Saint Thomas More Altar Server Manual

Altar Server _____________________

2017

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Table of Contents

Message to Altar Servers from Pope Saint John Paul II………….……….2

General Requirements……………………………………………………………….....3

The Order of Mass…………………….………………………………………. ………….4

Sacred Vessels and Vestments.………………………………………….…………..5

Preparation and Instructions for Serving at Mass…………………….…….7

The Order of Mass for Altar Servers………………..…………………….…….11

Monsignor Murphy’s Note of Thanks……………..…………………….……..13

Altar Server’s Prayers Before and After Mass……………………………….14

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On August 12, 2001, Pope Saint John Paul II addressed the one thousandth audience of his pontificate. The audience was attended by more than 2,000 young men and women altar servers to whom the Holy Father addressed a substantial portion of his remarks.

Dear Altar Servers!

Your commitment to the altar is not only a duty, but a great honor, a genuine holy service. In connection with this service, I wish to propose some reflections to you. The altar server´s clothing is very special. It recalls the garment that each one puts on when he is welcomed in Jesus Christ in the community. I am referring to the baptismal gown, whose profound meaning St. Paul clarifies: "For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ" (Galatians 3:27). Even if you, dear altar servers, can no longer fit into your baptismal gown, you have put on [the clothing] of altar servers. Yes, baptism is the point of departure of your "authentic liturgical service," which places you next to your bishops, priests and deacons (see Sacrosanctum Concilium, No. 29). The altar server occupies a privileged place in the liturgical celebration. The altar server presents himself to a community and experiences firsthand that Jesus Christ is present and active in every liturgical act. Jesus is present when the community comes together to pray and render praise to God. Jesus is present in the Word of sacred Scripture. Jesus is present above all in the Eucharist under the signs of bread and wine. He acts through the priest who, in the person of Christ, celebrates the holy Mass and administers the sacraments. Therefore, 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. Thus, you, altar servers, are called in particular to be young friends of Jesus. Be determined to go deeper and to cultivate this friendship with him. You will discover that in Jesus you have found a true friend for life. The altar server often has a candlestick in his hand. How can one not think of that which Jesus says in the Sermon on the Mount: "You are the light of the world" (Matthew 5:14). Your service cannot be limited to the inside of a church. It must shine in everyday life: in school, in the family, and in different realms of society. Because, whoever wishes to serve Jesus Christ inside a church must be his witness everywhere. 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. I have spoken of friendship with Jesus. How happy I would be if something more sprang from this friendship! How beautiful it would be if some of you were to discover a vocation to the priesthood! Jesus Christ has urgent need of youths who will be at his disposition with generosity and no reservations. Moreover, might not the Lord also call one or two of you girls to embrace the consecrated life to serve the Church and the brothers and sisters? Even for those who wish to be united in marriage, the service of altar servers teaches that a real union must always include readiness for reciprocal and free service.

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General Requirements

1. Who may serve: At Saint Thomas More, all registered parishioners who are young gentlemen and ladies in the fifth grade through high school are welcome to serve. All candidates must attend one training session and have the commitment and ability to perform their role with reverence. 2. Proper Dress: Altar Servers must show respect for the Mass they attend by wearing the proper attire.

Clothing: ♦ Dress pants/slacks or girls may also wear dresses or skirts of an appropriate

length at least down to the knee ♦ Dress shirts/blouses must have sleeves, shoulders should be covered ♦ No t-shirts ♦ No shorts ♦ No jeans

Footwear: ♦ Dress shoes only ♦ No sneakers, flip-flops, or any open toe shoes/sandals ♦ All footwear should look neat, presentable, and dressy

Hair: ♦ Hair should look clean and neat, out of one’s eyes

3. Attendance:

♦ Altar Servers are expected to arrive no later than 15 minutes prior to the start of Mass neatly groomed and dressed.

♦ If you are unable to serve at your scheduled time use the online scheduler to find a substitute.

♦ If you are unable to find a substitute please contact the rectory and leave a message.

♦ If you miss your assigned Mass without a reasonable excuse you will merit a strike. After 3 strikes, you will no longer be able to serve.

♦ The Altar Servers’ duties are complete when they have set up for the next Mass or brought the appropriate items back to the Sacristy and neatly hung up their albs and cinctures in the Altar Server Sacristy.

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The Order of Mass

The Mass is the heart and soul of our worship of God. It is the celebration that gives us the strength we need to live a Christian life and because of its importance the Church places a serious obligation upon all of its members to take part in the Mass every Sunday and Holy Day.

The Mass is first a sacrifice where Jesus offers Himself to the Father. It is also a sacred meal called the Eucharist (from the Greek word for thanksgiving) where we give thanks to God and join in Jesus’ perfect prayer of praise and thanks to the Father. At the Last Supper Jesus told His disciples, “Do this in memory of me,” and so for the past 2,000 years, the Church has celebrated the Mass with two parts: the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

The following is a basic outline of the Mass:

INTRODUCTORY RITES Entrance Procession, Greeting, Penitential Act, Gloria, Collect (Opening Prayer) LITURGY OF THE WORD 1st Reading, Responsorial Psalm, 2nd Reading, Gospel Acclamation, Gospel, Homily,

Profession of Faith, Universal Prayer LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST Presentation of the Gifts, Preparation of the Altar, Prayer Over the gifts, Sanctus

(Holy, Holy, Holy), Eucharistic Prayer, Memorial Acclamation, Great Amen COMMUNION RITE The Lord’s Prayer (Our Father), Sign of Peace, Communion, Prayer after Communion CONCLUDING RITES Greeting, Blessing & Dismissal, Recessional Hymn

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Sacred Vessels

Paten & Chalice Pall Chalice, purificator, paten, & pall Ciborium (pl. ciboria)

P

Purificator Pyx

Corporal Cruets (Wine & Water) Lavabo bowl & towel Monstrance

Processional Cross Aspergillium & Holy Water Bucket Thurible & Incense Boat

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Sacred Vestments & Liturgical Colors

Green: A symbol of hope and growth, green is the color of Ordinary Time to show that our common state in life is one of growing in our relationship with God, longing and hoping for eternal life.

White or Gold: A symbol of celebration, triumph, purity, and innocence, white is used on all feast days of the Joyful and Glorious Mysteries of our

Lord’s life such as Christmas and Easter, on the feasts of the Blessed Mother, angels, and saints who were not martyrs. White is worn frequently as every Mass is a celebration of Christ’s Resurrection and is often worn at funerals to celebrate the life of the deceased and to pray for their triumphal acceptance into heaven.

Red: A symbol of sacrifice and the color of blood, red is used on all feasts of the Lord’s Cross and Passion, feasts of the Apostles, and all martyrs. It is also a symbol of the Holy Spirit and used on Pentecost recalling the tongues of fire when the Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles.

Purple: A symbol or penance and waiting, purple is used during the penitential seasons of Advent and Lent. It reminds us of preparation and the longing for the coming of our savior.

Rose: A symbol of joy and anticipation in the midst of the penitential seasons of Advent and Lent, rose vestments are worn on the 3rd Sunday of Advent, Gaudete

Sunday, and on the 4th Sunday of Lent, Laetare Sunday. The chasuble, in various liturgical colors, is worn for the celebration of the Mass with a matching stole symbolizing the Sacrament of Holy Orders. The alb, a white robe worn by the priest, with a cincture or belt (bottom left) symbolizes chastity and purity of the priest’s share in the priesthood of Jesus Christ. The cope (bottom right) is a long cloak used in processions, benediction, and other liturgies outside of Mass. The humeral veil (bottom center) is a long garment which

goes over the celebrant’s shoulders to cover his arms when carrying the Blessed Sacrament and is used for benediction.

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Duties Prior to Serving Mass

♦ Arrive 15 minutes prior to start of Mass in acceptable attire.

♦ Report to the main Sacristy to sign in under your name. If you are a substitute, sign your name under the scheduled person’s name and place an “X” over his/her name. Find out what color cincture to wear.

♦ Go to the Altar Server Sacristy and put on an alb that is ankle length and a cincture that hangs by your left knee. Pray the “Altar Server’s Prayer Before Mass.” Return to the main Sacristy.

Duties Assigned to Altar Servers

There are four Altar Servers for each Mass: 1. The Cross Bearer (CB) holds the processional cross and leads processions. 2. The Book Bearer (BB) holds and moves the Missal and binder for the Priest. 3. The two Servers (S) assist at the offertory, the preparation of the chalice, the washing of hands, the ringing bells, the purifying of the chalice and clearing of the altar.

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Altar Server Assignments

Cross Bearer (CB)

1. The Cross Bearer (CB) leads the procession. After the music begins, wait until the people begin singing words, then walk slowly up the main aisle of the church. See the Entrance Procession Diagram on page 10. 2. When you arrive at the base of the stairs of the altar, move to the right and face the altar while waiting until the rest of the ministers arrive at the altar. See the Sanctuary Diagram on page 10. 3. The Cross Bearer does not bow or genuflect while holding the cross. After the priest and others genuflect and bow, place the cross in the stand near the Tabernacle. 4. Then with hands folded move to your place in the sanctuary and stand at your seat. 5. After the homily/Creed/intercessions and the congregation sits, walk with hands folded to the cross and take it. Then move to the center aisle and stand between the first 2 pews, while facing the altar. Wait until the Servers meet you. 6. Lead the Servers to the back of the church and wait until the people have gathered to bring up the gifts. When they are ready, slowly move up the center of the aisle in the same way as the beginning of Mass. When you arrive in the front, move to the right and return the cross to the stand. Then with your hands folded, return to your seat. 7. At the end of Mass, wait until the priest moves to kiss the altar. Get the cross and wait at the base of the stairs in the same way as at the beginning of Mass. When all the other ministers have bowed and genuflected, slowly lead the procession to the rear of the Church.

Book Bearer (BB) 1. The Book Bearer walks behind the two Servers in the procession with hands folded. See the Entrance Procession diagram on page 10. 2. When you arrive at the base of the stairs of the altar, move to the right and face the altar while waiting until the rest of the ministers arrive at the altar. See the Sanctuary Diagram on page 10. 3. When the Priest does so, first turn toward the Tabernacle and genuflect, then to the altar and bow. Then move with hands folded move to your place in the sanctuary and stand at your seat. 4. Near the end of the Gloria, (wait to hear the words : “For you alone are the Holy One”) the Book Bearer picks up the Missal and walks following the dark brown marble line, then the edge of the carpet to the priest and holds the Missal for him. When the priest finishes and all say AMEN, return the Missal to the stand following the dark brown marble line.

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5. After the homily and the priest returns to the chair, walk to the priest with hands folded, following the dark brown marble line, then the edge of the carpet to the priest and hold the binder for the Creed and the intercessions. When the intercessions are finished, hand the binder back to the priest and return with hands folded to the Missal stand following the dark brown marble line. 6. Take the Missal and place it on the left side of the altar. Then return to your seat with hands folded and sit. 7. After you receive Communion, bring the Missal back to the Missal stand and bring any ciborium lids to the ledge to the left of the Tabernacle. 8. When the priest sits after Communion, bring the Missal to him for the Closing Prayer. Follow the brown marble line like at the beginning of Mass. Then return the Missal to the stand. 9. At the end of Mass, wait until the priest moves to kiss the altar and move with hands folded to the base of the stairs, to the same place as at the beginning of Mass. Bow first and genuflect with the priest toward the Tabernacle and follow the Servers to the back of the church.

Servers (S) 1. The two Servers (S) walk side by side with hands folded behind the cross. See the Entrance Procession diagram on page 10. 2. When you arrive at the base of the stairs of the altar, move to the left and face the altar while waiting for the rest of the ministers. See the Sanctuary Diagram on page 10. 3. When the Priest does so, first turn toward the Tabernacle and genuflect, then turn to the altar and bow. Then move with hands folded move to your place in the sanctuary and stand at your seat. 4. When everyone sits for the offertory after the intercessions, the two Servers bring the chalice and any ciboria from the credence table to the altar. If there is a pyx, bring it to the altar as well. THE BOWL AND TOWEL STAY ON TABLE. Then move with hands folded to the base of the altar stairs in front of the carpet and bow to the altar. 5. Turn to the cross and follow the Cross Bearer to the gift table in the rear of the church. Assist the gift-bearers for the Mass by handing them the wine and water cruets and any ciboria. Follow the cross with hands folded and lead the gift-bearers to the priest. 6. When at the base of the altar stairs, both Servers move to the left, and wait for the priest/deacon to hand you each one cruet of wine or water. Move to the left side of the altar, holding the cruets with lids open and handles facing the priest until the priest/deacon uses the wine and water. 7. As soon as the priest/deacon hands the cruets back to the Servers, both Servers move to the credence table and put down the wine cruet. One Server keeps the water cruet and also takes the lavabo bowl, the other takes and opens the towel and they return to the side of the altar.

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8. When the priest turns to the Servers, pour water over his hands, into the bowl and the other Server hands him the open towel. When finished, place everything on the credence table again and return to your seat with hands folded. Remain standing. 9. While kneeling during the Eucharistic Prayer, one Server rings the bells for 3 seconds when the priest elevates the Host and again when he elevates the chalice. 10. When the priest is finished distributing Communion and returns to the altar, one Server takes the water cruet to the side of the altar and the other Server follows with hands folded. Pour water into the chalice when the priest turns to you. When he purifies the chalice, he will cover it—then take the chalice and water back to the credence table and sit. 11. At the end of Mass, wait until the priest moves to kiss the altar and move with hands folded to the base of the stairs, in the same place as at the beginning of Mass. Bow and genuflect with the priest and follow the cross to the back of the church. Entrance Procession Diagram Sanctuary Diagram

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Order of Mass for Altar Servers 1. When walking, standing, or kneeling keep your hands folded chest high. When sitting keep your hands folded on your lap. 2. Participate in the prayers and songs. 3. Assemble under the choir loft. When the singing begins, walk slowly down the main aisle until you get to the bottom of the sanctuary. All except the Cross Bearer (CB) turn toward the Tabernacle, genuflect, and then bow to the altar. The Cross Bearer then places the cross in the stand while all move to their seats with hands folded and remain standing. 4. Near the end of the Gloria, (wait to hear the words : “For you alone are the Holy One”) the Book Bearer picks up the Missal and walks to the priest following the dark brown marble line and then up on the carpet in front of the priest and remains there until the end of the Collect/Opening Prayer. Then the Book Bearer returns the Missal to the stand. 5. The Book Bearer holds the binder for the priest during the Creed and for the Universal Prayer. After the Universal Prayer the Book Bearer gives the binder to the priest. 6. The Servers bring the chalice and ciboria to the altar and go down to the base of the stairs of the altar. The Book Bearer brings the Missal to the altar. The Cross Bearer brings the processional cross to the base of the stairs of the altar, facing the altar and standing in the main aisle between the first pews. 7. The Servers bow to the altar and follow the Cross Bearer to the back of the church and hand the gifts to the family. The Cross Bearer followed by the Servers lead the procession back to the altar. The Cross Bearer returns the cross to the stand and the Servers stand side-by-side on the priest’s right to receive the gifts from him and carry them up the left side of the altar. No Presentation of the Gifts occurs at 7:30 a.m. Mass on Sunday. 8. The Servers stand side-by-side at the altar. They first hold the wine and water cruets with lids open and handles facing the priest or deacon. Hold the wine out first. 9. When both the wine and water have been poured by the priest or deacon, the Servers walk to the credence table and put down the wine cruet. One Server keeps the water cruet and also takes the lavabo bowl; the other Server takes and opens the towel and they return to the side of the altar. 10. When the priest turns to the Servers, one Server holds the bowl beneath the priest’s hands and pours a small amount of water over the priest’s hands. The other Server hands the priest the towel and waits until the priest gives the towel back to the Server. 11. The Servers return the cruet, bowl, and towel to the credence table and return to their seats. Do not place the towel in the bowl. 12. When the priest elevates the host and the chalice, one Server rings the bells for 3 seconds each.

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13. At the Sign of Peace all Altar Servers approach the priest and deacon to exchange the Sign of Peace. Then they can exchange the Sign of Peace with each other. 14. At Communion time all Altar Servers again approach the priest to receive. The Book Bearer also removes the Missal from the altar and places it on the stand on the table and brings any lids for the ciboria to the ledge by the Tabernacle. All return to their places and kneel. 15. After Communion, the Servers bring the water cruet to the priest or deacon at the altar and pour water into the chalice. When the priest or deacon has finished purifying the chalice, one Server returns the cruet and the other server returns the chalice to the credence table, then return to seats. 16. After the priest is seated after Communion, the Book Bearer brings the Missal over to the priest for the Prayer after Communion. 17. After the final blessing when the priest begins to move towards the altar, the Servers and Book Bearer move to line up at the base of the stairs in the same spots as the Entrance Procession. The Cross Bearer brings the cross to the same place as the Entrance Procession. The Book Bearer and Servers bow to the altar with the priest and then genuflect toward the Tabernacle. The Cross Bearer leads the procession to the back of the church. 18. The Altar Servers go to the Sacristy and help set up for the next Mass. Servers will bring the chalice, cruets, towel, and bowl to the Sacristy. The Cross Bearer will return the cross to its stand in the Sacristy. When all preparations are complete, each Server goes to the Altar Server Sacristy, places the alb neatly on a hanger, snaps the collar, hangs the alb on the bar according to size, and hangs the cincture. Pray the “Altar Server’s Prayer after Mass.” ADDITIONAL DUTIES: All Altar Servers are required to participate in the processions on Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday, and Eucharistic Days. Additionally Altar Servers may also be assigned to weddings.

Seasonal Color Guide ADVENT

CHRISTMAS ORDINARY TIME

LENT EASTER

------- Pentecost

Good Friday Weddings

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Note of Thanks Dear Server, I want to sincerely thank you for the commitment and devotion that you have given and will give to serving at Mass. Your service at Mass which reflects the heavenly Liturgy here on earth where the Lamb of God is offered in one timeless and eternal sacrifice is truly significant. Just as the priest stands at the altar as Christ the Lord, so also do you serve at the altar just as the great saints and angels gather around the altar in heaven. You have been charged with a great task to lead and help others to pray as they will see you fully and actively participating in the Mass on the altar as you reverently respond and sing throughout the Liturgy. You have been called to serve and your parish of St. Thomas More is very grateful that you have responded to this call with a true sense of dedication to service. May God bless you in this service and be with you in all that you do.

Sincerely in Christ,

Pastor, Saint Thomas More Church

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Altar Server’s Prayer Before Mass Inspire 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 worthily at Your Holy Altar.

O Mary, Mother of Christ, 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.

Altar Server’s Prayer After Mass 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 your service,

I ask that I may at all times think of You. May I ever seek You and find You;

may I always follow You; may your priestly spirit be in my heart and

Your Holy Name 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 Will in all things and, by Your Grace, persevere unto the end. Amen.