All Saints Catholic Church

Chapter Seven: Contact Information Director of Liturgy and Music Rebecca Visser (952) 469-6476 rvisser@allsaintschurch.com All Saints Catholic Church Please keep your monthly schedules in case you need to call a sub! Special thanks to Matthew Goldammer and Josh Ward! I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. Luke 22:15 Altar Server Training Manual

The altar server occupies a privileged place in the liturgical celebration. [The server] experiences firsthand that Jesus Christ is present and active in every liturgical act. Jesus is present when the community comes together to pray and render praise to God. Jesus is present in the Word of sacred Scripture. Jesus is present above all in the Eucharist under the signs of bread and wine. He acts through the priest who, in the person of Christ, celebrates the holy Mass and administers the sacraments. Therefore, in the liturgy, you are much more than simple "helpers of the parish priest." Above all, you are servers of Jesus Christ, of the eternal High Priest. Thus, you, altar servers, are called in particular to be young friends of Jesus. Be determined to go deeper and to cultivate this friendship with him. You will discover that in Jesus you have found a true friend for life. I have spoken of friendship with Jesus. How happy I would be if something more sprang from this friendship! How beautiful it would be if some of you were to discover a vocation to the priesthood! Jesus Christ has urgent need of youths who will be at his disposition with generosity and no reservations. Moreover, might not the Lord also call one or two of you girls to embrace the consecrated life to serve the Church and the brothers and sisters? Even for those who wish to be united in marriage, the service of altar servers teaches that a real union must always include readiness for reciprocal and free service. Blessed John Paul II Address to Altar Servers Blessed John Paul II Address to Altar Servers 25

Chapter Six: Altar Server Policies We are very grateful for your dedication assisting in the Liturgical Ministries of All Saints. These are general rules that you are asked to follow. Arrive at the sacristy no less than 15 minutes before Mass starts Dress appropriately for Sunday Mass: neat and clean clothes are expected Wear flat dress shoes or quiet tennis shoes. Flip flops and high heels are not permitted Assist the priest, deacon, sacristan as needed Take good care of the articles you are handling, including your alb If you are unable to serve when scheduled, please arrange for your own substitute Finally, come with a good attitude...because Jesus Christ is Lord! Table of Contents Chapter 1: The Mass Page 1 Chapter 2: The Server Page 3 Chapter 3: Important Vocabulary Page 4 Chapter 4: How To Serve Page 13 Chapter 5: Important Do s/don ts Page 18 Chapter 6: Altar Server Policies Page 24 Chapter 7: Contact Information Page 25 24

Chapter One: The Mass DON T For Catholics, the Mass is the heart and soul of our worship of God. It is the celebration that gives us the strength we need to live a Christian life. Participating in the Mass each Sunday and holy day is the way we keep the third commandment, Keep Holy the Sabbath. Thus, each Sunday the Christian community comes together to worship God. In your call to ministry, your service at Mass is to be one of the leaders of the community. The Mass is a representation of the Last Supper, the night on which he was betrayed, when Jesus instituted the Eucharist and told his followers, Do this in memory of me. Although the Mass is a mystery, we accept the fact that bread and wine become the body and blood of Jesus because Jesus told us this is so. (John 6:53-55) The Mass is a sacrifice. The idea of sacrifice to God is at the very heart of religion. Abel and Cain, the sons of Adam, offered sacrifice to God. Abraham, whom the liturgy calls our father in faith, was prepared to offer to God his only son, Isaac. The Old Testament Jews, through their priests, sacrificed lambs and goats to God. But the greatest sacrifice, in which all others find their fulfillment, was when Jesus offered Himself on the cross, proving that He loved us until the end. Jesus promised us that when we eat this bread and drink this cup we are able to enter into His great sacrifice to receive the grace to live the Christian life. The Mass is a memorial that helps us remember the Mystery of Redemption so that we may live our lives in thanksgiving. Through the readings, we also remember the other great deeds God has done for his people. This is why the Mass is also called the Eucharist (from the Greek eucharístia, meaning thanksgiving ). In the Mass we give thanks for all that God has done for us. 1 22

DO The Mass (cont d) In the Eucharist, we break the one bread that provides the medicine of immortality, the antidote for death and the food that makes us live forever in Jesus Christ. (Saint Ignatius of Antioch) 21 Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. John 1:29 2

Chapter Two: The Server By assisting reverently and confidently, servers help to lead the community to pray well. As servers, you also participate through your listening, praying, and singing and your example will encourage others to do the same. The servers are a team and will help each other. If you ever forget what to do, just look at the priest and he will help you. If servers are attentive and have a good attitude, all liturgies will run smoothly. DO DON T Your commitment to the altar is not only a duty, but a great honor, a genuine holy service. Blessed John Paul II Who Serves? All 5th graders and older who want to continue to deepen their relationship with Christ and to serve the community are invited to serve. Youth who are in 8th grade or older with at least one year of experience may also be selected to be lead servers. When to Serve? Servers can indicate to the Director of Liturgy which Masses they would like to serve. For example, I am available to serve the 7:30am Mass only, or I am able to serve any Mass on Sunday. What to wear? Servers will wear an alb over regular Church clothing. Wear clothing that will not show through the alb. The alb should reach to just above your shoes. Flat dress shoes are preferred but silent (not squeaky) and plain tennis shoes are allowed. Please do not wear flip-flops, high heels, or distracting jewelry. 3 20

DO DON T Chapter Three: Important Vocabulary The Sanctuary: The raised area in the front of the church. It is considered a holy and special area because this is where the sacrifice of the Mass is offered and where the Word of God is read. The following articles are located in the sanctuary: Altar: The large stone table in the center of the sanctuary. The altar represents two parts of the same mystery, the table on which a sacrifice is offered and the table which Jesus celebrated the Last Supper. During the Mass, the altar represents Christ. Altar Stone: A small flat stone containing the relics of at least two canonized martyrs or saints. The stone, consecrated by the bishop, is placed in a carved out area on the altar. The hosts and chalice are placed on the stone during the sacrifice of the Mass. The custom of the stone and putting relics in the stone reminds us of the early church when the Mass was offered in the catacombs. These early altars consisted of a stone placed over a tomb of a martyr. These stones are no longer required to be in an altar. We do not have one at All Saints. 4 19

Important Vocabulary (cont d) Chapter Five: Important Do s/don ts Altar Candles: The candles located on each end of the altar. They symbolize the triumph of light over darkness (good over evil). The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it. - John 1:5 Tabernacle: A safe-like box, made of precious metal, where the Eucharist is reserved. The doors to the tabernacle are locked outside of Mass. Sanctuary Lamp: A single candle is always located next to the tabernacle. When the candle is burning it signifies that the Eucharist is present within it. Credence Table: The table(s) located behind the altar, used to hold the purificators, chalices, and other items needed for the celebration of Mass. Lectern (Ambo): The platform/stand where the readings and homily take place Baptismal Font: The structure containing holy water at the entrance of the Church. It is at the entrance of the Church because baptism is the gateway into the life of grace. It is generally 8-sided to represent the 8th day; the eternal day in Christ. Paschal Candle: A large candle, generally found by the baptismal font. It is lit for the first time at the Easter Vigil and is used throughout the Christian year, at baptisms and funerals, to remind us that Christ is our light. It represents the pillar of fire that guided the Israelites through the wilderness. Presider Chair: The chair, located near the altar, where the priest leads the prayers of the church. DO DON T Sacristy: The room where the priests and servers vest and where the sacristan prepares for Mass. 5 18

How To Serve (cont d) Conclusion and Closing After Mass Lead Server Cross Bearer Server (s) Follow altar servers out When closing song begins, retrieve processional cross and go and stand facing the altar at the foot of the Sanctuaryeven with the first pew After priests and others genuflect, turn and lead procession out When Cross Bearer is at the first pew, go to the foot of the Sanctuary Stand about six feet apart (the width of the altar) Genuflect with priest and others and follow cross out At baptismal font, wait for priest All face cross and priest says Praised be to Jesus Christ. All respond, Now and forever. Servers need not return to the sanctuary after Mass except to return your song books to the pew Replace cross in Chapel Neatly hang up your albs and cinctures Important Vocabulary (cont d) Chalice: The metal cup (either plated gold or silver) used to hold the wine that will be consecrated and become the Blood of Christ and distributed to the assembly at Mass. Main Chalice: The chalice the priest uses during Mass, which is usually more prominent than the other chalices. Pall: A piece of cardboard, covered with linen and embroidered on one side; used to cover the chalice. It is also the name of the large cloth placed over the casket during funerals. Paten: The plate used to hold the hosts which will become the Body of Christ. Corporal: A square piece of linen folded four times and has a cross sewn on it. The word corporal comes from the Latin word "corpus," meaning body. It is called a corporal because the Body of Jesus rests on it. Paten Purificator Chalice Pall Praised be Jesus Christ Corporal...Now and forever 17 Ciborium: A metal container used to distribute and reserve consecrated hosts in the tabernacle. 6

Important Vocabulary (cont d) Flagon (Pitcher): The pitcher used to hold the wine and is brought forth during the gift procession. Hand Towel: Used by the priest to dry his hands after the ceremonial washing at the offertory. Bowl and Cruet: A small bowl is used to wash the hands of the priest during Mass. The cruet is a small container which looks like a tiny pitcher. It is also used when the priests mixes water and wine during the consecration. Water is mixed with the wine depicting the blood and water which poured from the side of Jesus when He died on the cross. Book of the Gospels: A large ceremonial book containing the readings for the Sunday Gospels. Roman Missal (formerly called the Sacramentary): The book of prayers and instructions used by the priest during the liturgy. How To Serve (cont d) Communion Lead Server Cross Bearer Server (s) Receive Communion When communion has ended, remove Roman Missal from altar Wait by credence table to assist priest Go to seat next to priest (remain standing until Eucharist has been replaced in tabernacle) and sit when Father sits Hold Roman Missal for priest for prayer after communion Receive Communion Receive Communion Dear Altar Servers, You are, in fact, already apostles of Jesus! When you take part in the Liturgy, by carrying out your altar service, you offer a witness to all. ~Pope Benedict XVI 7 16

How To Serve (cont d) Intercessions (Petitions) Liturgy of the Eucharist 15 Lead Server Cross Bearer Server (s) Assist priest with binder (according to priest) Take Roman Missal to altar Take glass water cruet and priest s chalice to altar Assist priest/ deacons with communion cups Bring each tray to side of altar, hold and wait for Father to place Accompany priest/deacon to steps Stand by to receive empty wine decanters and water cruet Once decanters and cruets are received, return decanters to 6ft table and cruets to credence table Sit in reserved pew (take the outside seat) After first tray of communion cups are in place, move candles to altar Accompany priest/deacon to steps Receive decanters of wine and take to altar Go to credence table and return with small pitcher, bowl and hand towel Stand and assist with hand washing Return items to credence table Sit in your reserved pew Important Vocabulary (cont d) Monstrance: The Monstrance holds the Blessed Sacrament. The back of the Monstrance has a small door. The inside holds a glass container called the Luna. The priest puts a consecrated host in the Luna, and places the Luna in the Monstrance. The Monstrance is then placed on the altar for Benediction or Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament for adoration. Incense, Incense Boat, Censer: Incense makes fragrant smoke when burned. An incense boat is the container that holds the unburned incense. The censer is a metal container that holds hot coals. It has a top with air vents and a long chain so that it can be carried. Incense is scooped out of the incense boat and sprinkled on the hot coals in the censer. Incense is used as a blessing (like holy water) and it reminds us of the gifts frankincense and myrrh given to baby Jesus by the Magi. Smoke from the incense symbolizes our prayers ascending to God but also the mystery we celebrate (because we can t see clearly through smoke). Processional Cross: A cross on a long handle. It is carried at the front of the entrance procession, or behind incense (if used). Aspergillum and Container: The aspergillum, or sprinkler, looks like a small metal ball on a handle. The priest puts the aspergillum in a container of holy water. The priest then walks through the church and blesses everyone by sprinkling them with holy water. This may be done on special Sundays and Solemnities. Hand Bells: There are usually three bells attached to a single handle. Bells may be rung at the Consecration. 8

Important Vocabulary (cont d) How To Serve (cont d) Vestments Amice: The amice is the helmet of salvation and signifies resistance against temptation. The priest kisses it and passes it over his head before putting it across his shoulders and tying it around the waist. Alb: A long white linen robe worn by the priest and altar servers. The alb is symbolic of the garment which Jesus wore and means that the one wearing it, is serving others. Its color symbolizes the purity to which a servant is called. Before Mass Lead Server Cross Bearer Server(s) Assist priest or deacon with the Roman Missal Assist other servers Find other servers if needed Retrieve Processional Cross Ready candles for procession Cincture: A cord made of silk or cotton with tassels on the ends. It is used around the waist to secure the alb. The cincture reminds us of the cord that was used to tie Jesus to the pillar. It symbolizes the binding of oneself against evil and preparing to do good. Stole: A long strip of cloth worn by the priest around his neck and shoulders. The stole is a symbol of immortality and a sign of the dignity of the ministerial priesthood. Dalmatic: The large garment worn by the deacon. With its cruciform stripes, it reminds the servant of the way of the Cross. Procession Third in line First in line and leads procession At Foot of Sanctuary Step to the right-make room for clergy Genuflect with priest and deacon Go to your chair next to priest Make slight head bow, and place cross in storage area Take seat in pew. Second in line both servers are parallel Make slight head bows Place candles at ambo Take seats in pew. Chasuble: A large piece of cloth worn over the alb and stole by the priest. The origin of its name comes from the Latin word chasuble meaning little house. The chasuble is the emblem of charity, which makes the yoke of Christ sweet and light. The chasubles worn reflect the Liturgical colors. Gloria Before Gloria ends, pick up Roman Missal, turn and face priest 9 Liturgy of the Word Stay in seat by priest 14

Chapter Four: How To Serve Types of Servers At All Saints, there are three server positions. The following briefly describes each. Lead Server: The lead server (Lead) assists father at the chair with the Roman Missal and prepares the altar. The lead also assists the sacristans with any needs prior to Mass, including finding other servers. The lead server wears a gold cincture and cross. If there is no cross bearer, the lead will carry the cross. Altar Server: The altar servers (Servers) carry the candles to the ambo, move them to the altar, receive gifts and wash hands. There are two servers at each Mass. Cross Bearer: The cross bearer (Cross) leads the procession into the Church, when there is not incense, and leads the procession out. Cross also leads the gift procession with a smaller candle. Important Vocabulary (cont d) Colors The color of vestments changes according to the time of year. Different colors give expression to the different mysteries of our faith. White: Easter and Christmas season, Feasts and Memorials of Jesus, Mary, the Angels, Saints who were not martyrs, Weddings, and Funerals. White symbolizes purity, holiness, joy, triumph, and the resurrection. Red: Used on Passion Sunday (Palm Sunday), Good Friday, Pentecost, feasts of the Apostles, Evangelists and Martyrs. Red symbolizes the Holy Spirit and the blood of martyrs. Green: Used during Ordinary time. Green symbolizes life, growth, and hope. Violet: Used during Lent and Advent, symbolizing penance, atonement, and also royalty. General Things to Remember Servers are to have a prayerful and attentive posture Hands are to be folded when not carrying anything Always genuflect facing the tabernacle and bow toward the altar When in doubt of what to do, look at the priest and he will help you Have a good attitude Remember, God loves you! Gold: More festive than white, which may be used on more solemn days such as Easter and Christmas, and also symbolizes joy, triumph, and the resurrection. Black: May be worn for funerals, on All Souls Day (November 1st). It symbolizes death and mourning. 13 10

Important Vocabulary (cont d) The Ministers at Mass Pope: The Pope is the representative of Christ on earth and the highest authority of the Catholic Church. He is sometimes called Pontiff, which means bridge builder. He is elected during a conclave by the Cardinals with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. He leads the church until he dies. Francis is our current Pope. Bishop: A bishop is a successor to the Apostles. He has the authority to ordain priests. This authority is given to him by the Pope. In our Archdiocese, we have Archbishop John Nienstadt, Bishop Lee Piché and Bishop Andrew Cozzens. Priest: The priest is a mediator who offers to God sacrifices and offerings in the name of the people. He is an ordained man who by the power of his ordination, consecrates and offers the Eucharist at Mass. He exercises the authority of the Church to forgive sins, perform baptisms, marriages, funerals, run the parish, and lead the people closer to God. The ordination to the priesthood can be traced to the Apostles who were the first priests after Jesus. Deacon: A deacon is also an ordained man who can read the Gospel, preach, perform baptism, marriages, and help order the parish. He does not offer Mass or hear confessions. Altar Server: One who is specially trained to assist the priest at mass. 11 Important Vocabulary (cont d) The Ministers at Mass (cont d) Extraordinary Eucharistic Minister: A person who is designated by the Bishop or parish priest to assist in giving communion. They also can bring communion to the sick. Lector: The person who reads the first and second readings and the Prayers of the Faithful at Mass. He or she walks behind the servers into the church. When a Deacon is not assisting at Mass, a lector may carry the Book of the Gospels in procession. Sacristan: The person who takes care of the sacristy. He or she helps keep track the church supplies, sets up for Mass, cares for the A Server's Prayer Loving Father, Creator of the universe, You call Your people to worship, to be with You and with one another at Mass. I thank You for having called me to assist others in their prayer to You. May I, through my life and service, give You praise and lead others closer to You. I ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, who is Lord for ever and ever. ~Amen. 12