The Altar Guild Ministry

Transcription

1 The Altar Guild Ministry Martha, burdened with much serving, came to him and said, Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me by myself to do the serving? Tell her to help me. (Luke 10:40)

2 ALTAR GUILD PRAYERS GRANT, O Lord, we beseech you, that we may handle holy things with reverence and godly fear, and perform our work with such faithfulness and devotion that it may rise with acceptance before you and obtain your blessing through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. St. Joseph s Monastery O Lord Jesus Christ, who did accept the ministry of faithful men and women during your earthly life; We pray you to accept and bless the work that this altar guild undertakes in the care of your sanctuary. Grant us a spirit of reverence for your house and worship, your Word and Sacraments, and preserve in purity and holiness our own souls and bodies as living temples of Your presence. Amen. Edith Weir Perry Give me an open mind, O God, a mind ready to receive and to welcome such new light of knowledge as it is your will to reveal to me. Let not the past ever be so dear to me as to set a limit to the future. Give me courage to change my mind, when that is needed. Let me be tolerant to the thoughts of others and hospitable to such light as may come to me through them. Amen. John Baillie Gracious God, bless your Church and all who minister at the altars and care for sacred vessels and linens. Give us an awareness of beauty and mindfulness in holy places that we may enable others to worship and set forward the coming of your Kingdom, through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen. Mrs. Suzette Cayless

3 Message from the Pastor As I think about all those I have encountered in parishes over the years, some of the most joyful Christians I have ever known were those who cared for the altar and church. I remember spending hours chatting away with a dear man named Oliver as he was sitting on the sanctuary steps polishing the brass candle sticks or other metallic objects. He was an elderly Gentleman s Gentleman or Valet and worked for a well-to-do family in Northwest Washington, DC. His manners and good taste were impeccable. He was given one day off every week and he would spend a large portion of that day fixing up things at St. Ann s Church. He has gone to God but my mind s eye can still see his friendly and content smile. I have known several ladies who regularly set up flowers near the altar, to enhance a presence which gave them infinite consolation and joy. I have witnessed elderly people, barely able to walk, moving slowly from pew to pew to make sure that books were put back, that gum was extracted and cereal from children was bagged. I have also seen young people moving quickly through a church, anxious to be doing something else, but learning an invaluable lesson about patience and tidiness. (I remember a mother saying, If only she could keep her room as nice as she does the church! ) Those who do the work of the Altar Guild are good about taking instructions; but they are also invaluable in letting pastors and staffs know when something is broken or needs correction in the church. This is as it should be they have a profound love for the liturgy and the House of God. The Altar Guild and those who work with them or who do similar service are often unnoticed or even invisible. They

4 are rarely thanked and yet if they disappeared tomorrow, priests would find their lives far more complicated with the routine matters of caring for a church. Those in the pews would probably quickly see changes a lack of flowers, a developing clutter and an increasingly polluted environment. When Jesus spent time in the house of Lazarus, we are told that Mary took the posture of a disciple sitting at his feet while listening to him. Her sister Martha became frustrated that she was doing all the cooking and serving. The members of our Altar Guild should inculcate the virtues of both of these women. While Jesus said that Mary had chosen the better part and would not be deprived of it, someone had to make preparations and serve. Receptive to the Lord, our Altar Guild participates at Mass, says the Rosary before or after services and is attentive to God s Word. However, the members are not entirely passive but are also active in living out their faith and cherishing everything that surrounds and makes possible the mysteries of faith. The members of the Altar Guild are not paid. They find their reward in knowing that they have had an important part in maintaining Holy Family Parish and in facilitating the sacramental life of hundreds of believers. They appreciate something that I would hope all our parishioners would come to understand: this is not only God s house but it is also OUR house. It is the spiritual home of all who worship and pray here. Father Joe Jenkins

5 A Quick List of Duties The Altar Guild is vitally important as it is charged with the care of the Church s sacred space, vestments, vessels, linens, missals, hymnals, furnishings, flowers, decorations and other liturgical supplies. The Altar Guild sets up for the following liturgies: Morning Weekday Masses (Mo/Tu/Th/Fr/Sa) Sunday Morning 7:30 AM Funerals (viewings and the Mass) The priest or deacon sets up for the Wednesday 7:30 PM Mass and for the following Sunday Masses: 9:30 AM, 12 Noon and the monthly 2:00 PM. There are many duties that fall under the general care of the church: Vacuuming the carpet and cleaning the floor; Straightening the books in the racks and pews; Periodically waxing, cleaning and treating the wood pews; Taking out trash left by Mass-goers; Cleaning up residual wax; Replacing the altar candles; Replacing the vigil or sanctuary candle; Replacing the votive candles; & Straightening or discarding bulletins, flyers, etc. The assembling of the money and its counting on Monday mornings also largely falls to certain members of the Guild.

6 Remove collections from lock-boxes (if still in church); Remove money from the votive candle rack; Remove money from the charity (poor) box; & Remove money from the pamphlet/book money box. When it comes to the linens and vestments, Guild members do the following: They wash by hand and then by machine the altar linens; Various albs, cassocks, and other vestments are machine washed; Certain vestments are sent to the cleaners with special instructions; Sometimes zippers and buttons are replaced; Vestments are repaired or handed over for replacement; Seasonal vestments are set up and placed on hangers in the sacristy; & Members learn the manner that linens are folded, washed and starched. The Altar Guild has a sacred mission to store and safeguard the liturgical vessels: They set out the monstrance and candles for First Saturday Adoration; They set out the chalice, paten and sometimes the ciborium for Mass; They set out the cruets of water and wine for many of the Masses; They set out the water pitcher, bowl and finger towel; They make sure that the Roman Missal and Lectionary are in the church; &

7 They make sure the lights are on, the heat or air is running and the microphones for Mass are powered. When they set up for funerals, the Paschal Candle is brought to the center lower step of the sanctuary. The pall for the casket is laid over the pew on the priest s chair side of the church. Holy water is set next to the altar for sprinkling. The vessels and gifts are set out. If the body was cremated, a table with cloth is set out for the urn. The priest or deacon usuallt takes care of weddings. The two motivations behind the Altar Guild are (1) the desire to humbly serve the Lord and his community and (2) gratitude for the gifts of God that come to us through the Church. Few are so privileged to work in God s house. The Importance of This Work A beautiful environment enhances worship. While the sacrifice of Christ and the Eucharistic presence would be just as authentic in a barn as in a cathedral, the sacred trappings of a church help to better dispose us to the mysteries taking place around us. This is where the Altar Guild truly makes a difference in the Church s prayer and worship. Guild members should know that our lives only have genuine value when we employ our gifts in compliance to divine providence and our personal calling. Often we speak of stewardship in terms of time, talent and treasure. Altar Guild members enbody in a practical way such sacrifices. The Altar Guild of Holy Family Parish consists of parishioners who take responsibility for caring for the church, especially organizing the sacristy and maintaining the

8 sanctuary area around the altar. They keep God s house clean and lead the way in decorating and preparing the church during the liturgical seasons. The Cloths That are Used Only the following may be placed on the altar: 1. The fair linen (white altar cloth) must always be on top of any seasonal altar covering. 2. A corporal should be placed in the middle of the altar and about an inch from the front edge. The corporal is a small white cloth with a middle emblem that is folded three times each way to form nine equal squares and opened lying flat and not shook open. 3. White cloths must be placed on the credence table (on the side of the altar). The gift or offertory table (in the back-center of the church) is for the cruets of water and wine. During the Christmas and Easter seasons, Altar Guild members help decorate the church and prepare for the services pertaining to that time of year. Liturgical Seasons Advent initiates the new Liturgical Year. PURPLE is used for both Advent and Lent. It symbolizes both penance and preparation. It can also symbolize royalty. RED is used for Palm Sunday, Good Friday, Pentecost, and for feast days of apostles and martyrs. WHITE vestments are used for the seasons of Christmas and Easter, for feasts of our Lord outside of the Passion, and for Marian feasts. GREEN is used

9 throughout Ordinary Time when not otherwise replaced by another color (according to the sanctoral or saints calendar). We have an ordo in the sacristy that notes the liturgical color of the day; this can be particular useful on the memorials of saints. Advent We use no flowers during Advent, unless requested for a funeral or a wedding. During this season, we use three purple candles and one pink candle on a wreath. Appointed parishioners light the first purple candle on the first Sunday in Advent, light one more candle on each subsequent Sunday during the season except on the third Sunday when the rose (pink-looking) candle is lighted. An empty creche or stable is set out. Gift cards for the poor will be selected from it. Christmas Various flowers (especially poinsettas) are purchased for Christmas. Artifical trees are set up as live ones are not permitted by the Archdiocese of Washington. The figures are placed in the crèche although the wisemen are located first near the ambo and slowly make their way across the sanctuary as we get closer to the Epiphany. Lent About a month prior to Easter, the flowers, palms and small individual candles are ordered for the church. Check the inventory: ashes, towels, incense, charcoal, red cloth for palms, red covers for statues, Station of the Cross booklets, special basin and pitcher (for the washing of feet), wooden

10 Holy Thursday tabernacle, cloth for the veneration of the Cross, Paschal Candle for the church, and congregational candles with paper or plastic bobeches for the Easter Vigil. As always insure that sufficient hosts are available for services. There are various altar cloths used during the seasons and the Altar Guild has discretion as to choices. We use no flowers during Lent, unless requested for a funeral or a wedding. Holy Saturday & Easter On Holy Saturday morning, volunteers and Altar Guild members will meet at a designated time to decorate the church. 1. The Holy Water Tank and Stand is set between the Baptismal Font and the Pascal Candle. 2. Place the candles in the baskets to be handed out for the Easter Vigil. 3. Flowers (especially Lilies) are used around altar, ambo, and tabernacle but try not to impede necessary movement by the priest, deacon and servers. 4. Make sure a flashlight is available for the chanting of the Easter Praises. 5. The oils should be out for the appropriate anointings. Ordinary Time During Ordinary Time, green vestments are worn. This time lasts until the first Sunday in Advent, which is the start of the new Liturgical Year.

11 We have eight banners, two to be displayed during each of the liturgical seasons: Lent (purple), Easter (white), Advent (purple) and Christmas (white). CARE OF THE LINENS The fair linens, credence cloths, altar cloths or communion linens will grace our Eucharistic rites for years to come. Fortunately, sacristans over the years have accumulated and shared valuable knowledge on how best to care for the linens. Listed below are some suggestions gathered that we might find useful. Cleaning the Linens Always shake linens just removed from the altar into the sacristy s sink (sacrorium). This is the proper way to dispose of any crumbs of consecrated bread that may remain on altar or communion linens. As soon as possible after removing linens from the sanctuary, inspect them for stains that may not come out in normal washing. ALWAYS RINSE THE SMALL LINENS AND ALTAR CLOTHS PRIOR TO WASHING AND DISCARD THE RINSE WATER INTO THE SACRORIUM OR INTO GROUND. Do NOT use chlorine bleach on any of the cloths or linens. Common stains include: Wine Spray the stain with Red Wine Stain Remover which is available from Almy. Let stand for 30 seconds before handwashing or machine-washing. If this product is not available, cover wet stains with salt, immerse in cold water, and sponge; treat dry stains with club soda, vinegar, or white wine, cover with salt, immerse in cold water, and sponge.

12 Lipstick Apply candle wax remover to the stain to dissolve the lipstick or Spray n Wash, then launder. If color remains, apply liquid detergent and let stand for 15 minutes, then wash. If color persists, soak in a half-and-half mixture of 3% peroxide and ammonia, then rinse and wash. Candle Wax Allow wax to cool and scrape excess away with the dull side of a knife, then apply candle wax remover to the stain to dissolve the remaining wax, then wash with soap and water. An alternative (once excess is scraped away) is to place the stain between two pieces of blotting paper and press with a medium hot iron: the blotters will absorb the wax. Soot Apply liquid detergent to the stain, rub and rinse. Repeat as necessary, then wash. Scorch Rub cut onion into the mark, soak in cold water for an hour, then wash. Rust Apply cream of tartar to the stain and soak in hot water. Let water cool. Remove linen and wash. Mildew Wash with soap and water, rinse and sun dry. If mildew persists, soak linen in 3% peroxide, then wash. Washing For linens without lace cut work and in good condition, hand-wash or machine-wash on gentle cycle with pure soap or mild detergent. Wash water can be hot (for medium to heavy weight linen) to warm (for light weights). If needed, use water softener to improve the cleaning performance of the soap. Rinse thoroughly in warm water; rinse water

13 should be clear. For linens with lace cut work, hand washing in warm water is strongly recommended. For linens that have yellowed through age or infrequent use, try washing as recommended and sun drying. Alternatively, boil yellowed linen for half an hour in a pot containing washing soda and soap. Finally, if bleach seems necessary, use an oxygen-type bleach such as Clorox 2, not chlorine. Chlorine bleach will damage pure linen. Drying Never dry linen bone dry. It harms the fiber and makes ironing very difficult. You may sun-dry or machine-dry until damp, or simply remove from the washer and prepare for ironing this is especially recommended for linens with lace cut work as it makes stretching the linen back into shape much easier. Either way, ironing will be easier if you smooth and fold (or roll) linens into a clean dry towel and refrigerate the damp linen for several hours. Care of Altar Cloths For larger linens that will not fit on the ironing board, you may iron the cloths on the main altar. Place a large towel covering over the altar and have one or two helpers. A person at the other end can hold the ironed cloth up so as not to wrinkle the finished part. Folding Small Linens Corporal The corporal has a cross or an emblem in the middle of the cloth. Place the corporal on the ironing board on the wrong side to iron. Fold in thirds, folding the

14 bottom side up, then the top side down. Finger press the creases at the folds. Now fold the right side in (toward the left) and finally, the left side in (toward the right). Press the creases in place; there should be nine squares for the corporal. Purificator The purificator (which is smaller than the corporal) also has a cross or an emblem in the middle. Place the purificator on the ironing board on the wrong side to iron. Fold in thirds, right to left and left to right. Then press a two point fold in the center where the cross is and ensure that the top and bottom of the purificator meet when finished and press. Lavabo or Finger Towel Most of our towels are just plain towels. A finger towel looks like a smaller version of a purificator. The finger towel has a cross or an emblem at the bottom middle of the cloth. Place the finger towel on the ironing board on the wrong side to iron. Fold in thirds, right to left and left to right. Then fold in half, top down and press. Storage Always be sure the altar linens are clean. They do not need to be pressed before storing. All communion linens should be cleaned and pressed and stored in designated drawers. CHASUBLES, ALBS AND VESTMENTS FOR ALTAR SERVERS Chasubles & Stoles At least twice a year, check that all the chasubles and stoles are clean. If needed, have them cleaned or washed.

15 Albs At least every other month, check all albs and ensure they are clean and if needed, wash them in a soft detergent, dry on medium heat and iron as necessary. Altar Servers Albs & Cassocks Occasionally we may have to clean them but if the young people take them home then the parents should take care of them. Please report to the pastor when the vestments for servers are left on the floor and/or not properly put away. GLOSSARY OF TERMS ACOLYTE Person who is especially appointed to assist the deacon and to minister to the priest and to assist as needed in the celebration of the Mass. ALB Full length white linen vestment secured with a cincture used at Mass. It symbolizes the garment in which Christ was clothed by Herod and the purity of the heart with which the Sacrifice of the Mass should be offered. AMBO Pulpit from which the Scriptures and especially the Gospels are proclaimed. AMBRY Box on the wall in which the holy oils are kept near the baptismal font. AMICE A garment worn under the alb and around the neck to cover the priest s collar or street clothing. ASPERSORIUM A container that holds holy water for sprinkling.

16 CASSOCK A long ankle length garb worn by clergy and other ministers. Ours come in red and black. CENSER Metal container in which incense is burned and is usually shaped like a vase or cup with a cover and is suspended by chains. Also called a thurible. CHALICE Cup-shaped vessel or goblet used at Mass to contain the Precious Blood of Christ. CHALICE VEIL A covering for the chalice, paten and burse (linen covered pocket for the corporal). The color is based upon the feast or liturgical season. CHASUBLE Sleeveless outer garment worn by a priest at Mass. It is worn over all other vestments and usually decorated with symbols or a design of rich colors. It symbolizes the yoke of Christ and signifies charity. CIBORIUM Covered container used to hold the consecrated small hosts. CINCTURE Belt or cord tied around the waist of an alb. It symbolizes chasity. COPE Similar to a cape but larger, it is worn by the priest in processions and other services. CORPORAL Square white linen cloth on which the Host and Chalice are placed during the Mass. CRUET Small bottle or vessel to contain the water and wine used at the Consecration of the Mass. They are presented as offerings of the faithful at the Offertory.

17 DALMATIC Similar to the priest s chasuble, this vestment is worn over the alb and is proper to the deacon and has sleeves for his arms. EWER A small pitcher used to dispense water. EUCHARIST The true Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, who is really and substantially present under the appearances of bread and blood, in order to offer himself in the sacrifice of the Mass and to be received as spiritual food in Holy Communion. HOST The unleavened round wafer of bread that is consecrated at Mass into the Eucharistic Christ. HUMERAL VEIL A veil worn to cover the back and shoulders with the ends hangng down in front and fastened by a clasp. It is used in solemn ceremonies, processions of the Blessed Sacrament. INTINCTION BOWL A bowl containing water to cleanse fingertips after distributing communion. LAVABO Liturgical washing of hands by the priest at Mass. The finger towels or lavabos are used for the drying of the priest s fingers. LECTIONARY This book contains a three-year cycle of readings for Sundays and solemn feasts, a two-year weekly cycle, and a one-year cycle for the feasts of saints. There are also responsorial psalms that follow the first reading for each Mass along with the Alleluia verses to follow the second reading if applicable.

18 MONSTRANCE A metal vessel (often in the shape of a starburst) on a stand (called a tabor) for holding the Body of Christ for adoration or exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. ORDO Annual calendar containing abbreviated directions for each day s Mass. PALL Cloth covering, ornamental or plain, that is placed over the coffin at a funeral Mass or a sacred linen covering, which is a stiff square, placed over the top of the chalice at Mass. PASCAL CANDLE Large candle in which five grains of incense have been incased as a symbol of Christ s wounds. It is blessed on Holy Saturday and is symbolic of the Risen Savior. PATEN Saucer-like dish of the same material as the chalice and it must be large enough to cover the chalice. On it rests the bread to be consecrated, and later on the sacred host. PURFICATOR Small piece of white linen, marked with a cross in the center, folded in three layers and used to purify the chalice and paten after Holy Communion. PYX Metal box in which the Blessed Sacrament is carried on visitations to the sick. SACRARIUM A special drain leading directly to the ground. It is used to wash linens and to purify vessels. SACRISTAN A person appointed for the care of the sacristy, sacred vessels, vestments, and other articles required by the ceremonial for any liturgical function.

19 SACRISTY Room attached to the church, usually near the altar, where the clergy vestments, sacred vessels and other articles needed for liturgical use are stored. SANCTUARY LAMP Wax candle, generally in a red glass container, kept burning day and night wherever the Blessed Sacrament is reserved. It is an emblem of Christ s abiding love and a reminder of the faithful to respond with loving adoration in return. SANCTUARY Part of the church containing the altar. STOLE Liturgical vestment composed of a strip of material, several inches wide, and worn around the neck by priests and bishops for the celebration of Mass and administration of the sacraments. While signifying authority, it symbolizes the raiment of immortality. SURPLICE A short white tunic worn over a cassock, especially by acolytes and altar servers. Along with his stole, it is the liturgical vestiture over the black clerical cassock. TABERNACLE Boxlike receptacle for the exclusive reservation of the Blessed Sacrament and is usually located in the middle-front of the church, either on or behind the altar of sacrifice. THURIBLE A metal container in which incense is burned and is usually shaped like a vase or cup with a cover and is suspended by chains. Also called a censer. VOTIVE CANDLES These candles, usually on a stand, are lit as individuals offer up their prayer intentions.

20 This booklet is prepared as an aid to assist those who volunteer and worship at Holy Family Catholic Parish, Mitchellville, MD. May it make possible a more active lay participation in our faith community Woodmore Road Mitchellville, MD