Altar server training handbook sacred heart eureka. The care of the vessels and vestments is a primary responsibility of the altar server. The celebration of mass, as the action of christ and the people of god. Altar server s family must be registered members of st. Cleanse my heart from all evil and distracting thoughts. The deacon moves the cup tray from the credence table to the altar. The altar servers ministry is a unique one in the catholic church. The crossbook cb server brings the roman missal to the altar. Since altar servers have a very visible role in the sanctuary. Altar servers must have a desire to par cipate in the liturgy and be trained to perform their func ons in a correct and orderly manner. Altar server training handbook altar servers stepbystep guide regular mass before mass 1. Intentions new altar servers must be able to answer this question, why do you want to be an altar. Parent name required altar server name required parent email required quiz must be completed by child.
Although institution into the ministry of acolyte is reserved to lay men, the diocesan bishop may permit the liturgical functions of the instituted acolyte to be carried out by altar servers, men and women, boys and girls. Altar server guild handbook 2015 saint brigid catholic. Altar server handbook st leo catholic church page 10 vocabulary list 1. Ps 42 you have been given a divine privilege above all earthy honors in being permitted within the sanctuary to serve at the holy sacrifice of the mass, at which the church gives to god, officially and in the name of. This is a must for every server, for those wishing to become servers or for adults in charge of servers. This means that there is a certain way that is appropriate to behave. Child should watch the training video, and without assistance, take this quiz section. A guidebook for altar servers paperback july 17, 2009.
Altar server s handbook altar server pledge in the name of the father son and holy spirit i, an altar server of holy apostles orthodox church. The roles in the mass are spelled out in detail in the first sections, but there is a quick reference guide plus tips at. We thank you for responding to the call of the holy. Asking god for help through prayer is very important. Altar servers should arrive 15 minutes before the start of mass. Altar servers should receive holy communion in the masses they serve, so they should go to regular confession. Altar servers are not ordained, but they are commissioned for service by the pastor of the parish and publicly inducted into service. It is important to note that servers are accepting a very important ministry and we should encourage them to participate fully. Guidelines rite of eucharistic exposition and benediction exposition of the holy eucharist, either in a ciborium or in a monstrance, leads us to acknowledge christs marvelous presence in the sacrament and invites us to the spiritual union with him that culminates in sacramental communion. Altar server handbook i will go in to the altar of god. The sacristan will need to find alternate servers for servers who havent checked in on time. The other altar servers will go with the priest to receive the gifts. Arrive and be dressed 15 minutes before the mass begins. Altar servers help the entire community in their prayer and worship of god by assisting the priest at mass.
This edition of the altar servers handbook, originally published by the archconfraternity of st. Altar server manual requirements must have received the sacrament of reconciliation and first communion. Handbook for altar servers in pdf has a nice history of altar serving catholic altar catholic mass catholic books catholic prayers catholic children prayer pictures spirituality books bible teachings religious education. The altar servers with the cruets will move forward to serve the deacon or priest. The care and attention altar servers show to their ministry add to the reverence and beauty of our liturgies.
Sancta missa knights of the altar servers handbook pdf. Hedwig catholic church altar server handbook revised 1220 7 washing of the hands. The care and attention that altar servers give to their ministry allows the prayer of the church to take place with reverence and beauty. You have chosen a special ministry by being a server. As you assist the priest, it enables him as well as those in attendance to focus on our lord. However, the following procedure has worked successfully in small and large churches. Serving at a funeral is a rewarding experience because it brings comfort to the. Two servers candle bearers go to the back of the church to lead up the offertory gifts the book holder and fourth server help the acolyte prepare the altar the clear book holder is removed from the altar and the red missal is placed on the altar. The book server places the book on the altar, and sets the four chalices and purificators on the altar. Be ready to assist the other altar servers by standing near the credence table. The altar servers are responsible for extinguishing the candles. Male servers 8th grade and above should begin to vest in the cassock and surplices that are hanging in the closets.
Altar server training quiz our lady of consolation. Altar servers should you ever need to secure a substitute. It is your privilege to assist the priest and deacon at the altar. Go to the sacristy, which is the room behind the altar the altar server sacristy is the one closest to sharpley rd, put on your alb, cincture rope and cross. During mass each altar server has different responsibilities. The order for the blessing of altar servers, sacristans, musicians, and ushers book of blessings, nos. Altar server handbook saint elizabeth ann seton parish. Accordingly, servers have a solemn responsibility to do their assigned duties with dignity and reverence.
This document provides details regarding mass preferences. Altar servers are on duty from the time they enter the sanctuary at the start of mass until the priest exits at the end of mass. Altar servers should be well instructed in what they are called to do, including proper behavior and attire. Altar boys have a special relationship with and work for our priest and deacons. You are part of an important ministry because you are helping our parish to worship our lord at. Altar server training manual our lady of perpetual help st. Practice, do the best you can, and god will help you to. The main role of the altar server is to assist the priest and deacon in the celebration of the liturgy. Make sure the cassock is the right size the bottom should be just above the tops of your shoes. Altar servers are chosen from among the faithful who display a desire to participate in an intimate way during the holy sacrifice of the mass.
It should be filled out, and turned in at the fall training session. The altar servers are all shown wearing cassocks and surplices. Signin tablethis is the table in which you will sign in immediately when you arrive before mass. They also will receive special training to serve at weddings and funerals.
Must have completed the 4th grade must have a desire to serve in this very important role expectations all servers are expected to be in the sacristy 15 minutes before mass. Remember the presence you are for others as you serve at the altar. Servers must actively practice the catholic faith and must have received their first holy communion. A ministry of prayer st jude church 590 poplar st elyria oh 44035 4403665711.
Senior servers experienced servers may apply to be a senior server. Server roomthe room where the servers vest before mass. The third is a message from the holy father to altar servers. The care and attention altar servers show to their ministry add to the reverence and beauty of our. Altar servers are an important part of our parish and they add so much to the celebration. After the preparation of the wine and water, servers go back to the credence table, set down the empty wine flagon, pick up the water bowl and towel and immediately return to the altar. Do dont arrive on time 15 minutes before mass and sign in. The handbook is intended as a possible aid for parishes or individuals interested in implementing a similar guild. That includes using the chairs and kneelers provided for you.
Altar servers are not ordained, they are commissioned by their parish priest. By serving, the altar server is answering gods call to serve. Altar servers handbook altar server pledge in the name of the father son and holy spirit i, an altar server of holy apostles orthodox church. When the deacon or priest is finished pouring the water and the wine and returns the cruets to the servers, all servers will bow and then go back to the credence table. Catholic altar catholic mass catholic crafts roman catholic catholic prayers catholic sacraments catholic catechism religion catolica religious education. Both servers then join father at the steps to receive the gifts. The director oversees the whole chapter, leads the regular meetings, and enrolls the members into the. Thirst, itches, and the like are not a bodily necessities and. Role of altar servers altar servers help the entire community in their prayer and worship of god by assisting the priest at mass. The room in the church where the ministers and altar servers prepare for mass and where sacred vessels are kept. The ministry of altar server is open to men and women, to boys and girls fourth grade and up. Altar server dos and donts beginning the first week of advent weekend of december 2, the special training you received will go into effect formally. Altar server dos and donts beginning the first week of advent weekend of december 2. As an altar server you have a special ministry in the church.
Altar, just as he was at the last supper and calvary. Come, o holy ghost, fill the hearts of thy faithful, and kindle in them the fire of thy love. It is an extreme privilege to kneel so close to the altar as our loving savior, jesus christ, becomes truly present, body, blood, soul and divinity upon the altar. Regarding this service, i would like to suggest some points for your reflection. By the altar servers example of reverence, loyalty, and dedication, the altar servers helps his parish worship god. When setting the altar at the offertory, the bells server lights the candles then places fathers chalice with the host and paten on the altar.
Do not call the rectory, the office, or any parish authority asking them. It is important to note that servers are accepting a very important ministry. The altar workers training guide the function and job description notes there is no one fits all description of how the church altar should be conducted after the invitation has been extended by the preacher. By serving at mass, the altar server is given the ability to serve god in the liturgy. Stephens handbook for altar servers matthews, edward on. Altar server training manual all saints catholic church. Altar servers must always show respect for the sanctity of the church and the sacred vessels. Altar servers are assigned a level based on age, grade, competency, and the frequency and duration of serving.
Sanctuarythe sacred space elevated before the congregation. Altar servers family must be registered members of st. The altar server is expected to make a serious and firm commitment to hisher duties and responsibilities. Scheduling three altar servers are scheduled at each mass. Above all, you are servants of jesus christ, the eternal high priest. The altarservers handbook 5 constitution and organization t he archconfraternity is divided into local chapters. Stephen a century ago, contains in its pages directives which do not necessarily correspond to the 1962 missale romanum or the serving tutorial on the sancta missa website. When you reach the priest and altar servers, walk around the priest to the right and proceed into the sanctuary.
Check to make sure that everything is set up for the mass. Since most altar servers are not yet of age to drive an automobile, it must be pointed out that the altar servers parents or guardians are themselves expected to make a serious and firm commitment to. Servers may not distribute holy communion unless they have been mandated for this function by the bishop. The altar server has a privileged place in liturgical celebrations. This handbook will help you learn the responsibilities, expectations, and procedures for serving with purpose and reverence. Were so glad you want to serve our parish as an altar server. Thus you altar servers especially are called to be young friends of jesus. At the head of the chapter is the director, who is a priest who has approved the archconfraternity to function in his parish.
These servers will be paired with new servers to act as role models and guides. Servers must first complete the training, observe other servers as an apprentice, and pass a competency assessment prior to being promoted into one of the 4 server categories listed below. Ignatius loyola parish altar servers handbook 202014. Altar server manual cei publishing crossfire engineering inc. One server will take the lavabo the glass bowl for washing hands 2. Sign in on the signin sheet take a moment to say the altar server prayer found on the cork board. As an altar server you have many duties to carry out to assist the presider and deacon if.