PREPARATION. serve. available, write your name on the schedule AND write your name in the Sign-in Sheet located on the counter.

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2 PREPARATION 1. Arrive at least 10 minutes before Mass. 2. Whether you are scheduled or not, GO to the Sacristy a) Check the schedule to confirm who is scheduled to serve. b) If there is a notation that the server is not available, write your name on the schedule AND write your name in the Sign-in Sheet located on the counter. c) If you don't sign in, we worry that you're not coming and we may try to find a replacement. Altar serving is commitment. If you have 3 unexcused absences, you will be dropped from the schedule and required to attend the next training session before being placed on the rotation. d) There are 3 main SCHEDULED altar servers (#1, #2, and #3) and up to 3 more additional servers who are NOT scheduled. There are a maximum of 3-4 altar servers. e) If there is no schedule or not sure what to do, please ask the priest if he needs an altar server for mass. They greatly appreciate that you are there and willing to serve. 3. If there is a visiting priest, introduce yourself to him, explain that you will be serving at that Mass, and ask if there is anything special he wants you to do. 4. Put on an Alb/robe: 1

3 a) They are hanging on the rack by size: small on the left to large on the right. b) If this is your first time serving, please arrive early to check the proper size and remember what size you use for future reference. c) If you have a jacket, do not place it on the floor or the counter. Please use the same hanger as the alb and hang on the rack until mass is over. d) The alb should go all the way down to your ankles. Your shoes should be the only thing you see. Please wear clean shoes. (For safety reasons, flip-flops/clogs/slippers are not appropriate.) BEFORE MASS 5. Five (5) Minutes before Mass get the crucifix/candles. Altar Server (AS)#1 brings the crucifix and the other two altar servers #2&#3 bring the candle to the back of the church to prepare for procession. If the candle is not lit, DO NOT light it yourself. Ask an adult to assist you. After getting crucifix and candles, altar servers join other ministers in praying. Do not stand in the way of parishioners who are arriving for mass. Stand by the wall and wait until the priest rings the bell. This signals that mass will begin. 2

4 DURING MASS 6. Lead the procession carrying the crucifix/candle. Cross bearer should be in the middle. If there are only 2 servers, cross bearer should be on the left. Hold cross high and candle at eye-level and walk slowly straight to the altar. Do not stop. Do not bow. Then turn left and bring cross to its stand and candle to the credence table. Go to your seat. Remain standing. 7. Opening Prayer. Normally, the Opening Prayer follows the Gloria. Priest will point to the sacramentary on the table next to him and say "Let us pray." Altar Server #1 brings the sacramentary to the priest. He will open it; you stand to the left (as you face him) and extend the sacramentary open in front of him. 8. Prepare the altar for the Liturgy of the Eucharist. After the Prayer of the Faithful (Intercessions), Altar Server #1, #2 and #3 together bring up the sacramentary and remove the Gospel's stand (AS #1), communion cups (AS #2), and chalice (AS #3) and put on the altar. Altar Server #1 takes wooden stand off the altar. Altar Server #2 takes cups out of tray. Wait for each other on top of the steps and when you all finish, bow slightly together. The tray put on the credence table. The wooden stand place on seat next to the credence table (or if there is no room, place it under the credence table). Then bring up to the altar the ciboria if it contains hosts in it (AS #1), and if there is a Pyx Container (AS #2) (Communion of the Sick). 3

5 Wait for each other on top of the steps of the altar and when you all finish bow slightly together. PRESENTATION OF THE BREAD & WINE 9. During (or after) the preparation the altar, those who carried the candles and the crucifix, bring the crucifix/candles to the back of the church. Then the presider (priest) will walk in front of the altar to receive the gifts. He will signal you to walk towards him. Walk towards the presider (priest) and turn left and return the cross and candles. Do not stop. Do not bow. 10. Altar Server #1 brings water cruet to the priest. AS #1 will wait for the priest to give the wine carafe and the water cruet. Bring the wine carafe and the water cruet back to credence table. Return to your seat and remain standing. 11. Altar Server #2 will get the basin & towel and #3 will get the ewer. When the priest hands the wine carafe and water cruet to AS #1, AS#2 and AS#3 will bring the ewer, basin, and towel up to the TOP steps of the altar. The Altar Server #2 (person holding the towel) 4

6 is on the left of AS #3. The presider (priest) will turn to you and put his hands in the bowl. Pour water over his hands. Offer him the towel and he will give it back to you. After washing the priest's hands bow slightly. Bring the ewer, basin, and towel back to the credence table and return to your seat and remain standing. 12. As soon as the Choir sings the Holy, Holy, Holy all the altar servers take their kneeling pad, walk to the right of the Altar, and kneel when the Holy, Holy, Holy end. 13. After the Great Amen, all the altar servers stand and say Our Father. 14. At the Sign of Peace, all Altar Servers one by one exchange the sign of peace with the priest. Look at the priest's eyes. If the priest says: "The peace of the Lord be with you always" and your answer is "And with your spirit." 15. After exchanging the sign of peace with the priest, stand behind the altar next to the Extraordinary Ministers and exchange the sign of peace with your fellow Altar Servers. 16. After receiving the Body and Blood, return to your seat and sit. When priest arrives back at the altar, after the Eucharistic Minister bring the Holy Communion to the Tabernacle, immediately have Altar Server #2 bring him the cruet of water. Remember, to walk up to the top step. Wait until he gives back the water cruet; then return it to the credence table. 5

7 17. Next, all three servers go back to the altar and put away the rest of the items. Then return to your seats. RECESSIONAL 18. After the blessing ("May almighty God bless you, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen."), get the crucifix/candle and join the priest and the Extraordinary Ministers/Lectors in front of the altar. (Altar servers face the altar and stand behind everyone.) After everyone bows, lead them out slowly. Walk out of the church door. 19. Return the crucifix and candles, (blow out candle). AFTER MASS 20. Hang up your alb. General Notes - When you are serving on the altar, you are a public figure. The people in the congregation will sometimes watch you and take their cues from you. Walk with dignity. Pay attention, sit up straight, show reverence, and generally act in a way appropriate for the holy liturgy. - No talking and swinging of legs. 6

8 - Dress appropriately. Your clothes should indicate the importance of the event you are participating in. For safety reasons, flip-flops are not appropriate foot wear. - Please remember that you are being relied on to perform a needed role at the Masses for which you are scheduled. If you don't show up, you force the Mass coordinator to scramble to find a sub at the last minute. Make sure you know what Masses you are schedule for. If you cannot be at one, find a sub. You are praying to God by serving and therefore do your best as a prayer. ITEMS ON CREDENCE TABLE 7