Altar Server

Training Manual
St. James Church
Okotoks, Alberta

Revised October 2011

ALTAR SERVER TRAINING MANUAL 2

CONTENTS

BASIC RULES …………………………………………………………………………………….. 3

What to Wear and Getting Ready at Home ………………………………………… 3

Anointing, Standing, Praying and Genuflecting …………………………………… 3

Using My Hands …………………………………………………………………………. 4

WHAT ARE MY DUTIES ………………………………………………………………………… 4

WHAT I DO BEFORE MASS ……………………………………………………………………. 4

WHAT I DO DURING MASS ……………………………………………………………………. 5

Procession …………………………………………………………………………………. 5

The Word …………………………………………………………………………………… 5

The Offertory (Presentation of the Gifts) ……………………………………………. 5

At the Altar ………………………………………………………………………………… 6

Washing the Priest’s Hands …………………………………………………………… 6

Consecration – Cross Bearer ………………………………………………………….. 6

Communion ……………………………………………………………………………….. 6

Clearing the Altar ………………………………………………………………………… 6

Closing Prayers …………………………………………………………………………… 7

EXIT PROCESSION ………………………………………………………………………………. 7

AFTER MASS ………………………………………………………………………………………. 7

ALTAR SERVER’S PRAYER …………………………………………………………………….. 7

ORDER OF THE MASS (SUMMARY) ………………………………………………………….8 & 9

DEFINITIONS ……………………………………………………………………………………… 9
ALTAR SERVER TRAINING MANUAL 3

Thank you for becoming and Altar Server! Parents are encouraged to provide the first
instruction to Altar Servers by going through the procedures and rituals outlined in
this manual and before the formal training. By providing this early instruction, it will
guarantee a confident experience for each server.

It is a great honour to be so close to the Altar; this is where our loving Saviour, Jesus
Christ, becomes present at the moment of Consecration. For that reason, a Server has
an important responsibility to do their duties with attention, dignity and respect.

BASIC RULES
 You are here to serve the Lord and your duty is to assist the Priest.
 Must attend the training sessions.
 An Altar Server must attend every Mass they are scheduled for. If you cannot
attend the assigned Mass, please find a replacement from the Contact List and
notify the Coordinator.
 Arrive 20 minutes before Mass begins.
 Always pay attention to what the Priest is doing or what is happening in the Mass.
Remember, all the parishioners can see you and everything you do.
 Make sure you have an up-to-date schedule.

What to Wear and Getting Ready at Home

 Read through this manual with your parents often until you know your duties.
 Dress as you would to go anywhere important.
 No excessive make up and no nail polish please.
 All Altar Servers should wear “formal clothing” that is, a solid colour or white,
dress pants or khakis. Blue jeans, beachwear, gym clothes and T-shirts are not to
be worn while serving at Mass.
 NO DIRTY or WARN SNEAKERS, NO SNOW BOOTS or FLIP-FLOPS. Formal
clothing and clean shoes should be worn (preferably a dark colour). Black sneakers
are okay.

Anointing, Standing, Praying and Genuflecting

You anoint yourself with holy water from the font when you ENTER the church not
when you are leaving.

You only genuflect to Jesus. Jesus is present in the Tabernacle, when the red light is
lit. Everyone, including Altar Servers, should genuflect ONCE during the Mass
usually the first time when you walk in front of the tabernacle or entering a pew.

 How to genuflect: stop, then turn and face the Tabernacle. Bend your right knee
so the right knee touches the floor. Pause with the knee on the floor and bow your
head to Jesus. Rise from the floor, still facing the Tabernacle. Turn and continue
in the direction you were heading.

You bow to the Priest, Altar and Crucifix. You bow when you stand in front of the
Altar after the procession. You bow to the Priest after the washing of the hands and
you bow in front of the Altar before the exit procession.

You stand whenever the Priest is standing, except during the homily.
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Using My Hands
 Whenever you are walking in the church (and not carrying anything) and you have
vestments on, you will have your hands in the prayer position.
 Whenever you are standing, your hands will be in the prayer position.
 When you are sitting, your hands should be still and on your lap.
 Please do not fiddle with your robes, look at your watch or touch your face. Do not
swing your legs; keep your feet flat on the floor.

Altar Servers are on duty from the time they enter the Sanctuary at the start of Mass
until the end of Mass. During the Mass their place is in the Sanctuary and a Server
may not leave the Sanctuary except as directed by a Priest or bodily necessity. Thirst
is not a necessity.

WHAT ARE MY DUTIES

Typically, there will be three or five Altar Servers serving at Mass on Sundays:
Three Servers – 1 Cross Bearer
2 Candle Bearers/Altar Servers
Five Servers – 1 Cross Bearer
2 Candle Bearers
2 Altar Servers

The Cross/Book Bearer: This is typically the older or more “experienced” server, he
or she will be responsible for:
 Lighting the Processional Candles before Mass as well as extinguishing them
afterwards
 Carries the Cross during the Entrance, Offertory (gifts), and Closing Processions
 Holding the book for the Priest during the opening and closing prayers
 Supervise and help other Altar Servers
 Make sure that the candles, cross and books are put back in their place after Mass
 Ensure that the robes are placed in order on hangars.

Candle Bearers: These Servers will be responsible for:

 Carrying the processional candles for the opening and closing processions
 Carrying the candles for the Gospel
 Lighting the Altar Candles during Mass

Altar Servers:
 Go with the Priest to receive the Offertory Gifts
 Hold water/wine for Priest/Deacon
 Assist with Washing the Hands
 Assist with cleaning the Vessels

WHAT DO I DO BEFORE MASS

The following duties apply to all Altar Servers:
 Check your name off on the schedule.
 Go to the bathroom if necessary, Put on the Alb and coloured Scapula.
 At five minutes to Mass time all Altar Servers will walk together to the Sanctuary,
stop at the steps, genuflect towards the Tabernacle and then light the Processional
Candles, pick up the Processional Candles and the Cross, return to the vestry to
the Priest to say a prayer.
 Line up for the procession.
ALTAR SERVER TRAINING MANUAL 5

WHAT I DO DURING MASS

Procession Altar
1. All line up in front of the
Baptismal Font (Cross,
Candles, Proclaimer, other
ministers and then the
Deacon and finally the
Proclaimer
Priest(s). Candle
Bearer
Altar
Server
or Priest Altar
Server
Candle
Bearer
Cross
Bearer
2. Begin the procession when
Deacon

the singing starts, walk

down the centre aisle at a
slow walk.
3. When you arrive at the stairs that lead up into the Sanctuary, line up as show in
the diagram. (The candle bearers should be on the outside of the two lines.)
4. When the Priest bows, the Cross-bearer will lead the procession into the
Sanctuary.
5. The Cross-bearer places the Cross in the stand, with the Cross facing the
congregation.
6. The candle-bearers will place the procession candles into the stands -- go up on
the side of the Altar you are standing on.
7. All Altar Servers will then go to their assigned seats.

The Word
 The Cross/Book Bearer will pick up the Missal and hold it in both hands at the
ready.
 When the Priest says “Let us pray”, the Cross Bearer Server will stand directly in
front of the Priest and the Priest will open the book to the correct place. Hold the
book open so the Priest can read the prayer. Keep the pages flat, your fingers out
of the text and do no move about while the Priest is reading. When the Priest is
finished, close the book, put it on the table and sit down.
 The readings and Homily follow. You stay seated except during the Gospel
Reading.
 Gospel Acclamation – Candle Bearers pick up the candles, stand on either side of
the Priest/Deacon behind the Altar facing the people. The Priest/Deacon will bow
to the Altar, pick up the Gospel. When he turns to the Ambo, the Candle Bearers
walk together to the Ambo, leading the Priest/Deacon. Stand on either side of the
Ambo facing each other during the Gospel. After the Gospel, walk back to the
candle stand together, put candles away, then walk together back to your seats.

When the Altar is being set by the Deacon or Lead Extra Ordinary Minister of Holy
Communion, the Candle Bearers light the Altar candles.

The Offertory (Presentation of the Gifts)

Cross Bearer
1. Following the community prayer, the collection (offertory) begins. The Cross Bearer
takes the Processional Cross and walks to the back of the church by the Font and
waits for the people who will bring forward the gifts.
2. When the Extra Ordinary Ministers of Holy Communion have finished setting the
Altar, lead the procession to the Priest.
3. The Cross Bearer should walk slowly toward the Sanctuary.
ALTAR SERVER TRAINING MANUAL 6

4. When you reach the Priest and Altar Servers, walk around the Priest to the right
and proceed into the Sanctuary.
5. Set the Cross in its stand.
6. Be ready to assist the other Altar Servers by standing near the Credence Table.

Altar Server
1. The other Altar Servers will go with the Priest to receive the gifts.
2. One will stand on either side of the Priest and wait to be handed the gifts.
3. One Server will take the water and the other the wine cruet from the Priest.
4. Bow to the gift bearers when the Priest bows.
5. Finally, with the Priest, walk back to the Altar and stand on the right side of the
Altar (Ambo side).

At the Altar
 Always stand on the right side.
 Remove the tops from the wine and water cruets; have the handles facing the
Priest/Deacon.
 Hand to the Priest or Deacon first the wine and then holy water.
 After the Priest gives back the cruets to you, together both Servers will take the
cruets to the credence table.

Washing the Priest’s Hands

 One Server will unfold the towel and hold it by the top corners in both hands.
 The other Server will pick up the water jug (Ewer) and wash bowl.
 Come to the Altar together and when the Priest places his hands over the bowl,
pour the water over the Priest’s hands, collecting the water in the bowl.
 Let the Priest take the towel, when he has placed the towel back on the arm of the
Server, BOTH bow to him and return to the credence table together. Neatly
arrange the cruets, towel and bowl on the table.
 Go back to your places but do not sit down.

Consecration
 When the Priest holds up the Host, ring the Bell two times. When the Priest
genuflects, ring the bell once.
 Repeat when Priest holds up the Chalice, ring the Bell two times and genuflects,
ring the bell once.

Communion
You will receive Communion from the Priest. Move over beside the end of the Extra
Ordinary Ministers line up. Return to your place and you may kneel in prayer for a
few minutes. Then sit quietly in your place.

Clearing the Altar

 After Communion and when the Priest returns to the Altar, the two Servers will go
to the credence table, one will pick up the water cruet and take it to the Priest for
use in the cleaning (purification) of the Chalice. Pour the water into the Chalice as
directed.
 Return the water cruet to the credence table.
 The Altar Servers go back to the Altar and assist the Priest by removing all objects
as they are handed to them from the Altar.
 When finished, go back to your seat together, reverence the Altar on the way by.
ALTAR SERVER TRAINING MANUAL 7

Closing Prayers
All sit until the Priest says: “Let us pray.” The Lead Server will hold the Missal
(Sacramentary); the Server will stand directly in front of the Priest and open the prayer
book to the proper page. Hold the book for the Priest as you did for the opening
prayer. When the Priest is finished, close the book and place it on the Priest’s table.

EXIT PROCESSION
 When the Priest has finished the final blessing, the Cross Bearer will pick up the
Processional Cross, and the Candle Bearers will pick up the Processional Candles.
After the Priest/Deacon reverence the Altar, all servers walk down the steps to
their positions as in the entrance procession. Go around the Altar on the side you
will be standing on in the line up to bow to the altar.
 All face the Altar. When the Priest bows, all Altar Servers should bow unless they
are carrying candles or cross.
 Altar Servers then turn and walk out in the following order: cross bearer first, and
then candle bearers, other altar servers, deacons, priests, bishops, cardinal, and
the pope! (if he is there).

AFTER MASS
 When the final hymn is finished, take the Cross and Processional Candles back to
the Sanctuary.
 Extinguish the candles.
 Remove your vestments and hang it neatly in its proper place according to size.
 Lead Server will make sure everything is back in its place.

ALTAR SERVER’S 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, Mother of God, 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 see the Priest as a representative of God and
willingly follow him in the Way, the Truth, and the Life of Christ. Amen
ALTAR SERVER TRAINING MANUAL 8

ORDER OF THE MASS (SUMMARY)

PARTS OF THE MASS WHAT THE SERVER DOES

INTRODUCTORY RITES

Gathering Song and Procession Walk from the back of the church to the front in procession.
Line up in front of Altar, with candle bearers on either end, Cross
Veneration of the Altar
on the right facing the Altar, bow with Priest.
Sign of the Cross Stand by chair, hands together make sign of Cross

Greeting Stand by chair, hands together

Penitential Rite (“I Confess” or “Lord have
Stand by chair, hands together, repeat words of penance.
Mercy”
Stand, hands together, sing Gloria (at the end of song Book Bearer
Glory to God
holds prayer book ready)
Opening Prayer Lead Server holds Prayer Book

LITURGY OF THE WORD

First Reading Sit quietly and listen

Responsorial Psalm Sit quietly and listen

Second Reading Sit quietly and listen

Stand, hands together in prayer, sing Acclamation; Candle Bearers
Gospel Acclamation
get Candles for Gospel
Gospel Stand, hands together in prayer

Homily Sit quietly and listen

Profession of Faith Stand, hands in prayer and say the Creed

General Intercessions or Prayers of the
Faithful
LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST
Preparation of the Altar and Presentation of
the Gifts
Priest prepares the Bread and Wine
Invitation to Prayer
Stand, hands together in prayer, repeat – Lord hear our Prayer
Candle Bearers light Altar Candles; Cross Bearer leads those
presenting the gifts in procession; other Altar Servers go with the
Priest to receive the gifts.
The Altar Servers hold the water and wine for Priest (take tops off).
Then the washing of the Priest’s hands. One holds towel the other
the bowl.
Stand, hands together

Prayer over the Gifts Stand, hands together

Preface Dialogue Stand, hands together

Preface and Acclamation Stand, hands together

Eucharistic Prayer Stand, hands together – ring Bells

Concluding Doxology Stand, hands together

The Lord’s Prayer Stand, hands together and say Lord’s Prayer

Rite of Peace Share a sign of peace with each other and congregation
ALTAR SERVER TRAINING MANUAL 9

PARTS OF THE MASS WHAT THE SERVER DOES

Breaking of the Bread

Invitation to the Eucharist

Receive Communion. When Communion is finished, get water for
Distribution of Holy Communion
purification and help clear the Altar
Sacred Silence

CONCLUDING RITES

Announcements (if there are any)

Lead Server holds Prayer Book, when Priest kisses Altar, servers
Final Blessing and Dismissal take candles and Cross, go and stand in their places below the
steps.

DEFINITIONS
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 (formerly Sacramentary) – the book containing the prayers said by the Priest
during Mass.
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.