Altar Server Instructions

Once in a while, a server may have to use a match to light the candles or the charcoal for the thurible.
Always light a match directly over the metal sink. When you are finished with the match, drop it in the sink and run water over it.

Don’t let the match go down the drain.  Make sure the match is full of water, and put it in the trash.
When lighting charcoal for the thurible, hold the charcoal over the sink with tongs.  Be aware that the charcoal will spark, and can shoot out burning dust.  This can cause a fire.  When the charcoal sparks, check the floor, etc., for embers.  Extinguish with water or a wet paper towel.  When Mass, Exposition or Benediction is over, put the thurible on stand outside of sacristy to cool.

Come prepared to serve at the altar.
If you cannot make an appointed time to serve, it is your responsibility to find a replacement.
If you are not scheduled to serve and you see that help is needed, ask the priest if you may serve.   Jeans, shorts, sneakers, and certain tee shirts are not appropriate for Mass.  Review your duties as a server.  This will help you to move on time, without delay.   Moving at the right time and prayerfully is an ideal for all servers, deacons and priests. Remind yourself that you are a leader of prayer.  Your focus on prayer helps others to pray. When your hands are empty, they should usually be folded. When you are sitting, your hands should rest on your lap.

Remind yourself to sing with the congregation during Mass.  For Masses during the week, you will need a hymn book as you process into church. Arrive early so that at least 15 minutes before Mass begins you are ready:

• Put on an alb that fits you.  Make sure the closet stays neat, and all albs are hanging up.

• (At a weekday Mass: make sure the candles are lit, the cruets and altar bread are on the gifts table, make sure the chalice, purificator, brass bowl and pitcher, and finger towel are on the side table, go to the sacristy to meet the priest and ask if anything else is needed for Mass.) The MC will meet you and brief you before Mass.

When there are three servers, one takes the cross (cross-bearer) and two servers process in with oil candles. The cross-bearer leads the procession into church, followed by the other servers.
All servers stop at the first step in front of the altar. Line up from left to right:  one server on the left, then the priest, then the cross-bearer, then another server on the right.  All three servers bow to the altar.
The cross-bearer takes the cross to the stand up against the wall. The other two servers take the candles, place them on the stand outside the sacristy and go to their seats in the back of the sanctuary.
The cross-bearer then takes the sacramentary and stands in front of the priest for the opening prayer.
NOTE: The opening and closing prayers always start with “Let us pray…” When the opening prayer is finished, the priest closes the book.  The cross-bearer then puts the  sacramentary on the middle of the altar.  The cross-bearer opens the sacramentary to the same ribbon that the priest just used. All servers listen closely to the readings and homily, and keep in mind what they will do next.

(1) Whenever bringing something to the altar, the server goes to the priest and stands close enough  that the priest doesn’t have to lean to take what the server is carrying.
(2) The only thing the servers ever put on the altar is the sacramentary, unless the priest specifically asks   otherwise.  Anything else will be given or received by the deacon or priest.
When the priest goes to the center aisle, the cross-bearer brings the chalice from the side table to the altar, and  stands waiting for the priest or deacon to take the chalice.  The deacon or priest will put the chalice on the altar.  Also when the priest goes to the center aisle, the other two servers go with him.
All bread that is received is taken directly to the altar.  Wait for the priest or deacon to take it from you.  The wine is taken to the side table.
All three servers check the side table for extra bread, and take any extra bread to the deacon or the priest.
Go all the way up to the priest whenever you bring him anything.  Do not make him walk towards you.  Do not bring empty ciboria to the priest at this time: just bring the priest any bread.
While the priest is praying “Blessed are You, Lord…” over the bread,  the servers bring the water and wine to the altar.
While the priest is praying “Blessed are You, Lord…” over the wine,  one server brings the brass pitcher and bowl to the altar;  and the second server brings the finger towel to the altar.  Unfold the finger towel for the priest.
When the priest holds his hands over the bowl, pour water like a drinking fountain over his hands.
After the priest dries his hands, the servers bring the brass pitcher and bowl and finger towel back to  the side table.
All three servers go back to their seats and stand and kneel as usual.
One server rings the bells three times:
When the priest holds his hands over the gifts and says “…let Your Spirit come upon these gifts…”
When the priest holds up the Host.
When the priest holds up the chalice.
NOTE: A short ring is enough.
When the people are saying or singing “Lamb of God…” all three servers bring any empty ciboria from  the side table to the altar.
After receiving Holy Communion, the cross-bearer takes the sacramentary from the altar to the stand behind the priest’s chair.
The cross-bearer then takes anything else on the altar (chalice, paten, etc.) and puts it on the side table.
EXCEPTION: if the cross-bearer sees the Eucharist on the altar (a chalice full of the Precious Blood or a ciborium with the Body of the Lord), the server should leave the Eucharist on the altar.
All three servers go to their seats and kneel.
When the priest or deacon closes the tabernacle, the cross-bearer goes to the stand behind the priest’s chair  and waits during the announcements.  When the announcements are over, the priest will say “Let us pray.”  Then cross-bearer stands in front of the priest and holds the sacramentary for him.
After the closing prayer and blessing, the cross-bearer puts the gets the cross and the acolytes get the candles;  and all three servers line up in front of the altar as at the beginning of Mass:  one server on the left, then the priest, then the cross-bearer, then the other server on the right.
All bow to the altar. The cross-bearer leads the procession out of the church, followed by the other servers.

Return the cross and candles to its stand in the Altar Server room.
Hang up your alb.  Make sure all albs are hanging up and are zipped up on the hanger.
Think over serving the Mass:

• Did you keep focused on praying through Mass?  This isn’t easy!

• Did you fold your hands properly when standing, and rest your hands on your lap when sitting?

• Did you know what to do, and did you do it without delay?  Did the priest have to wait for you?

• Do you have any questions about serving Mass for next time?

• The MC’s are at your service.  Feel free to call them with any questions.

Know that the Lord and the Church are very grateful for the reverence, devotion and effort you bring to the altar.