Ascension of Our Lord Catholic Church Laplace, LA

Altar Server Manual

Ascension of Our Lord Catholic Church Laplace, LA

Pastor Reverend Walter Austin Deacon Reverend Mr. Thomas St. Pierre Master of Ceremonies Mr. Oscar Barclay Mr. Ray Riviere, Jr. Mr. Ben Stuart Altar Server Coordinator Mr. Ray Riviere, Jr. 985-651-4083 rayriviere@catholic.org This manual was written by AOL Alumni, Altar Server, and current Seminarian Philip Berns, in association with Fr. Walter Austin. Manual created May 2010 Last revision May 2011, Ray Riviere Ascension of Our Lord Catholic Church, Laplace LA.

Congratulations and Welcome, The only requirement of a person beginning as an altar server is REVERANCE! Everything else will be learned along the way. Do not be overwhelmed; this manual includes detailed information for all who are involved in the liturgy. Altar servers should read through the entire booklet for general knowledge. You do not have to memorize it but you should become familiar with the altar server parts printed in black ink. There will always be someone to mentor you along the way. If you don t know or do not understand what is asked of you, the celebrant, the MC or another server is willing to assist you. Please ask! The only thing that you need to memorize is EVERYTHING YOU DO, DO IT WITH REVERANCE!

The Church Building The three parts of the church building: (diagram 1) The Vestibule (Latin vestibulum) means a small entrance hall otherwise known as the foyer. The Vestibule covers the area located between the main doors of the church building and the entrance into the Nave. The Nave (Latin navis) means a boat and is the central part of the Church where the faithful are seated. The Sanctuary (Latin sānctuārium) means a holy place and is the raised area in the front of the interior of the church on which you find the following: Items in the Sanctuary The Altar of Sacrifice (main altar) sets in the middle of the Sanctuary. The Ambo, (medieval Latin ambon) a raised platform, is located to the left of the Altar of Sacrifice. Here the lector reads the Scriptures at the Mass, the celebrant/deacon proclaim the Gospel and preach the Word of God. The Lectern sets on the opposite side of the Sanctuary. Any nonliturgical announcements (such as those before Mass) are made from here, as are the Prayers of the Faithful. The Tabernacle, which contains the Blessed Sacrament, sets on a marble pedestal (the Altar of Repose) directly behind the Altar of Sacrifice. The Celebrant s Chair, along with the Deacon s chair, sets to the left side and rear of the Altar of Sacrifice. The Credence Table sets directly behind the Celebrant s Chair and holds items needed for Mass that are not placed elsewhere.

Diagram 1 Location of Sanctuary Items Tabernacle Credence Table Celebrants Chair Altar of Sacrifice Ambo Lectern NAVE Vestibule Sacristy Door Cry Room Door

Unique to our church building, you will find a storage room to the far left side of the Sanctuary which houses, among other things, the torches for the Eucharistic Prayer (unless they are processed in from the vestibule). Directly across from that room, behind the Celebrant's Chair is a storage room that contains spare wine, water, wax candles, oil candles, chalice veils, Altar antependia, and other liturgical items. On the right-hand side of the Sanctuary are located the chairs for the two candle-bearers and the Thurifer, along with the stand for the Thurible and additional seating for masses with more than 8 servers. To the right of the Sanctuary is the Baptistry with its baptismal font and Paschal Candle. The wooden and glass cabinet on the wall by the font called the ambry holds the holy oils used for Baptism, Confirmation and the anointing the Sick. The room on the side by the Baptistry houses most of the choir's necessities, the sound equipment, items needed for Baptisms, and the candle-snuffer for the Paschal Candle. The Sacristy In the rear of the church to the left as you enter the Vestibule from the main doors you find the Sacristy (Latin sacristia). Here, the priest and deacon vest for Mass, altar servers dress and the many preparations for Mass are made. Among the many things located in this room are: books, vestments and other items needed for the Mass and other sacraments. There are four closets in the Sacristy: The first (upon entering) contains all the deacon's vestments, the Copes, and the cassocks and surplices for the MCs. The second closet contains all of the priest's vestments. Also, on the top shelves of these closets are items needed for Holy Week and other seasons of the year (Candlemas, etc). The third closet contains the spare Tabernacle for use during Holy Week and the larger size cassocks and surplices.

The last closet contains the smaller cassocks and surplices for the altar servers. Cassock - A long black garment, which reaches from the neck to the heels. Surplice - A wide sleeved white linen worn over a cassock, which reaches from neck to fingertip. Other items such as lighters, batteries, and the Tabernacle key are also kept in the Sacristy. Opposite the 3 rd and 4 th closets you find the Sacrarium - A sink in appearance, however, its drain goes directly into the ground beneath the church. It is used for the disposal of the following: The sacred linen wash and rinse water, used holy water, used baptismal water and blessed ashes. No other use is allowed. It is kept covered to deter regular use. The sink to the left of the Sacrarium is for daily use. It has a regular drain. There is a dry erase marker board on the rear wall for the MC or senior altar server to assign positions to each server. Make sure to use dry erase markers only.

Altar Server Conduct You should arrive early. (no less than 10 minutes before Mass time) This time is necessary to prepare for mass. You have to sign in, get dressed, and receive your assignment from the MC. Assigned team members gets priority for assignments, but any server may choose to serve at any Mass that they attend. A maximum of 12 servers may serve any Ordinary time mass. Only Holy week will differ from this quantity. Sign in. Attendance is monitored. Occasionally, rewards are given for good attendance. Proper attire: Boys must wear long pants and closed-toed shoes. Girls should wear skirts or pants. Dress shoes are preferred. Tennis shoes should not be worn if possible. No crocs, sandals, or flip-flops will be allowed. General appearance is also important: servers must have proper haircuts and be well groomed. Observe reverent silence, especially outside the Sacristy. Talking in the Sacristy should be at a low volume. This time is for preparation. Idle chat is inappropriate. Prepare mentally as if you were sitting in a pew waiting for mass to begin. The difference is that you are assisting in the Holy sacrifice of the mass. Hang up all cassocks and surplices. Select a size and remember it. An MC or older altar server can assist you for the proper fit. If you take it off of the hanger, put it back on a hanger. Do not play with the lighters or candles. Careless or dangerous use have serious consequences. Candles are filled with oil and should always remain upright. Oil will spill and if it is lit, the flame will follow the oil out as well. Wax candles should be carefully and slowly blown out to prevent wax spillage. Wax does not come out of carpet or linens easily. Please be careful!!!!

Genuflect. A genuflection, made by bending the right knee to the ground, signifies adoration. During Mass Genuflect upon any entrance and exit of the Sanctuary (bow if holding something). All other times bow. Outside of Mass, genuflect when crossing in front of the Tabernacle or entering/leaving the Sanctuary. Bow. A bow signifies reverence and honor shown to the persons themselves or to the signs that represent them. There are two kinds of bows: a bow of the head and a bow of the body. A bow of the head is made when the three Divine Persons are named together and at the names of Jesus, of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and of the Saint in whose honor Mass is being celebrated. A bow of the body, that is to say a profound bow, is made to the altar; during the prayers the Creed at the words Et incarnatus est (by the power of the Holy Spirit... made man). Keep hands folded as in prayer, pointed upward, at all times unless carrying an object or seated. Sit Still: When seated keep feet flat on the floor and hands on lap. Do not talk during Mass. Any unnecessary talk, and especially foolishness, with be dealt with on a case-by-case basis. Remember that Jesus is present among us in the Eucharist. You should give the same reverence that you would give if he were physically in front of you. Move slowly. There is no rush. Any movements from one point to another ought to be made reverently. Mass will not end any faster and nobody is timing you. YOU WILL NEVER BE LATE! The slower the better. Be Aware. Many situations arise where quick thinking is called for. You must be paying attention at all times. If there is an MC, follow his instructions at all times, and keep your eyes on him. If there is no MC, then the oldest/most experienced server takes seniority. You should be knowledgeable enough to take direction from a nod or slight hand gesture when possible. Talking should be at a minimum, if necessary.

The Celebration of Mass Light the Mass Candles about 10 minutes before Mass starts. Light incense coals five minutes before. Saturday 4:00 pm Sacristan unlocks all doors and side gate about one hour before mass time Opens the parking lot and set A/Cs at 70. Turn on all mics Music: Sing/intone: Entrance hymn, Kyrie, Gloria, responsorial psalm, Offertory hymn, Our Father, Communion hymn and Recessional hymn. Use the torches only when there are enough servers (4 or more). Light the two candles on the altar, as well as the two processional candles next to the Tabernacle, unless these are carried in procession. The back six candles are only used at 10:30 am Mass unless it is a Solemnity. Communion under one species Sunday 8:30 and 10:30 am Repeat above Deacon usually assists Deacon prepares cups for Communion before the Masses. Communion under both species Sunday 7:00 pm Repeat above No Deacon Occasionally no music Communion under one species

The order of Mass The Celebrant, Deacon or MC typically completes all of the gray lined duties, however, an altar server may assist with all preparations. Some gray line liturgical actions/duties are cues for the altar server to be ready for his or her next duty. Before Mass Set out High Mass (10:30am) vestments: matching chasuble/dalmatic, chalice veil and burse. Light the candles and the incense coals 10 minutes before mass. Place the Lectionary (book of Scripture readings read by the lector at Mass) on the Ambo. Mark the Roman Missal (book of prayers the celebrant prays at Mass) with the Mass of the day and place it on the kneelers used by the altar servers. Mark the Book of the Gospels with the Mass of the day and either put it in the Sacristy for the deacon or, if no deacon, place it on the altar. Place the ciborium of hosts and filled wine cruet on the Table of the Gifts located behind the last pew on the right in the Nave. On the Credence Table place the following items: Filled water cruet Six Communion cups filled with wine and covered with purificators (white cloth used to purify sacred vessels). Four Communion bowls for distribution to the faithful. The Lavabo bowl/towel for the priest and one for the Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHCs). The dressed chalice (cup of precious metal that holds the wine which becomes the Blood of Jesus after the consecration). Dressing the Chalice: Purificator laid over the top of the chalice. Paten with large host (gold plate used to hold the large host that becomes the Body of Christ after consecration) on top of the chalice. The Pall (a square piece of plastic which is covered by linen) placed on top of the Paten. The Chalice veil (a cloth matching the liturgical color of the day) covers the chalice.

Burse on top. A burse is a square container matching the liturgical color of the day and which holds the corporal (cloth used by priest at Mass on which the chalice and paten set). The Entrance Procession At the five-minute bell, the priest, deacon servers and MC will pray. Then move to the Vestibule to await Mass. Keep quiet! At Mass time, we move into the Nave. Following the announcements and introduction to the Mass, we begin the procession following the start of the entrance hymn. The MC lines up the servers and about 5 pews apart. Every effort should be made to keep this distance, walk slowly. Remember REVERANCE!! The Celebrant, Deacon and MC will not rush in behind you, so there is no reason to walk quickly. The procession goes in this order: Thurifer (when processing, he should swing the Thurible back-tofront, and not side-to-side) Cross, flanked by two candle bearers (candles do not follow behind the Cross, but walk directly alongside of it) Other acolytes, (two by two). Book and Bell MC Deacon, with Book of the Gospels (Concelebrants if any) Celebrant (and 2 nd Deacon, if there is one) The MC stands at the front of the procession so that he can space the servers as they process into the Church. The celebrant prepares the incense when the congregation stands. As the altar servers arrive at the foot of the Altar, they should genuflect unless they are carrying the Thurible, Cross, or processional candles (these simply bow) and then they go to their seats in the Sanctuary. 13 chairs are available in the Sanctuary. For special masses, if extra seating is needed, use the front pew on the left-hand corner side.

The deacon places the Book of the Gospels on the Altar and waits there for the celebrant to come and reverence the Altar. The MC waits at the foot of the Altar and genuflects with the celebrant. The MC then stands next to the Thurifer at the left side of the altar. The celebrant takes the Thurible and incenses the Altar, encircling it stopping only to incense the main Cross. The Easter candle and Nativity are incensed at this time also. When the Altar has been incensed, the Thurifer takes the Thurible back to its stand and takes his seat. The MC moves to his place, usually behind the Celebrant's Chair so that he may easily signal the altar servers and observe all happenings. Ordinarily use the Confiteor for the penitential rite and then intone the Kyrie. The Gloria follows. Towards the end of the Gloria the MC prepares the book bearer with the Roman Missal. When the celebrant intones, Let us pray the book bearer stands in front of the celebrant. The MC may anticipate this and will cue you to move into place so that when the celebrant says, Let us pray, you are already in place. The celebrant intones the Opening Prayer. The Liturgy of the Word The readings follow as normal, with the responsorial psalm sung. Just before the Gospel Acclamation, the MC signals the Thurifer to the celebrant then the candle bearers. The deacon then receives the blessing from the celebrant.

The deacon and the candle bearers go to the front of the Altar (the candle-bearers do NOT face the congregation). The MC and Thurifer then wait for the deacon to move to the Ambo then step forward. The Gospel procession moves to the Ambo with the deacon in the middle, the two candles in front of the Ambo facing each other, the MC on the deacon's left and the Thurifer on his right in the back of the Ambo. The two candles, MC and Thurifer form a box around the celebrant or deacon. The deacon incenses the Book of the Gospels at the proper time. The Thurifer continues swinging the Thurible throughout the proclamation of the Gospel not to exceed body width. Do not swing it high and wide. Following the gospel, the deacon gives the Book of the Gospels to the MC who places it on the back shelf near the Credence Table. Everyone is seated for the homily. Following the homily the celebrant invites everyone to stand for the Nicene Creed. Everyone bows at the words By the power of the Holy Spirit...and became Man. And during Christmas and on March 25 th (the Feast of the Annunciation of the Lord) all genuflect at these words. The deacon will read the General Intercessions from the lectern and when not present the commentator will read. The Preparation of the Gifts Servers assigned to the Book and Bell place the Roman Missal on the Altar and proceed to the back of the Church (genuflecting when leaving the Sanctuary) to await the procession of the gifts. If torches are used, these servers shall process to the back at this time. Torches are always used in even numbers 2, 4, or 6. Some masses will require an offertory server to double back to get a torch when they are finished.

The MC (and spare servers if necessary) helps the deacon bring the chalices up to the Altar. On special occasions altar servers carry the torches for the Eucharistic Prayer from the back. Then the torchbearers go with the Book and the Bell to the back of the Church and stay there until the Sanctus ( Holy, Holy, Holy ). Otherwise, servers carry the torches from the back room. One server lights the torches during the Preparation of the Gifts. The celebrant and deacon go down to receive the gifts. While the celebrant is receiving the gifts, the MC signals the Thurifer to bring the Thurible and the boat over to the MC. Stand out of the way of Eucharistic preparations. The two altar servers bring the water and wine cruets to the celebrant. Return to the credence table and retrieve the bowl and towel. After the celebrant offers the chalice, the MC directs the Thurifer to the celebrant and he will add incense. The deacon accompanies the celebrant around the Altar, if he chooses. The deacon receives the Thurible from the priest and, with the MC standing on his left side, incenses the priest with 3 sets of two swings. The deacon and the Thurifer go to the front of the sanctuary and bow to the congregation, and incenses them in like manner: two swings to the center, two to the left, and two to the right. The altar servers approach the celebrant so he can purify his hands. The MC takes his place on the celebrant's left side, but not before this point. If the torchbearers are waiting in the back of the Church, the Thurifer receives the Thurible from the deacon and departs from the Sanctuary and goes to the back of the Church.

If the torches are carried in from the back room, the Thurifer takes the Thurible from the deacon and stands in front of the back three candles on the left side (this is to avoid the smoke detector in the back room, and the other detector behind Mary's head right outside that room). The Eucharistic Prayer The celebrant intones the Prayer Over the Gifts, and also intones the Preface. At the conclusion of the Preface, during the singing of the Sanctus, the torchbearers and Thurifer process to the foot of the Altar. On the main floor the Thurifer aligns himself with the center of the Altar. The torchbearers spread out equally on either side. Once they line up they then bow together and proceed to the top step and kneel down. At this point you should kneel under your own balance. Only reach for the steps if you loose your balance. The torchbearers to the right of the Thurifer hold the torch in the left hand and the right hand over the heart. The torchbearers on the left hold the torches in the right hand and the left hand over the heart. The deacon and MC kneel at the epiclesis (when the celebrant holds his hands over the gifts) until after the elevation of the Chalice. At the epiclesis, ring the bells once. At the elevations of the Host and Chalice ring the bells three times. Ring, pause Ring, pause Long Ring During the elevations the Thurifer incenses with three sets of two swings. At the conclusion of the final doxology ( Through Him, With Him, In, Him... ) and the Great Amen that follows the Thurifer gets up and hangs the Thurible on its stand. He remains at his seat until the Agnus Dei and then crosses over to the other side to receive Communion. The Our Father is sung, along with the prayer that follows, including the For the kingdom, the power...

During the Sign of Peace, the MC may take the Roman Missal back to the book bearer. One server brings the plates for communion from the Credence Table to the Altar. The celebrant or deacon will almost always specify how many he will need. The MC takes his place with the other altar servers at the left-hand side of the Sanctuary and assist with the EMHC s as they gather. Communion of the Faithful The torchbearers stand to receive Communion on the tongue, as their hands are preoccupied with holding the torch. The EMHCs align and kneel along the bottom step of the Sanctuary until celebrant finishes his Communion. Then they stand and move up to the step below the Sanctuary level to receive Communion. Once the celebrant/deacon gives each one the Cup or ciborium they go to their places. Celebrant and deacon stand at the head of the main aisle. The two other EMHCs with the hosts stand next to the front pew about six steps away from the main aisle. For Communion under one species, the two remaining EMHCs with the host go to the front of each side aisle. For Communion under both species, only four ministers distribute the hosts with everyone coming up the main aisle. The six EMHCs with the Cup split three on each side along the side aisles. The torchbearers take their places beside each of the Eucharistic Ministers of Holy Communion. The torchbearers on the two outside ends go to their respective side aisles, the next two middle torchbearers stand in front of the first pew on their respective sides, and the innermost two torchbearers stand in between the celebrant and the deacon. In all cases the torchbearers should be next to a Communion station. Following the Communion of the Faithful, one of the altar servers not carrying a torch brings the cruet of water and stands near the Altar. The Book and Bell are responsible for retrieving the purified vessels; all other servers should go back to their places.

The torchbearers reassemble at the foot of the Altar and remain standing. Once the priest replaces the remaining hosts in the tabernacle, the torchbearers bow together and then return to their places. If they return the torches to the back of the Church, they are to return to their seats by a side aisle quickly and quietly (not a brisk walk, but timely) The celebrant is watching, if he begins before you arrive back on the altar, there is plenty of time. Conclusion The MC readies the book bearer with the Roman Missal, and the celebrant intones the Post-Communion (Closing) Prayer. The celebrant imparts the final blessing in the usual manner. The book bearer steps to the side for the closing announcements and then steps back in place for the final blessing. When processing out, Only the Thurifer, Cross and Candles should exit from the center of the Sanctuary. (diagram 2) The Thurifer without the Thurible takes his places at the front of the procession (although he may legitimately take another place behind the processional Cross) either is appropriate. The Candles and Cross lead the rest of the servers out. All other servers should descend the side stairs and walk around to the front. DO NOT PASS UP THE CROSS, THE CANDLE OR EACH OTHER. Stay in single file lines. The available server closest to the offertory should be the one to carry it to the sacristy. Retrieve the basket and return to your chair and proceed out with the rest of the servers. Everyone should fill in the center isle one by one at the farthest place first. DO NOT STOP AND LET OTHERS PASS YOU UP TO FILL IN PLACES.

Diagram 2 Thurifer Cross and Candles Only 4 8 3 7 2 6 1 5 C + C T When mass is over and everyone responds.thanks be to God. Candles, Cross, Thurifer and Offertory (the end server closest to Mary) servers should be the only servers to move. Gather your specific item and leave your posts in order. The Offertory server returns to the kneeler line, The Thurifer (if used) and the Cross process out and Candles follow (Do not pass up the Cross). NOBODY MOVES UNTIL THE CANDLES REACH THE LTAR. At this point everyone else turns to exit, STAYING IN ORDER. Descend the steps in a reverend pace following the proper path. Do not enter the main isle ahead of the candles. Everyone ends up spaced out by pew (reference the diagram above)

The MC takes his place at the foot of the Altar. All genuflect, except those carrying something, when the priest genuflects, then turn inward toward each other and slowly process out. After Mass Servers should assist in picking up. Most importantly, this means hanging up your cassock and surplus. Refill water and wine cruet and bring the Ciborium and wine to the sacristy along with the Tabernacle Key and used purificators, Lock church doors, secure parking lot, side gate, turn down A/Cs and turn off all mics Altar servers are assigned to a specific mass. A rotating schedule is used only for the 10:30 mass due to the amount of servers for that mass. Only 10:30 mass servers are asked to try and swap with another team member or at least have someone cover for them necessary. Holy days of Obligation, Special feast day masses, Holy Week, Christmas and any other special occasions are on a volunteer sign up basis. This will be first come, first serve and a maximum number of servers will be observed accordingly. YOU MAY SERVE ANY MASS THAT YOU TO ATTEND!!! The only stipulation is that a scheduled server has priority over others and no more than 12 servers may serve unless a special service requires more. Always try and be that 12 th server. Thank you for your dedication to serving at the altar.