down and return to kneel at the front of the Altar. The server on the

right should go to him to retrieve the veil and place it back over the first pew, he or

she should then return and kneel down. The Priest will lead all in “ The Divine

Praises.” When the Divine Praises are finished the Priest will go up to remove the

Luna while the servers remain kneeling, he will repose the Blessed Sacrament in

the Tabernacle. The Altar servers should stand once the Priest genuflects at the

Tabernacle. The Priest returns to lead the singing of “Holy God We Praise Thy

Name.” When this is finished, bow with the Priest and proceed to the Sacristy.

16.

Liturgical Vestments

Priest in Cassock Deacon in Alb, Stole and Dalmatic Priest in Alb, Stole and Cope

Priest in Alb, Stole and Chasuble Bishop in Alb, Stole, Cope and Mitre and holding a crozier. Alb

17.

Priest’s Stole Priest in Cassock, Surplice, Stole, Cope, and Humeral veil Cassock and Surplice

Priest’s Amice Servers in Alb and Cincture

Servers in Cassock and Surplice

18.

Liturgical Items That Every Server Should Recognize

Candle lighter/snuffer Ciborium Altar Bells Baptismal Font

Patens Altar Candles Thurible and Boat Pyx

Monstrance Aspergillum and Situla Oil Stocks Credence Table

Roman Missal Chalice 19. Cruets and tray Tabernacle

Lavabo bowl and towel Sanctuary Lamp Book of the Gospel Ambo (Pulpit)

Chalice with Paten, Purificator, Pall and Corporal

20.

Other Liturgical Ministries You May See

Altar servers should be able to recognize the people who are assisting at

Mass with other important ministries. These people also have an

important role to play and deserve your respect.

ē

Cantor Choir Ushers

Organist Extraordinary Ministers Lectors

21.

The Spirituality of an Altar Server

There are three things every Altar server should love.

An Altar server should love Mary, the Virgin Mother of Jesus Christ. She

loves you very much, and prays for you in heaven. Mary prays that you will be a

strong believer in Jesus and that you will serve well at His Altar. It is a good thing

to always carry a blessed rosary in your pocket and, if you wear a scapular, to wear

it every day.

An Altar server should love and reverence the Sacred Crucifix. Jesus

Christ, the Son of God, loves each of us so much that He died for us on the Cross to

forgive our sins. This shows us how much He loves us. You should have a Crucifix

in your bedroom, and pray before the Crucifix every day. Thank Jesus for His great

love for you. Being an Altar server is your way of saying “thank You” to Jesus for

all that He has done for you.

Most importantly an Altar server should love the Eucharist. For

the Eucharist is the actual Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ. You

help the Priest during the Mass to make Jesus Himself present on the Altar. Make

sure your receive Jesus reverently at every Mass you attend or serve.

22.

An Altar Server is growing in Virtue When He or She…

1. Makes a regular confession (monthly).

2. Receives frequent Communion (weekly).

3. Makes a morning offering, dedicating his or her whole day to the Sacred Heart of

Jesus.

4. Makes a nightly examination of conscience and a good “Act of Contrition” before

going to bed.

5. Frequently recites, even daily, the Most Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary

and asks for Our Lady’s protection through the wearing of a blessed scapular.

6. Values the Truth and is trustworthy.

7.Is attentive in all his or her classes while at school, studies hard, completes all

his or her homework, and hands in assignments on time.

8. Performs all his or her duties inside and outside of the home and finishes all

tasks to which he or she has committed him or herself.

23.

Altar Server’s Prayers

Pray to your patron Saints: St. Tarcisius, St John Berchmans, St. Aloysius

Prayers of an Altar Server

O God, You have graciously called me to serve You upon Your altar. Grant me the graces that I need to

serve You faithfully and wholeheartedly. Grant too that while serving You, may I follow the example of

St. Tarcisius, who died protecting the Eucharist, and walk the same path that led him to Heaven. St.

Tarcisius, pray for me and for all servers. Amen.

Before Mass:

Open my mouth, O Lord, to bless Your Holy Name.

Cleanse my heart from all evil and distracting thoughts.

Enlighten my understanding and inflame my will that I may serve more 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 willing follow him in the Way, the Truth, and the Life of Christ.

Amen.

Or:

Oh Jesus, my King and Lord, by the grace of the heavenly Father and the power of the Holy Spirit, guide

me in all righteousness as I serve You today at the Altar so I may be always worthy of Your presence. If I

happen to make an error, may it be a lesson so my service will be perfect tomorrow. Jesus, I love you with

all my heart. Amen.

After Mass:

Lord Jesus, thank you for the opportunity to serve You during the Holy Mass. In Your Sacred Presence,

my heart is filled with joy and peace. May Your Spirit always guide me so I may grow in Your love by the

grace of the Heavenly Father. Amen.

Or:

O Lord, Jesus Christ, Eternal High Priest, I thank you for the privilege of having served at the holy altar

of Your sacrifice. Now, as I put aside the garments of that service, I ask that I may at all times think of

You, and always act accordingly, as a privileged altar server. May I ever seek You and find You; may I

always follow You; may your priestly spirit be my guide, and your service of love be my example. May

your Holy Name always be on my lips, and to Your praise and glory may every work of mine be done.

Ever ready in Your service, may I always know and do Your Holy Will in all things. May I remain pure

and blameless and be found worthy to be Your servant, and by Your grace may I persevere to the end.

Amen.

24.

Altar Server’s Checklist

Before Mass:

1. Get vested.

2. The water cruet should be filled and on the credence table.

3. The hosts and wine cruet should be filled and on the offertory table.

4. The Chalice, purificator, corporal and pall should be on the credence table.

5. The Gospel Book stand and Missal stand should be on the Altar.

6. If there will be incense (ask the Priest!), two charcoals should be lit 10 minutes

before Mass. Make sure the thurible has been cleaned out before using it.

7. The Lavabo bowl and towel should be out.

8. The Altar candles should be lit 10 minutes before Mass. The Paschal candle is lit

for the Easter season.

9. The Missal and Lectionary should be out.

10. An experienced server should make sure the other servers know their

responsibilities.

11. Ask the Priest or sacristan if there is anything else that needs set up.

After Mass:

1. Albs, cinctures and neck crosses should be HUNG UP NEATLY! It is an

experienced server’s job to make sure everything is hung up neatly before he or she

leaves.

2. The credence table, offertory table, Priest’s chair and Altar should be set for the

next Mass. (Unless it is the last Mass of the day).

3. The Chalice should be prepared for the next Mass. Place a clean purificator of

the Chalice, then place a pall and corporal on top.

4. The Cruets should be brought into the sacristy, filled and (if it’s the last Mass)

returned to the refrigerator.

5. The Lavabo bowl should be emptied and wiped. A clean towel should be put out.

6. Altar candles and Acolytes candles should be extinguished.

7. Ask the Priest if anything else needs done before you leave.

25.

NOTES:

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Compiled by Tyler Carter, Altar Boy Dean at St. Patrick’s Church, Columbus, Ohio. Some material borrowed with

permission of Fr. Andre Joseph Lacasse, O.P. from the 2011 and 2012 editions of The Altar Boy Manual of St.

Patrick’s Church.