Return to S.P.I.R.I.T
PREPARATION (Before Mass)
Check your name on weekly list (or fill in your name as a substitute) on the server schedule in the Vesting Sacristy. Choose the role – cross bearer, two candles, altar dresser that you will do
The sacristan or priest usually gathers the items below.
If a sacristan is not present or the priest has not moved the items, place all the things out from the Working Sacristy on the altar, tabernacle and the credence table as follows:
a. Altar – clear plastic book stand – place in front center of the altar
b. Credence Table – Sacramentary or Roman Missal, (incense and boat if needed)
c. Small table under crucifix - tray with chalice, the three smaller chalices, water cruet,
purificators and corporal - glass finger dish and towel, communion bowls (ciboriums)
d. Tabernacle – put key in tabernacle
e. Table at the back of Church - take the wine and bread
Be aware of this for weddings, funerals, and special events.
Make sure you always cross in front of the altar and BOW.
Pay attention during Mass. Sit up, be quiet unless praying, leave your cross in position. Be a good example for others.
During the Eucharistic Prayer, all servers kneel on the pads on the side steps
During the sign of peace, the Altar Dresser places all the ciboriums or communion bowls on the left side of the altar facing the people.
Receive the sign of peace from the priest. Bring back the Sacramentary or Roman Missal, if it is placed on the right hand corner of the altar.
During communion, the Cross Bearer takes the Sacramentary or Roman MIssal to the credence table if it has not already been brought back
The Cross Bearer holds the Sacramentary or Roman Missal with the ribbons on the priest’s right for the prayer after communion when he says “Let us Pray…”
During the final song, when the priest moves to kiss the altar, the Candle Bearers bow together in front of the altar
and go to get the candles; the Cross Bearer gets the cross from hanger in the North entryway.
The Cross Bearer carries the cross to the center aisle between the two front pews and turns to face the altar.
The two Candle Bearers pick up the candles, step down from the sanctuary in front of the cross bearer
and turn to face the altar. The Altar Dresser stops at the bottom of the steps in front of the candle bearers and turns to face the altar.
The lectors stop at the bottom of the altar steps in front of the altar dresser. When the priest comes to the bottom of the steps, All Bow together except the cross bearer. Then all turn and process out.
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT:
Keep being attentive for yourself and for others. Many of you have been a real blessing when things have been
forgotten at the altar or when batteries have died or another server forgets something.
Make sure your wear an alb that is long enough. All of you are getting taller. Your alb should be only a few
inches off the floor.
Make sure you hang up your alb after Mass – so that it stays hung up. If one has fallen off the hanger, please
hang it back up.
Make sure all four servers are wearing matching crosses.
Don’t wear bright colored clothes. They show through the alb.
We really appreciate some of you checking before Mass to see if we need servers. Usually everyone is there but it is nice to know is someone is available to help.
Check your name on weekly list (or fill in your name as a substitute) on the server schedule in the Vesting Sacristy. Choose the role – cross bearer, two candles, altar dresser that you will do
The sacristan or priest usually gathers the items below.
If a sacristan is not present or the priest has not moved the items, place all the things out from the Working Sacristy on the altar, tabernacle and the credence table as follows:
a. Altar – clear plastic book stand – place in front center of the altar
b. Credence Table – Sacramentary or Roman Missal, (incense and boat if needed)
c. Small table under crucifix - tray with chalice, the three smaller chalices, water cruet,
purificators and corporal - glass finger dish and towel, communion bowls (ciboriums)
d. Tabernacle – put key in tabernacle
e. Table at the back of Church - take the wine and bread
Be aware of this for weddings, funerals, and special events.
Make sure you always cross in front of the altar and BOW.
Pay attention during Mass. Sit up, be quiet unless praying, leave your cross in position. Be a good example for others.
During the Eucharistic Prayer, all servers kneel on the pads on the side steps
During the sign of peace, the Altar Dresser places all the ciboriums or communion bowls on the left side of the altar facing the people.
Receive the sign of peace from the priest. Bring back the Sacramentary or Roman Missal, if it is placed on the right hand corner of the altar.
During communion, the Cross Bearer takes the Sacramentary or Roman MIssal to the credence table if it has not already been brought back
The Cross Bearer holds the Sacramentary or Roman Missal with the ribbons on the priest’s right for the prayer after communion when he says “Let us Pray…”
During the final song, when the priest moves to kiss the altar, the Candle Bearers bow together in front of the altar
and go to get the candles; the Cross Bearer gets the cross from hanger in the North entryway.
The Cross Bearer carries the cross to the center aisle between the two front pews and turns to face the altar.
The two Candle Bearers pick up the candles, step down from the sanctuary in front of the cross bearer
and turn to face the altar. The Altar Dresser stops at the bottom of the steps in front of the candle bearers and turns to face the altar.
The lectors stop at the bottom of the altar steps in front of the altar dresser. When the priest comes to the bottom of the steps, All Bow together except the cross bearer. Then all turn and process out.
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT:
Keep being attentive for yourself and for others. Many of you have been a real blessing when things have been
forgotten at the altar or when batteries have died or another server forgets something.
Make sure your wear an alb that is long enough. All of you are getting taller. Your alb should be only a few
inches off the floor.
Make sure you hang up your alb after Mass – so that it stays hung up. If one has fallen off the hanger, please
hang it back up.
Make sure all four servers are wearing matching crosses.
Don’t wear bright colored clothes. They show through the alb.
We really appreciate some of you checking before Mass to see if we need servers. Usually everyone is there but it is nice to know is someone is available to help.