* * * * * * INSTRUCTIONS FOR ALTAR SERVERS, Please read before Mass * * * * * *
PLEASE MAKE SURE THAT YOU HAVE YOUR HANDS FOLDED IN FRONT OF YOU AT ALL TIMES, UNLESS YOU ARE WALKING UP/DOWN THE ALTAR STEPS.
ENTRANCE
- Servers line up behind the cross bearer and walk slowly in, HANDS FOLDED TOGETHER. Go to your positions in front of the altar (line up in front of each candle) and wait for the book to be placed on the altar and for Fr. to genuflect (you genuflect too), then go to your spots. Fr. Tony will motion one server to pick up the book and bring it to him. KEEP THE BOOK ON THE END CHAIR AT ALL TIMES (not under the table as before). He opens the book, rests it on your arms, reads from it, and closes it. You take it back and put it ON THE CHAIR, be seated.
Preparation of the Gifts
AFTER THE PETITIONS, WHEN EVERYONE ELSE SITS DOWN FOR THE COLLECTION, THE TWO SERVERS SET THE ALTAR. THIS NEXT STEP IS A BIG CHANGE:
Fr. wants three trips only to set the altar. One server takes the altar cloth (the corporal), the other takes the book and both servers walk up to the altar and carefully unfold and spread out the cloth, put the book in the middle of the altar. Go back to the table and one server takes Fr.’s chalice, the small water pitcher AND the purificators (you may place the purificators in the chalice if this helps you carry all of it) and the other server brings up two cups. Put Father’s chalice in front of the book, the purificators next to the chalice and the other chalices go to the left of the book. Both servers go down and each brings up two more chalices and places them on the left side of the cloth. Walk together between the candles and down the steps to the back of the church, with HANDS FOLDED. Wait by the baptismal font for the gifts to be ready.
- PROCESSION OF GIFTS: Wait until Fr. or Deacon has come down the steps of the altar and is waiting there. (The sacristan will tell you when to go). Walk slowly down the aisle, walking together with hands folded. When you get to the front turn and face the gift bearers. AT 5:00 AND 8:30: Fr. takes the pitcher of wine and hands it to one server, and the basket to another. FR. WILL KEEP THE BREAD. Bow to the gift bearers when Fr. bows. THE SERVER WITH THE BASKET WILL TURN AND GO TO PLACE THE BASKET UNDER THE SMALL TABLE BY WHERE YOU SIT. THE OTHER SERVER WALKS UP THE ALTAR ON THE RIGHT SIDE AND HOLDS THE PITCHER FOR FR. AND WAITS THERE UNTIL THIS WHOLE STEP IS DONE. At 10:30, there will be no basket. Fr. will give both the bread and wine to each server. THE SERVER WHO HAS THE BREAD BRINGS IT TO THE ALTAR, SETS IT ON FR.’S RIGHT SIDE AND GOES DOWN AND GETS THE BOWL AND TOWEL. Now for all masses: The server by the small table waits until Fr. is done blessing the wine. AS HE PUTS THE CHALICE DOWN, THAT SERVER COMES UP TO THE ALTAR TO HOLD THE BOWL FOR FR. WHILE HE WASHES HIS HANDS. THE OTHER SERVER RECEIVES BOTH PITCHERS FROM FR. BOW TO HIM AND GO BACK DOWN TO YOUR SEATS.
At the Eucharistic Prayer, go to the pew behind and kneel there. REMEMBER HANDS FOLDED AT ALL TIMES.
- THIS IS A CHANGE: At the Our Father, STAY AT YOUR SEAT. SHAKE HANDS WITH TWO OR SO PEOPLE AT SIGN OF PEACE, THEN: Go back to the small table and get the bowls, carry two each and set them on the altar on the right side. Go back and wait to receive communion. After communion, go back and kneel down for a little bit. Then you both go up and clear the altar. TWO TRIPS: FIRST ONE SERVER TAKES BOOK, OTHER TAKES FR.’s CHALICE AND PURIFICATOR. BRING BACK TO SMALL TABLE, NEXT: Fold the altar cloth together and one brings the cloth back and the OTHER BRINGS THE BOWL COVER to the table. Be seated.
End of Mass
Fr. says “Let us pray.” The server who didn’t bring the book the first time, do so now (see Entrance for instructions on bringing the book up to Fr.).
As soon as Fr. starts walking to go kiss the altar, you walk down to the same spots in front of the altar that you did at the beginning of Mass. Fr. waits for everyone, then all genuflect. Cross bearer goes ahead first, then servers follow behind, hands folded. Walk slowly and keep your distance from the Cross Bearer. Mass is over. Go back to the sacristy and hang up your robes, put away cross necklaces.
*****Please remember to sign in when you are serving. Find a robe that is not too long so you don’t trip when walking up the steps to the altar. Double knot your rope around your waist. Get a cross necklace from the drawer to wear. You will do a great job. You are serving the Lord. Thank you for your valuable contribution to Mass. Don’t worry. Everyone makes mistakes. Fr. does not get mad at anyone. Call us if you have any questions or concerns.******
