St. Louise Parish Altar Server Handbook

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SL St. Louise Parish Altar Server Handbook

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Draft updated 10/13/2019

Altar Server Crib Sheet Before Mass Genuflect to the tabernacle as you arrive, sign in, and put your alb on at least 20 min before Mass begins. Light the sanctuary candles about 10 min before Mass. If there aren’t 3 servers, put the “extra” processional candles, lit, on their holders by the altar. Introductory Rite Lead the procession to the sanctuary when the people begin singing: cross bearer first then candle bearers together, then the rest of the procession. After the priest bows to the altar, put the cross and candles on their holders by the altar and stand in front of your seats. At the end of the Gloria, (during Lent, after the Penitential Act) Server 2 gets ready to take the Missal up. When the priest says, “Let us pray”, carry the book to the celebrant and hold it open for him. Liturgy of the Word Liturgy of the Eucharist When the offertory song begins, Server 3 walks to the offertory table to lead the offertory procession while Server 1 removes the Book of Gospels holder and prepares the altar with:  Corporal  Chalice  Purificator  Missal  Gluten-free hosts (if any) Server 3 leads the offertory procession to the sanctuary. All servers help with the gifts: two baskets on the step in front of the altar, bowl of bread and pitcher of wine on the altar. The Server 1 takes the pitcher of water to the deacon or priest for the comingling. Server 2 joins the lead server carrying the washing bowl and towel for the lavabo. When the priest finishes drying his hands, return to stand in front of your seats. Communion Rite When the people finish singing the “Lamb of God”, all servers move the Communion bowls and cups and purificators to the altar: bowls on the left side, cups and purificators on the right. Line up with the other ministers in front of the sanctuary for Communion then stand in front of your seats. Remove the empty chalice, cups, purificators, and empty Communion bowls as they are iii

placed on the altar. While the deacon or sacristan places the remaining Blessed Sacrament in the tabernacle, Server 1 folds the corporal and removes it and any remaining vessels from the altar. During the moment of silence after Communion, Server 2 gets the Missal. When the priest says, “Let us pray”, carry the book to the celebrant and hold it open for him.

Concluding Rites When the priest kisses the altar, retrieve the processional cross and candles. Line up with the priest and other ministers in front of the sanctuary. After the priest bows to the altar, lead the procession to the back of the church.

After Mass Put the processional cross and candles away. If there’s not another Mass immediately following, extinguish the sanctuary candles and place the processional cross in the sanctuary. Hang up your alb and cincture. Genuflect to the tabernacle on your way out of the church. Thank you for serving!

Table of Contents

Contents Altar Server Crib Sheet ...... 3 Before Mass ...... 3 Introductory Rite ...... 3 Liturgy of the Word Liturgy of the Eucharist ...... 3 Communion Rite ...... 3 Concluding Rites ...... 4 After Mass ...... 4 Table of Contents ...... 5 Welcome ...... 1 Altar Server Prayer Before Mass ...... 2 Serving At the Altar of God ...... 4 Who May Serve? ...... 4 Scheduling ...... 4 Proper Attire ...... 5 Conduct and Demeanor ...... 5 Server Roles ...... 6 General Directions ...... 7 The Order of Mass ...... 7 Before Mass ...... 7 Introductory Rites ...... 9

ENTRANCE ...... 9

GREETING ...... 10

GLORIA...... 10 Liturgy of the Word ...... 11

GOSPEL ...... 11

HOMILY ...... 12 Liturgy of the Eucharist ...... 12 Communion Rite ...... 14

LAMB OF GOD ...... 14

COMMUNION ...... 14 Concluding Rites ...... 16

DISMISSAL ...... 16 After Mass ...... 16 Rubrics for Special Liturgies and Actions ...... 17 v

Sprinkling Rite ...... 17 Incense...... 17 Procession Before the Gospel ...... 18 Weddings ...... 19 Baptisms ...... 20 Funerals ...... 21 Holy Thursday ...... 21 Altar Server Prayer (After Mass) ...... 22 Appendix A – Tying a Cincture ...... 24 Appendix B – Folding a Corporal ...... 25 Appendix C – Using a Lucifer ...... 26 Appendix D – Glossary ...... 27 Places In the Church ...... 27 Items Used In Mass ...... 28

BOOKS ...... 28

VESSELS ...... 29

LINENS ...... 30

VESTMENTS ...... 31 Ministers ...... 31 Other Terms ...... 32 Appendix E – Liturgical Colors ...... 35 Appendix F – Prayers to Know ...... 36 I Confess to Almighty God… (Confiteor) ...... 36 Glory to God In the Highest… ...... 36 Profession of Faith – Nicene Creed ...... 37 Profession of Faith – Apostles Creed ...... 37 Appendix G – Changes From Previous Training ...... 39

Welcome Thank you for becoming an altar server at St. Louise Parish. As a server, you will be performing one of the most vital roles in the Mass: leading the people in worship when our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ comes among us in a special way through the Eucharist. I grew in my love for Jesus and for the Mass when I was an altar server at St. Peter’s in Deming, WA and I hope that serving at Mass will help you spiritually as well. The origins of altar serving can be traced back to the Last Supper. Jesus sent two of his disciples ahead to prepare the Passover meal for Him and the twelve (Mark 12:13-16). Like those two disciples, you have instructions on how to prepare the table for our special Eucharistic celebration – preparation that involves much more than setting out cups and bowls. Saint Pope John Paul II addressed a gathering of young altar servers in Rome on Aug 12, 2001 and told them: 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 and 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. I hope your service provides you with some of the same wonderful memories I have of being an altar server – quite a long time ago! With thanks and prayers for your joy in Christ, Fr Gary Pastor

Altar Server Prayer Before Mass

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.

About This Handbook This handbook is extensive and detailed, but will give you the information you need to serve with excellence at St. Louise Parish – for both “normal” Masses and special Masses such as baptisms and funerals. There is a short “crib sheet” at the beginning of this handbook (pages i-ii) that gives you the quick reminder of steps to serving after you’ve been trained, but the main content of this handbook will provide you with the specific steps you should follow. And, if you’ve already been trained as an altar server at St. Louise, check out Appendix G for changes from prior handbooks. So, why a 40-plus page handbook rather than just a 2-page crib sheet? Because the difference between “going through the steps” and understanding why you’re performing each step is the difference between showing up for school in the morning and having your lessons prepared. Folding the corporal carefully is great. Understanding that we fold the corporal carefully because we want to protect any fragments of the Body of Christ that may have fallen on it is much more important. Without this later understanding, we might become sloppy if we hurry – and become irreverent toward the Precious Body we revere; with it, we understand why we also are careful with the precious vessels and why their purification after communion is so important. The church uses many specialized terms and this handbook uses those technical terms to be more precise and so you can get used to the proper words. The more precise terms also help us understand better how we interact with items: before the transubstantiation, the hosts are just bread; afterwards, they are the Blessed Body of Christ – and we treat them totally differently. There’s an extensive glossary in the appendix with definitions for all the terms. This handbook also serves as the definitive reference for how we altar serve at St. Louise Parish. Your training and your actions in the Mass should match the directions in here. If you run across typos or other administrative errors, bring them to the attention of the altar server coordinator to be corrected. If any of the procedures described here should be changed, bring them to the altar server coordinator who will work with the parish Liturgy Commission for final approval. And, finally, a note on directions in this handbook such as “front”, “back”, “right”, and “left”. The front of the church is toward the sanctuary; the back is toward the large stained glass windows and the offertory table. Ex., “the procession moves from the back of the church to the front” – move from the offertory table toward the sanctuary. “Right” and “left” when referring to you are your right and left. Ex., “move to your right” or “move to your left”. Finally, when referring to actions in the sanctuary and at the altar, directions are “stage” directions: the left side of the sanctuary or altar is “stage left” – the side closest to the ambo; the right side of the sanctuary or altar is “stage right” – the side closest to the Mary shrines.

Serving At the Altar of God As an altar server, you do much more than carry a cross or candle, hold a book, or set cups and bowls on the altar. You are actually leading the congregation, the people, in their worship. From the procession at the start of Mass to the recession at the end, you will be visible to everyone in the church. When you perform your duties with care and diligence, when you pay attention to the Mass and visibly join in the responses and singing, when you sit and stand erect, you are leading all the people to participate fully in the Mass. Who May Serve? At St. Louise, all registered parishioners who have received the Sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation and First Communion are eligible to apply to the Server ministry. For English-language Masses, we add the requirement you be at least eleven years of age or in the sixth grade and higher simply because of our limited ability to train extra servers. All candidates must attend required training sessions and demonstrate both the commitment and ability to perform this role with reverence and skill. Scheduling Servers at St. Louise volunteer for a particular Mass time and are assigned on a rotating basis, based on liturgical calendars, using the MSP system. You may also volunteer for special liturgical celebrations (such as Christmas, Easter, confirmation, etc.), weddings, and funerals. St. Louise Parish School students generally are called to serve at weekday Masses, but any qualified server may volunteer. Serving is a commitment. You volunteered for a particular Mass schedule and we are all depending on you to be there – and to be fully there: on time, committed, enthusiastic, and ready. It’s your responsibility to arrange for a replacement if you cannot meet your commitment. First contact your friends who serve (there is space to write their contact information below). If you can’t find a replacement among them, you can email [email protected] to contact all qualified servers. Contact the Altar Server Coordinator, [email protected], to sign up for a particular Mass time or if you have any questions.

Proper Attire You play a central, and very visible, role in the Mass. Your appearance and behavior can support a prayerful environment or distract from the important focus of the Mass. You will want to look your best and be on your best behavior. Wear nice, clean “Sunday best” clothes that don’t show through the alb. (Hint: bright colors WILL show through…) Gentlemen will want to wear long pants and a nice shirt; ladies will want to wear dressy pants and blouse or a dress. Wear comfortable shoes that won’t call undue attention to your feet. Flip-flops, excessively high heels, or large clunky soles would not be good choices. Non-athletic “dress” shoes would be best – but we recognize budget limitations for families with growing kids.

Comb your hair and keep it out of your eyes. Tie it back if necessary.

Altar servers wear albs and cinctures while serving. A properly fitting alb reaches down to below your ankles (to the tops of your shoes). Cinctures come in liturgical colors (white, green, purple, red, and gold) – wear the color appropriate for the liturgical season (which you can find on the calendar in the sacristy). The knot of the cincture is on your right side and the ends of the tied cincture should be even and reach to your knees. See the appendix of this handbook for directions on how to tie the cincture.

You will be visible to everyone in the church during many of the most important parts of the ceremony. You don’t want people be so focused on your manner of dress, grooming, or behavior that they are distracted from the Mass. Conduct and Demeanor Participate in all parts of the Mass: sing, pray, and respond with the congregation (except when you’re performing another specific tasks such as processing in or out, holding the book, setting the altar, etc.). Pay attention to the action in the Mass; focus your eyes on speaker, the reader, or the cantor. Set an example for the congregation.

Maintain an appropriate, reverential posture at all times: sit, stand, and walk erect. Never run or rush. When sitting, place your hands on your lap. You should usually enter the sanctuary from the side. If you need to get from one side of the sanctuary to the other – when lining up for the recessional, for example – walk around the outside. Do not cut through the sanctuary. In general, all servers should stand, sit, or kneel at the same time. For example, when the server holding the Roman Missal (book of prayers) for the opening prayer is walking back to their seat, the

other servers remain standing until they can all sit together. Unless you’re sitting or carrying something, your hands should be

joined in front of your chest, palm-to-palm, fingers pointed upward. If you’re carrying something in only one hand, hold the other hand flat on your chest.

You will bow several times during the Mass. Think of bowing as a ritual way to show respect to the altar and the celebrant. There are two types of bow: a bow of the head and a bow of the body (also called a profound bow). Never walk and bow at the same time: stop before bowing. A bow of the head is just that: a slow nod of the head. Bow your head when you’re about to receive communion. Another time you will use this simple bow is when you complete an action with the priest; after the priest dries his hands at the Eucharistic celebration and returns the towel to your arm, you should make a simple bow to him. A bow of the body is made from the waist with your hands folded. Use a bow of the body during the Creed at the words “by the power of the Holy Spirit, He was born of the Virgin Mary and became man.” This bow is almost always made toward the altar. As a general practice, make a bow of the body whenever you cross in front of the sanctuary – unless you’re part of a procession or carrying something. As a general rule, do not bow when you’re holding things (the cross, candles, etc.) – but there are exceptions: you bow to the celebrant when holding the lavabo bowl and pitcher after he washes his hands and you bow to the altar when holding the chalice and corporal before setting the altar. Genuflect by bending only your right knee to the ground. Genuflect to the tabernacle when you enter the church before Mass and leave church after Mass. The deacon will genuflect before removing the consecrated hosts from the tabernacle for communion and again when returning the remaining consecrated hosts after communion. Server Roles The typical Mass at St. Louise will have three servers. If more or less than three servers at a Mass, you’ll have to make some adjustments. The most experienced server is the lead (Server 1), will identify which roles the other servers are to take, and will help direct them. The primary roles for the servers are:

 Server 1: cross bearer, altar assistant, leader of the server team  Server 2: candle bearer, book bearer  Server 3: candle bearer, lead offertory procession If there are only two servers, Server 2 should lead the offertory procession in addition to being the book bearer. If there are more than three servers, split up the tasks or have two servers lead the offertory procession. A few special Masses require more servers with additional roles. Those will be described later in this handbook. General Directions The servers are a team and you need to work together. While this handbook is written with Server 1 setting the altar and Server 2 holding the Missal for the opening and closing prayers, you are welcome to switch those roles if you both want. Your primary job is to support the celebrant and deacon in the Mass. Be ready to step up and help them even if the task isn’t specifically mentioned in this handbook. If, for example, the priest is juggling to read from a prayer book and extend his hands to the congregation, step forward and hold the book for him. When a bishop or archbishop celebrates Mass at St. Louise, there are more details to keep track of. Fortunately, there will also be a master of ceremonies who will help direct you when things aren’t the same as a “normal” Mass. (A master of ceremonies may also be present at some other special Masses. Their role is to help orchestrate all the pieces of the Mass so it flows smoothly and reverently. If there is a master of ceremonies, they’ll tell you about any changes in your duties for that special Mass.) When something goes “wrong” adapt as best you can. As long as you remember to show proper respect to the Mass we’re celebrating and focus on supporting the priest and deacon, it will work out. Your fellow servers, the sacristan, deacon, and priest are also there to help you be successful: ask if you have questions or need help. If you have an immediate need (for example, you can’t figure out what color cincture to wear or if the paschal candle should be lit), start by asking the sacristan. If necessary, the sacristan will refer to the deacon or priest. If it’s an issue that can wait (for example, the albs are dirty and need cleaned), contact the altar server coordinator after Mass.

The Order of Mass The section headings below will give you a complete roadmap to the Mass. For example, the Mass itself always begins with the Introductory Rite. The Introductory Rite always includes an Entrance (chant or song and procession), a Greeting, the Penitential Act or Kyrie, the Gloria (except during Lent), and the Collect (opening prayer). The Introductory Rite is followed by the Liturgy of the Word, the Liturgy of the Eucharist, the Communion Rite, and the Concluding Rites. Before Mass

Arrive so you are vested and ready to serve at least 20 minutes before Mass begins. Genuflect to the tabernacle as you come into the church. When you arrive, sign in on the sheet on the wall opposite the Albs and closet with the albs. Cincture s Put on a clean, unwrinkled alb and tie it with the appropriately colored cincture. A calendar showing the appropriate liturgical color for your cincture is on the pillar in the sacristy near the Sign In vesting table. This same calendar will tell you who is celebrating Mass and if there are baptisms. DN You’re responsible for knowing if the paschal candle should be lit.

It’s lit during Easter season Masses (from the Easter Vigil through Pentecost), for Masses with baptisms, and for funeral Masses. If Calendar Vesting the paschal candle is to be lit, light it before the other candles and UP put it out after the other candles at the end of Mass. Ask if you have questions.

Check the Missal to understand where you will open it for the Figure 3: The sacristy celebrant. The opening and closing prayers are usually marked with the first ribbon; the Eucharistic prayer (when you set the altar) is a tab. About 10 minutes before Mass starts, the Server 1 uses a lucifer (candle lighter) to light the candles in the sanctuary (paschal first if it’s being lit, the two candles flanking the ambo, and the two candles flanking the tabernacle).

Lecter Processiona Paschal n l Candles Candle

Altar Ambo Sanctuary

Candles

Choir Credenc Tabernacl e e Tables

Figure 4: Candles in the sanctuary

While the Server 1 is lighting the candles in the sanctuary, Server 2 lights the processional candles. The entrance procession always includes the cross. One, both, or neither of the two candles processional candles are in the procession depending on how many altar servers there are – any processional candle that isn’t being used in the procession is lit and placed in the sanctuary when the other sanctuary candles are lit. Gather with the priest and other ministers in the sacristy and join in prayer before starting Mass. Following prayer, the Server 1 takes the processional cross and the other servers take the processional candles and gather at the back of the church, near the offertory table, and wait for the celebrant’s signal to start the processional. Do not block the aisle before the procession begins. Introductory Rites

ENTRANCE Line up for the entrance procession and be ready to go when the celebrant gives the signal: cross bearer first, candle bearers second (next to each other if there are two), then minister of the Word, then celebrant and deacon (if one is present). If there are more than three altar servers, the others follow the cross and candle bearers.

Offertory Table

Deacon Priest

Reader

Candl Candl e e Bearer Bearer 1 2

Cross Beare r

Figure 5: Entrance procession

The cross bearer starts down the aisle at a steady, stately pace when the people begin to sing the entrance hymn. The candle bearers follow about 3 feet behind at the same steady, stately pace, keeping their eyes forward. When the cross bearer reaches the foot of the sanctuary stairs, move to your left, and stop, in front of and facing the altar, leaving space for the rest of the procession on your right. 9

The candle bearer (on the right side of the procession if there are two, the only candle bearer if there is only one) moves to their right, toward the ambo side of the sanctuary, and stops, lined up with and facing the ambo. If there is a second candle bearer, that bearer moves to their left and stops on the left side of the cross bearer, lined up with and facing the tabernacle. The spacing between the candle bearers may need to adjust if the entrance procession is particularly large: the candle bearers form the “bookends” on either side of the procession when it stops in front of the sanctuary (with the cross bearer just to the right of the left-most candle bearer).

Candl Cross Candl e Beare e Beare r Bearer r

1 2

Lectern

Altar Ambo

Choir

Credenc Tabernacle e Tables

Figure 6: Procession in front of sanctuary

When the rest of the procession and, finally, the celebrant arrives between the cross bearer and the first candle bearer, the celebrant will initiate a bow of the body toward the altar and the rest of the procession will bow with him. Altar servers carrying the cross and candles (and the person carrying the Book of the Gospels) DO NOT bow. When the celebrant finishes his bow and starts toward the altar, all servers move to their left, around the outside of the sanctuary, and place the cross and candles on the holders next to the altar. Continue to your place at the servers’ seats. Remain standing and join the people singing the opening hymn. At some special Masses, you may be called on to help with incensing the altar. See the sections later in this handbook for more information.

GREETING When the celebrant greets the assembly, respond with the people.

PENITENTIAL ACT AND KYRIE Respond with the people to the penitential act. See the “Prayers to Know” section for the Confiteor (“I confess to almighty God and to you…”). See later in this handbook for the rubric to follow when there is a Sprinkling Rite.

GLORIA Recite the Gloria with the people. See the “Prayers to Know” section for the Gloria (“Glory to God in the highest…”). Note the Gloria is NOT said during Lent. 10

Just before the end of the Gloria (“…for you alone are the Holy One, you alone…”) – or just before the end of the Penitential Rite when the Gloria is not said (during Lent) – Server 2 retrieves the Missal from the shelf in the credence table, and prepares to present it to the celebrant – you want to be ready before the celebrant says “Let us pray”, but don’t enter the sanctuary until then.

COLLECT (OPENING PRAYER) When the celebrant says, “Let us pray”, proceed directly in front of him, open the Missal to the correct page (some priests prefer to open the Missal themselves), and hold it high along the bottom.  Hold the book open so he can read the prayer,  Keep the pages flat and fingers out of the text.  Stand still (not swaying) while he is reading.

 If you’re tall enough to block to assembly’s view of the celebrant, hold the book to your side. When the celebrant is finished with the Opening Prayer and the congregation responds Amen, close the book, and return it to the shelf in the credence table. All servers take your seats in unison and listen attentively to the Word of God. The other servers respond with the people. Liturgy of the Word

FIRST READING Listen attentively to the minister of the Word and respond with the people.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM Remember to sing with the people.

SECOND READING Listen attentively to the minister of the Word and respond with the people.

ALLELUIA OR GOSPEL ACCLAMATION Stand and sing or recite the Alleluia with the people. At some special Masses, you may be called on to help with incense or to escort the Book of Gospels to the ambo. See the sections later in this handbook for more information.

GOSPEL Listen attentively to the reader and respond with the people.

HOMILY Sit in unison and listen attentively to the homilist.

CREED (PROFESSION OF FAITH) Stand and recite the Creed with the people. Remember to make a profound bow at the lines “by the power of the Holy Spirit, He was born of the Virgin Mary and became man.”

UNIVERSAL PRAYER (PRAYER OF THE FAITHFUL OR GENERAL INTERCESSIONS) Listen attentively to the prayers and respond with the people. Liturgy of the Eucharist

PRESENTATION OF THE GIFTS/PREPARATION OF THE ALTAR When the offertory song begins, the Server 1 and Server 2 prepare the altar while Server 3 walks steadily around the back of the church to the offertory table and stands ready to lead the procession with the gifts. If there are only two servers, both prepare the altar as usual, then Server 2 walks around the back of the church to the offertory table to lead the procession. To prepare the altar, the Server 1 brings the chalice, purificator, and corporal from the credence table to the altar while Server 2 brings the Missal. Both servers bow to the altar as they reach the top step of the sanctuary. Server 1 opens the corporal and centers it on the altar with the large red cross closest to them. (See the appendix of this handbook for the proper way to open and fold the corporal. Remember the corporal is there to collect any fragments of the Blessed Sacrament: don’t flick it open or shake it.) When unfolded, the corporal should be about 2 inches back from the edge of the altar. Place the chalice near the upper right corner of the corporal and the purificator neatly on top of it. The lead server takes the Missal from Server 2 and places it on the altar to the left of the corporal open to the Eucharistic prayer. While Server 1 is placing the Missal on the altar, Server 2 retrieves the Book of the Gospels holder, bows to the altar, and returns to their seat (but remains standing), placing the Book of the Gospel holder under the credence table on the way. If there is small basket with one or more pyx for gluten-free hosts on the credence table, get it and place it on the corporal next to the chalice. When the altar is prepared, bow to the altar and return to your seat – if the celebrant is sitting and the collection is still going on, sit in unison; if the collection is nearing its end, remain standing.

After the altar is set and the ushers have completed the collection, Server 3 will lead the procession with the gifts to the sanctuary. Remember to hold your hands joined in front of your chest in a prayer-like attitude and walk steadily and stately to the steps leading to the sanctuary. You should arrive at the sanctuary steps shortly after the celebrant arrives at the foot of the steps to receive the gifts. When the celebrant stands to receive the gifts, Server 1 and 2 stand and move to either side him to help with the gifts. Server 3, after leading the procession, will also move to the side to help with the gifts. Helping the celebrant and deacon, if present, with the gifts will require some flexibility since there are so many permutations of deacon or no deacon and number of servers. You want to smoothly take the gifts when the celebrant gives them to you (he may choose to carry the bread or wine himself) and move them to where they belong: the two baskets to the step in front of the altar and the bread and wine to the altar. If you bring the bread and wine to the altar, move directly through the sanctuary and place the bowl in the center of the corporal and the pitcher of wine to the right of the chalice (it doesn’t need to be on the corporal). At some special Masses, you may be called on to help with incense for the altar and gifts and the congregation. See the sections later in this handbook for more information. After the gifts are placed on the altar (and, sometimes, incensed), be ready for the next part of the rite: comingling and lavabo. While the celebrant makes his way from the front of the sanctuary to the altar, Server 1 takes the pitcher of water from the credence table and stands by the right side of the altar. Be prepared to hand the pitcher to the deacon or celebrant when they’re ready: hold the pitcher with one hand underneath, the other hand steadying the pitcher, and the handle toward the recipient. He will pour a little of the water into the wine and hand the pitcher back to you. Meanwhile, Server 2 picks up the washing bowl and towel. Drape the towel over your left arm and carry the bowl in both hands to stand in the sanctuary to the left of Server 1 (who has recovered the pitcher of water from the celebrant or deacon). When the celebrant turns toward you and extends his hands over the bowl, Server 1 pours water generously over the celebrant’s hands. The celebrant will then take the towel from your arm, dry his hands, and return the towel to your arm. Both servers bow to the celebrant and leave the sanctuary. Put the bowl on the credence table and the pitcher next to the bowl. Neatly fold the towel and place it next to the bowl and pitcher. Go to your seats but remain standing. If there is only one server, the comingling and lavabo are a

little more challenging. When you go to the credence table

to pick up the pitcher of water, also take the washing bowl and towel. Arrange the towel over your left forearm and carry the bowl in your left hand. Carry the pitcher in your right hand and take all three items to the altar for the comingling. While the comingling and the lavabo are going on, Server 3 returns to her chair and remains standing.

PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS Listen attentively and respond with the people.

EUCHARISTIC PRAYER Join in the responses including singing the Sanctus (“Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of hosts…”). Kneel in unison at your seats. Join in singing the memorial acclamation; then stand in unison for the Lord’s Prayer. Communion Rite

LORD’S PRAYER Stand at your place for the Lord’s Prayer. You may choose to join hands with each other or fold your hands in front of you. (Altar servers no longer go into the sanctuary during the Lord’s Prayer at St. Louise Parish.)

SIGN OF PEACE Offer a sign of peace to the celebrant if he comes toward you. Then start taking the communion cups and bowls to the altar.

LAMB OF GOD

While the people are singing “Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world…”, servers take the communion bowls, cups, and purificators from the credence table to the altar. Line the bowls up on the (stage) left side of the altar. Line the cups up on the right side with a purificator in front of each one. Take the basket of pyx for gluten-free hosts (if there is one) to the credence table. When you finish setting the altar and are near the credence table, turn and make a bow to the altar. Then line up at the foot of the sanctuary (in front of and facing the altar) to receive communion.

COMMUNION You will take communion with the rest of the congregation. Bow as the celebrant approaches you with communion. Remember to bow before taking the cup. After receiving communion, Server 1 removes the Missal from the altar and returns it to the shelf in the credence table. All servers return to their seats and remain standing with

the congregation. Server 1 should be ready to clear the sacred vessels from the altar when appropriate.  When the deacon or sacristan finishes serving the Blood of Christ and empties the chalice, take it and the purificator to the tray at the credence table. Place the purificator neatly over the top of the chalice.  As the EMs finish distributing Body of Christ, the deacon or sacristan will take their bowls and consolidate any Blessed Sacrament remaining into a single bowl on the corporal. As the returned bowls are emptied, take them to the credence table and stack them neatly.  EMs will usually place their own cups on the tray at the credence table when they finish.  Note the deacon or sacristan may keep both a large bowl and a small bowl to consolidate the remaining Blessed Sacrament until they can tell how much is left. They’ll signal you when to take the bowl they don’t need.  When all of the Blessed Sacrament is consolidated, the deacon or sacristan will take the bowl to the tabernacle. While they’re doing that, come up to the altar and carefully fold the corporal (see the appendix for how to do so) remembering not to flick or shake it. Take the folded corporal and any remaining sacred vessels to the credence table and take your seat.

After everyone has received communion, the celebrant will usually sit while the altar is being cleared. When you finish clearing the altar, turn as you get to the credence table and make a bow to the altar. Server 2 and 3 remain standing until Server 1 returns to their seat after clearing the altar and bowing, then all sit in unison.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION After communion, the celebrant will usually sit in silence for a few moments or the choir may sing a reflective song. While this is going on, Server 2 quietly picks up the Missal from the shelf in the credence table and waits at the foot of the steps just outside the sanctuary.

When the celebrant says, ”Let us pray”, proceed directly in front of him, open the Missal to the correct

page (some priests prefer to open the Missal themselves), and hold it high along the bottom.  Hold the book open so he can read the prayer,  Keep the pages flat, and fingers out of the text.  Stand still (not swaying) while he is reading.  If you’re tall enough to block to assembly’s view of the celebrant, hold the book to your side. When he is finished with the prayer, and the congregation responds Amen, close the book, return it to the shelf in the credence table, and join your team standing in front of your seats. Concluding Rites

DISMISSAL Join with the people in the responses.

RECESSIONAL After the celebrant or deacon says “The Mass is ended…”, respond with the people Thanks be to God. After the celebrant kisses the altar, recover the processional cross and candles from the sanctuary: Server 1 takes the cross and Servers 2 and 3 take the candles. Walk around the outside of the sanctuary to your places in front of the sanctuary steps just as you were at the end of the entrance procession. When the celebrant finishes bowing to the altar (if you’re carrying the cross and candles, don’t bow!), lead the procession out: first the cross bearer, then the candle bearers next to each other, followed by any other servers, the ministers of the Word and the deacon and priest. Walk with a steady, stately pace to the back of the church, near the offertory table. After Mass Continue to the sacristy. Hang up the cross, put the candles in their stand and extinguish them using the lucifer. If there’s not another Mass immediately following the Mass you’re serving, Server 1 returns the processional cross to its stand next to the altar (the processional candles remain in the sacristy) and uses the lucifer to extinguish the candles by the tabernacle and ambo. Extinguish the paschal candle last if lit. Hang up your alb and cincture neatly on the correct hangers. Genuflect to the tabernacle on your way out of the church. Thank you for serving!

Rubrics for Special Liturgies and Actions The key for altar servers at all special liturgical celebrations is to be flexible and be ready to help the celebrant – that’s why you’re there. If, for example, the celebrant is juggling a book of prayers and attempting to lead the congregation in prayer, step up and hold the book of prayers (like you hold the Missal for the opening and closing prayers) for him. Sprinkling Rite Sometimes, especially during the Easter season, Mass includes a Sprinkling Rite in place of the Penitential Act (after the Greeting and before the Gloria). The server brings the aspersory (container) and aspergillum (sprinkling wand) to the celebrant when called. There may be more than one person sprinkling: there should be one server, aspersory, and aspergillum for each minister. The celebrant may bless the water before the sprinkling (or it may have already been blessed) – if he reads the blessing from a book, any “extra” server should come forward and hold the book for him. After the water is blessed, the ministers performing the sprinkling itself will walk through the congregation dipping the aspergillum into the aspersory and “shaking” it over the people. A server follows each minister carrying the aspersory so the minister can easily reach it. When the sprinkling is complete, return the aspersory and aspergillum to the credence table and remain standing at your seats with the rest of the congregation. Incense Incense is used during some Masses as an expression of reverence and prayer. When incense is used, your role as an altar server is to bring the thurible (the vessel that the incense is burned in) and the incense boat (which holds the unburned incense) to the deacon (or priest) who will perform the actual incensation. Incense may be used several times during the Mass: a) during the Entrance Procession and at the beginning of Mass to incense the cross and altar; b) at the procession before the Gospel and the proclamation of the Gospel itself; c) after the gifts have been placed on the altar. The server who carries the thurible is called the thurifer. During the procession, the thurifer holds the thurible in their right hand and the incense boat in their left. Walk and gently swing the thurible back and forth in a short arc in time with your pace. The thurifer always leads the procession. When the deacon or priest is ready to perform the incensation itself, hold the thurible and incense boat up so he can fill the thurible, then move back out of the sanctuary and place the incense boat on the credence table. After the deacon or priest has finished the incensation, recover the thurible from him. At some points in the Mass, you may be

required to incense the priest after he has incensed the altar or Book of Gospels. If so, he will tell you when and how to do so. After the incensation, hang the thurible on its stand near the credence table. Procession Before the Gospel At some special Masses, the proclamation of the Gospel is preceded by a procession that escorts the Book of Gospels from the altar to the ambo. When the celebrant rises from his seat for the Gospel Acclamation to begin, the candlebearers rise immediately and proceed to pick up the processional candles next to the altar. Walking next to each other, they leave the sanctuary by the shortest route, walk around the sanctuary until they are in front of the altar and turn together to face the altar. Step up onto the first step of the sanctuary and walk forward until you are directly in front of the altar. Then, turn away from each other and walk to either front corner of the altar, turn to face the altar and stop. One server should be in front of one corner of the altar and the other in front of the other front corner.

Altar

Figure 17: Gospel procession with candle bearers in front of altar

Once the servers stop in front of the altar, the deacon will come forward and pick up and raise the Book of Gospels over his head and pause. As soon as the deacon begins to move toward the ambo, the candle bearers will walk together around the front of the altar and take up positions on either side of and slightly in front of the deacon and escort (lead) him to the ambo. Once you reach the area of the ambo, the candle bearer on the right crosses in front of the ambo to the choir side (stage left) and stops, turning around to face the second candle bearer. The second candle bearer, on the left of the procession, moves to the stage right front corner of the ambo and faces the first candle bearer. The deacon proceeds to the ambo and prepares to proclaim the Gospel.

1 Altar 3

2 2 1

3 Ambo

Figure 18: Gospel procession from altar to ambo

While the Gospel is proclaimed, the candle bearers stand facing each other but look solemnly toward the ambo and the deacon. When the Gospel reading is complete and the people have responded “Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ”, both candle bearers leave the sanctuary toward the choir, walk together around the front of the sanctuary, replace the candles next to the altar, and return to their seats. All altar servers sit in unison. Weddings The rite of marriage may be performed within a Mass or outside a Mass. The primary difference between the two ceremonies is the inclusion of the Liturgy of the Eucharist or not. In either case, the entrance procession with the cross bearer and candle bearers is not used. Instead, the bride and her party process in. The cross and candles will already be in the sanctuary, the altar servers will be at their seats, and the presider will be waiting at the front of the sanctuary for the bride to process in. The Liturgy of the Word is unchanged from a “normal” Mass. Between the homily and the Prayer of the Faithful is the main part of the rite of marriage. It begins with a prayer and questions from the presider to the bride and groom. Server 1 comes forward and holds the prayer book for the presider exactly the way you’d hold the Missal for the opening or closing prayer during Mass. The prayer and questions will end with the presider saying “What God has joined, men must not divide” and the people will respond “Amen.” If there is no ring bearer in the wedding party, Server 2 comes forward to hold the rings while the presider blesses them. When the bride and groom have exchanged rings, both servers return to their seats and remain standing. The Prayer of the Faithful is unchanged from a “normal” Mass. If the rite of marriage is performed outside of Mass, the Prayer of the Faithful is followed by a blessing and the conclusion of the ceremony. Server 1 comes forward to hold the prayer book for the presider. There is no procession by the cross and candles at the

end of a marriage ceremony – simply move out of the sanctuary and walk around the outside of the church to the sacristy. If the rite of marriage is performed as part of a Mass, the rest of the Mass continues as usual with the Liturgy of the Eucharist on through the Concluding Rites except there is not procession by the cross and candles at the end of the Mass. Baptisms Baptisms are usually celebrated during regular Sunday Masses. The first difference between a typical Mass and a Mass with baptisms is the processional: the celebrant begins the service from the entrance of the church where he greets the children to be baptized, their parents and godparents. From there, continue with the entrance procession as usual. Following the Prayer of the Faithful, the celebrant will call the children to be baptized, their parents, and their godparents to the front of the sanctuary for the actual rite of baptism. Throughout this rite, one server should be ready to hold the book the priest reads from. Another server will hold the oil, the towels, or the baptismal candles as appropriate.

ANOINTING BEFORE BAPTISM The rite begins with the priest leading a prayer of exorcism. He then anoints each child on the chest with the oil of catechumens. One server should hold the book so the priest can easily see it; the second server holds the container of oil and a towel.

CELEBRATION OF THE SACRAMENT Following the anointing, the priest blesses the water for baptism and leads the parents and godparents in a profession of faith. The first altar server should hold the book for the priest to read during these blessings. During the actual baptism (immersion in or pouring on the water), one server stands ready with the book in case the priest needs it and the other server hands towels to the priest and parents as needed.

EXPLANATORY RITES After the baptism, the priest anoints the baptized with chrism, they put on white garments, receive a lighted baptismal candle, and the priest says a final prayer over them. Throughout these steps, one server takes care of the book so the priest can easily read from it whenever necessary. The second server manages the chrism, towels, and candles. When the priest anoints the children with chrism, hold the container of chrism and be ready to hand a towel to the priest or parents as needed. If the priest doesn’t have the parents light the baptismal candle, be ready to do so yourself. Light each candle from the paschal (Easter) candle and hand it to the priest as he approaches each child after they put on their white garments.

After the baptized and their families return to their seats, the Mass proceeds as usual with the presentation of the gifts and preparation of the altar for the Eucharist. Funerals [To be completed…] Holy Thursday [To be completed…]

Altar Server Prayer (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.

Appendices

A. Tying a Cincture B. Folding a Corporal C. Using a Lucifer D. Glossary a. Places in the Church b. Items Used in Mass c. Books d. Vessels e. Linens f. Vestments g. Ministers h. Other Terms E. Liturgical Colors F. Prayers to Know G. Changes From Previous Training

Appendix A – Tying a Cincture Fold the cincture in half and pass one end of the folded cincture behind your back so the two tassels are together in your right hand and the bight (fold) is in your left. Fold the end with the bight (in your left hand) back to make a loop. Pass the two tassel ends of the cincture (in your right hand) through the loop in your left hand. Tighten the loop and adjust the cincture so it’s snug around your waist, the knot is at your right hip, and the tassel ends are even at your right knee.

Appendix B – Folding a Corporal

1. Fold bottom third up 2. Fold top third over bottom

3. Fold left third to right 4. Fold right third over left

Appendix C – Using a Lucifer To light a candle, extend the wick of the lucifer out about ½-inch and light it with a lighter. Use the lucifer to light all liturgical candles. Extend the wick as necessary to keep the flame alive. Extinguish the lucifer by retracting the wick. As soon as the flame is out, push the wick back out by about ½-inch so the melted wax from the wick doesn’t clog up the lucifer. Extinguish candles by using the bell end of the lucifer: hold the bell over the candle flame until it goes out. Never blow a candle out – it spatters wax and consumes the candle more quickly. Be careful not to mash the candle wick when you put it out – it will be difficult to relight later. If the wick of the lucifer runs out, there are replacement wicks in the sacristy – in the closet with the candles. Extend the wick all the way out of the lucifer, remove the old wick and loop the new wick around the keeper tab, then retract the new wick.

Appendix D – Glossary

V 1.1 Places In the Church

Altar: The table on which the Sacrifice of the Mass is offered. During Mass, the altar must be covered by at least one cloth (the altar cloth). During the Eucharistic Prayer, it is also covered with the corporal on top of the altar cloth. Ambo: An elevated pulpit from which the readings, the psalm, the Gospel, and the Universal Prayer are proclaimed. The homily may also be offered from the ambo. Ambry: The place where the oil of catechumens, the oil of the sick, and the sacred chrism are kept. At St. Louise, this is on a shelf in the front of the baptistry. Baptistry: The place in the church building where the font for Baptism and the ambry are located. At St. Louise, the baptistry is at the front, stage left of the sanctuary and includes the ambry. Sometimes spelled baptistery. Baptismal Font: A stone, metal, or wooden receptacle, usually ornamented, for holding baptismal water used in the solemn administration of the sacrament. According to cannon law, every parish church must have a baptismal font. Credence Table: A table where vessels and other necessary items are placed for the celebration of Mass. At St. Louise, there are two credence tables on the (stage) right of the sanctuary near the tabernacle: the one closest to the altar is used to hold the Roman Missal (on the shelf under the table) and the vessels before Mass and the table further away holds the used vessels after communion. Lectern: A movable reading stand used to support written materials in liturgical ceremonies. At St. Louise, the lectern is just outside the front of the sanctuary on the (stage) left side. It’s used for pre-Mass announcements and presentations or announcements at the end of Mass. Nave: The central open space in a church. Colloquially the nave refers to the part of the church reserved for the assembly, including the central and side aisles and crossing transepts. At St. Louise, the nave is separated from the sanctuary by a three-step rise. Offertory Table: A small table where the gifts of bread and wine are placed to be brought forward in procession by members of the assembly. At St. Louise, the offertory table is at the back of the church (nave) under the large stained glass windows. Presidential Chair: The chair from which the celebrant presides during the Liturgy of the Word and during the concluding prayers of the Mass. The adjacent chairs may be used by concelebrating priests or deacons. Sacristy: The room where the priests, deacons, and altar servers vest and prepare for Mass. Many of the items used in the celebration of Mass are stored in the sacristy. Sanctuary: The area of the church that contains the altar, the ambo, and the presidential chair. At St. Louise, like most churches, the sanctuary is separated from the body of the church by being raised on steps.

Tabernacle: A cupboard or boxlike receptacle for the consecrated hosts reserved in a church building. At St. Louise, the tabernacle is elevated behind the altar. Above the tabernacle is a sanctuary (or vigil) light – a candle that is kept lit whenever consecrated hosts are in the tabernacle.

Figure 19: St. Louise Sanctuary

Items Used In Mass Candles: In all liturgical celebrations candles are required to express reverence and to indicate the various degrees of solemnity. At St. Louise, there are two candles flanking the ambo and two flanking the tabernacle that are lit for every Mass. There are also two candles used for the processional (at the beginning and end of Mass) that are placed on holders to the (stage) right of the altar. Paschal Candle: A special, large candle in which five grains of incense have be incased as a symbol of Christ’s wounds. It is blessed on Holy Saturday and lit at all Masses during the Easter season and at any Mass with baptisms throughout the year. When the paschal candle is to be lit, it is lit before the other candles in the sanctuary and extinguished after them. Holy Oils: The oil of catechumens, holy chrism, and oil of the sick are sacramentals blessed by a bishop and are symbols of spiritual nourishment and the light of grace. They are kept in the ambry and used for baptism, confirmation, and anointing of the sick.

BOOKS Book of Gospels: The large book containing the Gospel readings for Mass. It is carried during the entrance procession by a deacon or minister of the Word and displayed prominently on the altar until used in the Liturgy of the Word; it’s then displayed in front of the ambo. Book of Rites: One or more smaller books of prayers and rubrics used for specific rites such as weddings, funerals, and baptisms.

Lectionary: The large book containing the readings (except the Gospel) for the Mass. It’s placed on the ambo before Mass so the ministers of the Word can easily access the appropriate reading and then placed on the shelf under the ambo by the last reader before the Gospel is proclaimed. Liturgical Binder: A small binder used by the celebrant containing special notes, announcements, and standard prayers. The sacristan usually places this binder next to the presidential chair before Mass after the celebrant has a chance to review it. Roman Missal: The book that contains all the prayers and directives (rubrics) for Mass and (sometimes) the readings for the Mass. It also contains includes the rubrics for celebrating the sacraments. It’s the book used by the celebrant for Mass. May be referred to as the Missal. Sacramentary: This is an outdated term for the part of the Roman Missal that contains the prayers and rubrics for Mass, and a number of sacramental formulas, but does not include the readings of the Mass. In modern usage, the Sacramentary is referred to as the Roman Missal (or Missal) whether it includes the readings or not.

VESSELS Aspersory and Aspergillum: The pail (aspersory) to carry holy water and brush or instrument (aspergill or aspergillum) used to sprinkle the holy water during liturgical services. The aspergillum may be a live branch – usually evergreen. Chalice: A specially consecrated cup used to hold wine for consecration and communion. The priest celebrant will often have his own personal chalice he prefers to use. The chalice contains the Sacred Blood of Christ so must be purified before washing. Ciborium: A covered vessel used to hold consecrated hosts. Ciboria are rarely used at St. Louise; we usually use uncovered communion bowls. Communion Bowls: Bowls used to hold consecrated hosts during the distribution of communion. The deacon or sacristan empties the unused consecrated hosts from the communion bowls into a single bowl to be placed in the tabernacle after communion. At St. Louise, we generally use communion bowls instead of ciboria. The bowls contain the Sacred Body of Christ so must be purified before washing. Communion Cups: The goblets used to hold and dispense the consecrated wine during communion. The cups contains the Sacred Blood of Christ so must be purified before washing. Lavabo (Bowl and Pitcher): Technically, the liturgical washing of his hands by the priest before the consecration. Sometimes meaning the pitcher and basin used for that washing. At St. Louise, the same water pitcher is used before the lavabo to pour a drop or two of water into the wine in the chalice before the consecration. The water pitcher (and basin) contains ordinary water so does NOT need to be purified before washing.

Luna: A circular receptacle with glass sides, metal circled with gold or gilded metal to hold the consecrated host upright in the monstrance. It is a sacred vessel, having received the priest's blessing. Sometimes called a lunette. Monstrance: A transparent vessel in which a consecrated host is placed so as to be seen by the faithful. Paten: A consecrated small plate used by the priest to hold a large host for the consecration. Rarely used at St. Louise: we generally use a larger bowl with the large host on top of enough hosts for the assembly. The paten holds the Sacred Body of Christ so must be purified before washing. Pitcher, Cruet, or Decanter: A small or large (depending on how many people are in the assembly) pitcher that contains the wine to be used at Mass. At St. Louise, we generally use one pitcher with the wine and another with the water (for the lavabo). The wine pitcher contains the Sacred Blood of Christ after the consecration so must be purified before washing. Pyx: A small container, usually of metal, used for holding consecrated hosts. For Mass at St. Louise, you’ll most often see a pyx (or more than one) on the credence table before the consecration: it contains gluten-free hosts that will be consecrated with the other hosts. The pyx contains the Sacred Body of Christ so must be purified before washing. Thurible and Incense Boat: The thurible is a vessel for carrying incense in procession. It’s usually made of metal and hangs from a chain. The thurifer is the minister who carries the thurible. A thurible is sometimes called a censer. The incense boat is a covered container with a spoon to carry the incense to be burned in the thurible.

LINENS Altar Cloth: The cloth that must cover the altar for every Mass. Similar to a table cloth in a secular setting. Chalice Veil: A cloth that covers the chalice during Mass when the chalice is not in use. Rarely used at St. Louise: we use a folded corporal before the consecration and an unfolded purificator after. Corporal: A square, white cloth with a small, embroidered cross that is unfolded over the altar cloth during Preparation of the Altar. Similar to a placemat in a secular setting. The paten and chalice and gifts of bread and wine are placed on the corporal. To ensure no particles of the Sacred Body of Christ are treated disrespectfully, the corporal is NEVER shaken and is unfolded and folded in a particular way – see later in this appendix for folding directions. Pall: A small, square protective cover of stiffened cloth placed on the chalice during Mass. Rarely used at St. Louise: we use a folded corporal before the consecration and an unfolded purificator after. A funeral pall is a large decorated cloth that covers the casket during a funeral Mass. Purificator: A small, white cloth used to wipe the rim of the cup during the Communion Rite at Mass. Similar to a napkin in a secular setting. After communion, the purificator is spread neatly over the cup to cover it. Towel or Hand Towel: Used by the celebrant to dry his hands at the end of the lavabo. The altar server places the towel neatly over the water pitcher on the credence table 30

after the lavabo.

VESTMENTS Alb: A long, white garment worn by priests, deacons, and altar servers. It’s a reminder of the white garment given in Baptism. A properly fitting alb covers your ankles. It is held closed with a cincture. Amice: A square, white cloth tied around the neck under an alb when the alb doesn’t cover the collar completely. Rarely used at St. Louise. Cassock: A long garment, usually black, which buttons or snaps down the front. Worn with a surplice. Rarely used at St. Louise. Chasuble: The priestly vestment worn only by the celebrant at Mass. The chasuble is normally in the appropriate liturgical color for that particular Mass. Cincture: A belt (rope) used with an alb. The ends of a properly fitting cincture are even and reach to your knees. St. Louise altar servers wear cinctures in the appropriate liturgical color (white, red, purple, or green). Cope: A cape-like vestment worn by a priest or deacon for liturgies outside Mass, like the Liturgy of the Hours; also worn for processions on Palm Sunday and the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. Dalmatic: A vestment that may be worn by the deacon for the celebration of Mass. Rarely used at St. Louise. Humeral Veil: A cloth placed around the shoulders of a priest or deacon when he carries the Blessed Sacrament, whether in procession or for benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. Stole: A narrow strip of fabric worn by ordained ministers with liturgical vestments. Priests wear the stole around the neck, hanging down in front. Deacons wear it over the left shoulder, across the chest, and pinned at the right side. Surplice: A short white garment worn over a cassock. Rarely used at St. Louise. Ministers Altar Server: Lay men and women deputed as ministers to serve at the altar and assist the celebrant and deacon. They carry the cross and candles in processions, hold the Missal for the celebrant when he uses it away from the altar, and prepare and clear the altar for the Eucharistic celebration. At St. Louise, altar servers are usually youth though adults may serve in some roles. Cantor: Leads the congregation in singing, especially the Psalm. Celebrant: The specific priest leading the Mass. There may be additional priests concelebrating the Mass with specific roles during the Eucharistic Rite (called concelebrants), but there is only one celebrant. Sometimes called the priest celebrant. Choir Members and Musicians: Lead the congregation in singing. Deacon: One of the three kinds of ordained ministers in the Catholic church. (The other two are bishop and priest.) The deaconate is open to men over the age of 35. Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion: Confirmed lay men and women who 31

are commissioned to distribute the Body and Blood of Christ for either a single or multiple occasions. At St. Louise these people are colloquially called “Eucharistic Ministers” or EMs, but the correct term is Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion to emphasize the importance of the act of distributing communion. Instituted Acolyte: Confirmed laymen (only) may be instituted into the office of acolyte by the archbishop. Technically, our altar servers do the job of an instituted acolyte in the absence of the instituted acolyte. Some parishes use the informal term “acolyte” to mean more senior altar servers, but it is confusing and not used at St. Louise. Lector: The lay man or woman who proclaims the first and second readings at Mass. Technically lectors at St. Louise are deputed to proclaim the readings for a specific period of time; there is a formal role of instituted lector who is a lay man (only) commissioned by the bishop to read at Mass: our lectors are allowed to substitute in the absence of an instituted lector. In some places called reader. At St. Louise, lectors are called ministers of the Word. Minister: A general title for those who serve in a liturgical capacity. Acolytes, altar servers, deacons, lectors, and priests are all ministers. Deacons and priests are ordained, acolytes and some lectors are instituted, and altar servers and other lectors are commissioned. Minister of the Word: The name used at St. Louise for lectors. Priest: One of the three kinds of ordained ministers in the Catholic Church. (The other two are deacon and bishop.) A priest is technically referred to as a presbyter and you may occasionally see that term. Sacristan: The officer traditionally charged with taking care of the sacristy. At St. Louise, the sacristan prepares the sacred vessels and linens before Mass and cleans and puts them away after. Usher: Laymen and women who welcome the people to Mass, help them to seats, and maintain order during communion. Other Terms Benediction: A blessing given by a priest with the Blessed Sacrament exposed in a monstrance. Bobeche: A disk or “collar” of metal, glass, plastic, or paper used to catch the wax dripping down a candle. Crosier: A staff carried by the bishop of a diocese in procession; it usually resembles a shepherd’s staff. Crucifer: Server carrying the processional cross. Also called a cross-bearer. Exposition: The rite in which the Blessed Sacrament is “exposed” in a monstrance. Feast: Second ranking of liturgical observances of the Lord and of the saints. These days are confined only to the natural day; that is, they do not have a vigil and do not begin the evening before. See also memorial and solemnity. Frontal: A cloth that hangs down the front of an altar, often in the liturgical color, also known as an antependium. Gremiale: A cloth spread over the lap of the bishop to protect his vestments during

anointing. Lavabo: A pitcher and basin used for the washing of the priest celebrant’s hands during Mass. Also the name for the act of washing the priest celebrant’s hands during Mass. Liturgy: A reference to any of the official rites of the Catholic Church as found in the Roman Missal. This would include, for example, Mass, the Liturgy of the Hours, Word services, and celebrations of sacraments. Liturgy of the Eucharist: Begins with the Preparation and Presentation of the Gifts and included the Eucharistic Prayer, Communion Rite, and Prayer after Communion, during which the action of Mass is centered around the altar. Liturgy of the Hours: Called “the prayer of the Church,” the primary offices of the Liturgy of the Hours are Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer. It consists largely of the chanting or recitation of psalms. It is prayed daily. Liturgy of the Word: The part of Mass from the First Reading through the Universal Prayer during which the action of Mass is centered around the ambo. Lucernarium: A ceremonial lighting of candles, which sometimes take place as part of the Office of Evening Prayer in the Liturgy of the Hours. Memorial: The third ranking of celebrations of the saints. They are either obligatory (that is, they must be celebrated) or optional. See also feast and solemnity. Miter: The pointed hat worn by a bishop during celebrations of the liturgy. Orans: An open-armed gesture for prayer that the ordained assume. Ordo: A book or leaflet, published locally or regionally, giving detailed information about each day of the liturgical year. There is a copy of the Seattle Archdiocese Ordo in the sacristy at St. Louise with the liturgical books. Reliquary: A sacred container displaying the relics of the saints. There is no reliquary at St. Louise. Ritual: The word ritual comes from the Latin ritualis meaning “rite” or “form.” Ritual can be described as the prescribed words and actions of a liturgical function. Rubric: The directions for how to celebrate particular rituals. They are usually noted in ritual books in red. The word rubric come from the Latin word ruber. Sacrarium: A special sink installed in a sacristy for the cleaning of sacred vessels. It drains directly into the earth, not into the sewer. Service: “Generally speaking this would define the obligation the persons have as creatures toward God to show proper homage and pertains to those acts of virtue of religion by which they serve God personally and socially.” (Lang, Jovian O., OFM. Dictionary of Liturgy. New York: Catholic Book Publishing, 1989, p. 582.) Solemnity: The highest rank of a liturgical observance. These celebrations include not only the day itself, but also the evening before, beginning with either Evening Prayer or with a Vigil Mass. See also feast and memorial. Taper: A long wax-coated wick used to light candles. Thurifer: The minister who carries the thurible or censer in procession. Transepts: The “arms” or sections off the nave in a cruciform-shaped church.

Vestments: The special garments worn by the ministers of the liturgy. Vimpa: A cloth placed around the shoulders of a server. It is used to hold the miter and crosier when the bishop is present. Zucchetto: A skullcap worn by bishops and others: white for the pope, red for cardinals, purple for bishops and archbishops, and black for abbots.

Appendix E – Liturgical Colors White or Gold: Christmas Time, Triduum, Easter, weddings and funerals Red: Good Friday, Pentecost, and memorials for (a) Martyr(s) Purple (Violet): Advent, Lent, Holy Saturday morning Rose: third Sunday of Advent, fourth Sunday of Lent Green: Ordinary Time Black: funerals and All Souls Day; not generally used.

Appendix F – Prayers to Know I Confess to Almighty God… (Confiteor) I confess to almighty God and to you, my brothers and sisters, that I have greatly sinned, in my thoughts and in my words, in what I have done and in what I have failed to do, through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault; therefore I ask blessed Mary, ever Virgin, all the Angels and Saints, and you, my brothers and sisters, to pray for me to the Lord our God. Glory to God In the Highest… Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to people of good will. we praise you, we bless you, we adore you, we glorify you, we give thanks for your great glory, Lord God, heavenly King, O God, almighty Father. Lord Jesus Christ, Only Begotten Son, Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, you take away the sin of the world, have mercy on us; you take away the sin of the world, receive our prayer; you are seated at the right hand of the Father, have mercy on us. For You alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord, you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father. Amen.

Profession of Faith – Nicene Creed I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible. I believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages. God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father; through him all things were made. For us men and for our salvation he came down from heaven, [At the words that follow, up to and including “and became man,” all bow] and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried, and rose again on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead and His kingdom will have no end. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. I believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. I confess one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen. Profession of Faith – Apostles Creed I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,

[At the words that follow, up to and including “the Virgin Mary,” all bow] who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried; he descended into hell; on the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty; from there he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.

Appendix G – Changes From Previous Training Here is a summary of what has changed in altar server training from previous versions (or reminders of how to best show proper respect during Mass):  Do not go into the sanctuary at the Our Father. Remain standing at your seat.  Bow to the altar as you prepare to set it, when you finish preparing it with the corporal, chalice and Missal, and after clearing the altar and are on your way back to your seat.  Do not put the pitcher of water into the lavabo bowl after washing the celebrant’s hands. Place it next to the bowl and fold the hand towel neatly next to it.  The email addresses for the altar server coordinator and the altar server group alias have changed.  There is now one calendar that will tell you what color cincture to wear and if there are baptisms at the Mass (so you know if you should light the paschal candle).  Don’t cut across the sanctuary – walk around the outside.  You should be standing just outside the sanctuary holding the Missal before the celebrant says ”Let us pray” for the opening and closing prayer.