St.

James Catholic Church: Arlington Heights

2018-2019 Handbook
Table of Contents

Welcome to the Team .............................................................................................................. 1

What is an Altar Server?................................................................................................................................. 2
Why be an Altar Server?............................................................................................................................. 2

Altar Server Expectations .....................................................................................................................3

General Expectations ..................................................................................................................................... 3
General Behavior during Mass.................................................................................................................... 3

General Outline of the Mass with Server Roles ...........................................................................6

General Outline of Mass .............................................................................................................................. 6-9

Important Information.............................................................................................................................
Glossary of Terms for Liturgical and Church Items ........................................................................................ 10
Photos of Liturgical and Church Items...................................................................................................... 11-12

Altar Server Exam and Answer Key .......................................................................................................... 13-17

 WELCOME!

Hello new and experienced altar servers! It is a joy to have you in the new Altar Server Program
and I have no doubt that you are going to do great. The purpose of the Altar Server Program is
four-fold: it will clearly define Altar Server responsibilities and ranks, identify the priest’s
expectations regarding Altar Server conduct while serving at the altar, and provide an
opportunity for St James youth to better understand the Mass and different elements of the
Church environment. Thank you for your willingness to serve God and His people in this
particular way.

The Altar Server Prayer

Loving Father, creator of the universe, you call your people to worship, to be with you and one
another at Mass. I thank you for having called me to assist others in their prayer to you. May I
be worthy of the trust placed in me and through my example and service bring others closer to
you. I ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, who is Lord forever and ever. Amen.
(This prayer is to be prayed by the Altar Servers together before each Mass at which they serve.)

St James’ Altar Server Manual 820 North Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, IL 60004
 What is an Altar Server?
For centuries, the service now performed by altar servers was done by acolytes. An acolyte is a
member of the ministry in the Church. The word means “attendant” or “follower.” Some
parishes still have acolytes, but the role is usually held by seminarians. Seminarians are men
studying to become a deacon or priest. Most parishes have altar servers who perform the duties
of acolytes. This means that they assist the Priest and Deacon with the Mass by ensuring that
everything moves as it should and that the Priest and Deacon have the items they need at the
proper time.

Why be an Altar Server?

1) It is a chance to serve the parishioners at your parish!

2) You will learn why we do everything at Mass.

3) You will get more involved in the Mass and get more out of it.
4) It is a chance to make new friends.
5) You will learn some fantastic life skills!
6) You become more involved in the Community.
7) It will help you discern your vocation in a new, more dynamic way.

St James’ Altar Server Manual 820 North Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, IL 60004
 Altar Server Expectations

General Expectations

1) Be at the Church 15 minutes before Mass begins.

2) Fulfill their assigned times to serve.
3) Sign-in when they serve.
4) Find their own replacement for an assigned Mass if they cannot make it.
5) Wear "Sunday clothes" at Masses (closed shoes, long pants, etc.).
6) Hang up their robes after Mass and keep the altar server room organized.
7) Pay attention and maintain an appropriate posture during Mass.
8) Know, say, and/or sing the appropriate responses throughout the Mass

General Behavior during Mass Q &A

Q: What do I do with my hands when I am not doing anything?

A: Hands can be held above the waist in one of the two ways shown below. The important thing
to remember is to not be swinging your arms. Your behavior should reflect a prayerful stance and
not draw attention away from what is going on at Mass.

Q: What are some other Dos and Don’ts at Mass?

1) DO participate in the parts of the Mass along with the people. Don’t be afraid to sing and pray aloud. You
are an example to the rest of the community.
2) DON’T chew gum, look all over the place, or talk amongst yourselves. Remember that you are there to
help the priest lead the people in worship.
3) DO focus on what is going on in the sanctuary so you can be ready for your parts.
4) DON’T laugh when things go wrong or if you make a mistake. It is perfectly ok to make mistakes. Just
take it in stride and continue with what you know to do next.
5) DO pray for your family and friends during the Mass. Ask Jesus to bless them and to give you a heart like
his.
6) DO have fun and DON’T worry too much. Almost nobody knows when you make mistakes.
Vvvv

St James’ Altar Server Manual 820 North Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, IL 60004
 General Outline of the Mass with Server Roles
Altar Servers are very important people. The entire assembly is watching you and proud of you!

Altar Servers roles and responsibilities (AT A GLANCE):

There are four designations of Altar Servers at each Mass, A, B, C. Each has unique responsibilities.

Server A: Carries the Processional Cross, prepares the Altar, leads all Altar Servers in the performance of their
responsibilities, and performs actions as requested by the Priest or Deacon.

Servers B and C: Lights and extinguishes the candles, holds the Roman Missal for the Priest during opening and closing
prayers, carry the bread and cruet of wine during the presentation of the gifts brings chalices and patens during the
preparation of the altar, brings the small cruet of water to the Priest or Deacon before consecration, bring the large bowl
and large cruet of water the Priest uses to wash his hands before consecration and performs actions as requested by the
Priest or Deacon.

Altar Servers roles and responsibilities (DETAIL):

BEFORE MASS:
 Arrive 15 minutes before the Mass is scheduled to start, sign the sheet in the sign-in room. Arrive to Mass with
“church appropriate” footwear. Put on vestments in the altar server dressing room/sacristy.
o Ten minutes before Mass starts, any available server in attendance is free to sub for those scheduled servers
that have not arrived.
 Server B lights the candles at the altar no later than 5 minutes before Mass start time.

DURING MASS:
Introductory Rites: Entrance (Procession), Greeting, Penitential Act, Glory to God
KEEP A PRAYERFUL POSTURE, HANDS TOGETHER IN PRAYER (in pew, at credence table)

1. PROCESSION The gathering procession begins at the doors of the church and follows in this order:

(SERVER A), the Cross Bearer leads the procession. When he or she is at the second pew from the back, Servers B and
C will begin to walk down the aisle with the candles. Walk deliberately—not too slowly, not too quickly.

When the Cross Bearer reaches the steps to the Altar, he or she will bow their head slightly and proceed to the right of the
altar to place the cross in its stand. Servers B and C, after bowing their heads at the foot of the altar, will place their
candles in the appropriate place and proceed to their seats.

St James’ Altar Server Manual 820 North Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, IL 60004
2. OPENING PRAYER

When the Priest says, “Let us pray,” Server B comes forward to hold the Sacramentary for the opening prayer. Be
ready, anticipate “Let Us Pray”, by grabbing the Sacramentary before the words are said, walk in front of and facing the
Priest. He will hand you the book at the rank he wants you to hold it, so do your best to hold it right there.

Liturgy of the Word: First Reading, Responsorial Psalm, Second Reading. (No unique altar server duties during
the First and Second Readings.)

Gospel Acclamation, Gospel – When the “Alleluia” begins, Servers B and C will take their candles and meet the priest
or deacon (whoever is proclaiming the Gospel) and they will process together to the ambo where the servers will stand on
either side of the ambo. (In the case of incense being used for a particular Solemnity, Feast, or special occasion – Server
A will light one charcoal and place it in the thurible during the responsorial psalm. When the “Alleluia” begins, he/she
will bring out the thurible to the priest with the incense boat so that the priest can put the incense in the thurible. Server A
will then lead Servers B and C to the ambo with the priest or deacon.)

Once the Gospel has been finished and the priest/deacon says “The Gospel of the Lord” and the people respond “Praise to
you Lord Jesus Christ” then the servers will return to their seats in an orderly fashion.

Homily, Profession of Faith (Creed), Universal Prayer – No Particular duties for the servers at this time.

Liturgy of the Eucharist: Collection, Presentation of the Gifts, Preparation of the Altar, Prayer over the
Offerings, Eucharistic Prayer (Preface, the Holy, Holy, Holy (Sanctus), Consecration, Mystery of Faith, and Doxology),
The Lord’s Prayer, Sign of Peace, Lamb of God, Communion, Prayer after Communion.

3. SETTING THE ALTAR

As the Ushers/Hospitality Ministers begin the collection, all Altar Servers go to the credence table to get the items that
will be used to set the Altar. Place the items from the credence table on the altar in the following order:

 Server A: Take the Corporal to the altar and set it: unfold it, centered of the altar, with the bottom edge flush with
the edge of the Altar closest to you, and smooth the wrinkles from it. Server A - remain at the Altar and place the
Chalices on the Altar as Servers B and C bring them to you.
 Servers B and C: Bring the Chalices and purificators to the altar and hand them to Server A or the Deacon/Priest
who is helping prepare the altar.
 Server B or C: retrieve the Sacramentary from the little table next to the Priest’s chair and hand it to Server A or the
Deacon/Priest
 Server A: place the Sacramentary in the middle of the corporal where Father can easily reach it.
 All servers go back to their places.

St James’ Altar Server Manual 820 North Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, IL 60004
4. RECEIVE and PREPARE GIFTS:

Servers B and C Receive the Gifts. When the gifts are ready to be processed down the aisle, the Priest will walk to the
center aisle to receive them. Be ready… as the Priest starts towards the center aisle, Servers B and C move to stand with
him.

Priest will hand the bread and the cruet of wine to Servers B and C. As soon as you receive the bowl of bread or the cruet
of wine, give the Priest a slight bow and go place them on the altar. Place the bowl and the Wine in the center of the
Corporal.

Server B will then go and retrieve the cruet of water hand it to the Priest or Deacon after gifts have been placed on the
altar. Bow when you hand it to him. Server B remains at the Altar until the Priest or the Deacon hands you back the
small cruet of water, give him a little bow as you receive it from him, and then return it to the Credence Table. All Altar
Servers remain standing at the Credence Table.

Server B goes to the Altar so Priest can hand you the empty wine cruet. Don’t wait until the cruet is empty before you
go up to the Altar…try to be there just as he pours the last drops into the chalices (it is ok to be there a little before he
finishes). When the Priest or Deacon hands you the empty cruet, give him a little bow and then return it to the Credence
Table.

Server A, hand the large lavabo bowl to Server C and drapes the towel over Server C’s left arm then takes the large
water cruet as Server B is going up to the Altar to receive the empty wine cruet. All servers then turn and watch Father as
he presents the gifts to God. As he holds up the bowl of bread, Servers A and C walk up to the side of the altar and wait
for the priest.

Server A and C wash Father’s Hands. Father will come to you for the washing of his hands. Hold the bowl at about
Father’s waist rank (so water doesn’t run down his sleeves). Pour a generous amount of water on to his hands. As he
returns the towel to Server C’s arm, both of you give him a little bow and then go and put everything back on the
Credence Table.

All Altar Servers return to your seats. Remain in your pew until Father or the Deacon tells the Assembly to share a
sign of peace.

Concluding Rites: Announcements, Greeting and Blessing, Dismissal

6. FINAL BLESSING:

When the Priest says, “Let us pray,” Server B comes forward to hold the Sacramentary for the opening prayer. Be
ready, anticipate “Let Us Pray”, by taking the Sacramentary before the words are said, walk in front of and facing the
Priest. He will hand you the book at the rank he wants you to hold it, so do your best to hold it right there.

7. DISMISSAL:

Server A retrieves the Processional Cross from the wall, at the end of the final blessing and remains there until the
dismissal is completed.

As Father moves to kiss the Altar, all Altar Servers move to line up at the foot of the Altar steps. The Cross Bearer
will take his/her place at the second pew from the front and then turn to face the altar. Servers B and C will take their
candles and stand at the first pew from the front so that they are on each side of the Cross Bearer. The priest and deacon
St James’ Altar Server Manual 820 North Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, IL 60004
will reverence the altar and proceed to the bottom of the steps in the sanctuary where they will turn around and face the
tabernacle. When the priest and deacon genuflect, all the servers will bow their heads and then turn about face to lead the
procession out.

Server A, the Cross Bearer will lead the way. As the Priest turns to face the back of the church you begin processing
out in the same order as during the entrance. The recessional should not be as slow as the gathering procession but there
is no need to sprint out of the Church either.

AFTER MASS:
 Server B extinguishes the altar candles and the Paschal candle. Only extinguish the Pascal Candle when
directed by the Priest or the Deacon.
 Severs B and C will return their candles to the proper place in the sacristy.
 Server A places processional cross where it belongs.
 All Altar servers return their vestments to the Altar Servers dressing room and hang them nicely in the
appropriate place. Keep this room clean and organized at all times.

It is not the Server that does everything who serves the best, but the one that performs his/her duties (however small or
large) with the humblest heart.

The Liturgy deserves our excellence, which requires faithful preparation. Thanks for all you do to serve the faith
family of St. James!

Remember: Any time you hand something to or receive something from the Priest or Deacon, you should give a little bow
to show respect. Also, your hands should be together in the prayer position as you process in and out of the Church and
as you stand at the Credence Table. Be familiar with the order of the Mass so you can anticipate the Priest’s or Deacon’s
actions.

Smile, you are serving God!

John Berchman is the patron Saint of Altar Servers

St James’ Altar Server Manual 820 North Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, IL 60004
 Glossary of Terms for Liturgical and Church Items
Alb - white robe worn over street clothes, priests, Paschal Candle - The large ornate candle used at
deacons funerals, baptisms, and Easter until Pentecost

Altar - the table of the Lord in the sanctuary
Altar Cloth - the cloth for the altar--always white
Altar Vessels - sacred vessels used during the
celebration of Liturgy
Ambo - the place where the Word of God is
proclaimed and Prayer of the Faithful
Aspergillum - the holy water sprinkler
Boat - the container for incense
Cassock - black/red/white robes worn by altar
servers
Chalice - silver/gold cup used by the
Priest/Eucharistic Ministers for the Blood of Christ
Chasuble - colored vestment worn only by the
Priest
Ciborium - gold cup with a lid for the Body of
Christ in the Tabernacle
Cincture - cord used as a belt for the alb
Paten - small vessel/plate that holds the bread to be
consecrated
Processional Cross - the cross carried in and out of
the Mass
Purificator - small white cloth used with the
chalice
Sacramentary - the book the priest prays from
during the Mass at the altar
Sacristy - the room where Deacons, Priests,
Bishops vest before Mass
Sanctuary - the sacred space elevated before the
congregation
Tabernacle - the ornate repository used to place the
Body of Christ
Thurible - container for burning incense
Vestments - special robes worn by Bishops, Priests
and Deacons

Corporal - square white linen cloth upon which the

Sacred Host and Chalice are placed during the
celebration of Mass

Credence Table - the small table off to one side of

the sanctuary for sacred vessels

Dalmatic - colored vestment worn only by the

Deacon

Lavabo Bowl - small bowl for priest to wash hands

during the Liturgy of Eucharist

Lectionary - the book of scriptures read at the

Liturgy of the Word
St James’ Altar Server Manual 820 North Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, IL 60004
 Photos of Liturgical and Church Items
*Not from St. James because of Construction*

The Sanctuary The Tabernacle

The Altar The Credence Table

Candle Lighter/Extinguisher Boat: Container for incense

Found in the Sacristy. Candles are lit about 10-5 Thurible: Container for burning incense
minutes before Mass starts. Always wait for the Choir
to finish the final song before extinguishing.

St. James Altar Server Exam

 The Sacred Vessels

Setting up the Altar The Processional Cross

Make sure all of the Sacred Vessels are on top of the Carry it high and proudly
Corporal. The Deacon or Priest may change the
placement of the Sacred Vessels.

Altar Servers Vestments

Robes should be neatly arranged and organized.

St. James Altar Server Exam

 St. James Catholic Church
Altar Servers Test
Name: Current Rank:

Date: Desired Rank:

Minimum score: 80% - Server, 90% Acolyte, 100% Acolyte Captain

Multiple Choice:

1) The book the priest prays from during 4) The small table off to the side of the
the Mass at the altar. sanctuary on which the Sacristan
a. Alb places the sacred vessels.
b. Sacramentary a. Credence Table
c. Lectionary b. Chalice
d. Altar c. Ambo
2) The small white cloth placed in the d. Paten
center of the altar. 5) The small white cloth used with the
a. Cassock chalice.
b. Cincture a. Credence Table
c. Ambo b. Chalice
d. Corporal c. Purificator
3) The silver / gold cup used by the priest d. Paten
for the Blood of Christ. 6) The small plate-shaped vessel usually
a. Cassock used with the chalice during
b. Chalice communion.
c. Ambo a. Tabernacle
d. Corporal b. Paten
c. Ambo
d. Thurible

True or False: For each statement, circle True or False.

1) True /False The container for 3) True /False The Tabernacle is

burning incense is known as where Baptisms take place.
the Thurible. 4) True /False Cassocks are black /
2) True /False Aspergillum is the holy white robes worn by the
water sprinkler. Altar Servers.
Bonus Question: Who is the Patron Saint of Altar Servers?

St. James Altar Server Exam

 Fill in the Blank: Into each sentence below, copy a term from the word bank that correctly completes the sentence.

Acolyte, Altar, Altar Cloth, Altar Vessels, Ambo, Boat, Ciborium, Cassock, Credence Table, Lavabo Bowl ,
Paschal Candle, Processional Cross, Purificator, Sacristy, Sanctuary, Sacramentary, Tabernacle, Thurible,
Vestments

1) -the book the priest prays

from during the Mass at the altar
2) - the sacred space elevated
before the congregation
3) - the room where Deacons,
Priests, Bishops vest before Mass
4) - black/red/white robes
worn by altar servers
5) - special robes worn by
Bishops, Priests, Deacons
6) - the table of the Lord in
the sanctuary
7) - the cloth for the altar--
always white
8) - small white cloth used
with the chalice
9) - sacred vessels used
during the celebration of Liturgy
10) - the ornate repository used
to place the Body of Christ
11) - gold cup with a lid for the
Body of Christ in the Tabernacle
12) - the place where the Word
of God is proclaimed and Prayer of the Faithful
13) - the small table off to one
side of the sanctuary for sacred vessels
14) - The large ornate candle
used at funerals, baptisms, and Easter until
Pentecost
15) - the cross carried in and
out of the Mass
16) - small bowl for priest to
wash hands during the Liturgy of Eucharist
17) - container for burning
incense
18) - the container for incense
19) - person assisting the
celebrant in a religious service or procession

St. James Altar Server Exam

Primary Activities for Servers to perform: Below are primary activities altar servers are expected to perform in
the order of Mass. The activities are scrambled. List in the proper order how the activities are to be performed.

Order Activity Extra Credit

Server Responsibility ABC or
All
SET ALTAR TABLE: Take the Corporal to the altar and set it:
The Cross Bearer leads the Procession
SET ALTAR TABLE: Bring the Chalices and purificators to the altar
RECEIVE and PREPARE GIFTS: Servers Receive the Gifts
RECEIVE and PREPARE GIFTS: Wash Fathers Hands
Servers take the patens to the Altar
DISMISSAL : Sever retrieves the Processional Cross from the wall
Arrive 15 minutes before the Mass
servers return their vestments and hang them nicely in the appropriate place
Server extinguishes the 2 candles AFTER the choir has finished the closing song
Lights the candles no later than 5 minutes before Mass start time.
SET ALTAR TABLE: Place the Chalices two-by-two on the piano side of the Corporal
OPENING PRAYER: Priest says, “Let us pray,” come forward to hold the
Sacramentary
RECEIVE and PREPARE GIFTS: take the small cruet of water, hand it to the Priest
FINAL BLESSING: Priest says, “Let us pray,” come forward to hold the Sacramentary

St. James Altar Server Exam

 St. James Catholic Church
Altar Servers Test – Answer Key
Name: Bob Lob Law Current Rank: Beginner

Date: N/A Desired Rank: Server

Minimum score: 80% - Server, 90% Acolyte, 100% Acolyte Captain

Multiple Choice:

7) The book the priest prays from during 10) The small table off to the side of the
the Mass at the altar. sanctuary on which the Sacristan
a. Alb places the sacred vessels.
b. Sacramentary - CORRECT a. Credence Table - CORRECT
c. Lectionary b. Chalice
d. Altar c. Ambo
8) The small white cloth placed in the d. Paten
center of the altar. 11) The small white cloth used with the
a. Cassock chalice.
b. Cincture a. Credence Table
c. Ambo b. Chalice
d. Corporal - CORRECT c. Purificator - CORRECT
9) The silver / gold cup used by the priest d. Paten
for the Blood of Christ. 12) The small plate-shaped vessel usually
a. Cassock used with the chalice during
b. Chalice - CORRECT communion.
a. Tabernacle
c. Ambo
d. Corporal b. Paten - CORRECT
c. Ambo
d. Thurible

True or False: For each statement, circle True or False.

5) True /False The container for 7) True /False The Tabernacle is

burning incense is known as where Baptisms take place.
the Thurible. 8) True /False The Baptismal font is
6) True /False Aspergillum is the holy where the Body of Christ is
water sprinkler. placed.
Bonus Question: Who is the Patron Saint of Altar Servers? - ST. JOHN BERCHMAN

St. James Altar Server Exam

 Fill in the Blank: Into each sentence below, copy a term from the word bank that correctly completes the sentence.

Acolyte, Altar, Altar Cloth, Altar Vessels, Ambo, Boat, Ciborium, Cassock, Credence Table, Lavabo Bowl ,
Paschal Candle, Processional Cross, Purificator, Sacristy, Sanctuary, Sacramentary, Tabernacle, Thurible,
Vestments

20) Sacramentary -the book the priest prays

from during the Mass at the altar
21) Sanctuary - the sacred space
elevated before the congregation
22) Sacristy - the room where Deacons,
Priests, Bishops vest before Mass
23) Vestments - special robes
worn by Bishops, Priests, Deacons
24) Altar - the table of the Lord in
the sanctuary
25) Altar Cloth - the cloth for the
altar--always white
26) Purificator - small white cloth
used with the chalice
27) Altar Vessels - sacred vessels
used during the celebration of Liturgy
28) Tabernacle - the ornate
repository used to place the Body of Christ
29) Ciborium - gold cup with a
lid for the Body of Christ in the Tabernacle
30) Ambo - the place where the Word
of God is proclaimed and Prayer of the Faithful
31) Credence Table - the small
table off to one side of the sanctuary for sacred
vessels
32) Paschal Candle - The large
ornate candle used at funerals, baptisms, and Easter
until Pentecost
33) Processional Cross - the cross
carried in and out of the Mass
34) Lavabo Bowl - small bowl for
priest to wash hands during the Liturgy of Eucharist
35) Thurible - container for
burning incense
36) Boat - the container for incense
37) Acolyte - person assisting
the celebrant in a religious service or procession

St. James Altar Server Exam

Primary Activities for Servers to perform: Below are primary activities altar servers are expected to perform in
the order of Mass. The activities are scrambled. List in the proper order how the activities are to be performed.

Order Activity Extra Credit

Server Responsibility ABC or
All
6 SET ALTAR TABLE: Take the Corporal to the altar and set it:
3 The Cross Bearer leads the Procession
7 SET ALTAR TABLE: Bring the Chalices and purificators to the altar
8 RECEIVE and PREPARE GIFTS: Servers Receive the Gifts
10 RECEIVE and PREPARE GIFTS: Wash Fathers Hands
11 Servers take the patens to the Altar
13 DISMISSAL : Sever retrieves the Processional Cross from the wall
1 Arrive 15 minutes before the Mass
15 servers return their vestments and hang them nicely in the appropriate place
14 Server extinguishes the 2 candles AFTER the choir has finished the closing song
2 Lights the candles no later than 5 minutes before Mass start time.
5 SET ALTAR TABLE
4 OPENING PRAYER: Priest says, “Let us pray,” come forward to hold the
Sacramentary
9 RECEIVE and PREPARE GIFTS: take the small cruet of water, hand it to the Priest
12 FINAL BLESSING: Priest says, “Let us pray,” come forward to hold the Sacramentary