ALTAR SERVER’S MANUAL

MINISTRY OF ALTAR SERVERS

DIOCESAN SHRINE AND PARISH OF SAINT MARY MAGDALENE
PILILLA, RIZAL

2021
 Prayer of an Altar Server
O Merciful and Loving God, You have graciously
called me to serve You upon Your altar. Grant me the
graces that I need to serve You, faithfully and
wholeheartedly. Grant too that while serving You, I may
follow the example of St. Tarcisius, who died protecting
the Eucharist, and walk the same path that led him to
Heaven. Amen
St. Tarcisius, pray for me and for all servers.
 Module 1

FAITH AND IT’S

PILLARS
 AMARE
(First, ask them why they are here on Earth.)

● For what purpose are we here on earth?

We are here on earth in order to know and to love God, to do good according to His
will, and to go someday to heaven. [1-3, 358] [YOUCAT 1]

● Why did God create us?

God created us out of free and unselfish love. [1-3] When a man loves, his heart
overflows. He would like to share his joy with others. He gets this from his Creator.
Although God is a mystery, we can still think about him in a human way and say: Out of
the “surplus” of his love He created us. He wanted to share his endless joy with us, who
are creatures of his love. [YOUCAT 2]

● Why do we seek God?

God has placed in our hearts a longing to seek and find him. St. Augustine says,
“You have made us for yourself, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.” We call
this longing for God → RELIGION (We can understand religion generally to mean a
relationship to what is divine.). [27-30] [YOUCAT 3]

● How can we respond to God when he speaks to us?

To respond to God means to believe him. [142-149]
Anyone who wants to believe needs a heart that is ready to listen (see 1 Kings 3:9).
In many ways, God seeks contact with us. In every human encounter, in every moving
experience of nature, in every apparent coincidence, in every challenge, every suffering,
there is a hidden message from God to us. He speaks even more clearly to us when he
turns to us in his Word or in the voice of our conscience. He addresses us as friends.
Therefore we, too, should respond as friends and believe him, trust him completely,
learn to understand him better and better, and accept his will without reservation.

● Faith, what is it?

Faith is knowledge and trust (YOUCAT). Faith is the power by which we assent to
God, acknowledge his truth, and commit ourselves personally to him (YOUCAT 307).

Faith is the path created by God leading to the truth that is God himself. Because
Jesus is “The way, and the truth, and the life” (Jn 14:6), this faith cannot be merely an
attitude or “confidence” about something or other, you must believe.
The word “believe”, however, has two completely different meanings. If a parachutist
asks the clerk at the airport, “Is the parachute packed safely?” and the other man
answers casually,
 “Hmm, I believe so”, then that will not be enough for him; he would like to know it
for sure. But if he has asked a friend to pack the parachute, then the friend will answer
the same question by saying, “Yes, I did it personally. You can trust me!” And to that,
the parachutist will reply, “Yes, I believe you.” This belief is much more than knowledge;
it means assurance.

PILLARS OF FAITH (Prayer, Creed, Commandments, Sacraments)

● What is prayer?
Prayer is turning the heart toward God. When a person prays, he enters into a living
relationship with God. [2558-2565]

Prayer is the great gate leading into faith. Someone who prays for no longer lives on
his own, for himself, and by his own strength. He knows there is a God to whom he can
talk. People who pray entrust themselves more and more to God. Even now they seek
union with the one whom they will encounter one-day face to face. Therefore, the effort
to pray daily is part of the Christian life. Of course, one cannot learn to pray in the same
way one learns a technique. As strange as it sounds, prayer is a gift one obtains
through prayer. [YOUCAT 468]

● What prompts a person to pray?

We pray because we are full of infinite longing and God has created us, men, for
himself. We pray also because we need to.

● What are the characteristics of Christian Prayer?

Christian prayer is prayer in the attitude of faith, hope, and charity. It is persevering
and resigns itself to the will of God. [YOUCAT 493]
● Simple Formula in Praying: A.C.T.S.
● Adoration
● Contrition
● Thanksgiving
● Supplication

(Let us pray)

● How do we pray?
(At this point, group them into 9 groups. Give them 9 scripture stories and let them
discover how the 9 biblical characters prayed.)
 1. Abel (Genesis 4:1-5) - Abel teaches us that prayer is offering God our best
(through a sacrificial lamb).
2. Noah (Genesis 9:1-16) - Noah teaches us that prayer is thanking the Lord for all
His blessings.
3. Abraham (Genesis 12:1-2) - Abraham teaches us that prayer is listening to God
and readiness to make a new start (Exodus).
4. Isaac (Hebrew 10:6-7) - Isaac teaches us that prayer is to offer our life in
sacrifice to God.
5. Moses (Exodus 33:11a) - Praying means “speaking with God”
Moses (Exodus 32:31-32) - Moses teaches us that prayer is intercession.
6. Jacob (Genesis 32:27) - Jacob teaches us that prayer is like a spiritual fighting
with God.
7. David (Psalm 149:1-3) - David teaches that prayer is blessing the Lord by singing
and dancing. (To bless the Lord is to speak well of his greatness and goodness
— And really mean it from the depths of your soul.)
8. Solomon (Song of Songs 3:4) - Solomon teaches that prayer is a love song.
9. Mary (Luke 1:38) - The Virgin Mary teaches us that prayer is to always say “Yes”
to the will of God.
10. Jesus - Jesus' life was one single prayer.

● What is the highest form of prayer?

The Eucharistic Celebration (Holy Mass) is the greatest and highest act of prayer
and constitutes the center and the source from which even the other forms receive
"nourishment": Liturgy of the Hours, Eucharistic adoration, Lectio Divina, Holy Rosary,
meditation. All these expressions of prayer, which have their center in the Eucharist,
fulfill the words of Jesus in the priest's day and in all his life: "I am the good shepherd; I
know my own and my own know me, as the Father knows me and I know the Father;
and I lay down my life for the sheep" (Jn10: 14-15).

● Is it enough to pray when you feel like praying?

No. Someone who prays only when he feels like he does not take God seriously and
will leave off praying. Prayer thrives on faithfulness. [2650] [YOUCAT 490]

● Can you learn to pray from the Bible?

The → BIBLE is like a wellspring of prayer. To pray with the Word of God means to
use the words and events of the Bible for one’s own prayer. “To be ignorant of Scripture
is to be ignorant of Christ” (St. Jerome). [2652-2653]

Sacred Scripture, especially the Psalms and the → NEW TESTAMENT, are a
valuable treasury; in it we find the most beautiful and most powerful prayers of the
Judeo-Christian world. Reciting these prayers unites us with millions of people from all
times and cultures who have prayed, but above all with Christ himself, who is present in
all these prayers. [YOUCAT 491]

● What is a Bible?
Basic Information Before Leaving Earth

“Bible” (Latin Biblia = scrolls, books) is what Jews and Christians call a collection
of Sacred Scriptures that came into being over a period of more than one thousand
years and is for them the charter of their faith. The Christian Bible is considerably more
extensive than the Jewish Bible because besides its Scriptures it also contains the four
Gospels, the letters of St. Paul, and other writings of the early Church.

“The Bible is God’s love letter to us.” (SØREN KIERKEGAARD)

● Books of the Bible (73 Books)

OLD TESTAMENT (46 Books)

The Historical Books
Genesis (Gen), Exodus (Ex), Leviticus (Lev), Numbers (Num), Deuteronomy (Deut),
Joshua (Josh), Judges (Judg), Ruth(Ruth), 1 Samuel (1 Sam), 2 Samuel (2 Sam), 1
Kings (1 Kings),2 Kings (2 Kings), 1 Chronicles (1 Chron), 2 Chronicles (2Chron), Ezra
(Ezra), Nehemiah (Neh), Tobit (Tob), Judith(Jud), Esther (Esther), 1 Maccabees (1
Mac), 2 Maccabees (2Mac) The Wisdom Books, Job (Job), Psalms (Ps),
Proverbs(Prov), Ecclesiastes (Eccles), Song of Solomon (Song), Wisdom(Wis), Sirach /
Ecclesiasticus (Sir)
The Prophets
Isaiah (Is), Jeremiah (Jer), Lamentations (Lam), Baruch(Bar), Ezekiel (Ezek), Daniel
(Dan), Hosea (Hos), Joel(Joel), Amos (Amos), Obadiah (Obad), Jonah (Jon), Micah
(Mic), Nahum (Nahum), Habakkuk (Hab), Zephaniah (Zeph), Haggai (Hag), Zechariah
(Zech), Malachi (Mal)

NEW TESTAMENT (27 Books)

The Gospels
Matthew (Mt), Mark (Mk), Luke (Lk), John (Jn)
The Acts of the Apostles (Acts)

The Letters of St. Paul

Romans (Rom), 1 Corinthians (1 Cor), 2 Corinthians (2 Cor),Galatians (Gal), Ephesians
(Eph), Philippians (Phil),Colossians (Col), 1 Thessalonians (1 Thess), 2
Thessalonians(2 Thess), 1 Timothy (1 Tim), 2 Timothy (2 Tim), Titus (Tit),Philemon
(Philem), Hebrews (Heb)

The Catholic Letters

James (Jas), 1 Peter (1 Pet), 2 Peter (2 Pet), 1 John (1 Jn),2 John (2 Jn), 3 John (3 Jn),
Jude (Jude), Revelation /Apocalypse (Rev)

● Is Sacred Scripture true? Who is the author?

“The books of Scripture firmly, faithfully, and without error teach [the] truth. . . .
Written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, they have God as their author”
(Second Vatican Council, DV 11). [103-107] [YOUCAT 14]

Through His Word, he speaks to us. Therefore, again, we respond by believing in Him.

(Gospel Sharing: John 1:1)

(Do “Listen to the Word”)

Reflection: Words are powerful – And God said, "Let there be light," and there was light
(Genesis 1:3). This power can be related to journalism. Journalism's mission is to
proclaim the truth that is good, meaning they spread the good news. God gave this
good news to us –
Jesus. And now Jesus wants us to "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all
creation.
”(Mark 16:15). God granted the power of words to us; we are now challenged to use this
as a sword. A sword can either help or hurt according to its purpose. That is why, if we
want to be Jesus-like, we have to use our words to help and heal rather than harm and
humiliate. And most of all, we have to spread the truth.

(Proceed to creeds using “and that is why we have creeds to still the truth in our
thoughts, words, and deeds” or do “Affirmation” then creeds.)

● What are creeds?

→CREEDS are brief formulas of faith that make it possible for all believers to make
a common profession. [185-188, 192-197] [YOUCAT 26]

● Why does faith require definitions and formulas?

Faith is not about empty words but about reality. [YOUCAT 25]
 ● The Apostles Creed Prayer
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in
Jesus Christ, God's only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of
the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he
descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is
seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the
forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

Let the Creed be like a mirror for you. Look at yourself in it to see whether you
really believe all that you claim to believe. And rejoice every day in your faith. (ST.
AUGUSTINE)

Everything we have talked about is a manifestation of love–God’s love and our love
for God. That is why God tests faith to prove that we truly love Him no matter what
happens.

● The 10 Commandments
1. I am the Lord thy God, thou shalt have no other gods besides me.
2. Thou shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.
3. Remember to keep holy the Lord’s Day
4. Honor thy mother and Father
5. Thou shalt not kill
6. Thou shall not commit adultery.
7. Thou shall not steal.
8. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor
9. Thou shall not covet your neighbor’s wife.
10. Thou shall not covet your neighbor’s goods.

The first five represent your love for God and the last five represent your love for
others. (In your level, as youth and altar server, how can you be able to go against the
commandments: “Acknowledgement of Sins”)

● Jesus’ Commandment
Jesus said to him, “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your
soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. The
second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. The whole law and the
prophets depend on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:34-40)
 ● What is sin?
It is the failure of loving God and loving others. This is manifested in a disregard for
his commandments.

Note that when you’re in love, you are happy. “Teacher, what. . . must I do to have
eternal life?”
(Mt 19:16). Jesus says, " If you would enter life, keep the commandments ' (Mt 19:17).
Then he adds, “and come, follow me” (Mt 19:21). Real happiness is found in Christ and
in His everlasting love. But through sin, we become lonely and unhappy.

● Why do we sin?
Freedom is the God-given power to be able to act of one’s own accord. God created
us as free men and wills our freedom so that we might decide wholeheartedly in favor of
the good. The more we do what is good, the freer we become. Choosing evil does not
define freedom but rather destroys our freedom entirely, yet people keep choosing it.

● If God is all-knowing and all-powerful, why does he not prevent evil?

“God allows evil only so as to make something better result from it”
(St. Thomas Aquinas).

● Did God will the death of his only Son?

Jesus was “delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God
” (Acts 2:23). So that we children of sin and death might have life, the Father in heaven “
made him to be sin who knew no sin” (2 Cor 5:21).
[YOUCAT 98]

(Even without visually seeing Jesus, His works and presence continues among us
through the liturgy.)

● What is liturgy?
→ LITURGY is the official divine worship of the → CHURCH. [1077-1112]
(from Greek leiturgia = public work, service, achievement by and for the people): In the
Christian Tradition, liturgy means that the People of God participate in the “work of God
''. The Centerpiece of liturgical celebrations is the Holy Eucharist; the other liturgies —
for example, the celebration of other sacraments, devotions, blessings, processions,
and the liturgy of the Hours — are ordered to it.
 ● What is the essence of every liturgy?
→ LITURGY is always, in the first place, communion or fellowship with Jesus Christ.
Every liturgy, not just the celebration of the Eucharist, is an Easter in miniature. Jesus
reveals his passage from death to life and celebrates it with us.

● What is a sacrament?
Sacraments are holy, visible signs instituted by Christ of an invisible reality (sacred
signs), in which Christians can experience the healing, forgiving, nourishing,
strengthening the presence of God that enables them to love in turn; this is possible
because God’s grace works in the sacraments.

● The 7 Sacraments
1. Baptism
2. Holy Eucharist
3. Confirmation
4. Holy Orders
5. Holy Matrimony
6. Penance
7. Anointing of the Sick

● Why do we need sacraments in the first place?

We need → SACRAMENTS in order to outgrow our petty human life and to become like
Jesus through Jesus: children of God, freedom, and glory. [1129]

In Baptism, the fallen children of men become cherished children of God.

Through→ CONFIRMATION the weak become strong, committed Christians.
Through Penance, the guilty are reconciled.
Through the → EUCHARIST the hungry become bread for others.
Through Holy Matrimony and Holy Orders, individualists become servants of love.
Through the Anointing of the Sick, the despairing become people of confidence.
(The sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist are called Sacraments of
Initiation. We say that receiving these sacraments “initiates” one into the life of the
Church.)

The sacrament in all the sacraments is Christ himself. In him we men, lost in
selfishness, grow and mature into the true Life that has no end.
 Module 2

BEING AN
ALTAR SERVER
II.
SERVIRE

● Why are you here?

”Amare et servire Domino (To love and serve the Lord)"

Since we have been “ saved by grace through faith (Ephesians2:8-9)”, we serve

him. We don’t serve God out of guilt or fear or even duty but out of love, joy, and deep
gratitude for what he’s done for us. We owe him our lives. We serve because we are
saved. “So use your body to honor God ” (1 Corinthians 6:20).

Introduction to the Altar Serving

Being an Altar Server, you are called a minister, a person who serves the parish
community. As a minister, you are to assist the community to celebrate the sacred
liturgy, a way of serving God and His people. You are mainly serving the priest because
leading the community to God in prayer through the Holy Eucharist is the work of
priests.
Altar servers are a vital part of the liturgical ministry. They are vital because altar
servers perform not just a functional role but a symbolic role and symbolism is the
language of worship. Their actions in the Mass are symbolic of much more than you
think and the way they serve can lead people closer to God.
You appear in public, but you are never a performer. By your faithful duty,
you remain always a servant of God in your Parish. Saint John Paul II said “you are far
more than ‘helpers of the priest’. Above all, you are servants of Jesus the Eternal High
Priest.”

● What is an Altar Server?

● In the same manner as the Ministries of Lectors & Holy Communion, the Ministry
of Altar Servers are appointed on a temporary basis, thus they are
commissioned, rather than instituted.
● Altar Servers are not to be confused with the instituted acolytes. In the Dioceses
of the Philippines, these lay ministers are to be referred to as Altar Servers. (i.e.,
not sacristans, acolytes, or knights of the altar)
● The primary role of the Altar Servers is to assist the priest in the celebration of
the liturgy, especially during Mass. This is done through specific actions and by
setting an example to the congregation by active participation.
● There is nothing that prevents girls from becoming Altar Servers, however, for
practical reasons, and as a venue to attract vocations to the priesthood; it is
highly recommended that boys are appointed for this ministry.
 ● Ideals of an Altar Server
Reverence – Reverence for God and for sacred objects is most important when they
serve. Relevant actions, peaceful and dignified behavior, and gestures contribute to the
solemnity of the celebration of the liturgy and to the active participation of all.

Discipline – With good training and proper discipline, the rituals and ceremonies of the
liturgy can be carried out in an orderly and solemn manner. But, as always, training
involves discipline. Discipline among Altar Servers must be observed:

● During the celebration of the liturgy, especially the mass.

● As they actively participate in the celebration.
● As they avoid unnecessary movements that may cause a distraction to others.
● As they pay attention to every part of the Mass, at the same time being aware of
the responsibilities and tasks.
● As they avoid loitering and congregating in the sacristy or other places around
the church.
● As they work diligently with other lay liturgical ministers and even with priests.
● Outside of the celebration.
● In their relationship with others, especially with their family, friends, classmates,
and other persons whom they encounter.
● In their care and concern, respect and reverence for the materials they use for
the celebration of the liturgy, as well as the church and its other areas (e.g.
Sacristy);
● In their respect for their elders; and
● In their willingness to undergo ongoing formation and training.

Decorum – decorum means “what is proper.” Decorum Requires a sense of dignity.

Servers should not only train and work well, but they should also, likewise, have a neat
and tidy appearance since this adds to the dignity and beauty of the liturgical
celebrations.

Piety – Piety does not mean they look holy whenever they serve at the altar. It means
that they carry within themselves a great love for God and his people, even if they are
not serving in the Church.
Brotherhood – An Altar Server has an attitude of teamwork, in serving you should
understand that you are a part of a larger group. Always remember that in serving you
should be united in the service of God.

(Read Scripture and do “Washing of the Feet”: John 13:1-20)

Being an altar server is being a leader. And to Jesus, leading is serving. He asked us to
serve and love one another, therefore we must serve and love one another. Through
this, you become effective leaders. A little sacrifice won’t hurt. How about you, what will
you have to sacrifice as an altar server?
● Roles and functions of an Altar Servers
● To assist during the liturgical celebrations, especially the Mass (Instituted
Acolytes, Deacons Priests, Bishop).
● To work together with other lay liturgical ministers in the preparation and
celebration of the liturgy, especially the Mass (Extraordinary Ministers of Holy
Communion, Lectors and Commentators, Ushers, Greeters, and Collectors,
Music Ministry, Sacristans)

• Altar servers must know how to (By Bro. Dustin):

➢ Make the Sign of the Cross
➢ Pray the Holy Rosary
➢ Read the Holy Bible or At least Bible stories
➢ Read the lives of Saints
➢ Go to Confession regularly
➢ Adore and revere the Blessed Sacrament
➢ Learn the Catechism of the Catholic Church
➢ Live and serve the Holy Mass and other Liturgies
➢ Do freely the Works of Mercy
➢ Make silence inside the church responsibly

● Sacristan
(from Latin sacer = sacred) A sacristan is an officer charged with the care of the
sacristy, the church, and its contents.

● Responsibilities
● To be faithful in attending to their duties in serving at all liturgical celebrations
● To arrive at least 30 minutes before service in order to prepare all liturgical
materials to be used for celebration, review final instructions before the
celebration, and personal and group prayers.
● To be present during practice and training.
● To assist in other liturgical celebrations
● To notify the coordinator if they will not be able to attend to their schedules.
● To have knowledge, importance, care, as well as an understanding of their roles
as altar servers.
 Module 3

THE CHURCH
AND
THE LITURGY
III.
THE CHURCH AND THE LITURGY
1 Narthex
2. Aisle (Center-aisle and Side-aisle)
3. Sanctuary
4. Sacristy

Biblical Definition of a Church

“You are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my Church”

(Matthew 16:18)

“The Church '' is the People that God gathers in the whole world. She exists in local
communities and is made real as a liturgical, above all a Eucharistic, assembly. She
draws her life from the word and the Body of Christ and so herself becomes Christ’s
Body.

WE ARE THE CHURCH not I am the Church. She is one, holy, catholic, and apostolic.
If you ever wondered why the church is “she”, it is because the church is the bride of
Christ.

• The Four(4) Marks of the Catholic Church

✓ One
✓ Holy
✓ Catholic
✓ Apostolic

The Liturgy

Liturgy means that the People of God participate in the “work of God ''. It is the action of
Jesus Christ, an act of eternal worship in which he involves us, the members of his
mystical body, the church.

● Kinds of liturgical observance:

Solemnity – the highest-ranking type of feast day. It commemorates an event in the life
of Jesus or Mary or celebrates a Saint important to the whole Church or the local
community.

Feast –the rank of secondary liturgical days including lesser events in the life of Jesus,
Mary, or an Apostle (theologically speaking) or for major saints.
Memorial – the commemoration of a saint of lesser importance. Many memorials are
optional or only observed in specific dioceses, regions, or nations. The equivalent in the
Tridentine/Extraordinary Form would be a III Class Feast.

Ferial – a day where there is an optional memorial and the priest may select a mass of
his choice unless otherwise directed by the calendar.

● The Liturgical Calendar and its Seasons

1. Advent – The beginning of the church’s calendar. This celebrates the two-fold
coming of Christ (Incarnation and Final Judgment). With Christian joy, we celebrate his
first coming. Christian hopes we await his second coming. This season lasts for four
weeks, including the 9 days of Misa de Aguinaldo. The season starts from the Sunday
after Christ the King and ends on the eve of Christ’s birth.

2. Christmas – the season which celebrates the birth of Christ, The Incarnation, and
God became man. This season has 2 focal points:
● Christmas Day until the solemnity of Mary, Mother of God.
● The Solemnity of the epiphany until the feast of the Baptism of the lord.

3. Lent – A 40 days giving of ourselves to prayer and penance, to hearing the word of
God, and to acts of charity. In this season we prepare for Easter and recall the grace of
our Baptism. It runs from Ash Wednesday until the Mass of the Lord’s Supper.

4. Paschal Triduum – the three days of the Passion, Death, and resurrection of Christ.
This is the highest point of the year. This begins on the Mass of the Lord’s Supper and
reaches until the Easter vigil.

5. Easter – This season has 50 days of celebration of the rising of Christ from the dead.
Starting from the Easter vigil until Pentecost. These days are called feast days but
Easter Octave for the 8 days after Easter Sunday.

6. Ordinary Time – A season of growth in our faith. This season has 2 parts:
● The Sunday of the baptism of the Lord until Ash Wednesday.
● and the Pentecost Sunday Until the Solemnity of Christ the King.
 ● The Liturgical Colors
White – The color of Joy, and Glory of God. Used during the seasons of Christmas and
Easter and the feasts of the Lord, Blessed Virgin Mary, Saints who are not Martyrs, and
the angels.
Violet/Purple – The sign penance and for mourning. Used during the seasons of
Advent and Lent, and for the Masses for the Dead.
Red – The sign of the blood of Christ or the fire of the Holy Spirit. Used for Palm
Sunday, Good Friday, Pentecost, and the Martyred Saints.
Green – The symbol of Good Harvest and Growth in our faith. Used for the Ordinary
Time.
Rose – The symbol of rejoicing for a great feast coming. Used during the 3rd Sunday of
Advent (Gaudete Sunday) and the 4th Sunday of Lent (Laetare Sunday).
Gold – The Symbol of Kingship of Christ to the World. Used during the feast of Christ
the King and other Special Feast.
Blue – The Symbol of the humbleness of Mary. Used for the significant Feast of Mary

● Parts of the Church

The Narthex:
• Baptismal Font – a fixture used for the baptism of children and adults.

The Nave:
• Pew - a long bench seat or enclosed box, used for seating members of the
congregation of the Church.

The Sanctuary:
• Altar – The large, high table located at the center of the sanctuary where most of the
actions of the Liturgy of the Eucharist take place.
• Lectern – The small, high table located at either side of the sanctuary, where the
readings from the Liturgy of the word are read.
• Tabernacle – A small box, in which the Body or the Blood of Christ may be kept when
the Mass is not said.
• Tabernacle Lamp – The lamp that lights the tabernacle, this signifies that there is a
Eucharist inside the Tabernacle
• Presider’s chair– The chair in which only the Priest or the bishop may sit whether
during the Mass or outside the Mass.
• Credence Table – A small table on which is placed the vessels for the Liturgy of the
Eucharist.
• Altar Candles – Candles lit during the Mass; it signifies that Christ is the light of the
world.
• Paschal Candle – A very large candle placed beside the Lectern during the Easter
Season and below the Sanctuary during Baptisms and Funerals.
• Holy Icons – The Pictures or statues of Jesus Christ, the Blessed Virgin Mary, or other
Saints.
• Sanctuary Bell – The bell is located near the altar, it may be in the Sanctuary or inside
the Sacristy.
• Sacrarium - is a drain that empties directly into the soil and is used for disposing of the
water used to wash sacred items.

The Vessels:
• Ciborium – The cup-like vessel with a lid, this contains the hosts that will be used for
the Holy Communion. It can also be used for the reserved hosts to be put in the
Tabernacle.
• Chalice – The cup used to hold the wine which will become the blood of Christ during
the Mass
• Patten – The saucer-like dish which usually matches the chalice. It holds the bread
which will become the body of Christ
• Pall – The stiff, square, white cover that is placed over the Patten when it is on the
Chalice and over the Chalice during the Mass.
• Corporal – A white, linen napkin on which the Eucharistic Vessels are placed during
the Mass. It is folded into small squares about the size of the Pall.
• Purificator– A triple-folded rectangular, white cloth used to cleanse the chalice after the
Communion.
• Finger Towel – A small cloth used by the Priests and the Eucharistic Ministers in
distributing the Communion and by the Bishops in administering the Sacraments of
Confirmation and Holy Orders.
• Cruets – The two small pitchers which contain the water and wine offered during the
Mass
• Communion Plate – A plate with a handle used by an Altar Server in catching
Eucharistic Crumbs.
• Sanctus Bell – A handbell that is rung during the Mass.
• Pitcher and Basin – Used to hold and catch the water for the washing of the hands of
the presider.
• Pyx – A pocket watch-shaped case in which it holds the Holy Communion to be given
to the sick in the Community outside the celebration of the Mass.
• Processional Cross – The crucifix is mounted on a tall pole which is carried during
processions.
• Processional Candles – Candles mounted on a tall pole(torch) which is carried during
processions.
• Monstrance – A large ornate vessel used to hold the Blessed Sacrament during Its
Public Exposition.
• Lunette – A thin, circular receptacle that holds the Blessed Sacrament when exposed
in the Monstrance.
• Oil Stocks – A metal cylinder, with compartments for sacramental oils.
• Aspergillum – The bush form or hollow bulb sprinkler which contains a sponge and
has openings to sprinkle drops of Holy Water to the people.
• Thurible – A metal container with a lid that is extended from chains, in which charcoal
and incense are burned. It is also called censer.
• Incense Boat – A small metal container that holds the incense to be put into the
Thurible.

Sacred Books:
• Sacramentary – A book on which the volume of Presidential prayers and the order of
the rites connected with the mass are located.
• Lectionary – A Liturgical book that holds the readings used during the liturgy of the
Word in the Mass.
• Gospel Book – A book that holds the Sunday and Solemnity Gospels

The Vestments:
• Cassock– A long outer garment worn by the Clergy and by Altar Servers.
• Surplice – A wide-sleeved garment, slipped over the head, covering the shoulders,
and coming down below the Knees. It is worn over the Cassock.
• Alb – A long, white, dress-like vestment that is used by the Clergy and the
Seminarians.
• Stole – A long colored cloth ornately decorated worn by the priest around his neck,
letting it hang down in front, and worn by the deacon over his right shoulder and
fastened on his left side like a sash. Its color varies according to the season or feast.
• Chasuble – The outer vestment worn over the stole and alb. Its color varies according
to the season or feast.
• Cope – A large semi-circular cloak, held at the front by a clasp or band of fabric. It is
used during the benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.
• Humeral Veil – A large shawl, worn around the shoulders while carrying the Blessed
Sacrament during the benediction and Eucharistic Procession.
• Mitre – A double-pointed headdress, with two lappets hanging at the back. It is used
by the Bishops.
• Crozier – A staff with a shepherd’s crook at the top, this is a sign of his pastoral office.
• Pectoral Cross – The Bishop’s cross necklace. It is worn under his chasuble and the
dalmatic, under the cope but above the mozeta.
• Bishop’s Ring – The ring worn by the Bishop at all times as a sign that he is wedded to
Christ in the service of the church.
• Zucchetto/ Skull Cap– The Violet cap worn by the Bishop, Purple cap for the
Archbishop, Redcap for the Cardinals, and white for the Pope.

The Eucharistic Celebration

As an Altar Server, it is important for each server to know the structure of the Mass.
It is not merely a matter of knowing “what comes next” but of understanding the
meaning of each part of the Holy Mass. The Mass itself is an action moving steadily
forward to its supreme moments when Heaven and Earth meet in the great mystery of
the Altar.

● Parts of the Mass:

1. INTRODUCTORY RITES:
Entrance Hymn – a hymn that opens the celebration and accompanies the procession
of the priest and the ministers to the Altar. It is sung, to deepen our unity together and to
introduce us to the mystery of the season or feast.
Veneration of the Altar–It is done by the clergy after the Entrance Hymn. As the sign
of Christ, the center of the church, and of the Eucharistic body the altar is shown
reverence by the 3 traditional gestures: the bow or the customary reverence, the kiss,
and the censing (when incense is used).
Greeting– The presider greets the assembly which is a reminder of the unity of the
Church in God’s grace.
Penitential Rite – It invites us to be sorry for all our sins and takes away all our venial
sins which do not need absolution in private confession. We come to Godin a spirit of
contrition, so that we may be worthy in celebrating the Eucharist
Gloria - An ancient hymn of praise sung or recited in solemnities (except Advent and
Lent) and appropriate feasts.
Opening Collect Prayer – An invitation to prayer and a time of silent prayer. On behalf
of the people the priest offers the prayer to God and thus the people respond
“AMEN”.

2. LITURGY OF THE WORD:

First Reading – A reading coming from either the Old or New Testament which
expresses the mood of the celebration
Responsorial Psalm – A response that continues the mood of the 1st The Responsory
is made by the people as their prayer and the Cantor makes the psalm the main prayer.
Second Reading – A Reading taken from the New Testament which is not the Gospel
and said only during Solemnities.
Alleluia/Gospel Proclamation – A joyous welcome to the holy Gospel
Homily – An explanation, Proclamation of the readings of the Liturgy
Creed – The profession of Faith as a follower to the teachings of Christ in the Church
Prayers of the Faithful –The offertory of the petitions of the community before God.

3. LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST:

Offertory – The people offer the works of their hands to God.
Prayer over the Gifts – The priest raises up the offerings to God.
Preface - has a beginning, a middle, and an end. The beginning is the dialogue: “Lift
up your hearts…it is right and just.” The priest’s prayer follows that. And, the end of
the Preface is the “Holy, holy, holy” or Sanctus.
Sanctus – The people praise the Holy Trinity, “Holy, holy”
Acclamation and Anamnesis – The faithful proclaim the mystery of faith and
remember the death and resurrection of Christ made present through the Eucharist.
Doxology- The Priest raises up the Sacred Body and Blood of Jesus gives praise and
glory to God, to the three divine Persons of the Trinity.
The Lord ‘s Prayer – The people recite the prayer Jesus Taught the Church.
Rite of Peace – The people beg for the peace and unity of the Church
Fraction - "The priest breaks the Eucharistic Bread. The gesture of breaking bread
done by Christ at the Last Supper.
Agnus Dei – The people ask God to take away the sins of the world.
Communion – The priest and other Ministers distribute the Eucharist to the people.
Prayer after Communion – On behalf of the people the priest offers a Thanksgiving
prayer to God and thus the people respond “AMEN”

4. CONCLUDING RITE:
Final Blessing – A blessing that the presider gives to the people, which concludes the
Mass in the power of the Holy Trinity, by making the Sign of the Cross which is the sign
of Faith.
Dismissal – The presider or the Deacon sends the people to serve love to others.
Recessional – The Word goes out to the world.
 Module 4

DECORUM
POSTURES AND GESTURES
IV.
DECORUM

The recommended uniform for the Ministry of Altar Servers are the following:
● Any suitable and proper undershirt, preferably white in color.
● Black pants (no denim).
● Black / white socks.
● Black shoes
● Longsleeve with Pin

Personal grooming- Before serving, Altar Servers must come to church with
presentable decorum and proper grooming. This includes the following:
● Appropriate haircut (2 X 3 haircut)’
● With no artificial hair color or unnatural hairstyles.
● Clean hands and neatly trimmed fingernails.
● Mustache must be clean-shaven.
● No jewelry; and
● Basic hygiene is indispensable.

The Basic Postures and Gestures

An Altar Server must know and understand every posture appropriate for the
ceremony. And he should also know all the actions that should be done in every part of
the Mass. As a server, you should know when to move, walk, and bow.
● The Hands
1. Your hands must always be clean, with clean fingernails. Wash them before you
serve because you will handle things that are sacred.
2. Joined hands are held before the breast at 45 degrees, palms together, fingers
extended, thumbs crossed, right over left.
3. When one of your hands is occupied, place the other hand open on your breast.
4. When seated, put your hands on your knees.

● Standing
1. An altar Server’s head should be kept straight.
2. The body is relaxed but erect, shoulders back. The feet are together.
3. The hands are together before the breast at 45 degrees, palms together, fingers
extended, thumbs crossed, right over left.
 ● Walking
1. While walking, walk solemnly, dignified, and deliberately. Know where to go and
walk there with head straight, shoulders back, and handheld properly.
● Sitting
1. When sitting, keep back straight and tall. The hand should be placed on the lap.
The feet should be flat on the ground.

● Kneeling
1. When kneeling, allow the bodyweight to be equally distributed on both knees.
Leave the feet uncrossed and keep the hands in a praying position.

● Genuflecting
Single Genuflecting – One goes down on their right knee, keeping the left one upright,
from a standing position. The server gets back up, but not like a spring, that is, quickly.
Nor slowly (with exception to medical issues).

Double Genuflect - starts from the single genuflection position. This genuflection
involved both knees planted on the ground, the servers’ hands still in the orans position
(unless carrying an object), and a moderate bow is made.

● Bowing
Shoulder Bow – both the head and the shoulders move as one action. Bow only
slightly forward

Waist Bow – both the head and the shoulder move together but with the bending of the
waist. Note that all of these are to show reverence, dignity, discipline, and respect for
God's true presence. These must be done though, in a smooth human manner and not
as a programmed robot. After all, we are humans. Practice makes progress
 Module 5

ALTAR SERVER’S
NORMS
V.
ALTAR SERVER’S NORMS

➢ During the celebration, remember that everything you do as a server, no matter

how ordinary it may seem, should be done carefully and reverently because
everything is a part of the worship that we are giving to God.

➢ It is important, therefore, that the rules are to be observed and followed by each
Altar Servers. it is suggested that you read all the rules and guidelines given
below and put them to your heart.

➢ Your appearance (how you should look)

• Altar Servers should be neatly groomed and dressed. Wear appropriate clothes
and shoes for mass: Plain white shirt, black shoes, no shorts are allowed, and
rubber shoes should be avoided.

Your behaviour (observe good manners and right conduct)

➢ Always ‘look alert’ during the mass. Do not slouch When sitting and do not look
around unnecessarily. your eyes should always look where the action is, at the
altar, ambo, presiders chair, or the direction in which you are walking. You should
not be gazing aimlessly around the church, looking at different things and people
during mass.

➢ In particular, Altar Servers should always:

• Move slowly and with dignity
• Handle object solemnly and with reverence
• Pay very close attention to what is going on at the altar
• Focus attention on the priest
• Participate in prayers, responses, and songs as the priest and congregation do.

PROHIBITIONS:
• No talking to each other
• No goofing off or joking around
• New looking out into the congregation
• No fiddling with your clothing, hair, or vestments
• No fidgeting while seated or standing
• No leaving the sanctuary during the sign of peace
Your Hands
➢ When not seated, give your hands folded with palms,
➢ Both of your hands must form in a prayer position, when one hand is occupied,
place the other open on your breast.

Standing
➢ When standing, stand up straight and still, with your hands in a form prayer
position

Sitting
➢ When you are sitting, sit up straight and still
➢ Do not slouch or fidget.
➢ Do not sit with your legs crossed or outstretched

Walking
➢ When you are walking, take your time and move deliberately with dignity.
➢ Walking in the church is not a race or should never be hurried.
➢ When walking together, side by side, walking at the same pace.

Offering the water and wine

➢ When you bring the wine and the water to the priest, do not approach while he is
offering the bread, but come to the altar when you have answered “blessed be
God forever” or, when the prayer is said quietly, as you see the priest put the
paten on the altar table.

Washing of the Priest’s hands

➢ Do not move over wash the Priest’s hands until he has finished the prayer for the
offering of wine and placed the chalice on the Altar table.
➢ At the end of the Holy Communion, be prepared to wash the hands of the priest
and take the water to the altar for cleansing of the chalice once the Priest is
ready.

Holding the communion plate

➢ Hold the plate under the priest’s arm as he distributes the host to the
congregation. move with the motion of the priest to ensure that the plate is
always below the host.

While Receiving the Holy Eucharist

➢ Every Altar Servers should genuflect and receive the Holy Eucharist through their
tongue, as a Sign of Reverence and Adoration.
 ➢ In addition, while we are passing to the Sanctuary and to the Adoration chapel
we should genuflect, as an of Reverence to the Holy Eucharist.

Your Vestment
➢ Upon arrival, you should vest in the customary uniform of your parish.

Reporting for duty before the Mass

➢ 30 to 15 minutes before the Mass started
Service meetings
➢ All servers are expected to attend all meetings. if for some reason you are unable
to attend the meeting, you are asked to contact your leader or coordinator to let
them know.
➢ Servers will also get together for a social event from time to time.

Server schedule
➢ The serving schedule will be posted on Saturday in the morning. it is your
responsibility to know your assignment and note them on your calendar.

“In Everything, Love and Serve the Lord with Gladness”

St. Tarcisius of Rome, Pray for Us!

St. Mary Magdalene - Mother & Patroness of Pililla, Pray for Us!
CREDITS:
https://www.scribd.com/document/412721877/Training-Module-and-Model-
Constitution?fbclid=IwAR3eQaq2FHUzvpfFuLyvTZx4gEqzPvPYuqAupYKHfg0i3VwXhJ-dv-
TORJ4

https://www.slideshare.net/fred2106/altar-server-
seminar?fbclid=IwAR2ZpNJ9Z1Qb813uCCbkMriUOnXdbHI3rQAEf6M5hM-
w5ibVKuWVTrEuFZU