Updated 10/3/2013
Our Lady of the Pines Parish
Altar Server’s Handbook
St. Dominic Savio
St. Dominic Savio was born in Italy in 1842. One day when he was just four, he disappeared and his good mother went looking for him. She found the little fellow in a corner praying with his hands joined and his head bowed. He already knew all his prayers by heart! At five, he was an altar boy. When he was seven, he received his First Holy Communion. On that solemn day, he chose a motto: "Death, but not sin!" and he kept it always.
"A teenager such as Dominic, who bravely struggled to keep his innocence from Baptism to the end of his life, is really a saint," said Pope St. Pius X.
Yes, Dominic was an ordinary boy with an extraordinary love for God.
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At the age of twelve, Dominic entered the school run by St. John Bosco. Don Bosco examined him first and at the end of the questions, Dominic asked,
"What do you think of me?"
"I think you're good material," answered the priest, with a big smile.
"Well, then," said Dominic, "You are a good tailor, so if the material is good, take me and make a new suit out of me for Our Lord!"
Everyone in the school saw from the way he prayed that this boy was different.
One day Dominic began to feel sick and was sent home to get better. While at home he grew worse, instead, and received the last Sacraments. He was only fifteen then, but he did not fear death. In fact, he was overjoyed at the thought of going to Heaven. Just before he died, he tried to sit up.
"Goodbye," he murmured to his good father. Suddenly his face lit up with a smile of great joy and happiness. "I am seeing such wonderful things!" he exclaimed. Then he spoke no more, for he had gone to Heaven.
This latter title was given to him due to the following incident. One time, two boys filled the school stove with snow and garbage during the cold winter months. When the teacher came back into the room, they falsely accused Dominic of doing the "dirty" deed. Although disciplined in front of the entire class, Dominic refused to tell on the two mischievous boys. When the truth was later revealed, Dominic was asked why he didn't confess to his innocence. He remarked that he was imitating Our Lord, Who remained silent during His persecutions and crucifixion.
His feast day is March 9th.
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Prayer before Serving
Father in Heaven,
Your son, Jesus Christ,
showed His love for You
by serving His needy brothers and sisters.
I now ask You to give me Your help
As I serve You and Your people.
Open my mouth to praise You in word and song.
Open my ears to hear Your word.
Open my hands to do Your work well.
Take from my heart all evil and distracting thoughts.
Help me to know what I should do and to do it well.
Help me to serve reverently at Your Holy Altar,
and so give You praise and glory, now and forever.
Amen
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Contents
Introduction
1. Preparing to Serve Mass
2. Prior to Mass
3. Postures at Mass
4. Altar Server Positions and Duties
5. Altar Server “Do’s and Don’ts”
6. Serving within the Order of the Mass
7. When to Sit, Stand, and Kneel at the Mass
8. The Church Years
9. Dictionary of Church Terms
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Introduction
Being a server means serving God and God’s people at Mass. As servers give themselves to help the priest and people worship better, they also receive God’s help and blessing. Pope John Paul II once told a group of servers who came to visit him, “Serving at the Eucharistic table, and at the various liturgical celebrations, you draw directly ‘from the wells of salvation’ the strength necessary to live well today and then also to face your future more energetically.”
To learn all the matters of liturgical worship and its spiritual meaning is a true gesture of love for God.
At Mass our outward actions and appearance tell others a lot about how we are feeling on the inside. At Mass, our actions and appearance should show that we love God and God’s people. It should be clear that we think serving is worth doing and doing well. We should try to be the best servers we can be.
Happy Serving!
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Preparing to Serve Mass
Mass Schedules
The schedule for serving will be emailed and posted in the Ministry prep room at Church 3 months in advance. If you unable to serve on your scheduled day, please cross out your name so others may know you need a substitute.
Before you come to Church
1. Get a good night’s rest
2. Be sure your shoes are clean and not squeaky and are what is appropriate for serving Mass. NO tennis shoes.
3. If you have a cold, be sure to have a handkerchief or Kleenex in your pocket.
4. Be sure your face and hands are clean and hair is brushed and pulled back out of your face. Try to look your best.
When you come to Church
1. Arrive at the Church at least 15 minutes prior to the beginning of Mass
2. Initial on the schedule for your assigned Mass time.
3. Use the bathroom facilities before Mass begins
4. Locate and put on a properly fitted cassock and surplus.
5. Check with the Sacristan for special instructions and duties.
6. Always treat your Church and all it contains as VERY special TREASURES.
7. Be quiet in the Ministry Prep Room and avoid making unnecessary noise.
8. Always keep the Ministry Prep Room door OPEN.
9. Be especially ready to help the priest if he is a visiting priest.
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Prior to Mass
If you are scheduled to serve you must arrive at the Church at least 15 minutes before Mass begins. Please proceed to the Ministry Prep room and check in by signing your name on the schedule. Upon arriving, please check “position duties” on the schedule for your assignments. If you are scheduled to serve and do not arrive 10 min. prior to Mass beginning, a substitute will then take your place and prepare for Mass.
The cassocks and surplices are hanging up in the closet for you to put on. The Cross Bearer is responsible for making sure that the cross and candles are in the Ministry Prep Room prior to Mass. Please wait inside of the Ministry Prep room until the Sacristan or Father asks you to proceed to the back of the church. Be careful if you’re carrying the cross and make sure not to let it hit the door frame as you enter the church.
Also, there are coat hooks for you to hang up your jackets. You may also put your personal belongings in the closet, if needed. Remember to always leave the door to the Ministry Prep room OPEN. Please remember it is everyone’s responsibility to keep the Ministry Prep Room clean.
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Postures at Mass
Posture is how you are using the different parts of your body.
Walking - Walk with your back straight and your head held high.
Bowing – When you bow to the priest, bow your head slowly and gracefully. When you bow to the Altar, bow with a graceful nod if you are holding a cross or candle. Do not walk and bow at the same time.
Genuflecting – Keep your hands in front of your chest while you go down on your left knee. Keep your body upright. Be sure you don’t trip on your cassock.
Kneeling – Your body should be upright and your hands should be in front of your chest. Hands together not folded.
Standing – Always stand up straight with both feet firmly on the floor. Don’t lean against furniture or walls. Be sure not to lock your knees.
Hands – Unless you are sitting down or carrying something, your hands should be kept joined in front of your chest palm to palm. Keep your hands high up on your chest.
Eyes – During Mass always look towards the place where the action is happening: the Celebrant’s chair, the lectern, or the Altar. When the Scripture is being read you should be looking at the reader. Look at the priests and other ministers as they speak and act in the Sanctuary.
Don’t be afraid to smile, an ancient prayer in the Bible says, “I will go to the Altar of God, to God who gives joy to my youth.” Psalm 42:4
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Altar Server Positions and Duties
Cross Bearer
· Leads the Procession, in the event Incense is used the Server carrying the Thurible leads
· Presents the Roman Missal to the Priest for the Opening and Closing Prayers
· Places the Roman Missal on the Altar during the Collection
· Places the collection on the side of the altar
· Assist the Priest in the Washing of the Hands
· Removes the Roman Missal following Holy Communion
· Removes the Ciboria Tray from the Altar following Holy Communion, if needed
· Leads the Recession out of the Church, in the event Incense is used the Server carrying the Thurible leads
Candle Bearer
· Follows the Cross Bearer in the Procession into the Church
· Brings the Water Cruet to the Altar for the Priest
· Brings the wine or bread to the Altar during the offertory
· Assist the Priest in the Washing of Hands
· Ring Bells during the Imposition of Hands and the Elevation of the Blessed Sacrament
· Prepares the Altar for Holy Communion
· Helps to clear the Altar following Holy Communion
· If Incense is used, assists the Priest with the Thurible
· Follows behind the Cross Bearer in the Recession
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Do…
Dress properly for Mass.
Always be at least 15 minutes early.
Be patient with yourself it takes time to learn all the steps.
Ask your parents and Altar Servers Servant Leaders for help in understanding the Mass.
Ask questions before the Mass begins.
Attend all training sessions and workshops.
Learn the names of all the vessels used at Mass.
Understand how to set up the Altar.
Learn all the parts of the Mass.
Look carefully at the Altar server schedule for your name.
Be sure you and your parents know when you are to serve.
Come to every Mass you are scheduled to serve if you can.
Be kind towards everyone.
Make a habit of asking if anything else needs to be done before leaving.
Learn the liturgical seasons in the Church.
Don’t…
Don't leave the Altar when Mass begins for any personal reason unless it is an emergency.
Don't be disrespectful toward others.
Don't bring attention to yourself either by your behavior or what you are wearing.
Do not run, chat, or do anything that shows lack of reverence whenever you are in the Altar area. You are in sacred space.
Don't panic if you make a mistake.
Don’t chew gum at Mass.
Don't wear tennis shoes or flip-flops while serving.
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Serving within the Order of the Mass
When proceeding toward the altar please walk at a non-rushed pace. The Cross Bearer will lead and the Candle Bearers will follow the cross, one on the left and one on the right. Father and the Deacon will then follow the Altar Servers. When you come to the steps at the foot of the altar, use the following order to bow or genuflect….
candle#1 candle#2 Father Deacon observer cross
Once everyone is in position, all will bow their heads only (not at the waist). If you are an observer or mentor you will genuflect instead of bow. The Candle Bearers will proceed up the stairs and put their candles in the stands at either side of the podium. If you cross paths with the Deacon or Father, let them proceed to their chair first. The Cross Bearer will proceed up the ramp and put the cross in the stand next to the back door with Jesus facing the window. Then take your position in your designated chair behind Father (see below).
Table cross candle#1 candle#2 observer/mentor
The servers will follow along with mass by saying the prayers and singing. Note: During the Penitential Act prayer, remember to place your closed fist on your heart during the line “through my own fault, my most grievous fault.”
Following the “Gloria” Father says, “Let us Pray”. The Cross Server will then bring the Roman Missal to Father. When you’re bringing up the Roman Missal, make sure the spine is always next to your chest so Father can open up the Missal easily. Stand at an angle toward Father so he can also face the congregation. (Hint: face the door where the Holy Family statue is) Also, stand about an arm length from Father so he is not crowded. Father will read the prayer
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and then close the Roman Missal. The Cross Bearer will place the Roman Missal on the table next to the window and then proceed back to his/her seat.
The Altar Servers will be sitting in their seats for the 1st and 2nd Readings. After the 2nd Reading, the Cross Bearer will walk up to the Altar after Father or the Deacon picks up the Book of Gospels. The Cross Bearer will then take the holder for the Book of Gospels back to the table by the windows.