An altar server attends to supporting tasks at the altar such as fetching and carrying, ringing the altar bell, among other things. Altar server ministry we are looking for new servers to join this ministry for 2014 2015. Thank you for your willingness to volunteer as an altar server at st. When the altar server prays and sings with his or her whole mind, heart, and soul the altar server gives a. Altar servers help everyone pray and worship god, but especially assist the priest in the celebration of the sacred mysteries. Clare mission richmond and dwyer hill, ontario page 2 of 2 20140317 receive a copy of this ministry role descriptor responsible ministry training and handout support, supervision and evaluation the altar server parish coordinator is under the direct. We have the great grace to lead our people in prayer at the divine liturgy. Part of the altar servers responsibility is to assist the presider at the liturgy through responding to the prayers and performing the necessary actions of a special minister of the altar. If you qualify, then y ou are being invited to serve the lord as an altar server server.
No distinction should be made between the functions carried out in the sanctuary by men and boys and those carried out by women and girls. Once server is handed the gifts, heshe puts them immediately on the altar, on top of the corporal. Boys and girls who have received first communion are encouraged to become altar servers. A member of the parish staff will create a schedule for the altar servers and assign their tasks for each mass. It is a manual to assist in the formation of altar servers. The altar servers should move quickly to the credence table to begin to move the chalice, ciboria, and water cruet to the altar this is a new change in what we are doing all ciboria must be moved to the altar an adult minister will also come up and move the tray of cups to the altar.
The primary role of the altar server is to assist the presider and deacon in the celebration of the mass. Leads council meetings ensures the program is carried out in accordance to the procedures outlined in this manual. Prepare the holy water bucket and place it on the credence table. Any catholic could be a server at the altar, but this ministry is especially for the youth. During holy mass at the opening prayer when father says let us pray, server will hold the white book of prayers. The patron of those who serve at the altar is vincent, deacon and martyr. An altar server is a lay assistant to a member of the clergy during a christian liturgy. You will not process with candles, so you will need to put lit candles in the stands next to the altar. This booklet contains guidelines for serving at immaculate.
Finally, please have them dress appropriately for serving at the altar. This manual is limited in scope to the duties during the holy sacrifice of the mass at st joan of arc catholic church. The determination that women and girls may function as servers in the liturgy should be made by the bishop on the diocesan level so that there might be a uniform diocesan policy. You are at the altar table where the sacrificial offering of. Holy family catholic church guide for altar servers 4 welcome. Before you leave the sacristy, say together the altar servers prayer before mass. The office for worship has prepared the following guidelines for altar servers. Hold the book for the priest as you did for the opening prayer. Altar servers help the entire community in their prayer and worship of god by assisting the priest at mass. Come here for the schedule, instructions, and more. Through their service, youth altar servers provide the parish with an example of. Good shepherd altar server manual sep 2014 page 5 at the start of the our father, all servers will move to fathers and deacon if present side, and extend their hands during the our father.
Altar server coordinator ministry role descriptor st. When the our father is complete, the servers will move back to their original positions aligned with the edges of the altar. If young, the server is commonly called an altar boy or altar girl. They celebrated at fun, fun, fun in fayetteville, nc. Altar servers should be individuals who strive to live a moral and faithful life. Altar server manual for the holy sacrifice of the mass. Altar servers are to arrive at the church promptly 15 minutes before mass begins.
This manual is to assist you as a server in doing a good job. Dear server, thank you for your generous service to saint philip neri church. We appreciate the gift of your participation in the life of our parish, and hope that you will become members of our family. If you wish to consider this ministry, you or one of your parents may contact the parish office at 207 2176740 monday through friday between 8. It will once again become the standard reference for acolytes, handing on to young servers the disciplines necessary for reverent catholic ceremonies. Serving at the lords altar is a great honor and privilege, and is to be. Therefore, excessive parental pressure is discouraged. Altar server ranks ranks and promotions are not given by age or grade of the server candidate, but are earned through diligent effort, active participation, evidentiary support of assistance to others and solid performance not only during the school year, but additionally throughout the summer months.
Altar servers should arrive 15 minutes before the start of mass. In many catholic churches, the priest likes to have three to six altar servers to help them do the mass. Since the role of server is integral to the normal celebration of the mass, at least one server should assist the priest. Your service at the lords altar is an expression of your faith in jesus and your love for him and his people. Good shepherd altar server manual sep 2014 page 4 there are three items that will be brought up with the offertory procession in order, they are. At all celebrations, servers should be neat, clean and simply dressed. We welcome youth starting in grade 3 and up who have made their first communion. Preparation of the gifts at the beginning of the collection the 1st server brings the chalice and then any extra ciboria from the credence table to the altar. For centuries it has been possible for lay persons adults and youths.
Saint joan of arc altar server manual october 2014. We are centered upon the eucharistic celebration, solidly based upon catholic doctrine and tradition. He lived in the late third century, was martyred in the year 304, and is commemorated in our calendar on january 22. Through this holy sacrifice the lord is made present in.
There is some theological information which may be found fruitful in aiding servers with the reasons why they are expected to perform in special liturgical ways. By providing this early instruction, it will guarantee a confident experience for each server. The altar server has a privileged place in liturgical celebrations. Congratulations on choosing to join the ministry of altar server. The program requires a commitment on the part of the server as well as support. Altar server training manual free download as pdf file. All servers sit in altar pews at the beginning of the first reading. The term server should be used for those who carry out the functions of the instituted acolyte. Altar servers guild of the cathedral of christ the king altar server s manual.
Servers carry the cross, the processional candles, hold the book for the priest celebrant when he is not at the altar, carry the incense and censer, present the bread, wine, and water to the priest during the preparation of the gifts or assist him when he receives the gifts from the people, wash the hands of the priest, assist the priest celebrant and deacon as necessary. Altar server handbook immaculate heart of mary church. Sep 23, 2019 how to be an altar server in the catholic church. Altar server qualifications before training altar servers should be baptized catholics, who have received their first holy communion. January 2014 7 set up for holy eucharist the altar fold the dust cover on the altar by first folding the front and then the sides toward the center and then place it on the shelf under the altar. The primary role of the altar server is to assist the priest during the holy sacrifice of the mass. Special notes one server only if there is only one server, that server will be the cross bearer. Altar servers must also attend training, be intimately familiar with this manual and its terms. Altar serving is a privilege and responsibility which requires commitment, faithfulness, and a prayerful attitude. Only reason im pinning is this is cuz its my church in the picture lol 5 reasons your child should be an altar server real life at home. It is recommended that a server after admission to the. The celebrant will motion that he is ready to receive the. Immaculate heart of mary parish thanks you for answering the call to serve in this important role at mass. In some christian denominations, altar servers are known as acolytes.
The altar server remains in full view of everyone throughout the liturgy and, thus, is in a unique position to model christian prayer, worship, re verence, respect, humility, dignity, and modesty for the entire community. The altar server is to arrive at the church at least 15 minutes before mass begins. Priest, the training and care required for serving at the altar must be taken very seriously. We have about 140 of them, boys and girls, aged 922. Serving is an important responsibility our dress should reflect the dignity of the celebration. Since the duties of the altar server can be divided among several servers, it is important that the pastor make sure that each server knows the specific duties for a specific liturgy. Marys is available to any catholic from the third grade through high school.
Although once prohibited in the catholic church, female altar servers are now. How to serve is a brief and clear manual from 1934 that is simply the best book of its kind. Be sure that the fair linen on the altar is clean and presentable. This manual has been written to promote efficient serving, which can only occur when servers know what they are doing. How to build an awesome altar serving program in 10 easy. Jan 20, 2014 how to build an awesome altar serving program in 10 easy steps january 20, 2014 deacon greg kandra. The altar server program at all saints catholic church is a parochial program and seeks servers who have a strong desire to serve the parish and grow closer to christ. This is a wonderful learning experience for our young members of the parish. Serving father at the altar is a great privilege and this handbook will help you learn the responsiblilities, expectations and procedures. Altar server wedding checklist before holy mass dress in the appropriate sized alb and white cincture. While they were eating, jesus took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and.
Altar server handbook saint elizabeth ann seton parish. Altar servers are expected to be in the sacristy no later than 20 minutes prior to mass. You are part of an important ministry because you are helping our parish to worship our lord at. By serving, the altar server grows in hisher own faith and devotion. Existing altar servers should attend regular practice sessions to brushup on current or new procedures. Ministry of altar servers guidance and instruction manual.
The altar server is to next vest in order to attend to preliturgical duties. Go to the sacristy, which is the room behind the altar the altar server sacristy is the one closest to sharpley rd, put on your alb, cincture rope and cross. You are now a member of a very special group of young people in our parish who have answered gods call to ministry. The lead server should always guide the procession at a moderate pace. Being an altar server at prince of peace catholic church is a great privilege. Remember that you serve in the holiest and most sacred part of the church. This manual is limited in scope to the servers duties during the holy sacrifice of the mass in the latin rite of the catholic church. The purpose of the guidelines is to provide some general observations and principles regarding this important ministry of the church. Ignatius loyola parish altar servers handbook 202014.
The most important thing an altar server can learn and the most important thing an altar server can demonstrate to others is a deep respect for the mass. People who visit the bench regularly know that i never tire of gushing about my parishs altar servers. You are now one of the liturgical ministers, along with the priest, deacon, lector and extraordinary ministers of holy communion. This manual is designed to give you guidance for participation as an altar server at christ the redeemer catholic church. Altar server training manual 7 closing prayers all sit until the priest says. Altar server training manual mass liturgy christian worship. Once the priest or deacon goes back to the altar after receiving the gifts, one server brings him the water for the wine. Dec 31, 2014 midnight mass entrance procession duration. Jul 23, 2014 father ben green narrator paul stadler producer. Clare mission richmond and dwyer hill, ontario page 2 of 2 2014 0317 receive a copy of this ministry role descriptor responsible ministry training and handout support, supervision and evaluation the altar server parish coordinator is under the direct. Come, o holy ghost, fill the hearts of thy faithful, and kindle in them the fire of thy love. Since altar servers have a very visible role in the sanctuary.
As a holy family altar server, you are one of the liturgical ministers of our parish. Altar server appreciation day was held on saturday, may 30th at camp rockfish. Servers should not wander around the altar, uncertain, clumsy, and confused. Your participation at liturgical celebrations as an altar server is an important and necessary ministry that you offer to the church gathered in prayer. You are at the altar table where the sacrificial offering of the precious body and blood of christ is made. You are welcome to adapt it for your own use in your own congregations. Thank you for your help as an altar server during a time of great need in the. St joan of arc altar server manual october 2014 draft. Great care has been taken in this manual to bring together the official directions of the liturgy and the best practices of style and technique. An altar server assists the priest preparing for mass and at the altar. When an altar server asks to serve at christmas or easter, or corpus christi, i never.
Then, an altar server lavabo 1 comes forward with the bowl and a towel draped over his or her arm. The server must be able to understand the mass as well the server s role in the celebration. Mark, jesus tells us that he did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many mk 10. We offer this video as a refresher to current and future altar servers of their duties, procedures, etc. Liturgical ministers have special tasks to perform. Altar server instructions christ the king church overview introduction first of all, thank you for answering gods call to assist at mass. If you qualify, then y ou are being invited to serve the lord as an altar server. Hubert catholic community are invited to view this short video as a refresher of the various steps of being an altar server. Altar server training manual 3 thank you for becoming and altar server. Includes servers responses for the 1962 latin mass. I have entrusted the training of our servers to mrs. Parents are encouraged to provide the first instruction to altar servers by going through the procedures and rituals outlined in this manual and before the formal training. Altar servers should be mature enough to understand.
The altar servers enjoyed a hayride, archery, kayaking, canoeing, group challenge exercises, creek walk, mud walk, and finished the day up with a float down the creek. This is an excellent way for you to begin your stewardship, as you give the gift of your time to serve at the. Questions are always welcome and can be asked of any of the priests, deacons, sacristans, the liturgy director or the altar server coordinators. Organizes and participates in the annual altar server commissioning mass.
An altar server is a prayer leader, to the extent that hisher actions during the mass assist the people in knowing what to do. The following is a list of specific responsibilities that the altar. Altar servers carry the cross, the processional candles some masses, hold the book for the priest celebrant when he is not at the altar, assist the priest at the preparation of the altar. Server then proceeds immediately to the credence table. On sundays and other more important occasions, two or more servers should be employed to carry out the various functions normally entrusted to these ministers.
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