Knights of

the Altar
Training
Manual

Rev. 12-15-2022
PREPARATION FOR THE HOLY MASS

Posture
• There are three primary positions during Holy Mass. They are
standing, sitting, and kneeling.
• These postures are not only ceremonial, but they have
profound meaning.
• Standing - is a sign of respect and honor.
• Sitting - is a sign for listening and meditation.
• Kneeling - is a sign of giving one’s love and reverence to Jesus.
Reverence
• We must always show respect and reverence by paying
attention and participating in the Holy Mass.
• When sitting, hands should be folded on your lap.
• Both feet should be on the floor at all times. Do not cross your legs
or arms, fidget, look around, yawn, play with your wristwatch,
whisper, or laugh with your neighbor!
• No one should be going into the service sacristy.
• Do nothing to draw attention to oneself and away from the holy
sacrifice of the Mass.
• Hands should be folded when kneeling or when moving when
there is nothing being carried.
• When carrying a cruet or single item, it should be in your left hand
with your right hand covering your heart.
• When carrying two items such as cruets, water pitcher/bowl, trays,
thurible & boat, etc. they should be in front of you and not placed
against your chest or under your arm.

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ALTAR SERVER VESTMENTS

Vesting
Wearing the proper cassock & surplice size is the key not only to “looking
good” but also to performing your duties safely and efficiently.

FIT:
• A properly fitting cassock should have a hemline around the
ankles, with the sleeves ending at the wrists.
• If the hemline is too long you run the risk of tripping; if it is too
short, the resulting fit will be a distraction to the congregation.
• Take the time to find a cassock which fits you properly.
• If you can’t find a cassock which ends at your ankles
(approximately 4” from the ground), opt for the next size
shorter – remember, “Safety First.”
• The proper combination of cassock & surplice should find
the surplice sleeves 3”-6” shorter than the cassock sleeves.
• In this case, ‘shorter’ is better than ‘longer’ – avoid longer
sleeves which risk dragging a sleeve through the vessels used
during the Mass.
• Your shirt collar should not show above the cassock collar.
Flip it inside out or tuck it in.

Proper fit of Cassock and You need a longer

Surplice cas- sock

NOTE: Always check the fit in the mirror before leaving the sacristy
as you may have grown and need a bigger size; take the time to do a
“buddy check” with your fellow Servers, as they may see something
ill-fitting on you, and vice versa.

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DIFFERENT JOBS OF ALTAR SERVERS
Mass When the Bishop is Present
The Crosier holder
• Any Server that is responsible for holding the Crosier when
the Bishop is not holding it must watch the Acolyte or MC
carefully for instructions on when to bring the crosier to the
bishop.
• Always hold the crosier with the crook pointing behind you.
The Mitre holder
• Any Server that is Responsible for holding the Mitre when
the Bishop is not wearing it must watch the Acolyte or MC
carefully for instructions on when to bring the crosier to the
bishop

Altar Server Responsibilities

➡ Thurifer
• The server’s job is to have the Thurible ready when required
during Holy Mass. Pay Attention!
• Charcoal is lighted no less than 15 minutes prior to Mass.
• Care must be taken as smoldering charcoal used in the
Thurible can be very hot.

Thurifer Technique:
• At the entrance procession, he goes to the Marian side of
the altar and waits for the deacon and priest to reverence the
altar. Then the priest will incense the altar.
• He will sit on the Mary side of the sanctuary.
• At the Gospel Procession, the thurifer will approach the
Presider, who stands and charges the thurible with
incense.
• After the priest blesses the deacon, the bearer precedes
the deacon/priest to the front of the altar to pick up
and display the Book of the Gospels.
• Then all proceed to the ambo where the bearer is
be- hind and to the right of the deacon/priest.
• After the deacon announces the Gospel, he will take the
thurible and incense the Book of the Gospel. The
deacon/priest will then give the thurible back to the
bearer who remains in place until the end of the
Gospel, gently swinging the thurible in his right hand.

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 • After this, he goes to the Marian side, sits, and waits
for Preparation of Gifts.
• At the Preparation of the Gifts, the bearer will get the
thurible and wait on the Mary side of the altar and slightly
to the rear.
• Before the hand washing, the priest/deacon will
approach the bearer, charge the thurible, and then
incense the gifts, altar, priest, and people as appropriate.
• The priest/deacon will hand the thurible back to the
bearer who then places the thurible and the boat on
the stand.
• If there is no deacon or acolyte, the Thurifer will
incense the priest and the people.
• At the start of the Sanctus, the Thurifer brings the thurible
and takes his position at the entrance to the sanctuary.
• He kneels at the end of the Sanctus and incenses at
the Consecration.
• He gets up when the Priest states ‘The Mystery of
Faith/Mysterium Fidei.”
• The thurifer never charges the thurible with incense;
this is a function reserved for the Priest, Deacon, or
Acolyte.

➡ Boat Bearer
• The server’s whose job is to make sure that the incense boat is
filled and available when required by the Thurifer. Usually, the
Boat Bearer is the same server as the Thurifer.

Boat Bearer Technique:

• At the entrance procession, the Boat Bearer follows the Thurifer
and goes to the back Marian side of the altar to wait for the
Deacon and Priest to reverence the altar.
• Then the Priest will incense the altar. The Boat Bearer sits
on the Mary side of the sanctuary next to the Thurifer.
• At the Preparation of the Gifts, the boat bearer waits with
the Thurifer on the Mary side of the altar and slightly to the
rear.
• Before the hand washing, the Priest will approach the
bearers, charge the thurible, and then incense the gifts, altar,
and people as appropriate.
• The boat bearer never charges the thurible with in-
cense; this is a function reserved for the Priest or Deacon
or Acolyte.

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➡ Cross Bearer (Crucifer)
• Crucifer - ensure the crucifix is high once out of the narthex and
facing forward during Procession and Recession.
• Bow before entering the sanctuary. Place the crucifix in its
appropriate holder.
• At the Offertory, retrieve the crucifix and proceed to the back
of the nave. Lead the offertory back up the center aisle. Bow
when reaching the sanctuary. Place the crucifix in its
appropriate holder.
• After the final blessing, lead the procession out of the sanctuary.

➡ BELLS:
• the cross bearer may also be responsible for the ringing of
the bells. He will ring the bells as follows:
• One time at the Epiclesis, when the priest holds his
hands together, flat over the chalice and paten
• Then three times when the celebrant elevates the
host and chalice at the words of consecration.
Pause between rings to allow the Thurifer to make
three swings of the thurible for each ring of the
bells.
• Once, when the priest consumes the Precious
Blood from the chalice.
➡ Book Bearer
• The Roman Missal is brought to the Deacon first and will be
held for the Priest as required or requested and is generally the
Crucifer, or an Altar Server the Acolyte designates.
• At the Universal Prayer, the Book Bearer will stand in front of
the Priest to hold the notebook containing the Prayers of
Intercession.
• Once the prayers are complete, the Book Bearer will then take
the red Missal and its stand to the Deacon at the altar.

➡ Candle Bearers
• Carry candles behind the Crucifer both during Procession and
Recessional.
• Bow at the same time before entering the Sanctuary.
• Take the candles to their appropriate places. Leave them lit.
• At the Gospel, process to the front corners of the altar.
• The Deacon will pick up the book of the Gospels and then the
candle bearers and thurifer process to the ambo in front of
the deacon.
• The candle bearers stand on either side of the ambo and face the
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 Gospel on the ambo (don’t face the congregation).
• During a Mass at the solemn Gospel procession, the candle
bearers will process with the Thurifer (incense bearer).
• At the end of the Gospel place the candles in their stands.

Altar Server Actions

Homily
• Once the Deacon has proclaimed the Gospel, he returns to
his seat.
• Once he is seated, the Acolytes and Altar Servers may take
their seats.
• If the Deacon is preaching the Homily in place of the Priest,
the servers may be seated once the Priest takes his seat.
• If an Altar Server is holding a book for the Priest/Deacon, all
servers wait for that Altar Server to return to his assigned
seat before sit- ting.

Setting up the Altar

• Altar Servers bring the ciboria and chalices to the side of the
altar, holding them while the Acolyte/Deacon/Priest retrieve
the contents and arranges them on the corporals.
• Exchange a head bow with the Acolyte/Deacon/Priest and
return to your seat.

Preparation of Gifts
• The crucifer retrieves the processional cross and moves to
the rear of the nave to escort the gifts forward at the proper
time.
• All altar servers, except the crucifer, accompany the Priest,
Deacon, and Acolyte to the foot of the Sanctuary steps, to
receive the gifts from the congregation.
• Bring those gifts to the Mary side of the altar, presenting the
ciboria to the Acolyte/Deacon/Priest, who will receive them
and place them on the altar.
• A designated Altar Server will bring the water cruet to the
altar.
• The Altar Server with the water cruet additionally accepts
the wine cruet from the Altar Server who assisted with
reception of the gifts.
• The Altar Server will then present the wine & water cruets to
the Deacon or Priest, who will distribute the contents into the
Priest’s chalice.
• As he takes each cruet from your hand, place your empty
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 hand on your chest.
• When he has finished, exchange a head bow with the Deacon
and return the cruets to the credence table.
• If incense is used, the thurifer and boat bearer will retrieve the
thurible and boat and stand on the Mary side of the altar, waiting
for the Priest to incense the gifts.
• One of the Altar Servers for the Lavabo (washing) will bring the
pitcher, bowl & finger towel to the Priest, as the Deacon steps
aside.
• Take your place directly beside the altar, pouring water
over the Priest’s hands until he indicates to stop.
• Once he has dried his hands, exchange a head bow with the
Priest and return the items to the credence table.

The Sanctus
• At the start of the Sanctus (“Holy, Holy, Holy…”), all the
Altar Servers and Acolytes proceed to their respective sides
of the Sanctuary and stand in front of the steps.
• At the conclusion of the Sanctus, kneel for the Consecration.
• All Altar Servers are kneeling, laser-focused and showing
reverence to the Altar with proper prayer hands.
• No fidgeting, wobbling, adjusting, or looking around.

The Mystery of Faith / Mysterium Fidei

• When the priest announces, “The Mystery of Faith /
Mysterium Fidei”, all servers except the bell-ringer rise and
return the thurible and boat to the stand, then kneel on
either side of the altar, inside the sanctuary.
• All Altar Servers are kneeling, laser-focused and showing
reverence to the Altar with proper prayer hands.
• No fidgeting, wobbling, adjusting, or looking around.

Doxology, The Lord’s Prayer, Sign of Peace

• With the words of the concluding Doxology (“Through him, with
him, in him, O God, almighty father…”), we acknowledge with
the acclamation, “AMEN.” Rise and stand beside the altar.
• Remain standing during the recitation of The Lord’s Prayer;
do not hold or raise hands.
• At the Rite of Peace, exchange a sign of peace with a
handshake or head bow to the Servers immediately next to
you, then the priest and deacon. Do not exchange the Sign of
Peace with anyone outside the sanctuary, including your
parents.
• At the conclusion of the Agnus Dei / Lamb of God resume your
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 kneeling position beside the altar.

Holy Communion
• After the Priest has partaken of the Eucharist, he will
distribute Holy Communion to the Deacon.
• After the Deacon receives Holy Communion, the priest will bring
Holy Communion to you.
• After receiving Holy Communion, two servers retrieve the patens
with handles from the credence table and accompany the Priest
& Deacon to distribute Holy Communion.
• Hold the patens below the hands or chin of the person
receiving Holy Communion to catch the consecrated Host
or any particles if they fall.
• If you are not helping with patens, remain kneeling beside the
altar.
• During Holy Communion, the Acolyte will move the Deacon’s
chalice and purificator to the credence table and place the Missal
and stand to the side of the altar. When the Priest and Deacon
return to the altar at the completion of the Communion
procession, they will consolidate the remaining Blessed
Sacrament into the ciborium at the altar. The Deacon/Acolyte will
then repose the Blessed Sacrament in the tabernacle.
• As the Priest or Deacon genuflects before closing the tabernacle
door, all standing in the Sanctuary will make a profound bow
(from the waist). If kneeling, a bow of the head is sufficient.
• A designated Altar Server will bring the water cruet to the altar
for the Priest to purify his chalice.
• Another Altar Server will be ready to accept the Priest’s chalice
when purification is complete and return it to the credence table.
• As the Priest and Deacon return to their seats, any remaining
Altar Servers still kneeling beside the altar may return to their
seats as well.

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Dismissal & Recessional
• Book Bearer takes Missal from its stand and carries it to the
Deacon, who opens the Missal to the appropriate page.
• The Book Bearer then carries the book to the Priest for the Prayer
After Communion.
• Once the prayer is finished, the Altar Server returns the Missal to
its stand.
• Following the Final Blessing by the Priest, and the Dismissal by
the Deacon, all Altar Servers proceed to the foot of the Sanctuary
steps in the same order you entered the Sanctuary: Thurifer &
Boat-Bearer, Crucifer, Candle-bearers, Acolyte, Deacon, Priest.
• Turn and face the Sanctuary, waiting for the Priest and Deacon to
join you. Recite the St. Michael prayer together.
• When the Deacon and Priest genuflect, reverence the tabernacle
as appropriate for your position (genuflect if hands are empty,
head bow if carrying something). Then, turn to the center and
recess to the Narthex.
• Always turn to the right.
• Your service at Holy Mass is completed only when your
vestments are properly hung on their respective hangers in the
Sacristy, you have prayed the server’s prayer after Mass, and
the Acolyte/Deacon has provided appropriate feedback.

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DEFINITIONS
• Altar - The structure on which the Sacrifice of the Eucharist takes
place.

• Ambo - The platform or pulpit from which the readings and homily
are given. Not to be used for non-sacred readings.

• Baptismal Font - This is a pool or vessel of water in which people

are baptized.

• Bell ringer - This server will ring the Sanctus Bells at the Epiclesis
and consecration. Care is required to ring them at the appropriate
moment and to ring them at the correct volume and duration.

• Boat Bearer - The boat contains incense that is used in the

Thurible. It is the boat bearer’s job to make sure that the boat is
available when required by the Thurifer.

• Candle Bearer – Always serves in pairs to carry candles at the

beginning and end of the Holy Mass, as well as at the Gospel.

• Credence table - The wooden side table on which all the things
that are necessary for the Holy Mass are placed.

• Crosier - Carried by a Bishop. Looks like a shepherd's crook and

reminds us that the Bishop is chief shepherd of the flock of Christ in
any given area (diocese).

• Crucifer - The server who carries the processional cross at the

beginning and end of the liturgy, as well as at the offertory,
escorting the gifts to the sanctuary.

• Crucifix - A cross on which is the crucified figure of Jesus.

• Cruet - Small glass container that contains water or wine for the
Holy Mass.

• Holy Water Font - It reminds us of our baptism, when we were

washed clean of sin and became a member of God's family. (See
also Stoup)

• Host - The consecrated Body of Christ.

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• Incense - A substance that gives off clouds of sweet-smelling smoke
when sprinkled onto burning charcoal. Represents the prayer of the
people rising to the throne of God.

• Lavabo Bowl and Towel - At the preparation of the gifts the priest
washes his hands to signify the cleansing of the sins of those
gathered and to prepare himself for what he is about to do.

• Lectionary - A book containing all the scripture readings for Holy

Mass. It is placed on the ambo before Holy Mass begins.

• Miter - A tall two-pointed hat worn by a Bishop. It reminds us of the

tongues of fire that seemed to light upon the apostles on the first day
of Pentecost.

• Nave – the area in the church where the faithful sit. It is separate
from the sanctuary.

• Paschal Candle - This speaks of our Lord's resurrection from the

dead. During the Easter Season the Paschal Candle is placed in the
sanctuary. Thereafter it is placed next to the font for use during
baptisms. Also, placed in front of the casket or urn during Funerals.

• Processional Cross - This is carried into church at the head of a pro-

cession, as a sign of our faith, and is the basic symbol of Christianity. It
reminds us that Jesus died for us. It MUST have the representation of
the CRUCIFIED Christ on it.

• Purificator - Linen white cloth that is used to wipe (purify) the

chalices each time they are used.

• Roman Missal - The book containing the prayers said by the Priest
during the Holy Mass. A smaller version may be used at the
presider’s chair.

• Sacristy - At St. Jude Thaddeus, Christ the King, and St. Paul there are
three Sacristies:
• Clergy Sacristy which is where the clergy prepare themselves for the
Holy Mass. Keep silent, please.
• Altar Server/Acolyte Sacristy where the lay ministers prepare for
service at the altar.
• Working Sacristy used by the sacristans to prepare for Holy Mass.

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• Sanctuary – Sacred part of the Church where the Altar,
Tabernacle, and the Priest and Deacon chairs are. There are steps
at the entrance. Only sacred ministers should enter this area.

• Sanctuary Lamp - The candle that is kept burning in the sanctuary to

show that the Blessed Sacrament is present in the Tabernacle.

• Sepulcrum - The cavity on the altar in which the relic(s) of the patron
saints of that church or chapel are encased.

• Stations of the Cross - These depict, usually in fourteen stages, the

journey of Jesus to Calvary, his crucifixion on the cross and his laying
in the tomb.

• Stole - This important vestment, worn around the neck, shows that the
priest or deacon is celebrating one of the Sacraments. It also shows
that the priest or deacon has the duty to preach the Word of God.

• Stoup - The holy water fonts or bowls at the entrances of the nave

• Tabernacle - The Gold box behind the Altar on top of the mantle, this
contains the Ciborium, in which is held the consecrated Body of Christ.

• Thurible – a container that holds hot charcoal for burning incense

• Thurifer - This is a server who will carry the Thurible. The thurible will
be required during the liturgy, and it is the job of the Thurifer to have
it ready as required. Care must always be taken as a smoldering
charcoal fire is used in the thurible which reaches extremely high
temperatures.

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PICTORAL REFERENCE:

Alb: This is the long white dress-like vestment worn by

Priests and Deacons under the Chasuble and Dalmatic.
Also worn by the sacristan when in procession.

Aspergillum: This is a metal ball with lots of small

holes in it and is connected to a handle this ball holds holy
water used by the priest or deacon to sprinkle the faithful
or articles to be blessed. It is normally kept in a small
metal bucket (aspersorium) that holds the holy water.

Boat: This is a small metal container that holds the

incense to be put into the thurible. It has a cover and
comes with a small spoon. Sometimes shaped like a boat.

Candle lighter or Taper: Used for lighting and

extinguishing candles. It is a pole-like instrument with a
tube at one side on the top with a retractable wick for
lighting candles and a snuffer shape like a bell

Chalice: A cup of precious metal that holds the wine

which becomes the Blood of Jesus after the consecration.

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Chasuble: The chasuble is the sleeveless outer
vestment, slipped over the head, hanging down from the
shoulders and covering the stole and alb. It is the proper
Holy Mass vestment of the priest, and its color varies
according to the feast or liturgical season. This was
originally a coat; it now symbolizes the garment of Christ
who is the true celebrant of every Eucharist.

Ciborium: A large cup or container of precious metal

with a cover of the same material which will hold the Body
of Jesus after consecration and when communion is over.
The ciborium is then stored in the Tabernacle under lock
and key.

Cincture: This long cord is used for fastening some albs

at the waist. It holds loose fitting albs in place and is used
to adjust the proper length. The cincture is usually white.

Cope: A cape-like vestment that is put on over the

shoulders and hangs to the ankles, it is open at the front
and clasped at the neck. The priest or deacon wears this
at Benediction and in certain processions. Copes can be of
any liturgical color.

Corporal: A white linen cloth, usually with a cross in the

bottom center, used to protect any particles of the
Precious Body and Blood of Jesus from falling to the altar
cloth. It is always folded and unfolded as to protect any
particles from being lost.

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Dalmatic: The dalmatic is a loose-fitting robe with open
sides and wide sleeves worn by the deacon or bishop. The
color varies according to the liturgical feast or season of
the liturgical year.

Humeral Veil: This is a long, narrow, shawl-like

vestment used at Benediction and in processions when
the Blessed Sacrament is carried.

Lunette/Luna: A thin, circular receptacle, having a

glass face that holds the Consecrated Host used for
Adoration and Benediction. It slides into the monstrance.

Monstrance: This is a large, ornate vessel used to hold

the Blessed Sacrament for Adoration, Benediction, and
solemn Eucharistic Processions.

Pyx: A case, about the size of a pocket watch, in which

Communion is carried to those who are sick or unable to
come to church.

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Purificator: This is a triple folded white cloth
used to cleanse the chalice and the celebrant’s
fingers after the last ablution (washing). In setting
up the chalice, the purificator is placed over the
top of the chalice.

Stole: A stole is a long cloth often ornately

decorated, of the same color and style of the
chasuble. A priest wears it around the neck, letting
it hang down in the front. A deacon wears it over his
left shoulder and fastened at his right side, like a
sash. Seminarians and lay ministers
never wear stoles.

Finger Towel: A folded purificator is used by the

priest to dry his fingers after they have been
washed during the preparation of the gifts. It is kept
with the water cruet & finger bowl.

Thurible or Censer: The metal container

extended from a chain in which charcoal and
incense are burned for liturgical ceremonies. It has
a lid that can be raised. It is used at solemn Holy
Masses and Benediction

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NOTES:

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NOTES:

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NOTES:

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