Ministry of Altar

Servers Training
Guide
ABOUT ALTAR SERVERS
The Altar Server's Ministry is a unique one in the Catholic
Church. Other than priests and deacons, no one else is allowed
to so closely play a part in the preparation of the Eucharist.
Your participation as an Altar Server is special. When you serve
the priests and deacons, you serve the people of God, and
above all, you serve Christ.
ABOUT ALTAR SERVERS
Altar Servers must remember that everything that they do is for
the Glory of God. They do it out of love for His Son, our Lord
Jesus Christ. St. Ignatius of Loyola called this attitude "AD
MAJOREM DEI GLORIAM". This means "All for the Honor
and Glory of God". It is the motto of a heart of service.
Sometimes, we don't feel like doing our best.
ABOUT ALTAR SERVERS
As an Altar Server, you will do things that others will never do.
You will learn things that others will never know. You will see
the Mass in ways that others may never see it. You will do it all
for the Honor and Glory of God.
 INTENTIONS
New servers must meet with the Altar Server Coordinator to
answer this question, "Why do you want to be an Altar Server?"

Altar servers must serve because they feel a personal calling to

service.

They should understand the principles of Devotion, Dedication,

and Discipline.
 KNOWLEDGE

A new server must be willing to become very familiar with the

Mass. They must understand why the Mass is important, and
what happens during Mass.
 KNOWLEDGE
The word “Mass” comes from the Latin word ‘missa’ meaning
‘mission’ or ‘sending’ because its purpose is to send forth the
faithful to bring forth the Good News of Jesus, and to be His
presence in the world. It is also a time to give God thanks and
praise, as the word ‘Eucharist’ means thanksgiving. Jesus
instructed his apostles to 'Do this in memory of me' at the Last
Supper, and so we memorialise Jesus' Death and Resurrection
at every Eucharistic celebration. The words and actions of the
Last Supper are repeated during every Mass at the Eucharistic
Prayer.
 ATTENDANCE
Failing to show when you are scheduled places an unfair
burden on the other servers, and disrespects the Altar Server
Ministry. The following "no show policy" will be closely
enforced.
 ATTENDANCE

THE FIRST TIME A SERVER IS ABSENT FROM A

SCHEDULED MASS, WITHOUT FINDING A SUBSTITUTE,
THE SERVER WILL BE PLACED ON "WARNING".
 ARRIVAL
Altar Servers must arrive early to prepare for Mass. It is
important to arrive before your designated serving time, a
minimum of 20 minutes prior to Mass beginning. There
are several duties that a server must perform before Mass.
Often, there is some additional instructions regarding that
day’s liturgy that the priest and deacon may need to give
to the servers.
APPEARANCE AND DRESS

All servers are expected to wear "Sunday Clothes"

 POSTURES
If someone looks at you, they should see a server who is
reverent and paying attention. It should remind them that they,
too, should be paying attention to the Mass, and not to you.

Always look "where the action is". When someone is speaking

or reading part of the Mass, you are listening to them. When
the Eucharist is being consecrated, you are looking at it. When
the choir is singing, you are singing with them.
 POSTURES
If someone looks at you, they should see a server who is
reverent and paying attention. It should remind them that they,
too, should be paying attention to the Mass, and not to you.

Always look "where the action is". When someone is speaking

or reading part of the Mass, you are listening to them. When
the Eucharist is being consecrated, you are looking at it. When
the choir is singing, you are singing with them.
 POSTURES
Always look "where the action is". When
someone is speaking or reading part of the
Mass, you are listening to them. When the
Eucharist is being consecrated, you are
looking at it. When the choir is singing, you
are singing with them.
 POSTURES
Do not leave your place during Mass for any
reason. Bodily needs should be attended to
before and after Mass. Servers are not allowed
in the sacristy during mass, unless they have
been sent to retrieve something by the priest.
 STANDING
Anytime you are not
holding anything,
place your hands
with palms together,
in the "prayer
position".
STANDING
 WALKING
Walk. Never, run. You are the model of
reverence, calm and grace. Walk deliberately to
your station. Watch for others in your way and
plan ahead to step around them.
 SITTING
While sitting, sit up straight, not slouching. Feet
should be directly in front of you. Legs should
never be crossed. Keep your legs and feet still.
Hands are placed on top of thighs.
 BOWING
Never bow when carrying the cross or candle.
There are two types of bow:

• The bow of the head

• The profound bow (full bow)
 GENUFLECTING
Never genuflect when carrying anything. With
your back straight and your hands folded
prayerfully, lower yourself onto your right knee,
and hold that position briefly.
 ORDER OF MASS
• Introductory Rites – Part I
• Liturgy of the Word – Part II
• Liturgy of the Eucharist – Part III
 ORDER OF MASS
• Introductory Rites – Part I
• Entrance
• Greeting
• Penitential Act
• Glory to God
• Collect
 ORDER OF MASS
2. Liturgy of the Word
• First Reading
• Responsorial Psalm
• Second Reading (on Sundays and solemnities)
• Gospel Acclamation
• Gospel
• Homily
• Profession of Faith (on Sundays, solemnities, and special occasions)
• Universal Prayer
 ORDER OF MASS
3. Liturgy of the Eucharist
• Presentation of the Gifts and Preparation of the Altar
• Prayer over the Offerings
• Eucharistic Prayer
• Preface
⚬ Holy, Holy, Holy
⚬ First half of prayer, including Consecration
⚬ Mystery of Faith
⚬ Second half of prayer, ending with Doxology
• The Lord's Prayer
• Sign of Peace
• Lamb of God
• Communion
• Prayer after Communion
VESTMENTS
AL
Bwhite, dress-like
The Alb is a long,
vestment and can be used by all
liturgical ministers. It is used by
altar servers in place of a cassock
and surplice. Alb is short for tunica
alba, which means "white tunic"
VESTMENTS
CASSOCK
A long outer garment worn by some
clerics and servers. It is usually
black, but for servers red or white
cassocks may be worn for special
feasts
VESTMENTS
SURPLICE
This is a wide sleeved garment,
slipped over the head, covering
the shoulders, and coming down
below the hips. It is worn over the
cassock for services in which the
alb is not used.
VESTMENTS
CHASUBLE
The chasuble is the sleeveless outer
vestment, slipped over the head,
hanging down from the shoulders
and covering the stole and alb. It is
the proper Mass vestment of the
priest and its color varies according
to the feast.
VESTMENTS
CINCTURE
This is a long cord used for fastening
some albs at the waist. It holds the
loose-fitting type of alb in place and
is used to adjust it to the proper
length. The cincture is usually white,
although the liturgical color of the
day may be used
VESTMENTS
COPE
A cape-like vestment that is put on over
the shoulders and hangs to the ankles, it is
open in the front and clasped at the neck.
The priest frequently wears it in
processions, at Benediction, and in other
services. Copes can he found in any of the
liturgical colors.
VESTMENTS
DALMATIC
The dalmatic is a loose-fitting robe with
open sides and wide sleeves worn by the
deacon. It takes its color from the
liturgical feast.
VESTMENTS
HUMERAL VEIL
The humeral veil is a long, narrow, shawl
like vestment used at Benediction and in
processions where the Blessed Sacrament
is carried.
VESTMENTS
STOLE
A stole is a long cloth scarf, often ornately
decorated, of the same color and style as
the chasuble. According to the manner in
which it is worn, it is a mark of the office
of priest or deacon. A priest wears it
around the neck, letting it hang down in
front. A deacon wears it over his right
shoulder and fastened at his left side like a
sash..
SACRAMENTALS
Sacramentary
The Sacramentary (officially called the
Roman Missal) is the book of prayers and
instructions for the priest which includes
all Masses, special prayers, and rites
SACRAMENTALS
BOOK OF GOSPEL

A special edition of the Lectionary, the

Book of Gospels contains only the
gospel readings for Mass. It is carried in
procession. The Book of Gospels is
often more decorated than the simpler
lectionary.
SACRAMENTALS
Lectionary

The Lectionary is the book of Scriptures from

which the First and Second reading, and
sometimes the Psalms are read.
SACRAMENTALS
Aspergil (Aspergillum)
The Aspergil is an implement used to
sprinkle holy water. It may be a type of
brush, or it may be a ball on a handle
with holes in it. Early aspergilla were
made from the Hyssop plant. The bucket
into which the aspergillum is dipped is
called the aspersorium.
SACRAMENTALS
Candles
There are two main kinds of candles used in
most Masses: The Processional Candles are
carried in the procession, and used to call
attention to the Ambo when the Gospel is being
read. The Altar Candles remain on either side of
the Altar. Other candles used include the Pascal
Candle, the Chapel lamp, and the Advent
SACRAMENTALS
CREDENCE TABLE

Table holding the vessels to be used during the

Mass, which include, the Chalice, Patten,
Communion Cups, Cruets, and Lavabo Dish.
SACRAMENTALS
Chalice

A Chalice is a special cup lined with gold used

to hold the Blessed Blood at the Eucharist.
Every Priest has at least one chalice of his own
SACRAMENTALS
CORPORAL
A white linen cloth placed on top of the
Altar cloth, where the vessels (Paten and
Chalice) containing the bread and wine
are placed. [A symbol of the Shroud that
wrapped the body of Jesus in the tomb.
(Shroud of Turin)]
SACRAMENTALS
Pall

The Pall is a square stiff linen cloth used to

cover the chalice.
SACRAMENTALS
Paten

The Paten is a small ornate plate which sits on

top of the Chalice and hold the Host at
consecration
SACRAMENTALS
Purificators

Purificators are linen towels, folded in thirds,

used to wipe the edge of a Chalice or
Communion Cup after each communicant has
received the Eucharistic Blood.
SACRAMENTALS
Ciborium (plural: Ciboria)

A Ciborium is a bowl, sometimes on a pedestal,

lined with gold and used to hold the Blessed
Body of the Eucharist.
SACRAMENTALS
Cruet

A cruet is a small pitcher with a stopper used to

hold the water and wine for consecration.
SACRAMENTALS
PITCHER AND BASIN

the small bowl that catches the water poured

over the priest's hands through the use of
Pitcher at the ceremonial washing.
SACRAMENTALS
Finger Towel

A Finger Towel is a plain white linen towel for

the priest to dry his fingers after the ceremonial.
SACRAMENTALS
Monstrance

The Monstrance is a large, ornate, often gold

covered vessel to display the Blessed Sacrament
for Benediction.
SACRAMENTALS
Lunette

The Lunette is a small, circular windowed box

that holds the Blessed Sacrament in the
Monstrance.
SACRAMENTALS
Pyx

A pyx is a small metal box to hold the

Eucharist to be taken to the Ministry of
the sick or homebound
SACRAMENTALS
Thurible
The Thurible is a metal container on a
chain in which incense is burned .
SACRAMENTALS
Boat (Incense Boat)

The Incense Boat is a covered metal

bowl with hinged lids used to hold the
incense to put in the Thurible. It usually
has a matching spoon.
THE CHURCH BUILDING
AMBO

The Ambo is the raised reading stand

where the Scriptures are read and the
homily is normally given. It is
sometimes incorrectly called a "lectern"
or "pulpit". The term "Ambo" means that
there is only one stand which serves all
of the purposes.
THE CHURCH BUILDING
SACRISTY

The Sacristy is the room where the

vestments and Sacramentals are kept.
THE CHURCH BUILDING
TABERNACLE

The Tabernacle is a gold-lined box that

holds the consecrated Eucharist. It is
locked to prevent the Eucharist from
being treated sacrilegiously
THE CHURCH BUILDING
SANCTUARY

The sanctuary area is the open space

immediately around the altar. Our
Sanctuary is a raised platform with steps.
It is in this space that you find the
presider’s chair, altar, ambo, cross, and
candles.
THE CHURCH BUILDING
NAVE

The Nave is the main area of the church

where the people at mass sits. The term
"nave" comes from the same word as
"navy" and represents the ship of our
salvation, like in Noah's Ark
THE CHURCH BUILDING
NARTHEX

The Narthex is the enclosed room

between the outside doors and the nave.
Our Narthex is a gathering space for
people to meet before and after Mass.
Our Narthex allows access to the cry
room
Thank you for
Listening