Serving is not for everyone. It is a call from God to a special ministry in the Church. As an Altar Server, your child is a Liturgical Minister with an important role during the Mass or during other liturgical services, such as Stations of the Cross or Benediction.
The privilege and honor of serving at the altar has been a longstanding tradition in the Catholic Church. This service requires commitment, diligence, and cooperation on the part of the Altar Server so that the Holy Mass may be offered in a suitable way giving honor to God and leading hearts of the congregation to prayer.
It is his/her privilege to assist the priest at the Altar and his behavior should be exemplary at all times. This not only applies to time spent in church, but also to your child's behavior and conduct at home and in school.
It is also important for you as parents to realize that you play an important role in the ministry as well. This is especially true for parents of younger Altar Servers: You support your son/daughter in his/her service by helping to ensure that he/she is prepared, properly dressed, arrive for his/her assignments on time and taken home thereafter. Parents should also assist in finding a substitute if their son/daughter is unable to fulfill his/her assigned service.
Finally, we ask you to pray that your son/daughter and his/her fellow servers, who will draw close to God's altar, may develop in their own souls an abiding love for God … the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Motto:
Servire in Humilitate is Latin for
“Service in Humility”
Our Core Values are in CHRIST:
Commitment… to the service of God
Humility…in all that we say and do
Reverence…to the Holy Trinity
Integrity…uncompromising in truth
Steadfastness…unwavering in spirit
Togetherness…a holy brotherhood
Open my mouth, O Lord, to bless your Holy Name.
Cleanse my heart from all evil and distracting thoughts.
Enlighten my understanding and inflame my will
that I may serve more worthily at your holy altar.
O Mary, Mother of Christ the High Priest, obtain for me
the most important grace of knowing my vocation in life.
Grant me a true spirit of faith and humble obedience
so that I may ever behold the priest as a representative of God and
willingly follow him in the Way, the Truth, and the Life of Christ.
Amen.
Altar Servers should dress in a manner that is appropriate for the celebration of the Eucharist. Servers should dress in collared shirts/blouses and dark dress pants (optionally, girls may wear a black skirt, knee length or longer). Blue jeans, shorts, gym clothes, and T-shirts are never to be worn at Mass. Such clothing is not appropriate dress for serving at the altar.
SHOES – Dress shoes (preferably black or brown shoes) should be worn. No tennis shoes, sandals, flip-flops, or high heels (to prevent tripping on stairs).
HAIR – Hair should be neatly cut and trimmed, appropriate for boys/girls serving at the Holy Altar.
JEWELRY – Do not wear anything that will make noise and/or will be distracting, or that will cause you to have problems serving.
VESTMENTS – Servers should wear an appropriately sized black/red cassock, which should come to the top of their shoes. Servers should also wear an appropriately sized white surplice on top the black/red cassock.
Goals of Divine Mercy Altar Servers
Other Masses and Services
Other than Sunday Masses, servers will be given the chance to sign up to serve at other liturgies or para-liturgies such as holy day Masses, weekday Masses, weddings, funerals, Divine Mercy devotions.
Point System
For determining many of the awards, we will look at points earned by servers. Servers will be given one point for every Mass or service at which they serve, even if they are substituting, zero points if they got a substitute, and minus five points for not serving nor getting a substitute for an assigned Mass.
Exceptions to this are that servers will be awarded five points for serving at Christmas midnight Mass, at a Christmas day (not vigil) Mass or at the Holy Thursday Mass (7:00 pm), the Good Friday Liturgy (3:00 pm) or at the Easter Vigil Mass (8:00 pm on Holy Saturday).
All who were altar servers prior to October of 2016 are awarded 25 points for every year they served prior to October 2016.
Parental help
We need your help, parents! Please let us know if you can help as a chaperone or fundraising coordinator or in any way! We will also be sending signup links through email for you to volunteer!
Although the duties of the altar server are many and varied, the most important responsibility of the altar server during Mass is to pray!
A server is required to know the principal prayers of the Mass: The Gloria, Our Father, Nicene Creed, Lamb of God, Lord, I am not worthy, the Holy, Holy, Holy, etc. If a server cannot take the time to memorize these basic prayers, he may be demonstrating a lack of sufficient interest in being a good server. Not knowing these prayers usually results in a server who just stands there looking out of touch with our most sacred act of worship.
In addition, all servers should familiarize themselves with the following passages from Scripture to help them appreciate the Sacrificial nature of the Eucharist:
Summary of Procedure for Serving Sunday Mass at Divine Mercy Church (Starting September 1, 2018)
Genuflexion to tabernacle only (1) outside of Mass, (2) at end of entrance procession, (3) at reposition of the Blessed Sacrament in the Tabernacle by the deacon after Communion, and (4) at beginning of final procession. Genuflect only when not holding anything.
Deep bow only in center of sanctuary, to altar, when not holding anything, when crossing the center.
Head bow only before receiving Communion.
In processions, stop, turn, then walk. Don’t walk while turning.
Use three lanes to get to the altar from server seats, one to get to and from the altar, one to get to and from the chair, and one (behind the wall) to get to and from the credence table, which is now in front of the wall.
When walking from credence table to altar, never cross in front of the celebrant’s chair.
When reaching the back of church after the final procession, stop, turn around and face the priest, who will have some words for you. Then proceed to the sacristy.
There are five positions: Cross bearer, two candle bearers, two extras.
Cross bearer will take care of the cross, the book, and the binder:
Carry the cross in entrance procession, offertory procession, and final procession
Bring the book to the priest for Collect and Prayer after Communion, having book in hands or lap beforehand
Bring the binder to the priest at the words “I believe in the Holy Spirit . . .” in the creed.
Bring the book to the deacon at the altar after intercessions; then go get the cross and walk along the wall of church to the back for offertory procession.
Take the book from the altar after receiving Communion, deep-bowing to the altar before getting it, return book to server’s seat, then return to the sanctuary behind the celebrant’s chair in line with other servers.
Genuflect to Tabernacle at reposition.
Candle bearers (2) will take care of the candles and the water::
Light candles before Mass, using long lighter, held with wick pointing up when lit so that wax doesn’t drip on floor.. Don’t pull wick back into lighter.
Carry the candles in the entrance procession and final procession.
Carry the candles in Gospel procession around the altar with the deacon to the ambo. Candle bearer leading the procession crosses in front of the ambo. Candle bearers will be on opposite sides of the altar when they put their candles back after Gospel. They deep-bow in front of the altar before and after gospel (before getting candles, and after putting them back)
One of them will bring the water cruet (with top off) to the right side of the altar at the offertory. then go in front of altar (in center) and wait for extras. When the priest goes down to receive the gifts, the other candle bearer will go around to the steps in front of the altar and wait to help receive the gifts
The first candle bearer bows when extras arrive and goes to help receive the gifts. They place bread on left and wine on right on the altar without waiting, or give it to the deacon.
The one on the wine side of the altar, waits to receive the decanter and water cruet back when the Deacon is finished, and then they both go to the credence table to get the lavabo and towel.
They bring lavabo and towel (unfolded and held up) right up to the side of the altar and wash priest’s hands using a lot of water, then deep-bow to him, but not too deep to spill water.
One of them will bring the water cruet (with top off) to the right side of the altar after receiving Communion and bring it back when the priest finishes with it.
After Communion, both wait in line behind the celebrant’s chair. Genuflect to Tabernacle at reposition.
Extinguish candles after Mass using long lighter.
Extras (2) will help set altar and clear altar, and ring bells:
At the the beginning of the family prayer, go behind the wall and wait until it is over.
After family prayer, bring priest’s chalice assembly to the altar, standing to the right of the chalice by the credence table, and carefully placing left hand on top and right hand grabbing chalice stem, carefully carrying it with the cross on the chalice veil facing the people, to the altar, where it is place in the middle of the altar, but to the right somewhat.
After bringing the priest’s chalice, bring ciboria and any pyxes and either give them to the deacon or place them on the left side of the altar, bowing to the middle of the altar afterward when crossing.
After bringing the ciboria and any pyxes, bring people’s chalices and place them in two rows parallel to the main aisle, about 16 inches apart, on the corporal on the right side of the altar.
Bring purificators and place them in between the people’s chalices.
Ring bells (once at epiclesis (priest’s hands outstretched over gifts), three times each at elevation of Sacred Body and of Precious Blood. (A quick up and down flick of wrist.)
After Communion, go to altar and bring back to the credence table whatever the priest places on the side, in particular the chalice assembly and any other purificators. Arrange chalice veil in a triangle facing the people. Wait in line with other servers behind the celebrant’s chair.
Genuflect to Tabernacle at reposition.
Words underlined indicate changes which take effect September 1, 2018
Posture is how you are using your body at a particular time. An altar server has to carry out a number of different actions at Mass, and so there are a number of different postures.
Genuflection
By God's command the Jewish priests wore a distinctive garb when they ministered in the Temple. The Bible tells us they were vested in violet and purple, scarlet twice dyed, and fine linen. Gold and precious stones were also used to give the person of the priest that dignity demanded by his exalted office.
No special dress was at first prescribed for the Christian priesthood. During the early days the garments worn at the Holy Sacrifice were not dissimilar in form to the clothing of civilians. They were distinguished, however, from profane apparel in richness and beauty of decorations; and of course, their use was restricted to Divine worship.
Secular fashion changed, but the Church clung to the old style. Thus it was that garments once common to all, presently became the privileged dress of the clergy. Faith then saw in each particular vestment a symbol relating to the Passion of Our Lord, and a reminder of some Christian duty.
The priest's vestments may be considered now:
(a) According to their present use.
(b) According to their historical origin.
(c) According to their symbolism.
THE AMICE
The amice is a piece of fine linen in the form of an oblong. The priest places it for a moment on his head, and then allows it to rest upon his shoulders. As he does so he prays: "Place, O Lord, on my head the helmet of salvation, that so I may resist the assaults of the devil."
Historical Origin:
A covering for the head and neck worn like a hood. When indoors it was lowered and thrown over the shoulders.
Symbolic Reference:
(a) The linen cloth that the soldiers put over Our Lord's head; when thus blindfolded He was mockingly asked who struck Him.
(b) The helmet of Salvation. Cf. Ephes. vi, 17.
THE ALB
A wide linen robe reaching to the feet and covering the whole body. The word "Alb" is derived from the Latin, alba (vestis understood), or white vestment. The vesting prayer is: "Make me white, O Lord, and cleanse my heart; that being made white in the Blood of the Lamb I may deserve an eternal reward."
Historical Origin:
The alb, or tunic, was worn in ancient times by all who enjoyed any dignity. The lace alb is a 17th century development.
Symbolic Reference:
(a) The garment with which Herod clothed Our Lord.
(b) Signifies the purity of conscience demanded of God's priest.
THE CINCTURE
The cincture, or girdle, is a cord of linen fastened about the waist to confine the alb. The vesting prayer is: "Gird me, O Lord, with the cincture of purity, and quench in my heart the fire of concupiscence, that the virtue of continence and chastity may abide in me."
Historical Origin:
Walking and active exertion made it necessary for one to gird up a long garment like the alb. Hence the cincture was an essential article of dress.
Symbolic Reference:
(a) The cord that bound Our Lord to the pillar when He was being scourged.
(b) Symbolizes modesty, and also readiness for hard work in God's service.
THE STOLE
A long band of silk. It is worn around the neck and may be crossed on the breast. The vesting prayer is: "Restore to me, O Lord, the state of immortality which I lost through the sin of my first parents and, although unworthy to approach Thy Sacred Mysteries, may I deserve nevertheless eternal joy."
Historical Origin:
A kind of neck-piece or kerchief; a part of the dress of the upper classes. It gradually became the distinctive mark of spiritual authority in the higher clerics, viz., the priest and deacon.
Symbolic Reference:
(a) The cords with which Jesus was tied. Worn as it is over the shoulders, it reminds us, too, of the Cross Our Lord carried.
(b) A reminder of the Yoke of Christ. The priest's burden is a heavy one, which Christ nevertheless makes sweet and light.
THE CHASUBLE
The chasuble is the outer and chief vestment of the priest. It is essentially the Mass vestment and is now exclusively reserved to the priest. The vestment is familiar to all by reason of the Cross usually embroidered on it. The word "chasuble" is derived from the Latin, casula, a little house. The ancient vestment completely enveloped the priest, and was somewhat like a tent. The vesting prayer is: "O Lord, Who hast said, 'My yoke is sweet and My burden light,' grant that I may so carry it as to merit Thy grace."
Historical Origin:
Imagine a large circular cloth with a hole cut in the center for the head. This will help one to visualize the ancient chasuble, which was an immense cloak, without opening in front, and without sleeves. It was put on over the head and completely enveloped the body. When it was necessary to use the hands, the garment had to be folded up on each side over the arms. Because of its inconvenience (for two assistants were needed to manipulate it), the vestment was gradually cut and altered until it now has its present shape.
Symbolic Reference:
(a) The purple cloak worn by Our Lord when He stood before Pilate.
(b) An emblem of love. When the vesting clergyman gives it to the new priest, he says: "Receive the priestly garment, for the Lord is powerful to increase in you love and perfection."
The Chalice: is a cup made of gold or silver, but if of silver, the interior must be gold-plated. It holds the wine for the Holy Sacrifice, and is a striking figure of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
The Paten: is a plate of gold or silver upon which the large bread for consecration rests until the offertory. If it is of silver, the upper side, at least, must be gold-plated. Of old it was necessarily larger than now, for it held all the breads to be consecrated.
"To seal an alliance the ancients at the end of the banquet caused to be passed from one to another of the guests a cup to which each touched his lips. Our Lord followed this custom at the last supper. The chalice used at the altar is made upon the model of the one from which Jesus Christ drank on the eve of His death. While the chalice receives the blood of Jesus Christ, the paten is reserved for His Divine body. It is a large plate, of gold or silver like the chalice, but always golden in that portion which comes in contact with the holy species. Like the chalice, before it is used in the sacred mysteries it is consecrated by chrism and special prayers said by the bishop. Let us receive from the gold, the holy chrism, and the particular benediction of the prelate given to those vessels upon which the Holy of holies rests but an instant, the lesson which the Church teaches us. In Communion our hearts become living chalices; our tongue is another paten upon which the priest lays Jesus Christ. May Our Lord always find our tongue and heart bright with the gold of charity; let us consecrate this mystical chalice and paten with the unction of Christian sweetness and the perfume of prayer.”
The Pall: A square pocket-shaped piece of linen with a cardboard inserted in order to stiffen it. It is placed over the chalice to prevent dust or other matter falling into it.
The Purificator: A linen cloth used for wiping the chalice, and the fingers and mouth of the celebrant after Communion.
It is spread over the cup of the chalice at the beginning and end of Mass.
The Corporal: A square piece of linen. In size and appearance it resembles a small napkin. It is spread out on the altar, and the chalice is placed upon it. During the Mass the Sacred Host rests for a time on the Corporal.
The Burse: is a square container for the Corporal. It is made of the same material and color as the vestments.
The Chalice Veil: is the cloth which covers the chalice until the Offertory, and again after the Communion. It also is made of the same material and color as the vestments.
HELPFUL DEFINITIONS ALTAR SERVERS SHOULD KNOW
Due to Covid-19 our posting of the serving schedule is currently on hold.