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Altar
Servers |
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I. Introductory
Notes--I put together an altar server program that
clearly defines their responsibilities and my expectations from them in order to
serve on the altar. Built into this program is a graded testing of the different
levels of altar serving; i.e., beginner, altar server, acolyte, acolyte captain.
Each level is tested differently and I especially encourage the older acolytes to move
into the acolyte captain's position with the incentive that they are the ones who will
serve at special masses such as (1) 1st communion, (2) Christmas, (3) Easter and (4)
the Bishop's visits. I award a pin for reaching the altar server level after one
year of being a Beginner. A wooden cross to wear at mass for the acolyte. A
nice crucifix for the acolyte captains in order to really set them apart from the
others. There is an objective point system that is earned throughout the year for
serving and thus eliminates any favoritism when it comes time to award scholarship monies
upon graduation for the eighth graders and/or special recognition to the others for
outstanding participation. My intent in putting this program together, thanks to
Father Marty Heinz in Rockford Illinois, is to standardize all altar servers doing the
same thing, and to give them an incentive to become better and more involved in what they
are doing at mass. The extra benefit comes from the experience of being on the altar
with the priest and hopefully foster vocations much the way it used to in years past.
I have adapted this program to both of the parishes I have been at and it seems to work
well, once everyone understands the expectations. Ideally then, I look for someone
in the parish to take over the accountability and training of the servers in due time.
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ALTAR
SERVER'S GUIDELINES |
| I. Introduction:
the following is important! Read it carefully. It clearly spells out the
expectations and guidelines for all altar servers. To be in ministry to serve the
Lord and His people---is a privilege and not a right! II. Expectations:
 All servers are
expected to be at the Church 15 minutes before mass begins. |
 All servers are
expected to fulfill their assigned times to serve. |
 All servers are to sign
in when they serve. |
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All servers are expected to find
their own replacement at mass if they cannot make it for whatever
reason; i.e., boy for boy, girl for girl, although, a girl may find a boy
substitute. There should never be only girls serving at mass. |
 All servers are
expected to wear "Sunday clothes" at the weekend masses. |
 All servers are
expected to hang up their vestments after mass. |
 All servers are
expected to pay attention to the priest during mass. |
 All servers are
expected to serve at funerals and weddings when asked. |
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All servers will be ranked
according to their experience; i.e., Beginner, Server,Acolyte. Acolyte
Captain's rank must be earned by testing. |
 All servers are
expected to know and say the appropriate responses throughout the mass. |
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| III.
Definitions & Expectations |
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| A.
Altar Servers: |
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 1. Beginner--0-6 months in
training
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2. Server--6-12 months in
training(earns pin)
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3. Acolyte--12 months or more
and is proficient(earns wooden cross)
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4. Acolyte Captain--Proficient
leader(earns crucifix)
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| B.
Altar Server Testing: |
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All positions will move up to the next position by being
tested every six months until they reach the acolyte level. You may not remain at
the Beginner or Server level. You must achieve the level of proficiency of an
Acolyte. Acolyte Captains are for those who demonstrate leadership qualities and is
not mandatory for everyone.
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IV.
Test--Beginner--you must be able to identify them by name and tell me what they
are used for in the liturgy. |
 This is an oral examination
given by the priest.
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Sacramentary--the book the priest prays
from during the mass at the altar.
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Lectionary--the book of scriptures read
at the liturgy of the Word.
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Sanctuary--the sacred space elevated
before the congregation.
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Sacristy--the room where priests vest
before mass.
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Vestments--special robes worn by priests,
deacons and altar servers.
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Alb--white robe worn over
street clothes, priests, deacons.
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Cincture--cord used as a
belt for the alb.
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Chasuble--colored vestment
worn only by the priest.
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Dalmatic--colored vestment
worn only by the deacon.
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Cassock--black/red/white
vestment worn by altar servers.
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Altar--the table of the Lord in the
sanctuary.
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Altar Cloth--the tablecloth for the
altar--always white.
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Purificator--small white
cloth used with the chalice.
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Corporal--small white cloth
placed in the center of the altar.
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Altar Vessels--sacred vessels used during
the celebration of liturgy.
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Chalice--gold cup used by
the priest/eucharistic ministers for the Blood of Christ.
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Paten--small dish usually
used with the chalice.
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Ciborium--gold cup with a
lid for the Body of Christ in the Tabernacle.
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Pall--stiff, white board
placed over the chalice. Note! The white covering for a casket is also
called a pall.
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Tabernacle--the ornate receptacle used to
place the Body of Christ.
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Ambo--the place where the Word of God is
proclaimed.
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Credence Table--the small table off to one
of the sanctuary for sacred vessels.
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Bells--rung during the consecration of the
mass.
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Paschal Candle--the large ornate candle
used at funerals, baptisms, and Easter until Pentecost.
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Processional Cross--the cross carried in
and out of the mass.
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Cruets--small pitchers of water and wine
for the mass.
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Finger Bowl--small bowl for priest to wash
hands during the liturgy of eucharist.
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Thurible--container for burning incense.
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Thurifer--the server responsible for the
thurible.
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Boat--the container for incense.
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Aspergillum--the holy water sprinkler
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| V. Test--Server--must
be passed within six months of passing the Beginner's test. You will be eligible to
wear the "Altar Server" pin at mass. |
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Demonstrate--knowledge
of all of the above items and definitions.
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Demonstrate--how
to light and extinguish candles properly.
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Demonstrate--how
to set the altar correctly for eucharistic celebration.
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Demonstrate--when
to bring the cruet of water for wine intinction.
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Demonstrate--when
to bring the finger bowl and towel for hand washing.
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Demonstrate--when
to ring the bells at the consecration.
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Demonstrate--what
posture and hand holding is proper while serving.
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Demonstrate--the
appropriate responses said by the people during mass.
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| VI. Test--Acolyte--must
be passed within six months of passing the Server test. You will be eligible to wear
the wooden cross at mass. |
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Demonstrate--that
you know everything from the Beginner's and Server's test.
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Demonstrate--that
you can recite by heart "The Gloria, Holy Holy, Nicene Creed and the
Our Father".--that
you can recite by heart "The Gloria, Holy Holy, Nicene Creed and the
Our Father".
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Demonstrate--by
your history that you can perform your ministry well.--by
your history that you can perform your ministry well.
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| VII.
Test--Acolyte Captain--only for those acolytes that demonstrate the ability and the desire
to move into a leadership role. Captain will always be the first to be asked to
serve in the special masses; i.e., Christmas, Easter, all Bishop's masses. You will
be eligible to wear a "special crucifix" at mass. |
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Demonstrate--all of the above with proficiency.
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Demonstrate--that you know and understand the
various parts of the mass as well as the priest does so that you can anticipate him during
the celebration; i.e., the Procession; the Introductory Rite; the Penitential Rite; the
Opening Prayer; the Liturgy of the Word; the Homily; the Profession of Faith; the General
Intercessions; the Liturgy of the Eucharist; the Eucharistic Prayer; the Preface
Acclamation; the Memorial Acclamation; the Communion Rite; the Prayer after Communion; the
Concluding Rite, the Blessing and Dismissal. It's all in the missalette.
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