This page is designed as a continual reference to young Catholics serving as Altar Servers for the Leighton Chapel, USAG Franconia


What is an Altar Server?
Altar servers perform most of the functions of the former "minor order" of ordained clerics known as acolytes (from the Greek word akolouthos or 'attendant'). Church writings from the second and third centuries discuss the role of acolytes, giving the office great importance and honor in the history of the Church. Altar servers today are not ordained, but are 'commissioned' by their parish priest (Book of Blessings, Chapter 62)

The primary role of the Altar server is to assist the priest in the celebration of the liturgy during Mass. This is done through specific actions and by setting an example to the congregation by active participation in the liturgy (hymns, responses, etc.), by 'looking alert' and by sitting or standing at the appropriate times.

The Order of the Mass | Items of the Mass | Preparing for Mass | Traditional Prayers

 

The Order of the Mass
(Unlike the "Order of the Mass" link on the previous page, this order is designed specifically for the Leighton Altar servers and describes their actions during each phase.)
Some parts of the Mass may appear to be left out. During these parts the Altar servers are following the rest of the congregation.
NOTE: Parents, when teaching your children to become Altar Servers, please emphasize use of the correct terminology in relation to Altar items.

Part of the Mass
Description
Server Specific Tasks
The Entrance Procession The entrance and procession is the start of the Mass. This is the time when the celebrant and the Altar Servers will make their way to the Altar During a regular Mass, the procession will consist of three Altar servers. One Altar server will carry the Processional Cross while two other Altar servers carry the candles. Once the procession reaches the front of the Altar all members will bow. The Altar servers will then follow the celebrant to the sanctuary, and take their seats.
Opening Prayer Following the Gloria the celebrant will read an opening prayer from the Sacramentary To maintain consistency Altar servers are given specific tasks based on what they process to the Altar with. It is the cross bearers task to remove the Sacramentary from the Altar, open it, and hold it in front of the celebrant while he reads the opening prayer. Following the prayer the Altar server returns the Sacramentary to the Altar and returns to their seat.
Presentation of the Gifts
Preparation of the Altar		 This is the portion of the Mass where the wine and hosts are brought to the Altar. At the same time the Altar servers prepare the Altar The two Altar servers who carried the candles during the procession will prepare the Altar:
1. The first step in preparing the Altar is to bring the three chalices (with the purificators, corporal, paten, and pall) to the Altar.
2. Next the Altar servers will proceed with the celebrant to the front of the Altar to receive the gifts.
3. Third, one Altar server will wait at the side of the Altar with the wine. The other Altar server, after placing the ciborium on the Altar, will return to the credence table to retrieve the cruet with the water.
4. Once the celebrant has taken the wine, the Altar server presenting the wine will return to the credence table to retrieve the finger bowl and finger towel, then return to the Altar.
5. Once the celebrant has cleansed his hands, both Altar servers will return to the credence table with the cruet, finger bowl, and finger towel, and then return to their seats.
Holy, Holy (Sanctus) The Holy, Holy (Sanctus) is sung or said prior to the Eucharistic Prayer At the beginning of the Holy, Holy (Sanctus), the Altar servers will line up behind the Altar, near the credence table, and will proceed to the front of the Altar, where they will remain standing until the end of the Holy, Holy (Sanctus). At this time the Altar servers will kneel at the edge of the Altar. The Altar server who processed with the cross will secure the bells in preparation for the Eucharistic Prayer.
The Eucharistic Prayer There are three times during the Eucharistic Prayer that the Altar server will ring the bells. NOTE: Ringing the bells is not a game, it is to be done with grace and reverence for approximately two or three seconds. 1. Sanctus bells are first rung prior to the consecration at the epiclesis when the priest prays to the Holy Spirit to change the gifts of bread and wine into the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ. (This is symbolized by the celebrant placing both hands flat, palms down, over the gifts.)

2. The bells are rung a second time as the priest elevates and presents the Body of Christ.

3. The bells are rung a third time as the celebrant elevates and presents the chalice filled with the Precious Blood.
Communion During Communion, Altar servers will receive Communion and the return to their seats for silent reflection and meditation.  
After Communion Following Communion, but prior to the Prayer after Communion Following Communion the two Altar servers who prepared the Altar will return to the Altar to retrieve the gifts and return them to the credence table. Following Communion, nothing but the Sacramentary will be left on the Altar.
Prayer after Communion Following Communion the celebrant will read the Prayer after Communion from the Sacramentary The Altar server who processed with the cross will remove the Sacramentary from the Altar, open it, and hold it in front of the celebrant while he reads the opening prayer. Following the prayer the Altar server will return the Sacramentary to the Altar return to their seat.
Recessional Following the Dismissal, the Altar servers and the celebrant will leave the Altar The Altar servers will secure the item (Processional Cross or candles) that they processed in with and return to the front of the Altar. The Altar servers will face the Altar and wait for the celebrant. Once the celebrant has joined them at the front of the Altar, all will bow in unison. The procession will then depart the Church in the same order it entered: Cross, candles, lector, celebrant.

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The items of the Altar and Mass
(The following is a list of items that all Altar servers should be familiar with.)

The Church
altar
 The Altar - The table on which the sacrifice of the Mass is offered to God. It is the center of importance in the place where the Mass is celebrated. Also called: “The Table of the Lord.”
Sanctuary
 The Sanctuary - The area around the Altar, considered holy because of the physical presence of God.
Altar Server Vestments
Alb
 The Alb - A long white garment which can be used by all liturgical ministers. It is a reminder of the baptismal garment worn when the new Christian "Put on Christ." The Alb symbolizes the innocence and purity that should adorn the soul of the priest or Altar server who ascends the altar.
CinctureCincture
CinctureCincture

The Cincture - A long cord used for fastening albs at the waist. It holds the loose-fitting type of alb in place and is used to adjust it to proper length. It is usually white, although the liturgical color of the day may be used. The various colors are symbolic of the different Masses and seasons.

Green - Worn during "Ordinary Time." Ordinary does not mean ordinary in the sense of common or normal. Ordinary means counting, as in the 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time.

Violet - Worn during Advent and Lent or at Masses for the dead.

Red - Worn on Passion (Palm) Sunday, Good Friday, Pentecost Sunday, and on the Feast Days of Martyrs including the Apostles and Evangelists.

White - Worn during the Christmas, Easter seasons and celebrations of Mary, the Angels, Saints who were not martyrs, All Saints, Birth of John the Baptist, Chair of Peter, Conversion of Paul, St. John the Evangelist and is the preferred color for Masses for the dead.
Items of the Altar
CiboriumCiborium
 The Ciborium - A vessel used to hold the Hosts which will be used for Communion. They are also used to reserve the Blessed Sacrament in the tabernacle.
Chalice
 The Chalice - The large cup used at Mass used to hold the wine which becomes the Blood of Christ. Represents the 'cup' used at the Last Supper (Luke 22:17) and the 'cup' of the Passion (Luke 22:42). Stands for the Sacred Heart of Jesus (John 19:34) from which our redemption flows
Paten
 The Paten - A saucer-like disk which holds the bread which becomes the Body of Christ.
Corporal
 The Corporal - A white linen cloth on which are placed the vessels containing the bread and wine during Mass which will become the Body and Blood of Christ. It represents the sheet in which the body of Christ was wrapped for burial, and is folded in three from all sides and stored in a burse

Pall
 The Pall - The stiff, square, white cover that is placed over the paten when it is on the chalice.
Purificator
 The Purificator - A white cloth use to cleanse the chalice. It resembles a napkin.
Cruet
 The Cruet / Pitcher - A large glass jar used to hold water that is mixed with the wine to become the Blood of Christ.
Finger BowlFinger Bowl
 The Finger Bowl - Small bowl used to catch the water used during the cleansing of the Celebrant's hands during the Liturgy of the Eucharist.
Bells

The Sanctus Bells - Rung at the Sanctus (consecration) and at the elevation of both Species to invite the faithful to the act of adoration at the Consecration.
Processional Items
CandleProcessional Cross

The Processional Cross - The processional cross serves as the standard which identifies us as a people and which leads the People of God on our journey to heaven through the worship and praise of the Lord. A custom in the ancient world was that of placing a standard or symbol in front of a group or a procession of people. Since it was held high above the people, it served as a focal point around which people gathered and behind which they marched. This standard or symbol was a rallying point and identified the people who followed it. For a Christian the cross of Christ fulfilled all these meanings. We are a people redeemed by the cross. Christ is the Way - the example we follow on our journey through life and the strength for the struggles of life. The cross identifies us as a people and leads us to God.

The Candle - Represents Christ as the 'Light of the World' and the purity of God. Brought to the Altar during the entrance procession.
Books of the Mass
Sacramentary
 The Sacramentary - Contains the opening prayer, prayer over the gifts, prayer after Communion, and solemn blessings. Eucharistic prayers and prefaces for all of the Masses including most special occasions.
Book of the Gospels
 The Book of the Gospels - Contains only the Gospel readings. It is used on more solemn occasions and is carried by the deacon if it is used.
Lectionary
 The Lectionary - Contains the scripture readings for Mass. It is carried in the procession by the lector and placed on the ambo.
Special Mass Items
BoatCenser

The Boat - The Boat holds the incense until it is place in the censor by the celebrant.

The Censer - The Censer, also known as the Thurible, is used at solemn occasion to incense the bread and wine after the offertory, the priest, and congregation.

AspersoriumAspergil

The Aspersorium (Bucket) - The bucket is used to hold the holy water during the Rite of Sprinkling.

The aspergil/aspergillum (Brush and Scepter) - Used in conjunction with the Aspersorium, either version of Aspergil may be used by the celebrant for the sprinkling of Holy Water.

From the Latin word aspergere, to sprinkle.
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Preparing for Mass

In order to properly prepare for Mass, the Altar server must understand the basic concepts of the Church. They must understand the locations (locations are taught during formal training) and names of all the items associated with the Mass.

1. Upon arriving at the Church the Altar server should check the Credence Table to ensure that the proper items are laid out accordingly: (This is not placed on any one server as all should check to ensure the Credence Table is properly prepared.)

a. 3xChalice w/Purificators in each
b. 1xCruet 1/4 full of water
c. 1x Paten
d. 1x Pall (Paten and Pall are placed over one of the Chalices)
e. 1xFinger Bowl; and 1xFinger Towel.

2. Approximately ten minutes prior to the start of Mass Altar servers should don their Albs and Cinctures.

3. Approximately five minutes prior to Mass one Altar server should light the candles.

4. Following the Mass two Altar servers will remain in their Albs and pass out the bulletins to the congregation.

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Traditional Prayers

To an Altar Server
The Gloria | The Nicene Creed | The Apostle's Creed | The Holy, Holy (Sanctus) | The Lord's Prayer
The Lamb of God | The Hail Mary | The Salve Regina (Hail Holy Queen) | The Doxology

To an Alter Server

To be Christ's page at the altar,
To serve Him freely there,
Where even the angels falter,
Bowed low in reverent prayer.
To touch the throne most holy,
To hand the gifts for the feast,
To see Him meekly, lowly,
Descend at the word of the priest.
To hear man's poor petition,
To sound the silver bell,
When He in sweet submission,
Comes down with us to dwell.
No grander mission surely,
Could saints or men enjoy,
No heart should love more purely,
Than yours, my altar girl or boy.

God bless you forever,
And keep you in His care,
And guard you that you never,
Belie the robes you wear.
For while bespeaks untainted,
A heart both tried and true,
And red tells love the sainted,
And holy martyrs knew.
Throughout life, then, endeavor,
God's Graces to employ, And be in heart forever,
A holy altar girl or boy.
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The Gloria

Glory to God in the highest,
and peace to his people on earth.
Lord God, heavenly King, almighty God and Father,
we worship you, we give you thanks, we praise you for your glory.
Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father,
Lord God, Lamb of God,
you take away the sin of the world: have mercy on us;
you are seated at the right hand of the Father: receive our prayer.
For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord,
You alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ,
with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father. Amen.
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The Nicene Creed

We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth, of all that is seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God,
begotten, not made, one in Being with the Father.
Through him all things were made.
For us men and for our salvation he came down from heaven:
(bow during the next two lines)
by the power of the Holy Spirit
he was born of the Virgin Mary, and became man.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
he suffered, died, and was buried.
On the third day he rose again in fulfillment of the Scriptures;
he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son.
With the Father and the Son he is worshipped and glorified.
He has spoken through the Prophets.
We believe in one holy Catholic and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come. Amen.
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The Apostle's Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit
and born of the Virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again.
He ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy Catholic Church,
the Communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
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The Holy, Holy (Sanctus)

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
Heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.
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The Lord's Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name;
thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
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The Lamb of God

Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world: have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world: have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world: grant us peace.
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The Hail Mary

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee,
blessed art thou amongst women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
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The Salve Regina (Hail Holy Queen)

Hail Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy,
our life our sweetness and our hope.
To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve;
To thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears.
Turn then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us
and after this our exile show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary!
V- Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God
R- That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
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The Doxology

Glory be to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
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If you are a military dependent living in Wurzburg, Germany, and you are interested in becoming an Altar server contact me michael@noerr.us.
(Altar Servers must be practicing Catholics who have received the Sacrament of Reconciliation and their First Communion)

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