WE ARE VERY GRATEFUL FOR THE GENEROUS STEWARDSHIP AND FAITHFUL SERVICE THAT YOU HAVE OFFERED TO OUR PARISH.
Hopefully
these reminders will help you in your ministry as an altar server.
1. It is essential to remember
that you are first of all apart of the assembly which means it is important to
always participate at mass at all times (singing the hymns, listening to the
readings, praying the prayers, etc.). In addition the altar server is in a very
visible position at mass and has the opportunity to be an example to the
congregation of the meaning of being a servant (John 13:3-17).
2. When arriving at the altar,
after the procession, remember to leave enough room for the priest and the
lector (deacon) and then genuflect
together. Let the priest go first and then you can place your candles. At
the end of Mass, please genuflect with the priest. ALL OTHER TIMES WHEN YOU MOVE, please make A BOW TO THE ALTAR a sign of
reverence.
3. At the beginning of mass,
those who have the candles, please set them in front of the lectern (instead of
the altar). Then when returning with the people (bringing the bread and wine),
you may set them in front of the altar. Remember to place them so they are
parallel and look good together. Please be careful not to place them under
the altar cloth where they might catch fire. Place them on the “spot” on the rug. Please
remember that when the priest or deacon go in front of the altar, it is your
cue to lead the procession to get the gifts, make sure the usher with the collection is near the gift bearers,
before you process up to the altar.
4. When setting up the altar,
please remember to place and unfold the corporal,
as well as set up the Sacramentary
& the stand (Likewise
these should be placed back on the small table after communion). When bringing
the cruets with the wine and water, the person with the wine should be closest to the altar and both people should
have the handles pointed towards the
priest. Be close enough to the priest, so it is easy for him to take
both glass cruets
5. For the washing of the hands, we continue
to use a larger bowl and a towel.
6. There now will be an additional ciborium with hosts
bought up with the bread and wine. Ordinarily, only one chalice is brought to
the altar during the preparation of the gifts, the other chalices are brought
to the altar after the sign of peace.
7. After
the priest receives communion, then communion is given to the other liturgical
ministers. For the sign of peace and when receiving communion, please come
close enough to the priest, so he can reach you easily with the sign of peace
or with the Eucharist. Please
remember to bow before receiving communion.
8.
There are only two times the book is held for the priest-at the beginning &
at the end.
9.
If for some reason you can not make your scheduled date, please try to get a
substitute as soon as possible. If there is some problem when you are
regularly scheduled, please let our secretary Gloria know.
10.
Remember the mass is a special occasion, please dress accordingly.