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Altar Server Handbook

Revisions: December 2019-January, May 2020

Version e
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE 3 What is a Catholic Parish?

What is a Catholic Mass?
Qualities of an Altar Server
Dress Code for Altar Servers

PAGE 4 Before Mass Begins

Different Jobs of the Altar Server

PAGE 5 Preparations for Mass and Dressing

PAGE 6 Altar Server Prayer
Parts of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass:
A. Introductory Rites
PAGE 7 B. Liturgy of the Word
C. Liturgy of the Eucharist
PAGE 8 Eucharistic Prayer
D. The Great Amen / Sign of Peace
E. Communion
F. Concluding Rite

PAGE 9 Clean-Up After Mass

The Use of Color in the Catholic Liturgical Year
PAGE 10 Sacred Vessels and Objects Used at Mass
PAGE 11 Definition of Sacred Vessels and Objects Used at Mass

PAGE 12 Checklist for Parents of Servers

Lista de verificación para padres de servidores
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What is a Catholic Parish?

In the Roman Catholic Church, a parish, is a stable community of faithful
disciples of Jesus Christ within a particular church whose pastoral care has been
entrusted to a parish priest or pastor under the authority of the diocesan
bishop. The people, who are present at the church, are called the
congregation. A Catholic parish, like Corpus Christi, is made up of a wide variety of people with
many gifts and talents. Everyone within this parish community is called to serve These roles are
many and include: Readers (or Lectors), Sacristans, cleaners, and others. Serving at the Altar as
an Altar Server is one of these callings to serve in the House of the Lord in a Catholic Church in a
Catholic Parish. Sometimes those in these roles feel an even greater calling and take up a
vocation such as religious sister/brother, deacon, or priest. This could be you!
What is a Catholic Mass?
The Mass, known more fully as the Most Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, is the central liturgical ritual
in the Catholic Church, designated as God’s House, where the bread and wine are consecrated
and become the body and blood of Jesus Christ. The Church describes the Holy Mass as "the
source and summit of the Catholic faith.” The Mass culminates in the celebration of the
sacrament of the Eucharist. The term ‘mass’ is derived from the ecclesiastical Latin formula for
the dismissal of the congregation: Ite, missa est (“Go, it is the sending [dismissal]”).
Qualities of an Altar Server
Altar servers will show reverence at all times by an altar server’s appearance and actions.
Keeping eyes on the altar and the celebrant while hands are folded with fingers upward and
thumbs crossed, is the expected behavior and poster at all times during Mass. To show
reverence for Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament in the tabernacle and the sacredness of the
altar, servers will bow as they leave or enter the sanctuary. Refrain from bowing when carrying
things. Simply pause and stand with others as they are bowing. Each server will:
•Have a strong desire to serve at the Altar of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ,
•Be an active member of the parish and believe in the teachings of the Catholic Church,
•Have received his/her First Confession and First Communion,
•Be in the third grade or above,
•Know all the prayer responses of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, from memory,
•Know how to properly genuflect and bow,
•Know how to make the Sign of the Cross,
•Know how to receive Holy Communion in the approved manner, and
•Know how to do all the different roles required of any altar server.
Dress Code for Altar Servers
Be properly dressed – preferably wear dark pants/blouse, and solid plain colored shirt/blouse
with no pictures or words. Black dress shoes are preferred, but no flip flops or sandals.
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Before Mass Begins

Altar servers will sign-in with the sacristan and the altar servers are responsible for ensuring
that the candles are lit in the sanctuary. If they are not lit, please light them approximately 5-10
minutes before Mass begins. After the candles are lit, you can proceed to pick up the candles
and the processional crucifix if at least three servers are present. (After you are dressed, altar
servers can spend a few minutes in prayer in the church pews – see Altar Server Prayer page 6 -
to get spiritually ready to serve the Lord at the Altar.)
If there is only one altar server, that person will carry the processional cross.
If there are only two altar servers, each one will carry a candle in the
procession and to bring up the gifts at offertory.
If there are three altar servers, one will carry the cross, and two will carry the
candles slightly behind the cross bearer, roughly at the same height.
Different Jobs of the Altar Server (newly added bells at epiclesis Nov., 2019)
Bell ringer - This server will ring the bells at the epiclesis and the consecration. Care is required
to ring them at the appropriate moment and to ring them at the correct volume and duration.
The cue to ring the bells at the Epiclesis is to watch the priest after the word of Holy, Holy, Holy
Hosanna in the Highest are sung or spoken. The priest’s hands are outstretched at the
beginning and then come together side by side over the gifts on the altar as the priest says in
Eucharistic Prayer #2: “Make holy, therefore, these gifts we pray…,” you are to ring the bells
after you hear: “…pray.” Here is one video link
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEyCKVVSj-g demonstrating bell ringing. In Eucharistic
prayer #3, the priest’s words to listen for after the Holy, Holy, Holy, is … “Therefore, O Lord, we
humbly implore you,” then ring the bells. Ringing the bell at epiclesis is new for our parish as
of November 2019 and intended to signal the beginning of the consecration when the Holy
Spirit is being asked to come down to sanctify the gifts of bread and wine. A second video
made by another parish shows the different duties of the cross and the book servers and how a
server is to approach and move within the sanctuary:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ogeDQ-Gkx8.
Candle Bearer - serve in pairs, and carry candles at the beginning and end of the Mass, as well
as at the gospel. They lead the procession of the gifts at the Offertory.
Cross Bearer - The server who carries the processional cross at the beginning and end of the
service.
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MS - Master Server- This is the most experienced server or Master Server (may be assigned to a
deacon as the Master of Ceremonies) who is able to take charge of the whole ceremony. This
server will deal with questions as they arise in the Mass. Master Servers will be in high school
and have had experience at serving at weekend and special liturgies (including weddings and
funerals). The Master Server designation is new to the parish as of November 2019 and a list of
Master Servers will need to be developed and regularly updated. It would be hoped that Master
Servers would be recognized at a weekend Mass by the parish for their years of dedicated
service. Otherwise, the lead server (most experienced among the servers assigned to a Mass)
would normally take responsibility for carrying the processional crucifix and bringing the
corporal to the altar at the Offertory.
Thurifer –The thurible (incensor) is prepared by the deacon with specific
instruction to the server who will carry the thurible on special occasions. The
thurible will be required at some Masses and it is the job of the thurifer to
have it ready as required. Care must always be taken as a burning charcoal is
used in the thurible which can burn.
Preparations for Mass
•Arrive at least 15 minutes before Mass. If it is a special Mass, then 30 minutes is preferred.
•If you unable to serve at your assigned time, please try to find a replacement to take your
place in advance. If you cannot find a replacement, please notify someone that you will serve
with so that they will know to try and find someone that day.

Dressing
Select the alb which is best suited for your height. There are sizes beginning with an 8 and they
increase in the closet from left to right.
Select the correct color of belt or cincture for the liturgical season (ask the priest or consult a
calendar in the sacristy) and carefully select a cross & chain to wear off the hook on the left.
(see page 9 for more information on liturgical colors)
•Try to keep the closet where albs are hung, hanging neatly with the door closed when it is not
in use.
•When standing and not carrying anything or while in motion during the Mass, hands are
folded with fingers straight and palms together held next to your chest.
•When sitting, sit at ease with hands on knees paying attention, especially for any needs from
the priest or deacon during the Mass.
•Respond with the congregation at all parts of the Mass.
•Help our parishioners worship at a holy Mass by seeing holy altar servers serving our Lord.
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The Altar Server Prayer will help you prepare spiritually for the honored task you are about to
perform as an Altar Server at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Pray this prayer after you are
vested before Mass. We will have a copy in the area you vest for Mass.

Altar Server Prayer

Open my mouth, O Lord, to bless your Holy Name. Cleanse my heart from all evil and
distracting thoughts. Enlighten my understanding and inflame my will that I may serve more
worthily at your holy altar. O Mary, Queen of Peace, Mother of Christ the High Priest, obtain
for me the most important grace of knowing my vocation in life. Grant me a true spirit of faith
and humble obedience so that I may ever behold the priest as a servant of God and willingly
follow him in the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Amen.
Parts of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass
A. Introductory Rites (Including the Entrance Procession)
Entrance Procession
When the people stand up for the opening hymn, process to the center aisle with the
processional cross lined up with the last pew at the point of entry for the center aisle. When
the people begin to sing, start moving forward at a slow, dignified, steady pace. When you
reach the altar, pause for one second, and then move to place the processional cross and
candle(s) in their stands and move to your assigned pew.
Once the Mass begins, stay attentive as the Mass is celebrated. The "book bearer" will need to
come forward for the opening prayer or Collect. The Gloria will come before the Collect. The
server needs to listen as the end of the Gloria approaches and the priest will say, “Let us pray.”
The server, usually standing closest to the Roman Missal or Sacramentary, will pick up the
Roman Missal sitting in the first pew next to them to bring it to the deacon to open up to the
correct page. If a deacon is not present, go directly to the celebrant (priest) once you hear, “Let
us pray.” Once the missal is opened to the correct page and given back to you, you will need to
hold it at a position and an angle so that it can be easily read. When the people say "Amen",
you may return the Roman Missal to the pew and return to your seat. Please note that Fr. Litto
asks that the Roman Missal and book stand are placed on the altar before Mass begins. So
the servers need not bring the book to him for the Collect.
Take note of the following in the Introductory Rite:
1. Procession path
2. Spacing
3. Where to stand when arriving at the altar
4. Genuflect/Bow with the priest (if not carrying anything)
5. When you arrive and are standing in front of your seat—keep hands folded, finger
upward, when standing and your hands are empty. When sitting, keep hands
together in your lap.
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6. Where to place cross/candles and seating

7. Participate in the penitential rite
8. Sing the Gloria
9. "Let us pray" - Roman Missal and posture and holding a book

B. Liturgy of the Word

Altar servers are generally responsible as follows during the Liturgy of the Word.
1. Remain seated for (Old Testament or 1st reading) OT, Responsorial Psalm, New
Testament of 2nd reading) NT
2. Immediately after NT Reading get candles and stand in proper place
3. Lead the procession to the ambo to stand with the lit candles on either side
4. "The Gospel of the Lord" - immediately replace candles and sit following the gospel.

C. Liturgy of the Eucharist

1. Creed - profound bow during, "... by the power of the Holy Spirit, He was born of the
Virgin Mary, and became man."
2. General Intercessions (Prayers of the Faithful) - remain standing when they are
prayed. After the General Intercessions, the people will be seated and the ushers will begin the
collection. As soon as everyone sits, one altar server should bring the corporal first, then the
whole tray with everything on it. The deacon will remove items off the tray. Another altar
server brings the Roman Missal along with the book stand and places it at the left side of the
altar. (Fr. Litto asks that the book and stand are on placed on the altar before Mass begins.)
3. Offertory - After the altar is set for the Offertory and the priest or deacon stands in
front of the altar, the candle bearers proceed down the center aisle to escort the gifts. Servers
in the sanctuary approach the priest after he leaves his chair to come down in front of the altar,
one on either side of priest. He will hand you either the paten with the hosts, or the flagon
with the wine. Take these to the altar, but DO NOT set them on the altar. The priest or deacon
will take them from you. The priest or deacon will hand the money basket to a server to place
on the floor.
When handling a cruet or flagon to someone, always hand it over with the handle
pointed toward them. This makes it easier to ensure that the transfer takes place without the
vessel being dropped.
a. Replace candles after priest starts back to the altar.
b. Altar servers stand next to credence table - do not sit down.
c. As soon as priest picks up the chalice to present the wine, pick up cruet with
water, lavabo bowl, and finger towel and then proceed to the side of the altar.
d. Hold the lavabo bowl with both hands and drape finger towel on your arm, and other
server carries the water cruet and pours the water.
e. Bow to priest when done and return to credence table.
f. As Sanctus begins, all altar servers move into position - hands folded against chest.
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Eucharistic Prayer
During the Eucharistic Prayer, kneel along with the congregation. One altar server should ring
the bell with one twist of the wrist at the beginning of the Eucharistic prayer at the epiclesis
(see page 4 under Different Jobs of the Altar Server) and again at the consecration of the bread
and then at the consecration of the wine. At the consecration of bread followed by the wine,
the bell is rung three times with a quick twist of the wrist. Ring the bells – once at the epiclesis
and 3 times during consecration of bread in the Body of Christ and during the consecration of
the wine into the Blood of Christ.

D. The Great Amen / Sign of Peace

1. Remain standing - hands folded against chest
2. Offer sign of peace to fellow altar servers and if appropriate with the priest/deacon.
Do not leave your position near the sanctuary to give the sign of peace to parishioners. Stand
by your post ready to response to cues from the deacon or priest and continue with the
celebration of the Mass.
3. Stand in position with EMHC at side of altar

E. Communion
After receiving Holy Communion take the Roman Missal and book stand
off the altar and sit it in the pew. Wait until you can do this without
crossing in front of parishioners receiving Holy Communion. Be alert to
bring the water cruet to the altar as soon as the priest or deacon returns
to the altar to purify the vessels if needed.
1. After the priest, deacon, server moves to his/her position, takes book off of altar.
2. Return to credence table and remain standing with hands folded against chest.
3. After communion, priest/deacon needs the cruet of water at the altar to purify the
vessels. Sometimes the cleansing of the vessels is completed at the credence table with the
assistance of the deacon and Eucharistic Team Leader.
4. A second server stands next to the altar to take the vessels from priest/deacon to the
credence table.
5. Altar servers sit down when deacon and priest are both seated.

F. Concluding Rite
When the server hears from the priest, “Let us pray,” that is the cue to bring the book to the
deacon and then proceed to the priest as he reads the closing prayer from the Roman Missal or
large book. As soon as the priest or deacon says the dismissal - "The Mass is ended, go in
peace," or "Go in peace to love and serve the Lord," - then take the cross and the candles and
stand in line in the center aisle facing the altar. Remain there until the priest and deacon
genuflect and turn around. At this point you should turn and lead the procession to the back of
the Church. Do not bow when holding the candles or processional crucifix.
1. "Let us pray." – Hold Roman Missal and watch posture holding the book.
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2. As soon as priest/deacon approaches the altar, pick-up processional cross and candles
and move into position.
3. Genuflect/bow with the priest/deacon if you are not carrying anything.
4. Procession path - remember to use proper spacing and at a solemn pace.

Clean-Up After Mass

1. The candles are blown out by the ushers. Altar servers need not worry about that.
2. Return the processional cross and candles to their places where they were originally
found. Then you can return to the closet and remove your alb. Please make sure that
they remain on the hangers. If you see anything that has fallen to the ground, please
put it back on a hanger. After everything has been hung up, please close the closet door
before you leave the Church.

The Use of Color in the Catholic Liturgical Year

The sense of sight, including color, plays an important role in Catholic worship. The colors of a
Catholic priest’s vestments help the faithful know that certain celebrations are at hand. Altar
servers wear a rope belt around their waist over their alb, known as the cincture. The cincture
or belt changes in color to reflect the color changes of the Catholic Liturgical year and will
coordinate with the color of the priest’s vestments. Corpus Christi parish has all the liturgical
colors of cinctures except rose. Servers will rose a purple cincture when the celebrant wears
rose colored vestments.

Green: The color of vestments used during ordinary time. (Ordinary time is the rest of the year
that’s not the Christmas or Easter season — it’s still important, it just has an unexciting name.)
Green symbolizes hope, life and growth.

Purple or violet: Used during Advent and Lent, and along with white and black, these colors
may also be used at Funeral Masses. These colors symbolize penance and preparation.

White and gold: Most appropriate for Christmas and Easter. These colors symbolize joy and
purity.

Red: For feasts of the Passion of Jesus and for the Holy Spirit, representing red tongues of fire
at Pentecost, in addition to being worn for the feasts of martyred saints, who shed their red
blood for Christ. The color red symbolizes sacrifice or the presence of the Holy Spirit.

Rose: On the Third Sunday of Advent and the Fourth Sunday of Lent, the color rose may be
worn as a sign of anticipated joy.
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Sacred Vessels and Objects at Mass

Can you match each sacred object with its correct name?

stole --- monstrance --- thurible --- ciborium --- candle --- tabernacle --- vigil light --- altar
cruets on tray --- bells --- purificator --- paten --- host --- chalice with pall and purificator
incense boat --- chalice --- communion plate
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Definitions of Sacred Vessels and Objects Used at Mass

Ambo – the platform, lectern or pulpit from which the reading and homily are given

Chalice – a cup of precious metal that holds the wine, which becomes the Blood of Jesus after
the consecration

Ciborium – a large container of precious metal with a cover of the same material which will
hold the Body of Jesus after the consecration for distribution of Holy Communion to the faithful

Corporal – a white linen cloth, usually with a Cross in the center, used to protect any particles
of the Precious Bod and Blood of Jesus from falling to the Altar cloth. It is always folded and
unfolded as to protect any particles from being lost. The Corporal is like the body winding
sheet used to hold the crucified body of Our Lord in the tomb.

Credence Table – the table in the Sanctuary where the cruets, handing washing bowl, chalices
and ciborium are kept before and after the Consecration

Lectionary – the book of reading used for the Liturgy of the Word

Missal (or Sacramentary) – the book containing the prayers said by the Priest during Mass

Book of the Gospels – Book from which is read the Gospels from an ordained minister (priest or
deacon)

Paten – a small saucer shaped plate of precious metal that holds the Host. No layperson should
ever touch the paten, so be very careful when handling it in your official duties.

Purificator – a linen cloth used by the Priest to dry the Chalice after washing and purifying it

Pall – a square piece of cardboard or plastic covered by linen and used to cover the Chalice
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Checklist for Parents of Altar Servers

1. ____ Servers are to arrive at least 15 minutes before Mass is to begin. Please check that servers do
not have candy or gum in their mouths when they arrive and have fasted at least one hour from
food and drink before Mass.

2. ____ Servers are to be dressed according to the Dress Code (page 3).
Be properly dressed – preferably wear dark pants, and solid plain colored shirt/blouse with no
pictures or words. Black dress shoes are preferred, but no flip flops or sandals.

3. ____ When the server arrives at the Church, be sure to check-in with the Sacristan (and or priest,
verify the liturgical color for your belt, and vest in your alb and belt. Place over your head the
Benedictine crucifix hanging in the server closet. Be sure to return it to where they are hung when
you remove your vestment after Mass.

4. _____ After vesting, servers will pray the server prayer found in the server closet at Corpus Christi
Church to prepare spiritually.

5. _____ The server will light the candles 10 minutes before Mass. Carrying the lighter, the server is
to approach the altar by walking reverently down the center aisle, come to a stop and bow to
reference the Blessed Sacrament in the tabernacle before entering the sanctuary, and then proceed
into the sanctuary. The server will light candles on one side of the altar return to a center position
in front of the altar and bow again before crossing to the other side of the altar to light the candles.
Then the server will leave the sanctuary by stepping down into the center aisle, facing the altar, bow
to reference the Blessed Sacrament and then turn and leave walking reverently down the center
aisle to return the lighter to the stand where the processional crucifix is resting in its stand.

Lista de verificación para padres de servidores

1. ____ Los servidores deben llegar al menos 15 minutos antes de que comience la misa. Verifique que
los servidores no tengan dulces o chicles en la boca cuando lleguen y hayan ayunado al menos una hora
antes de la comida y bebida antes de la misa.

2. ____ Los servidores deben vestirse de acuerdo con el Código de vestimenta (página 3).
Vístase apropiadamente, preferiblemente use pantalones oscuros y una camisa / blusa lisa de color liso
sin imágenes ni palabras. Se prefieren los zapatos de vestir negros, pero no chanclas o sandalias.

3. ____ Cuando el servidor llegue a la Iglesia, asegúrese de registrarse con el Sacristán (y / o el

sacerdote, verifique el color litúrgico de su cinturón y póngase el albúm y el cinturón. Coloque sobre
su cabeza el crucifijo benedictino colgado en el armario del servidor. Asegúrate de devolverlo donde
están colgados cuando te quites la vestimenta después de la misa.
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4. _____ Después de la concesión, los servidores rezarán la oración del servidor que se encuentra en el
armario del servidor en la Iglesia Corpus Christi para prepararse espiritualmente.

5. _____ El servidor encenderá las velas 10 minutos antes de la Misa. Llevando el encendedor, el
servidor debe acercarse al altar caminando con reverencia por el pasillo central, detenerse e inclinarse
para hacer referencia al Santísimo Sacramento en el tabernáculo antes de entrar al santuario, y luego
proceder al santuario. El servidor encenderá velas en un lado del altar, volverá a la posición central
frente al altar y se inclinará nuevamente antes de cruzar al otro lado del altar para encender las velas.
Luego, el servidor abandonará el santuario bajando hacia el pasillo central, mirando hacia el altar, se
inclinará para hacer referencia al Santísimo Sacramento y luego se girará y dejará de caminar
reverentemente por el pasillo central para devolver el encendedor al puesto donde descansa el crucifijo
processional su soporte.

A partir de febrero de 2020, si su servidor debe estar ausente y no puede encontrar un servidor
sustituto, comuníquese con Juan Espinoza al 402-619-4712.