Embedded Files
To be or become an altar server is a commitment. There are people counting on you. First, the priest depends on you. He needs to know you will be there on time. He needs to know you are prepared. You help the priest things go smoothly.
Remember also the people in the assembly count on you. Without you an important part of prayer leadership is missing. You have been called to serve. Your parish is grateful that you have responded to God’s call. I want to thank you for your dedication and time to serve God and our parish community.
Information Guide
Information Guide
Our priests rely on their Altar Servers to help the Mass run smoothly. As an Altar Server, you are responsible for knowing the part you play in the celebration of the Mass.
Keep the following rules in mind:
- If you can’t serve at your assigned Mass, send an email to all other Servers requesting a substitute. (If you don’t have access to email, call other servers on our list.)
- Skipping your assigned Mass without finding a substitute is not an option, except when there is a valid emergency!
- Arrive 15 minutes before your Mass.
- Make sure your clothes are appropriate and your shoes are clean.
- If you are wearing a watch, make sure the alarm is turned off!
- Pay attention to, and participate in, the Mass.
- In the Sanctuary, show respect for where you are.
- Don’t talk or laugh with other servers when you are on duty.
- If you are unsure about what you are to do, ask the priest before Mass or an experienced Altar Server
- Be helpful to our visiting priests. If they cannot find an item or if they forget to dismiss the children for the Children’s Liturgy (at 10:00 a.m., except during baptisms), help them as best you can.
- After Mass, hang your cassock or alb NEATLY on the rack on the appropriate hanger.
Altar Server Dictionary
Altar Server Dictionary
Sanctuary - the sacred space elevated before the congregation
Altar - the table of the Lord in the sanctuary
Altar Cloth - the table cloth for the Altar, always white
Lectionary - the book of scriptures read read at the liturgy of The Word
Lector - the person who reads the scriptures during Mass
Sacristy - the room where the priest vest before Mass
Vestments - special robes worn by the priest, deacons and altar servers
Alb - white robe worn over street clothes
Cincture - cord used as the belt for the alb
Chasuble - coloured vestment worn only by the priest
Cassock - black/red/white vestment worn by altar servers
Altar - the table of the Lord in the sanctuary
Altar Cloth - the table cloth for the Altar, always white
Purificator - small white cloth used with the Chalice
Corporal - small white cloth placed in the center of the Altar over the altar cloth
Altar Vessels - sacred vesels used during the celebration of the Liturgy
Chalice - gold cub used by the priest/eucharistic ministers for the Blood of Christ
Ciborium
Ciborium
gold cup with a lid for the Body of Christ in the Tabernacle
Tabernacle
Tabernacle
the ornate receptacle used to place the Body of Christ
Credence Table
Credence Table
the small table to one side off the sanctuary for sacred vessels
Bells
Bells
rung during the Consecration of the Mass
Paschal Candle
Paschal Candle
the large ornate candle used at funerals, baptism and Easter until Pentacost
Procession Cross - the cross carried in and out of the Mass
Procession Candles - the candles carried in and out of Mass and during the Gospel
Cruets - small pitchers of water and wine for the Mass
Finger Bowl - small bowl for priest to wash hand during the Liturgy of the Mass
Boat - container for Insense
Aspergillum - the Holy Water sprinkler
Sacrarium - this provides for the proper disposal of sacred substances
Baptismal Font
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