Handbook Altar Servers

for

Fort Recovery Cluster

Belonging to:

____________________________
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Index

Introduction ............................................................................................................... 2

Ranks and Advancing ................................................................................................ 3

Some General Principles ........................................................................................... 4

Duties Before and After Mass ................................................................................... 5

Prayers Before and After Mass .................................................................................. 6

Diagrams for Processions .......................................................................................... 7

Serving a Sunday Mass.............................................................................................. 8

Serving other Masses ............................................................................................... 11

Serving at Adoration................................................................................................ 13

Diagrams for Preparing The Altar ........................................................................... 15

Diagrams for Stacking the Main Chalice and Paten ................................................ 16

Using Communion Patens ....................................................................................... 17

Study Guides for Examinations ............................................................................... 17

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Introduction

Seriousness. Leave behind that fidgeting and affectation of little boys and girls.
Let your outward conduct reflect the peace and order of your soul.
St. Josemaría Escrivá

To be a server means you are taking a very special role in the prayer of
the Church. You are called to serve and assist at Mass and other liturgical
functions. This is both an honor and a privilege and should not be taken on
lightly. Our hope is that through your service you will help our Church pray well.
Each ministry is an opportunity to get closer to God. Your commitment to this
ministry is a great blessing for you and for all of our parishioners.

This handbook has been developed as a brief training guide and a

reference book. You will need to be familiar with everything in it. Use it as often
as you need to and keep it so you can refer to it during your years in this ministry.
If you need clearer information, everything in the handbook is given with more
detail in the Server Manual.
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Ranks and Advancing

Novice
The only requirement to become a novice is to attend an Novice Server Training
session. This is the first and lowest rank, and is primarily observational in its role.
Novices vest and serve at Masses to which they are assigned, but may also do so
at any Mass at which there are spaces available. They will not, however, serve at
solemn Masses, which are reserved for more experienced servers. Novices are
encouraged to ask questions of the other servers before and after Mass, and
otherwise to observe the other servers as they carry out their tasks. They will
often take up some small task, such as carrying the processional candles in and
out, which the more experienced servers will assist them with. They may also be
needed to hold Communion patens.

Altar Server
In order to advance to the rank of altar server, novices must accomplish the
following tasks:
 Serve as a novice at ten Masses, five of which must be Sunday Masses.
 Do not have a no-show on record in the past six months.
 Attend a Basic Server Training session.
 Complete the Basic Examination.
Altar servers may take on the roles of crucifer, boat bearer, server, book bearer,
and torch bearer.

Senior Server
In order to advance to the rank of senior server, altar servers must accomplish the
following tasks:
 Serve thirty Masses as an altar server, including Christmas and Easter.
 Do not have a no-show on record in the past year.
 Attend an Advanced Server Training Session.
 Complete the Advanced Examination.
Senior servers may take on the role of thurifer and will be asked to help lead
trainings.

Master of Ceremonies (MC)

A position open to young men who are already Senior Servers and are open to
praying about the possibility of a priestly vocation.
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Some General Principles

General principles must be followed by all servers, and their proper

observance is required for Masses to count towards advancement in rank.

 Dress code:
o Boys: collared shirt, dark dress pants, dark dress shoes.
o Girls: shirt or blouse, pants, dress, or long skirt, close-toed dress
shoes.
 Be in the sacristy at least 15 minutes prior to Mass.
 If you cannot serve on a day when you are assigned, you must find a
substitute.
 Prepare for Mass with dignity, not carrying too many items at once, always
using the candle lighter instead of the normal lighter, etc. Take your time
and do each thing with care and precision. In general, the time before and
after Mass, although not strictly silent, should maintain an atmosphere of
silence and prayer in the sacristies.
 Bow and genuflect at the correct times.
 Maintain proper posture during Mass:
o When standing, bowing, genuflecting, or kneeling: hands joined,
palm to palm, at the chest, pointing up.
o When sitting: hands flat over knees.
o Both feet flat on the ground without moving.
o Eyes on the action of the Mass and occasionally toward the
priest, in case he needs to communicate something.
o Back always straight.
 Synchronize your actions—walking side-by-side, bowing together, holding
candles at equal heights, kneeling at the same time, etc.
 Remain absolutely quiet and attentive to the Mass unless it is necessary to
ask a question or give instruction to another server.
 Participate fully, consciously, and actually in the liturgy (singing,
responding, etc., but above all striving to truly pray the Mass).
 Perform everything at a dignified pace—not running or seeming hurried,
even if something is done late. Processions should be moderately slow.
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Duties Before and After Mass

Before Mass:

1. Sign the attendance sheet.

If you are subbing for somebody who asked you to do so, please note that
on the sheet.
2. Vest.
3. Make sure each item is in place:
a. Main chalice and paten; side chalices and equal number of
purificators; lavabo, towel, and water cruet on the credence table.
The main paten should always have a large host in it.
b. Wine and water and additional hosts at the back
At credence table on weekdays.
c. Tabernacle key in the tabernacle.
d. Altar missal on the altar and presider’s missal at the book
bearer’s chair.
The book bearer should look to see where the ribbons are set.
e. Lectionary and petitions at the ambo.
4. Light candles at the altar (always with candle lighter).
5. Say the prayers before Mass.

After Mass:

1. Say the prayers after Mass.

2. Help bring the items from the credence table into the sacristy.
3. Make sure the lectionary is returned.
4. Extinguish the candles at the altar (always with candle snuffer).
5. Neatly hang your vestments in the servers' wardrobe.
6. Check with the sacristan or priest to see if they need any other assistance.
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Prayers Before and After Mass

Before Mass:

When all the duties before Mass are complete and all the servers are vested and
ready, they join the priest in the main sacristy and wait, as much as possible, in
silence. Servers are encouraged to pray, to study this book, or to ask questions
they might have about serving during this time. When all are ready for Mass, the
servers face the crucifix and pray together:

Heavenly Father, take from my heart all distractions.

Let me remember that in assisting the priest I am assisting Jesus
in offering You the merits of His Passion for myself and for the whole world.
I thank You for allowing me the opportunity to give my service to You.
Help me to know what I should do and to do it well.
Help me to serve reverently at your holy altar,
and so to give You praise and glory now and forever. Amen.

P. Procedamus in pace (Let us go forth in peace)

S. In nomine Christi. Amen. (In the name of Christ. Amen.)

After Mass:

P. Prosit (May [the Mass] be to our benefit)

S. Pro omnibus et singulis. (For all and for each.)

After this, if they are in the sacristy, the priest begins the prayer to St. Michael,
which the servers pray with him. Otherwise, the highest-ranking server begins
this prayer in the sacristy when the servers have returned.

St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the
wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray,
and do thou, O prince of the heavenly host, cast into hell Satan and all the
evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

Then all servers finish their duties after Mass.

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Diagrams for Processions

Procession

Key:

Th=Thurifer
C=Crucifer
Bb=Book Bearer
S=Server
N=Novice
T=Torch Bearer
MC=Master of Ceremonies
Dc=Deacon
Pr=Priest
Ca=Canopy Bearer
: Canopy
(Parenthesis): used at solemn Masses
[Brackets]: used at the most solemn Masses
Italics: not essential

Lining up at the Altar

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Serving a Sunday Mass

All instructions in [ brackets ] take place only at solemn Masses (when a thurifer
is present); instructions in [[ double brackets ]] take place only on the most
solemn of Masses.

Entrance Rites
All line up in the sacristy or the back of the church according to the order of
procession. As the Entrance Antiphon or opening hymn begins, they process in at
a slow, dignified pace. All split and line up along the front step, leaving a place
for the priest at the middle, genuflect with the priest when he arrives at the step
(those who are carrying something, however, do not genuflect), and go to their
places (the crucifer first goes to the stand and sets down the processional cross).
[[ Torch bearers line up along the front pews on either side. After the
genuflection, they return to the sacristy to set down their torches and then
return and fill in their pew. ]]
[ The thurifer stands at the ready to the left of the altar, hands the boat to the
deacon or priest, opens the thurible, waits for the priest to bless the incense,
closes the thurible, and trades the thurible for the boat. When he bows to
incense the altar cross, all servers at the altar should bow with him, turning
to face the cross if necessary. After the priest incenses the altar, the thurifer
takes both thurible and boat to the stand. ]
As the Gloria ends (at the words “...with the Holy Spirit...”), the book bearer
brings the presider’s missal to the priest, open to the prayers of the day, so that it
is already in front of the priest when he says “Let us pray.”

Liturgy of the Word

Be attentive to the readings and respond to the Responsorial Psalm.
[ At the Gloria, the thurifer goes to the priest, helping him to impose incense
as before. Meanwhile, the servers take up their candles. The thurifer and
servers then line up in front of the altar, leaving space in front of them, and
wait until the deacon or priest bows to the altar. They then lead him to the
ambo. The thurifer stands behind the ambo while the servers stand on either
side with their candles until the Gospel is over. At the start of the Gospel, the
deacon or priest will incense the book of the Gospels and then return the
thurible. Remain for the Gospel. At the end of the Gospel, servers return to
their seats while the thurifer goes to the sacristy and adds a piece of charcoal
to the thurible, returning before the end of the homily. ]
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Preparation of the Gifts

At the end of the Intercessions, the servers bring the main chalice and paten to
the altar, along with any additional ciboria, side chalices, and purificators. They
then walk to the back of the church with the processional candles. When the
collection is finished, they will lead the gifts in procession to the priest at the
front of the altar, set down their candles, and return to receive the gifts
(paten/ciborium, water and wine to the priest; collection basket under or beside
the credence table). The server with the cruets should remove the caps before
bringing them to the altar, handles facing out toward the priest. After bringing the
gifts, the servers bring the lavabo ewer, bowl, and towel to the priest.
[ As the servers bring the lavabo, the thurifer also brings the thurible and
boat. After the priest prays In spiritu humilitatis (the quiet prayer while he is
bowing at the altar), he will impose incense. All servers at the altar step
aside as he incenses the altar. As before, when he bows to incense the altar
cross, all servers at the altar should bow with him, turning to face the cross
if necessary. If a deacon is present, he may incense the priest and people
afterward. In either case, when the thurible is returned, it is put away and the
lavabo continues as usual. ]
The priest will wash his hands and the servers return to their places.

Preface and Eucharistic Prayer

All servers kneel during the Eucharistic Prayer with the people. At no point
should they be standing while the people are kneeling.
[ As the priest begins the Preface Dialogue (“The Lord be with you...”), the
thurifer takes the thurible, servers take their candles (if no torch bearers are
present), and all wait for the Sanctus (Holy, Holy, Holy) to begin. As the
congregation begins to sing, these three descend along the side of the
sanctuary and walk in a line to the front of the altar, kneeling on the first step
of the sanctuary. At the Great Amen, they rise with the congregation and
return to their places in the same way. ]
[[ Torch bearers take torches during the Preface Dialogue and line up
inside the doors to the sacristy. The thurifer then joins them, leading
them to the front step as the Sanctus begins. All kneel during the
Eucharistic prayer, with equal number of torch bearers on either side of
the thurifer. Torches are rested on the second step while kneeling. All
return to their places at the Great Amen. ]]
The MC (or, if no MC, a server) rings the bells at the Epiclesis and at each
Elevation.
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Communion
After the Priest has received the Precious Blood, and as the extraordinary
ministers of Holy Communion arrive at the sanctuary, all stand, take a
Communion paten (unless all are already taken), and line up to receive
Communion. The first server to receive Communion follows the priest as he
distributes to the extraordinary ministers (and to servers without a paten, if any).
Each server with a paten follows one person distributing the Body of Christ.
Any servers who are not needed during distribution return to kneel at their places.
After Holy Communion, all return the Communion patens to the credence table
and wait to hand them directly to the priest or deacon. After this, the servers
return the sacred vessels from the altar to the credence table, careful to hold them
level so that no particles are dropped. All are seated.
The book bearer now prepares the presider’s missal. As soon as the priest stands,
the book bearer brings the missal to him for the Prayer after Communion.

Concluding Rites
As the final hymn begins, the [ thurible, ] processional cross [[ , torches, ]] and
processional candles are retrieved and, as the priest goes to kiss the altar, all line
up along the front step as before, facing the altar. After the priest joins the line,
those who are not carrying anything genuflect with him, then all turn and process
back to the Sacristy.

Inclusion of Novices on Sundays

Novices will be signed up to serve at Sunday Masses. Their primary purpose is to
learn how to serve the Mass. More experienced servers should help the novices
by teaching them, as they can, what they need to know about serving: before and
after Mass especially, but also during Mass in a discrete way—primarily by
example. When novices are present, the Servers may assign them tasks according
to what the novices are prepared to do. In general, novices will be asked to carry
the processional candles and will sit next to the servers.
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Serving Other Masses

Weekday Masses
On weekdays, three servers are signed up, although it is possible for there to be
only two. For the most part, they have the same responsibilities as the servers on
Sundays or Solemnities, subtracting the items in brackets. Rather than detailing
these responsibilities, the aspects which are different from Sundays and
Solemnities are explained below:
 The procession begins at the sacristy rather than at the back of church,
going straight either to the foot of the altar or between the altar and
tabernacle. Before the procession leaves the sacristy, a server rings the
sanctuary bells before leaving the sacristy.
 The book is brought to the priest as the Kyrie is said or sung.
 No procession for the gifts—they are brought directly from the credence
table immediately after the sacred vessels are brought to the altar.
 The procession back to the sacristy is direct, as at the beginning.

Inclusion of Novices on Weekdays

Although novices will not be assigned to weekday Masses, as long as they are
dressed correctly and come in time to prepare, they may also vest and serve Mass
on a first come, first serve basis. Novices at weekday Masses will primarily
observe, but may also be asked to take up small tasks.

Wedding Masses
Weddings are served as a usual Sunday Mass would be, with some changes. If
only two servers are present, both carry candles in and one of them takes the role
of book bearer, as in weekday Mass.
Depending on how the couple choose to process, it is likely that the servers and
priest will process directly from the sacristy as in weekday Mass. It is possible
that they will process from the back, however.
After the homily, the priest invites the bride and groom forward. The book bearer
brings the ritual book to him. A server brings the aspersorium and aspergillum
and stands to the other side of the priest. After the rite is concluded with the
exchange of rings, the book bearer and server return to their places.
The newly married couple will receive Holy Communion before the servers (and
before the extraordinary ministers).
After the bridal party has processed out, the priest and servers will process out
directly to the sacristy as in weekday Mass.
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Funeral Masses
Funerals are served as a usual Sunday Mass would be, with some changes. There
must always be a thurifer, although incense is not usually processed in or used at
other usual times. If there are only two altar servers, one acts as crucifer and book
bearer, the other as thurifer and server.

Before Mass begins, ensure that, along with the altar candles, the paschal candle
is also lit. It should at the front and center of the sanctuary. At the back of the
church, the book bearer carries the aspersorium with the aspergillum. The crucifer
leads the procession very slowly. When the procession reaches the front, the
servers stand facing the congregation near the priest, who will pray over and
sprinkle the casket. The family will help cover the casket with a pall and the
priest and servers will then go into the sanctuary as usual. When the servers go to
their places, the book bearer sets down the aspersorium and immediately goes to
hold the ritual book for the priest.

The remainder of the Mass is as normal, until the end:

After the Prayer after Communion (and the words of remembrance, if there are
any), the crucifer retrieves the processional cross and the thurifer retrieves the
thurible and boat. The book bearer holds the ritual book (or the priest holds it
himself if there are only two servers). They meet the priest at the foot of the altar
in front of the casket. If there are other servers, they also bring the processional
candles. The crucifer stands at the opposite end of the casket, facing the altar. If
there are additional servers with candles, they stand beside the crucifer. The priest
will offer a prayer, impose incense, and incense the casket. The thurifer will then
line up behind the crucifer so as to lead the procession out. The priest says the
Final Commendation and takes his place for the procession as the casket is turned
for the procession out. When all are ready, any server who is not carrying
anything genuflects with the priest, and the procession out begins—again, very
slowly. In the vestibule, all servers split and make way for the casket to pass
through. After the family has passed through, they return in silence to the sacristy.
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Serving at Adoration

Exposition
Solemn exposition can take place with one or two servers. One server carries both
thurible and boat; two servers carry the thurible and boat separately.
When all are ready, the server(s) lead the presider out to the front of the altar, at
the first step of the sanctuary. All genuflect with the presider, then remain
standing as he enters the sanctuary. The servers kneel on the first step as he opens
the tabernacle doors, leaving space for him at the center. When the presider
returns, he will kneel, impose incense, and take the thurible (if he wishes to do so
standing, the server(s) will stand at his indication). As the O Salutaris is sung, the
presider will incense the Blessed Sacrament and return the thurible. When the
presider stands, all stand, and the server(s) lead him back to the sacristy or, if they
will stay in adoration, to the chairs. If it is a holy hour, and the server(s) will stay
the whole time, the thurifer should bring the thurible back to the sacristy fifteen
minutes before Benediction in order to add another coal. The thurifer then returns
to the chair until Benediction.

Out of the darkness of my life, so much frustrated,

I put before you the one great thing to love on earth:
the Blessed Sacrament … There you will find
romance, glory, honour, fidelity,
and the true way of all your loves upon earth.

J.R.R. Tolkien
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Benediction
Benediction takes place with two servers. The servers should ensure that the bells
and humeral veil are set out before beginning. One server carries the thurible and
boat. All process out as before, genuflect, and kneel with the presider. As the
Tantum Ergo is sung, the presider imposes incense. A slight bow is appropriate
when the presider bows before and after incensing the Blessed Sacrament. After
this, he returns the thurible.
The presider stands and says: “You have given them bread from heaven.” All
reply: “Having all sweetness within it.” He then says a prayer.
As the presider begins this prayer, the second server takes the humeral veil, finds
the clasps, and holds it ready. As the presider finishes the prayer, the server
approaches behind him and places the humeral veil over his shoulders (usually
the presider will kneel in order to make this easier).
The presider stands up, at which point the thurifer also stands so that all are
standing. When the presider genuflects, all genuflect, and as he goes to the altar,
the thurifer steps over to the central position and both servers kneel again. As the
people are blessed with the sign of the cross, the thurifer incenses in three sets of
three swings each. The other server, meanwhile, rings the bells in three sets of
three. Each set of swings/rings occurs about when the monstrance passes the
middle of the sign of the cross which the presider is making.
After this, the presider returns, and the server takes the humeral veil back from
him, placing it carefully in its previous place. The presider will lead the divine
praises, after which the servers remain kneeling as he goes back to the altar and
reposes the Blessed Sacrament. As soon as the tabernacle door is shut, both
servers stand and wait for the presider to rejoin them. When he has, they
genuflect with him and then lead him back to the sacristy.
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Diagrams for Preparing the Altar

Location of items on the altar

Waiting position of servers at the altar

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Diagrams for Stacking the Main Chalice and Paten

The chalice (left), with the cross or other mark on its base
facing forward, is covered with the purificator (middle). The
paten is then placed on top of the purificator (right). It is
important that the purificator is always between the chalice
and paten, as the gold plating can be scratched if the two
vessels are placed directly on top of each other.

The pall is then placed on the chalice (left) and may be

covered with the chalice veil (right). The stacked chalice and
paten is always carried with the left hand holding the node
(the center of the chalice) and the right hand flat on top of the
stack. It is always placed with the cross or other emblem
facing forward.
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Using Communion Patens

These patens must always be held directly under either the hands of those who
receive Communion in the hand or the chin of those who receive on the tongue. If
they are not immediately below, they serve no purpose. At the same time, servers
must be careful not to be overly intrusive or to accidently hit somebody with the
paten. It is not difficult, but requires focus.

Aside from guarding against having the Eucharist fall to the ground, the purpose
of these patens is also to collect particles of the Eucharist that may fall during
reception of Communion. Because of this, even if a paten looks clear, it must
always be held level until it is purified by the priest or deacon. When the servers
bring the patens to the credence table, they should do so carefully, always keeping
them level.

Do not now regard as bread that which I have given you; but take, eat this Bread
of life, and do not scatter the crumbs; for what I have called My Body, that it is
indeed. One particle from its crumbs is able to sanctify thousands and thousands,
and is sufficient to afford life to those who eat of it. Take, eat, entertaining no
doubt of faith, because this is My Body, and whoever eats it in belief eats in it
Fire and Spirit. ... But if anyone despise it or reject it or treat it with ignominy, it
may be taken as a certainty that he treats with ignominy the Son, who called it
and actually made it to be His Body.

St. Ephraem (306-373 AD)

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Study Guides for Examinations

Most of the information needed to pass the examinations can be found in the
Server Manual. Some, you will have to learn by experience and by asking
questions.

Basic Examination

Know who the patron saints of altar servers are.

Define the most common terms from the visual dictionary.
Find, in the sacristy, sacred vessels and other items used at Mass.
Demonstrate proper posture for a server.
Know by memory the responses to the prayers before and after Mass.
Know by memory the St. Michael prayer.

Advanced Examination

Be able to define all terms from the visual dictionary.

Answer questions such as:
In what order do servers process for Mass?
Describe the five liturgical seasons and their corresponding colors.
What are the four Gospels?
When is the Gloria sung (or said): memorials, feasts, solemnities?
How many readings are there on a solemnity?
When do servers begin to set up the altar?
When does the book bearer bring the Missal to the priest for the Collect?
What is the Ordinary of the Mass?
What are the Propers?
Be able to find in the Missal:
A Collect for a particular season or saint.
A Preface for a particular season or saint.
The Eucharistic Prayers.
A Votive Mass.
Demonstrate opening, closing and swinging the thurible.
Know by memory the Ordinary of the Mass.
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