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Altar Servers

This ministry serves the Priest during the Eucharist at each of the weekend Masses.  One or two servers are scheduled for each Mass.  An Altar Server will wear a designated Robe with a corded necklace that carries a Cross or Crucifix.

Altar servers can be any age to serve but must have received the Sacraments of Baptism and Eucharist; youths who have not been confirmed may serve.  Servers normally receive the Eucharist whenever they participate in the liturgy.  The minimum age and scheduling procedures are left to the Priest’s discretion.

Expected time commitment is based on the length of a typical mass service.  Typically, one (1) hour to one and one half (1.5) hours should be allotted.

Responsibilities of each server are as follows.

Before each Mass Begins

  1. Arrive fifteen (15) minutes before the scheduled time of the Mass.

  2. Dress in the designated Robe and Cross.

  3. Pick up the Processional Cross and move to the Vestibule of the Church.

During each Mass

  1. Slowly process (walk), in front of the Priest, down the center aisle with the Processional Cross raised and facing the altar.

  2. Stop at the step of the Altar, wait for the Priest, and bow with him towards the Altar.

  3. Place the Processional Cross into the floor stand once the Priest moves to the Altar, then move to your designated chair.

  4. If appointed, prepare the Altar for the celebration of the Eucharist.

  5. Offer the Priest the water and wine at the appropriate times.

  6. Ring chimes at the designated times.

  7. After Communion, present the Priest with water for purification of the chalice and paten.

End of Mass

  1. Retrieve the Processional Cross and move to the center aisle, about a quarter of the way down the aisle.  Facing the Altar, wait for the Priest to arrive.

  2. Bow with the Priest towards the Altar, then turn towards the rear of the Church and slowly process towards the vestibule.

  3. Prior to moving into the Vestibule, turn to the right and process back to the Altar, replacing the Processional Cross into its floor stand.

  4. Disrobe from the Altar Server garments, replacing them in their proper closet and you are free to leave.

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