Altar Server Guide

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Altar Server Guide TABLE OF CONTENTS LETTER FROM THE PASTOR ................................................................................................................................................. 3 INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................................................................................... 4 Age Requirement: .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4 Sacraments: ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 4 Disposition: ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 4 ALTAR SERVERS .......................................................................................................................................................................... 5 GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES ............................................................................................................................................................... 5 DRESS CODE ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 5 DISPOSITION ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 5 ALTAR SERVER DISTINCTIONS ............................................................................................................................................................ 5 Masters of Ceremonies (Emcees): .................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 5 Senior Servers: ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 6 Junior Servers: ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 6 Server Observers: ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 6 ALTAR SERVER POSITIONS .................................................................................................................................................................. 6 Emcee .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 7 Cross Bearer: .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 7 Server One: .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 7 Server Two: ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 7 LITURGICAL GESTURES .......................................................................................................................................................... 9 WALKING ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 9 BOWING .................................................................................................................................................................................................. 9 GENUFLECTING ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 9 KNEELING ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 9 STANDING ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 10 SITTING ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 10 HANDS ................................................................................................................................................................................................... 10 EYES ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 10 DIVINE LITURGY ........................................................................................................................................................................ 11 SUNDAY LITURGY ................................................................................................................................................................................ 11 INCENSE ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 11 SPECIAL LITURGIES ................................................................................................................................................................ 15 WEDDING LITURGY ............................................................................................................................................................................ 15 FUNERAL LITURGY ............................................................................................................................................................................. 15 ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT .............................................................................................................. 17 HOLY HOUR .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 17 LITURGICAL GLOSSARY ........................................................................................................................................................ 19 SACRED VESSELS: ................................................................................................................................................................................ 19 Advent Wreath: ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 19 Incense Boat: ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 19 Burse: ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 19 CandelaBrum: .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 19 Candlestick: .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 19 St. Mary of Sorrows Altar
Recommended publications
  • The Nicene Creed
    THE NICENE CREED A MANUAL jfor tbe use of ~anlJilJates for }ilol!} ®tlJets BY J. J. LIAS, M.A. RECTOR OF EAST BERGHOLT, COLCHESTER ; CHANCELLOR OF LLANDAFF CATHEDRAL, AND EXAMINING CHAPLAIN TO THE BISHOP OF LLANDAFF; AUTHOR OF ''PRINCIPLES OF BIBLICAL CRITICISM," ''THE ATONEMENT," ETC, LONDON SW AN SONNENSCHEIN & CO., LIM. NEW YORK: THE MACMILLAN CO. 1897 tto SIR GEORGE STOKES, BART., LL.D., D.Sc., F.R.S. LUCASIAN PROFESSOR OF MATHEMATICS IN THE UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE THIS LITTLE BOOK IS DEDICATED WITH A FEELING OF ADMIRATION FOR HIS GREAT ATTAINMENTS AND OF RESPECT FOR HIS HIGH CHARACTER AND GENUINE AND ENLIGHTENED ATTACHMENT TO THE FIRST PRINCIPLES OF ttbe lE>octrtne of <Ibtlst PREFACE T is, perhaps, necessary that I should explain my reasons I for adding one more to the vast number of books which pour forth in so continuous a stream in the present day. Four reasons have mainly weighed with me. The first is, that my experience as an examiner of candidates for Holy Orders has convinced me that many of them obtain their knowledge of the first principles of the religion which they propose to teach, in a very unsatisfactory and haphazard way. This is partly due to the absence, at least until lately, of satisfactory text books. Few candidates attempt to read Pearson's great standard work on the subject, and most of those who have attempted it find him very abstruse and difficult to follow. Moreover, it must be admitted that in a good many respects, in spite of the still inestimable value of the work, Pearson's manner and matter are out of date.
    [Show full text]
  • Altar Servers
    1 NEIGHBORS NORTH CATHOLIC COMMUNITY TRAINING SHEET: ALTAR SERVERS The Basics Posture -Most people can see us: make sure your posture is good! -Hands: folded when standing or kneeling (against body), on legs when sitting -Sit up straight, both legs flat on the floor -Cover your mouth when you yawn Moving -Walk at a normal pace -Sit, stand, kneel, turn with the other servers -Stay side-by-side with the other altar server if you are together -Come towards the altar from the side -Watch your alb! It’s okay to fix it during Mass -Face the action: if someone is talking, turn towards them Bowing and Genuflecting -Bow when passing the altar or leaving it (after handing or taking something to/from clergy) -Genuflect when passing the tabernacle or approaching it -Altar is the priority during Mass, tabernacle outside of Mass -Hands folded if not carrying anything -If carrying something, stop when passing altar or tabernacle and bow your head -Bow head at the name of Jesus, Mary, the Trinity, and the saint for that day -Bow head at the Epiclesis (when the Priest puts his hands over the bread and wine) -Bow head at Words of Institution (“This is my Body”) -Let clergy/staff correct other ministers 2 Handling Vessels -Priest to deacon to altar server; altar server to deacon to Priest -Only take things off altar if they’re on the corner/side -Always carry Priest’s chalice on its own, with two hands -Everything else can go on the tray -Use the tray before and after Mass, but not during Mass -Hold things in your right hand and put your left on your chest -Only one thing in each hand -Hold cruets (water and wine) with the handle side out -If you can’t lift it, ask for help! Setting the Altar -A deacon or priest will always set the altar (you still put the book/Missal on the altar) -Help them by bringing the vessels to them, one at a time Preferences -“Priest Presider Preferences” sheet is in the sacristy -This tells you about bells, the book stand, a chalice veil, etc.
    [Show full text]
  • Altar Server Instructions Booklet
    Christ the King Catholic Church ALTAR SERVER INSTRUCTIONS Revised May, 2012 - 1 - Table of Contents Overview – All Positions ................................................................................................................ 4 Pictures of Liturgical Items ............................................................................................................. 7 Definition of Terms: Liturgical Items Used At Mass ..................................................................... 8 Helpful Hints and Red Cassocks................................................................................................... 10 1st Server Instructions ................................................................................................................. 11 2nd Server Instructions ................................................................................................................ 14 Crucifer Instructions .................................................................................................................... 17 Special Notes about FUNERALS ................................................................................................ 19 BENEDICTION .......................................................................................................................... 23 - 2 - ALTAR SERVER INSTRUCTIONS Christ the King Church OVERVIEW INTRODUCTION First of all, THANK YOU for answering God’s call to assist at Mass. You are now one of the liturgical ministers, along with the priest, deacon, lector and Extraordinary
    [Show full text]
  • Elevation Design Guidelines: for Historic Homes in the Mississippi Gulf Coast Region
    Table of Contents 1. Introduction ......................................................1 4. Foundation Design Guidelines .....................29 Hurricane Katrina and Historic Properties in Coastal Mississippi ...... 1 Foundation Design............................................................................ 29 MDA Financial Assistance Programs .................................................. 2 Elevation Requirements ................................................................... 31 Relationship of MDA Financial Assistance Programs to Relationship of Foundation Design to Architectural Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act ....................... 2 Design and Historic Preservation ..................................................... 34 Purpose of Elevation Design Guidelines ........................................... 3 Foundation Screening Systems ........................................................ 35 Roles and Responsibilities .................................................................. 4 Permit Requirements ....................................................................... 36 Elevation Action Alternatives ............................................................. 5 Elevation Design Review Process ....................................................... 5 Working with an Elevation Design Consultant .................................. 6 5. Elevation Design – Next Steps .....................38 How to Complete a Successful Elevation Project .............................. 6 Design and Construction
    [Show full text]
  • Formation for Eucharist: Eucharistic Prayer I ______
    Formation for Eucharist: Eucharistic Prayer I _____________________________________________ The first eucharistic prayer is long, hard to follow, and ecumenically controversial. But it enjoys a long history, possesses surprising flexibility, and still stands as the first of the eucharistic prayers for use within the Roman Rite. For many centuries, the only eucharistic prayer in the Catholic mass was the one called the Roman Canon. It was a “canon” because it was the only one legislated for use. It was “Roman” because it probably originated and developed in Rome and its empire. The earliest record of it is in a work called “The Sacraments,” written by Saint Ambrose, the bishop of Milan (+397). Catholics reading that eucharistic prayer today can recognize its content, but are struck by its brevity and concision. Over the following centuries, sections were added to the beginning and the end of the prayer. Which elements had not yet developed in the fourth century? The preface dialogue, the Sanctus, the prayers for the living, the naming of the saints, and the prayers for the dead had not yet become customary. Those were added in subsequent redactions of the canon. Their addition – by various hands and at different points of history – has made the prayer hard to follow. It does not seem to flow smoothly from start to finish. Nor did the fourth century text possess a most significant element: the epiclesis. The priest did not explicitly ask God to send the Holy Spirit to change the bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ. Eucharistic Prayer I still does not have a clear epiclesis, and this has provoked concern among Eastern Rite Churches, which hold that the consecration comes with the epiclesis in their eucharistic prayers, not with the institution narrative.
    [Show full text]
  • Understanding the Parts of the Mass
    Understanding the parts of the Mass Part I: The Liturgy of the Word Introductory rites The Mass begins with a procession of, at minimum, the priest into the sanctuary. The priest and anyone who accompanies him represents the congregation, and their journey symbolizes the Christian journey through life to the heavenly courts. Oftentimes, at the front of the procession, one of the servers (a crucifer) carries a crucifix symbolizing that Jesus is our “leader to salvation” (Heb 2:10). The Mass then officially begins with the priest and people making the Sign of the Cross, a gesture that dates back to the first century of Christianity and summarizes the Christian belief in a Trinitarian God who descended from heaven to earth, who is now seated at the right hand of the Father, and whose death on a cross opened heaven’s gates. This is followed by a greeting. The priest may echo St. Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 13:13, “The grace of Our Lord Jesus Christ, and the Love of God, and the Communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” Or, he can simply say, “The Lord be with you.” Either way, the people respond, “And with your Spirit,” acknowledging that the priest stands there in the person of Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit. Penitential rite Next, following the example of the tax collector in Luke 18:10-14, who Christ commended for approaching God by first crying out, “O Lord, have mercy on me a sinner,” Catholics acknowledge our sinfulness and ask God’s forgiveness.
    [Show full text]
  • Elevation of the Host a Service of Catholics United for the Faith
    FAITH FACTS THE ANSWERS YOU NEED ON: ELEVATION OF THE HOST A SERVICE OF CATHOLICS UNITED FOR THE FAITH ISSUE . consecrated host (if a deacon is present, he may hold the chalice elevated, cf. GIRM, no. 180). He holds Is During the liturgy of the Eucharist, when is the them elevated while singing or saying the doxology, host to be elevated? What are the associated rubrics “Through Him, with Him, in Him. .” He continues to or rules? elevate the consecrated species through the RESPONSE . acclamation, “Amen” (cf. GIRM, no. 151). In the Tridentine Rite, these elevations are We The consecrated host is elevated at two known as the Major and Minor elevations. Except distinct times during the Eucharistic Prayer: after the where specified (as at the second elevation), the words of consecration and during the final doxology priest is the only person permitted to elevate the (“Through Him, with Him, in Him…) and Great Amen. sacred species. The host (or the paten containing the host) is raised at other times, but these are not elevations. Both the There are other instances when the host (or the Sacramentary and the General Instruction of the host and paten) is raised, but these are not termed Roman Missal (GIRM) provide the rubrics for the elevations: priest’s actions. - At the beginning of the Liturgy of the Eucharist, DISCUSSION . the priest prepares the gifts. He takes the paten containing the bread and, holding it slightly raised There are two instances during the Eucharistic above the altar, says, “Blessed are you, Lord, God of Prayer properly known as elevations: all creation.
    [Show full text]
  • Altar Guild Handbook, Rev
    HANDBOOK FOR ALTAR GUILDS Revised 2014 (Former versions entitled “Altar Guild Manual”) The Episcopal Diocese of Texas i The National Altar Guild Association (NAGA) The purpose of the National Altar Guild Association (NAGA) is to assist parish, diocesan, and provincial altar guilds through information, resources, and communication, including a quarterly newsletter—the EPISTLE www.nationalaltarguildassociation.org National Altar Guild Prayer Most gracious Father Who has called me Your child to serve in the preparation of Your Altar, so that it may be a suitable place for the offering of Your Body and Blood; Sanctify my life and consecrate my hands so that I may worthily handle Those Sacred Gifts which are being offered to You. As I handle holy things, grant that my whole life may be illuminated and blessed by You, in whose honor I prepare them, and grant that the people who shall be blessed by their use, May find their lives drawn closer to Him Whose Body and Blood is our hope and our strength, Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN. Oh Padre bondadosa, que has llamado a tu hija(o) a sevir en la preparación de Tu Altar, para que sea un lugar digno para la Ofrenda de Tu Cuerpo y de Tu Sangre; Santifica mi vida y consagra mis manos para que de esta manera yo pueda encargarme dignamente de estos Dones Sagrados que te ofrecemos. Mientras sujeto estos santos objetos, concede que mi vida sea iluminada y santificada por Ti, en cuyo honor los preparo, y permite también que el pueblo bendecido por su participación, se una más a Él, Cuyo Cuerpo y Sangre son nuestra esperanza y nuestra fortaleza, Jesucristo nuestro Señor.
    [Show full text]
  • Procession Guide
    Central Lutheran Church Winona, Minnesota Acolytes are ministers in worship. Acolytes help set the mood for worship by lighting of candles, leading processions, and gathering offerings. Other ministers and the entire congregation rely on Acolytes to carry out their ministry with confidence. Typical Duties: LIGHT & EXTINGUISH CANDLES LEAD THE PROCESSIONS HOLD THE PRESIDER BOOK COLLECT OFFERINGS AS THEY ARE PRESENTED ASSIST WITH COMMUNION CLC Acolyte Guide p. 1 3 The Church: One Body, Many Parts 4 Be Reverent 5 Be Responsible 7 Acolyte Words A-Z 11 Order of Worship 12 The Church Year 13 Other Random Stuff to Know 15 Pledge: I Will Serve God With Gladness CLC Acolyte Guide p. 2 The apostle Paul said that the church is like our own bodies. Our bodies each have many parts. We have eyes to see and ears to hear. We have mouths to speak and noses to smell. We have legs to walk, knees to bend, arms to reach, hands to hold. We have brains to think and hearts to love. The church is Christ’s body, made up of many parts. Christ is the head and we are the members. Worship is something that the whole body of Christ does— head and members together. We do some things all together: like sitting, standing, bowing, singing, walking in procession. And different parts of the body do different things so that the whole body can celebrate. One person reads while all listen. Some people play musical instruments while all sing. All of these things are done so that the whole body of Christ can give God thanks and praise.
    [Show full text]
  • St. Matthew's Church Newport Beach, California
    St. Matthew’s Church Newport Beach, California Copyright © The Rt. Rev’d Stephen Scarlett, 2012 Publication Copyright © St. Matthew’s Church & School, 2012 stmatthewsnewport.com ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Cover Image: Caravaggio, Supper at Emmaus, 1606 Brera Fine Arts Academy, Milan TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction 9-11 Chapter 1: The Creeds of the Church 13-27 Chapter 2: The Moral Law and the Gospel 29-40 Chapter 3: The Sacraments 41-53 Chapter 4: The Church and Its Symbolism 55-64 Chapter 5: Commentary on the Liturgy of the Holy Communion 65-103 Chapter 6: The Church Calendar 105-110 Chapter 7: The Life of Prayer 111-121 Chapter 8: The Duties of a Christian 123-129 INTRODUCTION HE Inquirers’ Class is designed to provide an introduction to what the church believes and does. TOne goal of the class is to provide space in the church for people who have questions to pursue answers. Another goal is that people who work their way through this material will be able to begin to participate meaningfully in the ministry and prayer life of the church. The Inquirers’ Class is not a Bible study. However, the main biblical truths of the faith are the focus of the class. The Inquirers’ Class gives the foundation and framework for our practice of the faith. If the class has its desired impact, participants will begin the habit of daily Bible reading in the context of daily prayer. The Need for An Inquirer’s Class People who come to the liturgy without any instruction will typically be lost or bored.
    [Show full text]
  • Confirmation Servers Notes
    OFFICE FOR DIVINE WORSHIP ARCHDIOCESE OF PHILADELPHIA Most Reverend John J. McIntyre, Auxiliary Bishop ALTAR SERVER NOTES FOR THE RITE OF CONFIRMATION WITHIN MASS These notes are for the benefit of the pastor and those who assist him in the training of altar servers for the celebration of the Sacred Liturgy on the occasion of Mass with a Bishop for the Sacrament of Confirmation. Altar servers, whether children or adults, should be reminded of the significance of their role and be well-prepared to carry out their respective duties responsibly and reverently. Therefore, a thorough review of the Rite of Confirmation within Mass should be provided for the altar servers. During the actual celebration, a minimum of guidance will be offered by the Master of Ceremonies. Altar servers wear albs during the celebration of the Sacred Liturgy. Chairs should be so arranged in the sanctuary for the servers so that they can easily carry out their duties and participate in the Mass but do not face the congregation. Eight altar servers in all are needed for the Rite of Confirmation within Mass: thurifer, crucifer, two candle bearers/servers, Sacred Chrism bearer, miter and crozier bearer, and book bearer. If eight servers are not available, then the crucifer can also serve as the book bearer and one of the servers can act as the Sacred Chrism bearer. DUTIES OF THE ALTAR SERVERS The Thurifer • The thurifer approaches the Bishop prior to the procession for the imposition of incense. The thurifer, after the imposition of incense, leads the procession into the church.
    [Show full text]
  • The Ministry of the Crucifer & Bible Bearer
    Trinity Lutheran Church Guidelines for all Worship Ministries The Assisting Minister The Lector The Communion Assistants The Greeters The Ushers & Communion Ushers The Crucifer and Bible Bearer The Acolyte The Altar Guild The Bell Ringer ROMANS 12: 3-13 For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of yourself more highly than you ought to think, but to think with sober judgement, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. 4For as in one body we have many members, and not all the members have the same function, 5so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another. 6We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us: prophecy, in proportion to faith; 7ministry, in ministering; the teacher, in teaching; 8the exhorter, in exhortation; the giver, in generosity; the leader, in diligence; the compassionate, in cheerfulness. 9 Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; 10love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honour. 11Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord.* 12Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. 13Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers. 2 Revised 8/26/14 Introduction These guidelines are designed to help you better understand the roles of our worship assistants. Your participation will put into practice what our Lord Jesus has asked of each of us – and that is to welcome and to serve.
    [Show full text]