Reverence and Postures at Mass

It makes a difference how we carry the candles, how we genuflect or bow, what kind of posture we have when sitting or standing, and whether we seem to be prayerful and interested when we are not performing any actions.

A “posture” is how you are using the parts of your body at a particular time. A server has to carry out a number of different actions at Mass, and so there are a number of different postures. As human beings, we pray not just with our heart and mind, but also with our body, and indeed, with our entire being. Therefore, it is very important for altar servers to learn how to express reverence and a prayerful attitude with their actions in the Sacred Liturgy. Reverence is the honor and respect felt or shown toward another being or place.

HANDS: Unless you are sitting down or carrying something (like a candle), your hands should always be kept joined in front of your chest: either locked together, or palm to palm, fingers pointing upward. Keep your hands up high on your chest. (Remember the discussion about the angle of your elbow.) Proper hand position is one of the most important ways a server can express reverence and focus. See illustration above.

BOWING: o When you bow, look down at the ground. Do not try to bow and keep your head up (remember the example given during the training of the appearance of a back injury.) o When you do a body bow such as bowing to the altar, bow at the waist and look down at the ground, and then bring yourself slowly to your full height. o When you do a head bow such as while kneeling during the consecration, bow only your head slowly and gracefully. o Do not walk and bow at the same time – stop, then bow.

GENUFLECTING: When you genuflect (bend the knee), make the Sign of the Cross with your right hand and kneel on your right knee. Make sure your knee touches the floor. Keep your body upright. Do not wobble back and forth. Do not hurry through genuflection.

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THE SIGN OF THE CROSS: At the beginning and end of Mass, make the Sign of the Cross LARGER than normal. This allows the people far from the to see when and how to make the Sign of the Cross. As a server, you are an example for others that shows them how to act at Mass. Make your fingers go from your forehead to your belly button and then back up to your left shoulder and finally your right shoulder. Do it SLOWLY – even if the priest speaks quickly – make a large and slow Sign of the Cross.

WALKING: Walk slowly and steadily with your back straight and your head held high. Never hurry, skip or wobble. When you are Cross Bearer, lift the Cross up high – to not interfere with your walking. Be sure that Jesus is facing forward on the Cross and is facing the people when placed in the stand at the altar.

STANDING: Stand up straight with both feet firmly on the floor, slightly, but not too much apart. This will give you balance and a recollected appearance at the same time. Don’t lean against the furniture or the walls.

SITTING: Sit down on your chair carefully. Once you are seated, sit tall and do not slouch. Place your hands in your lap or flat on your thighs in a relaxed manner. Keep your feet still and flat on the floor. Do NOT cross your legs or swing your feet. This is extremely important when you are sitting at the chairs near the altar. Your legs may show from under the cassock which is not appropriate during Mass. People are watching you.

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EYES: During Mass, always look toward the liturgical action: the priest, the deacon, the ambo (where the Scripture readings and gospel are proclaimed), or the altar. When the lector is proclaiming the Scriptures, look at the Lector. Do not look around the church and never communicate with others in the pews using expressions such as winking or making faces. You are assisting the priest and the deacon and you are also helping others focus on Christ and the holy Sacrifice of the Mass. When you call attention to yourself, you are no longer acting as a Server. Good altar servers move and assist in the Sanctuary as if they were not even there, so others can pay full attention to what is happening at Mass.

PARTICIPATE IN THE MASS: Say the prayers and responses with the people. The people are looking to you as a role model, so be sure to say the prayers and responses to demonstrate your participation.

IF YOU ARE TIRED AND FEEL THE NEED TO YAWN: Try your hardest NOT to do it! This is especially important when you are at the altar! People are looking to you for reminders and direction. If you cannot prevent your yawn, bow your head, so people won’t see a wide open mouth which can be quite distracting and may look disrespectful.

IF YOU NEED TO BLOW YOUR NOSE: Try to wait until you are sitting in the chairs behind the credence table. Do not blow your nose in front of the congregation. Walk into the lower sacristy and there are usually tissues for you to use. Wash your hands with soap and water before you return to your seat.

AFTER THE CONSECRATION (when you are kneeling at the altar): o After the words of consecration, the priest genuflects as a sign of reverence that Jesus is now truly Present under the appearances of bread and wine. When the priest genuflects, slowly BOW YOUR HEAD in reverence to the King of Kings and in your heart say a sincere prayer, such as “My Lord and my God!”

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REMOVING THE PRIEST CHALICE FROM THE ALTAR: After Left Candle places the ablution dish on the lower right corner of altar, bow toward the altar before removing the priest’s chalice because there may still be drops of the Precious Blood in the chalice. You are bowing in reverence and adoration of the Real Presence of Jesus in the bread (Precious Body) and Wine (Precious Blood). Make sure that the priest’s chalice is placed safely and securely on the middle of the credence table – NOT near the aisle where children could knock it off.

CLEARING THE ALTAR: Bow your head slightly before removing the ciboria. They have not been purified yet, so fragments of the Blessed Sacrament may be present in the vessels. Always treat the sacred vessels, especially after consecration, with the utmost respect! They are never to be handled or carried casually, as if they were dishes left after a meal at home! Make sure they are placed safely and securely on the credence table for the sacristan to take them to the sacristy for purification. After vessels are placed on the credence table, no one else, but a sacristan should touch and carry these vessels back to the sacristy! Under no circumstances should “other helpers” who are not sacristans touch or carry the priest’s chalice or ciboria after Mass.

Version 21 August 2019