• Know when you are scheduled to serve.  Keep your email address updated or pick up a schedule from the altar server box in the back hallway.
• If your are unable to serve on the day you are scheduled, please arrange for a substitute.
• Be at church at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled Mass start time.
• Sign the Check in sheet.
• Check with the Mass Parent for any questions or special instructions.
• Wear light colored clothing under the alb.  Stay away from clothing that has writing on it, sometimes this can show through the alb and may be distracting to the community.
• Shoes and socks must be neat and clean.  Flip-flops are not allowed.  If you wear sandals they should have a strap on the heel of the sandal.  Ensure your shoelaces are tied.  This is for your safety, you will be walking up and down steps.
• Check Calendar, ask Mass parent, or check with presider on which color of cincture to wear.
  
  

Consider sharing yourself and your gifts with the community as an active member of the Altar Server Ministry.  There are several different ways you can participate.

• Mass parents: Ensures there are 3 altar servers ready for Mass and that the servers are in their albs with the correct color cincture.  The Mass parent also helps the children get lined up for Mass and answers their questions or gives them any special instructions needed.
• Reminder Callers: Calls the altar servers scheduled to serve at the next Mass to remind them they are on the schedule.  Only responsible for one Mass.
• Alb Washers: Picks up a group of albs from the church and takes them home to wash.  Ironing is not needed so long as the albs are hung up coming out of the dryer.  This would be done on a rotating schedule about every month or so, dependant on how many washers are available.
• Seamstress: On occasion our albs are in need of a zipper or hem to be fixed or replaced.  Amount of time this may require would vary dependant on need.
• Party Planner: Our altar servers work hard sharing themselves with their community.  Someone who could plan and organize a party or event to celebrate them would be greatly appreciated.

To be a cross bearer an altar server should have served in ministry for at least one year. This server should be tall enough/strong enough to maneuver the cross. The cross is top heavy and can pull an unprepared server over. Cross bearers are required to attend a training/formation session. Cross bearer is the leader of the server team. Other servers should be able to look to the cross bearer for questions and guidance.

Cross Server Procedures

General Procedures

• KNOW WHEN YOU ARE SCHEDULED TO SERVE.  Pick up a schedule from the altar server box in the back hallway.  Check to see if you are scheduled for Candle or Cross.  Keep it in a safe place at home as it has many important numbers on it.
• REMEMBER.  If you are unable to serve at your scheduled time, it is your responsibility to arrange for a substitute.  You can switch weeks with another server or just have someone substitute for you.  A complete list of names and phone numbers is on each schedule.

Shout joy to the Lord, all Earth, serve the Lord with gladness, enter God's presence with joy!

Opening Procession

• ORDER.  The cross leads the procession, then the two candles (side by side) followed by the lector, deacon and priest.
• BEGINNING.  The opening procession starts when the community starts to sing the words to the opening song or when the priest instructs the cross server to begin.  The cross server will set the pace, walking slowly down the center aisle.  The candles will follow about two steps behind the cross server.
• ALTAR STEPS.  The cross and candle servers will not stop at the altar steps.  Do NOT stop at the altar steps but continue up walking on the right side of the altar to place the cross in the holder (Jesus should always face out toward the congregation).  After placing the cross in the stand walk reverently with hands together (prayer hands) back to the center and down the steps.
• REVERENCE THE ALTAR.  Once back on the floor at the bottom of the steps, turn around and face the altar.  The priest, deacon, and lectors will be waiting there.  Reverence the altar (bow) when the priest does, then turn and walk to the altar server pew.
• OPENING PRAYER.  The cross server will pick up the Sacramentary (large book that contains prayers the priest says), face the book outwards and walks to the flat corner of the altar.  The cross server will wait at the corner of the altar until the priest says, “Let us Pray” or motions the altar server to come forward.

To be reverent we have to use our minds, our hearts, and our bodies.

Preparation of the Gifts

• BEGINNING.  After the prayers of the faithful the priest will sit down and the collection will start.  Watch the collection baskets, when they have gone back two or three rows the cross server will pick up the book and walk to the center of the altar with the candle servers.
• BOW.  When all three servers are at the center steps of the altar they will stop.  The cross server may bow his/her head (though this is not necessary) while the candle servers reverence the altar (bow), then proceed up the steps.
• PLACE THE BOOK.  The cross server will walk to the right of the altar (on the side where the musicians are) and place the sacramentary to the left of the corporal (small white cloth in the center of the altar).
• CHALICE.  Sometimes there will be a chalice (large gold or silver cup) on the credence table.  If there is one present the cross server will walk down to the credence table and take it to the altar placing it on the corporal.
• BOWL AND TOWEL.  The cross server will walk back to the credence table and carry the bowl and towel back to the altar for the washing of the hands.
  

Washing of the Hands

• ORDER.  The left candle server will line up in the No. 1 position (closest to the table), the right candle server will be in the No. 2 (center) position and the cross server will be in the No. 3 (toward the back wall).
• WATER.  The server in the No. 1 position should watch for the deacon or priest to pour water into the wine.  They will then set the water on the corner of the altar.  Step forward; pick up the water and step back into line.
• BOWL AND TOWEL.  The cross server is responsible for getting the bowl and towel for the hand washing from the credence table (see above).  They will give the bowl to the No. 2 position and will hold the towel.  If there are only 2 servers, the No. 2 position is responsible for getting the bowl and towel and holding both.
• WASHING OF THE HANDS.  When the priest turns toward the servers he will place his hands over the bowl.  The server with the water should then pour a small amount of water over the priest’s fingers.  The priest will take the towel from the server, dry his hands and place the towel back on the server’s hands.
• CREDENCE TABLE.  When the priest is finished all three servers will walk side by side off the altar and place the bowl, towel, and water on top of the credence table.  Then all three should walk reverently with hands folded (prayer hands) back to the pew.

Our Father - 5:30 Sunday Mass Only

• Immediately after the Great Amen proceed to the altar along with the lectors, ministers of hospitality, Eucharistic ministers and music ministers. Join hands with the priest and deacon for the Our Father. Return to the pew when it is finished.

Following Communion

• SACRAMENTARY.  After the cross server has received Eucharist he/she will return to the altar, walk to the back of the altar and get the sacramentary.   Walk back to the pew with the sacramentary and place it next to you in the pew.

Ending Procession

• CLOSING PRAYER.  Following the announcements, the cross server will pick up the Sacramentary (large book that contains prayers the priest says), face the book outwards and walks to the flat corner of the altar.  The cross server will wait at the corner of the altar until the priest says, “Let us Pray” or motions the altar server to come forward.
• After the ending prayer the altar server should take the sacramentary back to the pew, this will happen as the priest is giving the final blessing.  The priest will say, “the mass is ended go in peace to love and serve the lord” and as the community is responding “Thanks be to God” the servers will leave the pew and go to the center of the altar steps.  Walk up the steps to get the cross and candles.  Come down the steps and line up in the diamond formation, wait for the procession out.
• DIAMOND FORMATION.  Candles line up halfway between the steps and the first pew, turn and face the altar.  The cross will line up in the center of the aisle where the first pew is.
• PROCESSION.  Watch for the priest to reverence the altar (bow).  When he does, turn and process up the center aisle.  The pace should be slightly faster than the entrance.
• The servers will turn left at the doors and follow the aisle along the back wall all the way around to the side aisle and then return to the altar to put the cross and candles back in the stands.
• The servers will exit the altar (remembering to reverence the altar!) and go back to the sacristy/altar server room to remove their albs.
• PLEASE HANG UP YOUR ALB ON THE CORRECT SIZE HANGER!

    

To be a candle bearer an altar server should have received First Eucharist and have completed the 3rd grade. Candle servers are required to attend a training/formation session.

Candle Server Procedures

General Procedures

• KNOW WHEN YOU ARE SCHEDULED TO SERVE. Pick up a schedule from the altar server box in the back hallway. Check to see if you are scheduled for Candle or Cross. Keep it in a safe place at home as it has many important numbers on it.
• REMEMBER. If you are unable to serve at your scheduled time, it is your responsibility to arrange for a substitute. You can switch weeks with another server or just have someone substitute for you. A complete list of names and phone numbers is on each schedule.
• REMINDER CALLER. Please let the mass reminder caller know of any switches or substitutions so they may call the correct servers for each week’s mass. Their name and phone number is on the schedule.
• EMERGENCIES. If you have a last minute emergency or illness, please try to let the mass parent or an altar server chairperson know. Names and phone numbers are on the schedule.
• DRESS. Altar servers wear albs at every mass. You may wear what you would normally wear to church underneath the alb. Light colors are recommended so as not to show through the white alb. Shorts are acceptable, as the albs can be warm in the summer.
• SHOES. Your shoes and socks must be neat and clean, as they are not covered by the alb. Sandals must have a strap on the heel. NO flip-flops. Tennis shoes must be tied. This is for your safety, as you will be walking up and down the altar steps.

Before Mass

• BE EARLY! Arrive 15 minutes before Mass begins. This allows you enough time to get dressed and be ready for the opening procession. If you are not there 10 minutes before Mass begins and someone else has already volunteered to fill in, you will need to go and sit with your family.
• SIGN IN. The sign in sheet is located on the white board in the back hallway. If you are substituting for another server, please write “Sub for” and the server’s name underneath where you have signed in.
• GET DRESSED. Please choose an alb that is long enough to cover your legs, but not so ling that you will trip as you go up and down the altar stairs.
• CINCTURES. These are the rope belts that the servers wear. They are to be knotted tightly on the server’s right side. There are different color cinctures to match the liturgical seasons. Please check the calendar hanging by the albs for the color to wear. The altar server’s cinctures should always be the same color as the priest’s chasuble and stole. If you are unsure, you may ask the mass parent, deacon, or priest. NOTE: For Saturday evening mass, wear the color that is listed for Sunday.
• GET THE CROSS AND CANDLES. When all of the altar servers are dressed (this should be no later than 5 minutes before mass is to begin) you will go together as a group to the altar and get the cross and candles. Go to the back of the church by the baptismal font. Check the candles to be sure they have enough oil in them, if needed, have the mass parent light the candles. Line up and be ready for the opening procession.
• VOLUNTEER. If you are not scheduled to serve you may come to the back hallway and check to see if a server is needed. This is always nice for the mass parent so they know who is available if necessary.

Opening Procession

• ORDER. The cross leads the procession, then the two candles (side by side) followed by the lector, deacon and priest.
• BEGINNING. The opening procession starts when the community starts to sing the words to the opening song or when the priest instructs the cross server to begin. The cross server will set the pace, walking slowly down the center aisle. The candles will follow about two steps behind the cross server. Candles should be held at eye level.
• ALTAR STEPS. The cross and candle servers will proceed down the aisle to the altar steps. Do NOT stop at the altar steps but continue straight up the steps toward the altar. The cross will walk to the right side of the altar to place the cross in the holder. Candle servers will turn left and place each candle on either side of the ambo. After placing the candles in the stand turn and walk reverently with hands together (prayer hands) down the steps. It is not necessary to go back to the center of the altar. Candle servers might not be beside the cross server at this point.
• REVERENCE THE ALTAR. Once back on the floor at the bottom of the steps, turn around and face the altar. The priest, deacon, and lectors will be waiting there. Reverence the altar (bow) when the priest does, then turn and walk to the altar server pew. Remain standing with the community.

To be reverent we have to use our minds, our hearts, and our bodies.

Preparation of the Gifts

• BEGINNING. After the prayers of the faithful the priest will sit down and the collection will start. Watch the collection baskets, when they have gone back two or three rows the cross server will pick up the book and walk to the center of the altar with the candle servers.
• BOW. When all three servers are at the center steps of the altar they will stop. The cross server may bow his/her head (though this is not necessary) while the candle servers reverence the altar (bow), then proceed up the steps.
• CANDLES. Candle servers will walk straight up the steps toward the altar. When they are in front of the altar they will turn to the left and go pick up the candles and move them to the candle stands on either side of the altar. Candle servers should pace themselves so that they are walking from the ambo to the altar at the same time. After placing their candles in the stands the left candle will stand in place and wait for the right candle to come around to the left side. They will both line up for the washing of the hands.

Washing of the Hands

• ORDER. The left candle server will line up in the No. 1 position (closest to the table), the right candle server will be in the No. 2 (center) position and the cross server will be in the No. 3 (toward the back wall).
• WATER. The server in the No. 1 position should watch for the deacon or priest to pour water into the wine. They will then set the water on the corner of the altar. Step forward; pick up the water and step back into line. Sometimes the deacon may hand the altar server the water cruet.
• BOWL AND TOWEL. The cross server is responsible for getting the bowl and towel for the hand washing from the credence table. They will give the bowl to the No. 2 position and will hold the towel. If there are only 2 servers, the No. 2 position is responsible for getting the bowl and towel and holding both.
  
• WASHING OF THE HANDS. When the priest turns toward the servers he will place his hands over the bowl. The server with the water should then pour a small amount of water over the priest’s fingers. The priest will take the towel from the server, dry his hands and place the towel back on the server’s hands.
• CREDENCE TABLE. When the priest is finished all three servers will walk side by side off the altar and place the bowl, towel, and water on top of the credence table. Then all three should walk reverently with hands folded (prayer hands) back to the pew.

Our Father - 5:30 Sunday Mass Only

• Immediately after the Great Amen proceed to the altar along with the lectors, ministers of hospitality, Eucharistic ministers and music ministers. Join hands with the priest and deacon for the Our Father. Return to the pew when it is finished.

Ending Procession

• After the ending prayer the cross server will be taking the sacramentary back to the pew, this will happen as the priest is giving the final blessing. The priest will say, “the mass is ended go in peace to love and serve the lord” and as the community is responding “Thanks be to God” the servers will leave the pew and go to the center of the altar steps. Walk up the steps to get the cross and candles. Come down the steps and line up in the diamond formation, wait for the procession out.
• DIAMOND FORMATION. Candles line up halfway between the steps and the first pew, turn and face the altar. The cross will line up in the center of the aisle where the first pew is.
• PROCESSION. Watch for the priest to reverence the altar (bow). When he does, turn and process up the center aisle. The pace should be slightly faster than the entrance.
• The servers will turn left at the doors and follow the aisle along the back wall all the way around to the side aisle and then return to the altar to put the cross and candles back in the stands.
• The servers will exit the altar (remembering to reverence the altar!) and go back to the sacristy/altar server room to remove their albs.
• PLEASE HANG UP YOUR ALB ON THE CORRECT SIZE HANGER!

To be a mass parent one must have the desire to share their gifts with the community. Mass parents will be trained on an ad hoc basis. It is recommended that Mass parents take at least one Adult Formation class every year.

Mass Parent Procedures

Before Mass

• Arrive at church at least 15 minutes before Mass begins.  It is nice if you are there before the altar servers arrive so you can greet them.
• Check to see if all three servers are signed in.
• Be available to help the servers with albs.  Check the length of albs, roll up sleeves, etc.
• Check to see if the servers have the proper color of cincture (rope belt).  They should be wearing the same color as the presider.
• If a server is missing 10 minutes before mass.  Ask a volunteer to sign in and put on an alb or look for a server in the congregation.
• Items to check before Mass: Bowl and towel are on/under the credence table, sacramentary is on the presider’s chair, and the back candles are lit.
• Light the altar servers candles.
• Answer and questions the altar servers may have.  Give any instructions if there are any changes for that mass.

During Mass

• Be a gentle presence that the altar server can turn to if they are confused or unsure of what to do.
  
• If an altar server becomes ill during mass, reassure them; guide them to the restroom in the back hallway if necessary.

After Mass

• Thank the servers.  Tell them they did a good job and give any gentle reminders if something was not quite right.
• Remind the servers to hang up their albs.

      

Page updated: Wednesday, October 05, 2005