`Holy Infant Catholic Church Liturgical Procedures Revised by Francine Britto - October 2017 Altar Server 5000 Southpark Drive, Durham, NC 27713 (919) 544-7135 Phone (919) 544-1799 Fax We who are called to serve at the Altar share in a ministry that has a long history in the worship of the Church. Although this ministry may be described in terms of service to the Presider, in reality, our service is to the community. Our actions help the community to celebrate the mysteries of our faith with lasting good effect in our lives. As with the other liturgical ministers, our posture and attitude set the tone and the example for others in the community. Our purposeful motion speaks of liturgy that was prepared with care, a celebration in which each person in the assembly assumes an active role. Our good deportment reflects a prayerful spirit, and the care of a humble servant. ~Liturgical Ministry: A Practical Guide to Spirituality by Donna M.Cole All liturgical ministers are registered parishioners. The guidelines that follow conform to the theological and liturgical principles in the diocesan guidelines. Attire and Behavior By dressing appropriately, liturgical ministers help the assembly focus on the ministry rather than on personal appearance. Ministers, regardless of age, should dress in smart attire. Appropriate attire for young men: Collared shirt; clean, closed toed shoes, dress pants or smart khakis or dress shorts, neatly combed hair. Appropriate attire for young women: knee length dress/ skirts or trousers, sandals with back strap or closed toe shoes, hair neatly pulled back off the face. Not appropriate dress: Flip flops, sandals or slides w/o back strap, skimpy skirts, spaghetti strap tops, jogging or casual shorts.
Ministers may be called upon to serve at any liturgy, so always come prepared and dressed appropriately. Ministers model a respectful and reverent attitude by arriving on time, avoiding distracting behavior (e.g. talking with others), and participating in the entire liturgy. It is important that the Altar Attendent sings along with the songs and acclamations and joins in the recitation of the Creed and Acclamations. Training and Formation Technical orientation and training as well as liturgical and spiritual formation are a necessary part of every ministry. Initial orientation and training are required before the new minister enters service. Each minister is also expected to grow in faith and action through attending ongoing formation for established ministers at least once a year. Each minister is expected to attend the yearly formation held for all Holy Infant liturgical ministers. Substitution Procedure All liturgical ministry is absolutely crucial and essential for the celebration of the liturgy. Please be present when scheduled or request a substitute through the Website as early as possible. It is the Altar Server s responsibility to make sure that your spot has been filled. If in doubt, contact your Ministry leaders: Jennifer De Wolf : 919-699-1415 or Francine Britto: 865-207- 1289.
Day of the Liturgy Preparation Prior to the Liturgy 1. Arrive 15 minutes before the liturgy. Place a check next to your name on the schedule posted in the Ministry Closet and inform the Sacristan that you are present. If you cannot find a sacristan, go to Francine at the piano. 2. Put on a robe, cincture, and cross. Make sure to return your alb/ robe, to the correct section in the closet. 3. Visit the Blessed Sacrament Chapel for a few minutes to ask God s blessing upon your ministry. Offer your ministry to the Lord before, during, and after the liturgy. The following is a suggested adaptation of the direction of intention by St. Francis de Sales: Lord, I give you my actions and ministry. Help me to conduct myself in a manner that will give praise to you and assist my brothers and sisters in their worship of your holy name. 4. Place the Sacramentary and the Presider s book at the Presider s Chair/Bench. 5. Make sure the following items are on the Credence Table: the correct number of cups, ciboria, and purificators along with hand washing bowl, towel and small water cup. If the items are not there, check with the Sacristan or Francine. Presider s Chalice - the largest cup that the priest uses during the liturgy. On top it should have a Purificator* and a Corporal.* A small pitcher of water, a small hand towel and a bowl. 2 or 3 Ciboria (the bowl used to distribute the Sacred Body of Christ) on a large wooden tray A small wooden tray with six cups and seven purificators A Corporal is a square white cloth that is placed on the Altar during the preparation of the gifts (the
Corporal may be placed on the Altar prior to liturgy). A Purificator is a rectangular cloth used to wipe the chalice. + Remember the items used for communion should already be on the Credence Table but you need be familiar with them and make sure that all is prepared. 6. Make sure the Flagon (pitcher) with Wine and the large Ciborium (communion plate) with Bread are placed on the Gift Table behind the last pew. (this too should already be done) 7. Light the candles, if necessary: 2 near the Altar. 8. If there is a baptism, make sure that the large Paschal Candle is lit. 9. Attendant 1 retrieves the processional cross, walk to the back of the church and wait for the priest, lector, and in some cases, the baptismal family. Attendant 2 also goes to back of church.
During the Liturgy Introductory Rites and Liturgy of the Word 1. After the Opening Song has begun, Altar attendant 1 walks slowly up the aisle with the cross raised (the Body of Christ facing forward) Attendant 2 follows with either a song sheet or with hands in the proper disposition. Do not bow at the front of the Altar. 2. Note Attendant 1 takes the Crucifix to stand and stays with the Presider. Attendant 1 goes to the left, walks up the steps and put the cross on the stand with the Body of Christ facing the congregation then takes place next to the Presider's bench to pick up the large binder and remain standing. The Presider will let you know when he wants the binder. Please hold it high enough for him to read easily and hold it steady. Attendant 2 takes his place behind the choir. 3. (At the 8:30 AM and 11:00 AM liturgies you might need to follow the Presider with the binder, going in front of the Altar for the dismissal of the children for CLOW.) 4. Sit down during the first and second readings, paying attention to the Word of God. 5. Stand for the gospel acclamation and the reading of the Gospel. Be seated once the Gospel has been read. 6. Stand for the creed. At the end of the creed, pick up the large binder. Hold it for the Presider as the general intercessions are read. Note: It is important that you sing the songs and recite the prayers of the liturgy. You are a visible example to the Assembly and your participation is of utmost importance.
Preparation of the Altar 1. As the offertory song begins, Attendant 1 places the Roman Missal (the red book that contains the prayers that are used for the liturgy) on the left side of the Altar. 2. Both attendants move to the Credance Table and prepare the Altar. If the Corporal is not on the Altar place it in the center of the Altar. Then place the Presider s Chalice and purificator on the Corporal. 3. Note Bring the tray with the six cups, six purificators and small water pitcher and place all on the (Altar) corporal and then return the tray to the credence table. Wasn t the following done in #2? Place the large chalice on the right side of the Altar with the Purificator. 4. Attendants then go to the center of the worship space to escort those bringing forth the gifts. When the Presider comes to the front of the Altar begin the procession with the gifts and go to the Presider s left. Receive the gifts from the Presider (bowl or pitcher or both. Follow the Presider to the Altar and wait for the Presider to receive the gifts you hold. 5. Retrieve the small pewter bowl and towel and wait at the side of the Altar for the Presider. He will give you the flagon, pour some water over his hands holding the bowl below. He will use the towel to dry his hands. Return items to the credence table. 6. Attendants remain at the Credance table for the Eucharistic prayer with hands in proper position. 7. Note at the Sign of Peace, go up and offer the Presider the Sign of Peace. After the Sign of Peace, the Attendant will go to the Credence Table and bring the three or four Ciboria (communion plates) to the Altar for the priest, then return to his/her seat.at the 8:30 am Mass bring up the Aluminum Plate. 8. Attendants will receive the Body of Christ from the Presider and will receive the cup (the Blood of Christ) from EM #9. 9. Note During the distribution of communion, leave ( the corporal and purificator) all on the Altar but(remove) take the Sacramentary to your seat. Then return to your place for the rest of the communion procession.
10. When the Presider finishes distributing communion and comes to the Altar, the Attendants should come to the side of the Altar to assist him. Do not remove items from the altar, until the Presider either gives them to you or indicates for you to take them. 11. Make sure the chalices, including the Presider s chalice, are on the small tray and the ciboria are on the large tray. The Eucharistic Ministers should have already done this. If any chalices or ciboria are misplaced, move them to the correct tray. Concluding Rites 1. Stand along with the Presider for the Closing Prayer (occasionally he remains seated, follow his lead) 2. Hold the Presider s book for the priest. 3. At the 8:30 liturgy you will need to follow the Presider with the binder for the dismissal of the EMOH to the sick and homebound. 4. If there is a baptism (or other special occasion) you may need to follow the Presider with the binder, going in front of the Altar for the Final Blessing and Dismissal. 5. When the Closing song begins Attendant 1 takes the processional cross to the bottom of the Altar; stand in the center aisle between the first two pews facing the Altar. Attendant 2 follows. 6. The priest bows to the Altar. Do not bow. Walk with the cross (with the Body of Christ facing forward) to the back of the church through the Hospitality Room and outside to the brick walk to the front entrance of the church and return the cross to the sacristy.
After the Liturgy 1. Remove your cross and cincture place them on the appropriate pegs in the closet. Make sure that the robe is placed back in the proper section of the closet. Visit the Blessed Sacrament Chapel and thank God for the opportunity to serve in ministry and His many blessings.
DENOTES CREDENCE TABLE Diagram of Altar