Altar Servers
Altar Servers (Grades five through eight).
MISSION : To assist the presider in the celebration of the Eucharist and other liturgical celebrations.
Overview of Responsibilities:
- Must attend training sessions
- Arrive fifteen minutes before Mass begins.
- Report to Altar Servers’ Sacristy in rear of the church.Check with the Acolyte for last minute instructions.
- Light candles and gather at the back entrance of the Church.
- Participate in procession.
- Accompany the Presider/Priest to the ambo for the reading of the Gospel.Serve the water and wine cruets to the Priest.
- At the end of Mass the Altar Servers follow the Acolyte with their candles and recess.
- After Mass your Alb needs to be returned to the closet.
Some considerations to keep in mind in your decision to become an Altar Server:
- You must be willing and ready to make a commitment to this ministry.
- You will be responsible for getting a substitute if you are not able to attend your scheduled Mass.
- During Mass you will eventually be expected to recite all prayers and sing all songs with your Community.
- You will need to remain focused during Communion and while on the altar.
- Talking, chewing gum, and fidgeting will not work.
- Know that it is an honor to serve God and in deciding to participate in this ministry.
Terms you will learn as an Altar Server:
| Alb | –white robe worn over street clothes, bishops, priests, deacons. |
| Altar | –the table of the Lord in the sanctuary. |
| Altar Cloth | –the tablecloth for the altar–always white. |
| Altar Vessels | –sacred vessels used during the celebration of liturgy. |
| Ambo | –the place where the Word of God is proclaimed. |
| Aspergillum | –the holy water sprinkler |
| Altar Bells | –rung during the consecration of the mass. |
| Cassock | –black/red/white robe worn by altar servers. |
| Chalice | –the cup used by the priest/eucharistic ministers for the Blood of Christ. |
| Chasuble | –colored vestment worn only by the priest and bishops |
| Ciborium | –gold cup with a lid for the Body of Christ in the Tabernacle. |
| Cincture | –cord used as a belt for the alb. |
| Corporal | –small white cloth placed in the center of the altar. |
| Credence Table | –the small table off to one of the sanctuary for sacred vessels. |
| Cruets | –small pitchers of water and wine for the mass. |
| Dalmatic | –colored vestment worn by the deacon. |
| Finger Bowl | –small bowl for priest to wash hands during the liturgy of eucharist. |
| Finger Towel | –a small towel used to dry the hands after washing |
| Lectern | –The place from which the Scriptures are proclaimed. Avoid: “pulpit.” |
| Lectionary | –the book of scriptures read at the liturgy of the Word. |
| Pall | –Stiff, white board placed over the chalice. Note! The white covering for a casket is also called a pall. |
| Paschal Candle | –the large ornate candle used at funerals, baptisms, and Easter until Pentecost. |
| Paten | –small dish usually used with the chalice. |
| Processional Cross | –the cross carried before the ministers of the of the liturgy in procession |
| Purificator | –small white cloth used with the chalice. |
| Sacramentary | –the book the priest prays from during the mass at the altar. |
| Sacristy | –the room where priests vest before mass. |
| Sanctuary | –the sacred space elevated before the congregation |
| Stole | –The vestment worn around the neck by all ordained ministers. (under the chasuble) |
| Surplice | –A loose, flowing rob of white fabric, worn over cassock |
| Tabernacle | –the ornate receptacle used to place the Body of Christ. |
| Thurible | –container for burning incense. |
| Thurifer | –the server responsible for the thurible. |
| Vestments | –special robes worn by priests, deacons and altar servers |
Liturgy –
Eucharist – Consecrate – Cross Bearer – Candle Bearer – Lector/Reader – Cantor - Deacon
Minister of Holy Communion – Homily – Altar – Sanctuary – Sacristy - Credence Table – Tabernacle
Pulpit/Ambo – Alb – Vestments – Chalice – Ciborium – Cruets - Lectionary – Book of Gospels – Paten
Purificator – Acolyte – Gift Bearer – Procession – Lectionary – Prayers of the Faithful – Baptismal Font
Altar Server Prayer :
Father in heaven, your Son, Jesus Christ
showed his love for you by serving his needy
brothers and sisters.
I now ask you to give me your help as I serve
you and your people.
Open my mouth to praise you in word and song.
Open my ears to hear your word.
Open my hands to do your work well.
Take from my heart all evil and disturbing thoughts.
Help me know what I should do, and do it well.
Help me serve reverently at your holy altar, and give
you praise and glory now and forever. - Amen.
For more information contact Pat Stockdale through the Parish Center at 375-5887.