Altar Server Guidelines

    ** Important Altar Server Terms to Know **

  1. Servers should check their schedule when they receive it and take note of their assignment. Whenever there is a problem keeping their assignment they are to try to get a replacement, or, if this is unsuccessful, they should call their TEAM LEADER or the Church office.

  2. Arrive at church with robe at least 15 min. before Mass. After vesting in lower sacristy room (behind Cry room) they are to check that everything is ready (cruets in place, bowl & towel, etc.) and the CANDLES ARE LIT.

  3. The TEAM LEADER or one of the servers should then CHECK IN the SACRISTY to:
    1. Check off names of servers present (which can also be done AFTER mass.
    2. See if the priest has any further or special instructions.

  4. All servers should next report to the BACK of the church. (The cross bearer should have the cross and it should be determined what each server will be doing at Mass.

  5. Line up for procession (Crossbearer first) when the announcer begins announcing the Introductory remarks for Mass. BEGIN PROCESSING when the assembly starts to sing the entrance song.

  6. At the altar leave space in the center for the priest in the sanctuary, all bow when the priest does and then go to your places (Crossbearer places cross in stand).

  7. Immediately, once the priest comes to the CHAIR the server who will hold the book comes forward, picks up the large Sacramentary book from the stool by the priest's chair and stands off a few feet near the pulpet. Wait till after the Penitential Rite (or GLORIA) and move closer to the priest with the book, standing at an angle so as NOT to be directly in front of the priest. The book should be ready for the priest to open (ribbons hanging down at the bottom). After the priest concludes the opening prayer from the book, close the book and return it to the stool.

  8. All servers should participate in Mass as everyone else. They should have music books by their seats so they can sing and respond to prayers etc. Never should there be any unnecessary talking or causing distraction during mass. Whenever a server needs to cross in front of the tabernacle they should NOT cross by way of the steps between the tabernacle and altar, but in FRONT of the altar and give an unhurried HEAD BOW before the tabernacle.

  9. At the OFFERING OF THE GIFTS two servers stand on either side of the priest to receive the gifts from him. If one is given the priest's music book they should place it on his chair.

  10. Servers are to hold* the wine and water cruets (HANDLES FACING THE PRIEST) once the priest comes to the altar to offer the gifts. Next one gets the basin and water cruet, the other OPENS the towel and holds it out for the priest. Pour a small stream of water on the priest's fingers. He will take the towel and return it to the server. Then both return basin and cruet to the table and wait by the step for the "Holy Holy"…kneel after the "Holy Holy".

  11. At the Sign of Peace receive the Sign of Peace from Father and remain up on step for Communion, allowing room on the left side of altar for the Lector and eucharistic ministers. Once you receive eucharist, you may kneel a moment or return to your seat. Once the priest has returned to the altar after communion ONE server should take the empty ciborium from the altar and place on side table. The PRIEST will TAKE HIS CHALICE TO THE TABLE.

  12. After meditation and final announcements, ONCE the priest says: "Let us pray" immediately one of the servers gets the book from the stool and holds it for the priest. The server returns the book to the stool when the priest finishes the prayer.

  13. Once the priest comes to the center of the sanctuary after the blessing the servers join him facing the altar and BOW with him before leading the procession down the back of the church. Servers return to the sacristy (sanctuary with the cross) either by way of the outside entrance to church (sacristy side) Or, in bad weather, up the side aisle (AFTER people have cleared the aisle).

  14. Servers should help "Clean up" AFTER mass. Candles are put out (WITH THE CANDLE EXTINGUISHER), cruets are placed back in refrigerator (refill over sink if necessary). The basin is emptied and RETURNED WITH A FRESH TOWEL to the side table in the sanctuary. If there is need to return chairs to proper places, please help. Always LET THE PRIEST handle his own chalice and to REFILL the CIBORIUM and tabernacle key. Servers then should be sure closet with servers robes is straightened out (if a robe was borrowed from there).

 

*NOTE: Do NOT place cruets on altar, HOLD them. Also do NOT put towel IN glass basin (dish) there is water in the dish.

Guidelines written September 1998 (Revised March 2000)