Altar Server Guidelines for St. John the Baptist Catholic Church

Altar Servers Guidelines: St. John the Baptist, Dunnellon

PRELIMINARIES: General Information

Number of Servers Needed: Generally at weekend Masses, in the Catholic World, Altar Servers number from 2-6 servers. For pastoral reasons of promoting Children and Youth Ministry in the parish, as far as possible, we’ll need 3-5 “youth” Altar Servers for the Sunday 10.30 am Mass: three servers, if no incense is used and five servers if incense is used. If incense is NOT USED, we need only the Server Captain/Cross Bearer and the two Acolytes (Candle Bearers). If incense is USED, we need five servers, while three performs the roles already stated, the remaining two (only very mature and capable teenagers) will play the role of the Thurifer and the Incense Boat Bearer. In any case, three servers: the Server Captain/Cross Bearer and the two Acolytes sit on the altar, while the Thurifer and the Incense Boat Bearer both sit at the Baptistry area.

NOTE: As a general rule, when the congregation stands or kneels, the Servers stand (except during the Consecration of the Bread and Wine: At this time, the servers should kneel, unless they are adults with knee problem). While standing and/or walking the Servers are to hold their hands in the praying position. The praying position is with palms of the hands together, fingers extended, thumbs crossed, hands chest high such that finger tips are about shoulder high. When the congregation sits, the Servers sit. In the sitting position the Servers’ hands should be on their laps. The foregoing remarks about posture do not apply when the Servers are performing required liturgical functions involving the use of hands as presented in the subsequent paragraphs.

NOTE: ALL SERVERS SHOULD BE TRAINED TO KNOW THE MASS PROCEDURE & PERFORM ALL FUNCTIONS

PRAYERS OF AN ALTAR SERVER 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. 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.

ARRIVAL and PREPARATION FOR MASS • Altar Severs should arrive at least fifteen minutes prior to Mass. Youth Servers should dress in black cassocks with white surplices. Servers should wear appropriately dignified shoes (no flip-flops or sneakers). Closed, clean dress shoes are preferred. Adult Altar Servers should dress in their white albs. (Adult Servers will be responsible for the care of their albs).

• The Server Captain should check the Credence Table before Mass to ensure that all items needed for the Mass are on the table.

• Ten minutes before the start of Mass, the sacristan should be asked to light the candles in the candle holder rack in the Ministry Room or, the Server Captain could light them ONLY if he/she is a mature teenager or older.

• The Servers then attend the prayer before Mass with the Priest and other liturgical ministers in the Priest Vestry, the room in which the Priest puts on his liturgical vestments.

• After the prayer before Mass, the Servers pick up the processional cross and the processional candles and go to the church entry area, the narthex, and form up for the entry procession in the format shown in the following drawing. Whether you are the Tabernacle-side Server or the Choir-side Server is determined by your position in the entry procession.

ENTRANCE PROCESSION: (With Three Servers)

Procession format with Cross Bearer (Server Captain), two Side Servers, Lay Reader and Priest

DETAIL DESCRIPTION (Adaptations where necessary)

o Candle Bearer

† Cross Bearer o Lay Reader o Priest/Deacon

o Candle Bearer

ENTRANCE PROCESSION: (With Five Servers)

Procession format with Thurifer, Cross Bearer (Server Captain), two Side Servers, Boat Bearer, Lay Reader, and Priest

o Candle Bearer o Thurifer † Cross Bearer o Boat Bearer o Lay Reader o Priest/Deacon

o Candle Bearer

ENTRANCE PROCESSION: (With Two Servers)

Procession format with two Altar Servers, Lay Reader, and Priest

o Candle Bearer

† Cross Bearer o Lay Reader o Priest/Deacon

o Candle Bearer

ENTRANCE PROCESSION: (With ONLY One Server)

Procession format with One Altar Server, Lay Reader, and Priest

† Cross Bearer o Lay Reader 1 o Priest/Deacon

Function of the Thurifer and Incense Boat Bearer:  The Thurifer leads the procession, only if incense is used (See above picture illustration).

 The Thurifer and the Incense Boat Bearer both bring the incense to the Priest at the Following times:

o At the beginning of Mass immediately after the Priest Kisses the Altar

o At the end of the ‘Second Reading’ and before the ‘Alleluia’ begins indicating the Gospel is about to be read/proclaimed.

o After the Presentation of Gifts (Bread and Wine) by the Priest and before the priest washes his hands.

 IMPORTANT: The Thurifer himself/herself incenses the Host as Body of Christ when it has been consecrated and elevated/shown to the congregation. Similarly the Chalice of the Blood of Christ after it is consecrated and elevated/shown to the people.

 Finally, the Thurifer leads the concluding procession out of the Church. The Boat Bearer stays in his/her original position just as during the entrance procession.

The description below is for Three Servers Format; that is, when no incense is used

INTRODUCTORY RITE:  Each Server on arrival in front of the Altar stops for two seconds, and ascends to the Altar. The Sever Captain/Cross Bearer proceeds to place the cross in its place and proceeds to his/her seat; while at the same time, the Candle Bearers place the processional candles in their proper places. (Note: Do not stand and wait for the Priest/Deacon. Priest and Deacon ALONE bow together at the beginning of Mass). Posture: Servers remain standing in their sitting area with joined hands.

 When the Server Captain arrives at his/her seat in the sanctuary, place the binder with the announcements and Prayers of the faithful on the floor between your seat and the Choir- side Server's seat (if the Lay Reader has not done so). The Presidential Binder (Father's binder) will be next to Father’s chair.

 Midway into the Gloria (outside of Lent/Advent) or during the Lord Have Mercy (during Lent/Advent), Father will pick up the Binder; you will proceed to Father and hold the Binder. At the end, close it and return to your seat.

LITURGY OF THE WORD  There is the 1st Reading, Responsorial Psalm and 2nd Reading. After the 2nd Reading the Server Captain should place the Lectionary under the stand on the column.

 At the end of the Alleluia (Gospel Acclamation). Watch the priest: once the Priest stands up from his chair [the Gospel Acclamation, the Alleluia verse, is begun], the Candle Bearers move slowly in unison and lift the processional candles from their stands, take one step backwards and face the congregation (at this time Fr. Jean will be in front of the Altar), wait for the Priest.

 When the Priest starts moving to the ambo, the Servers move too. The Choir-side Server then leads the Priest, who is followed by the Tabernacle-side Server, to the ambo. The Servers position themselves facing each other on either side of the book on the ambo.

 When the Priest finishes reading the Gospel and has announced “The Gospel of the Lord”, the congregation responds “Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ”. The Servers now return the candles to the candle stand area using the most direct routes through the sanctuary. Once again the Choir-side Server moves slowly so that the two Servers can reach the candle stands at about the same time. The Servers face each other at the candle stands. When a Server’s candle is properly seated in the candle stand, the Server takes a backward step. When each Server has taken the backward step, the Servers acknowledge completion of the task by making a simple bow toward each other. After the bows, the Servers return to their chairs by the direct routes through the sanctuary. The Priest will hand the Gospel Book to the Server Captain who will place it in the book stand. The Priest is usually preaching a homily or sermon at this time.

PROFESSION OF FAITH: When the homily is completed, the Priest normally starts the congregation reciting the Nicene Creed. There may be seasonal exceptions.

 The Choir-side Server places the Lector’s copy of the Prayer Binder on the ambo open to the Prayers of the Faithful. Before the Nicene Creed the Captain should approach the Priest at the Presidential Area and hold the Binder for Father.

 After the Concluding Prayer of the Prayers of the Faithful, the Captain returns to the Server seating area.

The Priest will take his seat for the Offertory Hymn and the collection of donations in support of parish and diocesan needs.

PREPARATION OF THE ALTAR AND THE GIFTS: ITEMS ON THE CREDENCE TABLE (picture below): On the Credence Table the Servers will find the tray with the Priest’s chalice with a purificator, the pall, and one corporal upon it, two communion chalices, two additional purificators. In addition, the cruet of water, the lavabo bowl and hand towel, and two communion ciboria will be to the left of the tray. There may be a Pyx Plate with one or more than one pyx or the Pyx Plate may arrive in procession with the wine and bread.

ORDER OF SETTING THE ALTAR: As soon as the Collection begins, the Server Captain sets the Altar. This should take between one and two minutes.

 Transport the tray and place on the right side of the Altar as shown below.

 First, take the Corporal, place it on the center of the Altar and unfold it properly.

 Next, place the Priest’s Chalice on the right side of the Corporal.

 Lastly, place the Missal with stand on the left side of the Altar. (When Fr. Kevin is celebrating, his missal will already be on the altar.)

 If the Pyx Plate with one or more than one pyx is found on the Credence Table, the Server Captain places the Pyx Plate on the right side area of the corporal in the center of the altar in the corner away from the Priest.

At the time, when the Collection is almost ended, the Cross Bearer proceeds to carry the Cross and move to the back to accompany the Offertory Procession to the Altar as is normally done.

 When directed by the Sacristan or when the Priest positions himself in the center aisle and the Gift Bearers are ready, the Server Captain leads the procession for the Presentation of Gifts similar to the entrance procession, but without stopping. The Server Captain continues directly into the sanctuary, places the Cross in the stand, and then proceeds directly to the nearest side of the Priest.

 The Priest will hand the cruet or flagon of wine to the Choir-side Server who will ascend to the sanctuary and stand on the right side of the Altar. The Priest will hand the Presentation Plate with the bread to the Tabernacle-side Server who will ascend to the sanctuary, place the Presentation Plate on the center corporal, remove the cover and bring the cover to the credence table. Then take the cruet of water and stand next to the server who is holding the cruet or flagon of wine.

 The Priest will hand the Offertory Basket to the Captain who will place it in the appropriate spot under the Altar.

 The Choir-side Server will take the wine cruet or flagon in hand with the pouring sprout toward the Server's body and the Tabernacle-side Server will do so similarly with the cruet of water. The Servers will stand side by side on the Priest's side of the Altar at the choir side edge. The Server with the wine should be closest to the Altar.

 PREPARATION OF THE GIFTS: The Priest takes the wine from the Server and pours some into his chalice. The Priest will return the wine flagon to the Choir-side Server who will remain in place. If the priest does not pour the wine into the distribution chalices the server captain will take the flagon from the side server and pour into the distribution chalices. The Priest will bless the water, take the cruet and pour some into his chalice.

 The Priest will return the water cruet to the Tabernacle-side Server. When the Tabernacle-side Server receives the water cruet back from the Priest, both Servers do a simple bow toward the Priest. Both Servers return to the Credence Table placing the containers they have thereon.

 WASHING OF HANDS: At the Credence Table, the Tabernacle side Server picks up the water cruet by the handle with the Server’s right hand and the lavabo bowl with the Server’s left hand. The Choir-side Server picks up the towel, holds it by the corners, and lets it unfold. The Servers return to stand side by side on the Priest’s side of the altar at the choir side edge. The Server with the cruet of water and the lavabo bowl should be farthest from the altar; the server with the towel should be closest to the altar. When the Priest places his fingers over the lavabo bowl the Server with the water cruet slowly pours water on the fingers until the Priest raises his fingers or otherwise signals.

 The Priest will then take the towel from the Choir side Server, dry his hands and return the towel. When the Choir side Server receives the towel back from the Priest, both Servers bow toward the Priest then return to the Credence Table placing the water cruet, lavabo bowl and towel they have thereon. The Servers then return to their chairs.

EUCHARISTIC PRAYER:

The Tabernacle-side Server should be immediately prepared to ring at the proper times. Depending on the Priest’s choice of Eucharistic Prayer, the time until the ringing of the bells is variable. The bells are rung once when the Priest places his hands over the bread and wine during the consecration and calls on the Holy Spirit. This is called the epiclesis. One jingle is sufficient.

Three separated jingles of the bell about one to two seconds apart are to be rung at the elevation of the consecrated bread, the Body of Christ, and at the elevation of the consecrated wine, the Blood of Christ.

COMMUNION RITE:  At the start of the Communion Rite, the Priest invites all to join in the Lord’s Prayer. Servers remain at their chairs.

 At the Sign of Peace, when the Priest suggests offering each other some sign of peace, the Servers may exchange a suitable acknowledgement with each other and with the Priest and/or Deacon if the Priest and/or Deacon approach them.

 During the Agnus Dei, the Lamb of God, prayer is sung or recited the Server Captain takes two communion plates and places them on the tabernacle side of the Altar. After placing them, he/she moves the Missal with its Book Holder/stand away from the Altar but only if the Missal is on its Holder/Stand. Never move the Missal at this time if Fr. Kevin is the celebrant.  The Servers then move to take their places standing in front of the Presidential Chair waiting to receive Holy Communion. The Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHC) ascend to the sanctuary and perform any required liturgical functions prior to receiving Holy Communion. The Priest and all the EMHC leave the sanctuary to distribute communion. The Servers may stand or kneel in a prayerful posture during the distribution of Holy Communion.

 During the Distribution of Holy Communion, the Server Captain should clear the items on the Altar, including the tray to the Credence Table. The Pyx Plate with pyxs alone should be left on the Altar. The “unpurified” Large Communion Ciboria and the “unpurified” Priest’s Chalice should be carried away and placed on top of the open Corporal at the Credence Table. The Corporal should be folded in the proper way and taken to the Credence table.

 As soon as all the EMHC have returned to the sanctuary and deposited their communion vessels and purificators on the Credence Table the two acolytes will drape the Credence Cloth over the unpurified vessels and purificators on the Credence Table.

NOTE: If Fr. Kevin purifies the vessels the drape will also be used. If Fr. Kevin requires assistance, the Server Captain will assist him.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION: When the Priest rises and says “Let us pray”, if the Priest remains at his chair, the Server Captain should go to hold the Binder in a manner that permits the Priest to have his hands free and to view the Prayer after Communion. After the Prayer or prayers, when the Priest closes the Binder, the Server places the Binder on the chair next to the Presidential Chair and returns to the Server seating area.

DISMISSAL: When the Priest announces the “Mass is ended, etc.” the Cross Bearer/Server Captain takes the processional cross and goes to a position in the middle aisle passing between the altar and tabernacle. The Cross Bearer stops about three pews back from the front aisle and faces the altar. At this time the closing hymn is being sung. As soon as the Cross Bearer has the processional cross in hand, the Side Servers go in unison WITHOUT CANDLES through the sanctuary to the front pews in line with the side edges of the altar, facing the altar. The Lay Reader acquires the donation basket from the altar area in the sacristy in order to join the recessional procession in front of the Cross Bearer. The Priest then descends from the sanctuary to the center aisle and positions himself facing the altar. When the Priest bows to reverence the altar, all ministers make a simple bow and turn to face the narthex.

Servers turn toward each other and all begin the recessional procession at a normal walking speed with necessary spacing between participants.

The Cross Bearer and Servers go to the Ministry Room and place their processional items in the proper holders. Servers disrobe and hang up their vestments in the closet provided.

This concludes the Altar Server role.