Sts. Peter and Paul School at 2160 California Crossroads, California, KY 41007 US - Server Guidelines

ALTAR SERVERS

Thank you for volunteering to serve at the altar.  Why are you an altar server?  Answer:  To serve God above all and to help the priest.  Keep this in mind at all times, and you’ll never make a mistake!   Here are some directions for serving:

BEFORE MASS:
· PREPARE yourself by arriving 20 minutes before Mass is to begin and dress in red cassock and white surplice. 
· PUT ON THE CREDENCE TABLE:  Pitcher of water, bowl, towel, water cruet (with water in it), 2 metal
   chalices (cups) and purificators, priest chalice and purificator.
· Place the tabernacle key on the altar of the tabernacle.
· Take the wine flagon and plate of hosts to the front of Church and put them on the offertory table.
·  Light the candles on the altar WITH THE CANDLE LIGHTER and, after Mass, extinguish them 
   WITH THE CANDLE LIGHTER.
·  Ask the priest if there are any special instructions. 
·  Then, go to the altar and get the candles--cross bearer gets the cross from the sanctuary—and line
    up to go to the front of the Church, center aisle, to begin the procession for Mass.

DURING MASS:
·   Participate in the hymns and prayers like everyone else in Church.
·   HELP THE PRIEST–hold the book, set up the vessels on the altar, wash his hands, and so on.
·   Your seats are to be used when the congregation sits – one server on either side of the priest; cross
     bearer in the extra seat. 
·   Kneel when the congregation kneels at the kneelers provided in the sanctuary. 
·   Ring BOTH BELLS at the consecration, AFTER THE PRIEST IF FINISHED SPEAKING ONLY–
    otherwise, don’t even touch them. 
·   General rule:  If you are carrying something, DO NOT BOW/GENUFLECT. 
·  When you present something to the priest (like the cruet), have the handle toward him and don’t
    stand away – come right to the priest (we don’t bite!).
·   Receive Holy Communion after the priest and ministers.  Go to them and receive the Body and 
    blood of Christ—don’t make them come to you.
·  After Communion is finished, one server helps purify the priest’s chalice.  Then, take everything off
    the altar—except the candles and cloths—and put them on the credence table.
·  When the priest gives the final blessing and dismisses the assembly, two (2) servers take candles,
    cross bearer takes the cross, and go directly down the step at the center aisle, ready to depart when
    the priest arrives and directs you.

AFTER MASS:
·  Extinguish the candles WITH THE CANDLE LIGHTER at the altar.
·  Replace the cross in its stand.
·  Bring everything that was put out on the credence table back to the sacristy.
·   Remove your cassock and surplice.
·  Ask the priest if there is anything else that needs to be done.

Thank You!

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