Church Vessels,Linens etc

2. Opening Liturgy
Bilang isang batang kristiyanong
bininyagan na handang tumanggap
ng tungkulin na magserbisyo sa
simbahan, bumuo ng isang
panalangin ng isang panalangin na
at ating ialay sa ating Poong
Maykapal.

3. Rules and Regulations for this
seminar activity
Active Participation
Listening
Do not talk while the Speaker deliver
her/his input.
Avoid going out if is not necessary
Using Mobile is forbidden while the
seminar is on going.

4. Topic I Overview:
History and
Development of Altar
Serving

5. Altar serving has a long history in the Roman
Catholic Church. Ever since the Apostolic times,
the church has always used the assistance of some
members to render services during religious
ceremonies. These assistants were, at first, clerics
in minor orders who were being trained for the
priesthood . They were called porters, readers,
exorcists and acolytes. Among these offices, the
function that gained great importance and honor
in the second and third centuries, was that of the
fourth minor order, the acolyte (from Greek “
akolouthos” meaning “assistant” or “attendant” )
who directly served at the altar.

6. However, as the Church grew in
number, it became obvious that
there were not enough acolytes to
serve Masses. And so it became
necessary to replace these servers
with the non-ordained – young men
and boys – who assumed the roles
and functions of the ordained
acolytes at the altar.

7. For several centuries only males
were allowed to serve at Mass.
However, with the coming of Vatican
II, some changes were introduced
into the Church. Some functions
which formerly were reserved only to
the ordained clergy were now opened
to the lay faithfuly as well.
Recent Development on Altar Serving

8. Regarding Altar Serving, a big
break came on March 12, 1994
when Rome, through the
Congregation for Divine Worship
and the Discipline of the
Sacraments ( CSDWDS), issued a
general permission allowing
women and girls to serve at the
Altar.

9. The new GIRM (General Instruction of
the Roman Missal 2002) recognizes altar
serving as a ministry 0. it is one of the
liturgical ministries open to the lay
faithful ministries of Holy Communion,
readers, cantors, sacristans, choirs, etc.
The Ministry of Altar Servers in GIRM 2002

10. GIRM makes distinction between an
“ acolyte” and a “ server”. “acolyte”
refers to an “instituted acolyte” – a
seminarian who has passed through
a special ceremony called “
institution” presided by the bishop. A
“server” on the other hand, refers to a
person who has received only a “
blessing” from the priest.

11. In the Diocese of Marbel , altar servers are
put under the ministry under the ministry
called Lay Liturgical Ministry ( LLM). In the
Parishes altar servers belong to the sub-
committee on Sacred Rites and may be called
to attend some meetings and activities of the
LLM.
In the Diocesan it is preferred that the altar
servers be no longer called acolytes,
sacristans, knights of the altar, etc. the proper
term to be used for this ministry should be “
servers” or more precisely “ altar server”.
Altar Servers In the Diocese of Marbel

12. Altar Server’s Program
Recruitment, training and Formation Program for
Altar Servers
Regular Meetings with Altar Servers
Sports Fests and competition
Cultural Programs and Recognition
Retreats and Recollection
Conferences
Assemblies ( Parish, vicariate or diocesan)
Outings, picnics, educational exposures, etc.

13. Topic II
ALTAR
SERVERS
INFORMATION

14. What is an Altar Server
In general, an altar server is a lay assistant
who renders supportive functions during
liturgical services in Church
In particular, an altar server is a lay person, a
man or woman, a boy or girl, who has been
deputed (authorized) to assist the priest
during the Mass and other liturgical
ceremonies.

15. Classification
They do during liturgical ceremonies. They may be
called:
 Server 1 or Altar Server Right ( AS1 or ASR)
Server 2 or Altar Server Left ( AS2 or ASL)
Cross bearer or Cross Server
Candle Bearer or Candle bearer
Thurifer or Censer Server
Boat Bearer or Boat Server
Book Bearer or Book Server
Crozir Bearer or Staff Server
Miter Bearer or Miter Server

16. Qualifications
Baptized and received First Confession and first
Communion
 Is able to read and write
 Willing to undergo training, formation, supervision and
evaluation
 Mature enough to understand responsibility and carry
them out well.
Committed to service, schedule, promptness ( ready,
quick to act)
Is able to know basic prayers and responses at Mass
Is able to master all postures and gestures at Mass
Is able to know how to prepare all things for Mass.

17. Roles of Altar Servers
Altar Server fulfil a very important ministry in
liturgy. Their service adds to the orderly and
prayerful o the assembly.
The primary role of the altar server is to assist the
priest in the celebration of the liturgy of the Mass.
This is done through specific actions and by setting
an example to the congregation of active
participation in the liturgy ( hymns, responses,
etc.), by looking alert and sitting or standing at the
appropriate times.

18. Functions of Altar Servers
In general functions of the Altar Servers:
Carry the cross, processional candles, hold
the book for the priest celebrant when he is
not at the altar, carry the censer and incense ,
present the bread wine, and water to the
priest during the preparation of the gifts, or
assist him when he receives the gifts from the
people, wash the hands of the priest, and
assist the priest celebrant and deacon as
necessary.

19. Duties of Altar Server
Altar Server must attend the Mass that they been
scheduled. They must report 15 minutes before the
Mass. When a server cannot be present he or she
must arrange for a replacement.
Altar Servers are on duty from the time they enter
the sanctuary at the start of Mass until they finish
clean-up after the end of Mass. During the Mass
their duty station is the sanctuary and a server may
not leave the sanctuary except as directed by a
priest, deacon or due to bodily necessity.

20. Vestments of Altar Servers
According to the GIRM, the proper attire of
servers is the alb. This is the basic liturgical
vesture common not only to servers but also
to other liturgical ministries as well . (GIRM
298,336 & 339.)
In the Diocese of Marbel, several forms of
servers’ uniform have surfaced. In some
parishes, altar servers wear a version of the
sotana, with or without short cape. While in
other parishes, altar servers wear the sotana
and surplice.

21. For practical reasons , we may still
continue to use the uniforms that
our altar server use during Mass
until such time that we can decide
on other appropriate uniform or
attire as suggested by the GIRM.
(Note: Anyone may also serve even
without the prescribed uniform.)

22. Seats for Altar Server
Servers should be seated in a place from which they
can easily assist the priest celebrant. However, they
may not seat beside the priest for such place is
normally reserved for the priest concelebrant or
deacon.
Other Seats (GIRM 310)
Other seats may be arranged in the sanctuary for
concelebrating priests as well as for priests who are
present for the celebration but who are not
concelebrating.

23. The seat for the deacon should be placed
near of the celebrant. Seats the other
ministers are to be arranged so that they
are clearly distinguishable from those for
the clergy and so that the ministers are
easily able to fulfil the function
entrusted to them.

24. Training of Altar Servers
Altar servers should be taught not only
theory but also practice in serving. This
training should be done not only in one
setting but in 2 or 3 phases which would
include lectures, demonstrations, and
examinations . Only when the trainees have
completed all the phases and have
satisfactorily demonstrated adequate
knowledge and capability to serve that they
may be admitted to the rite of investiture or
blessing, and thus be allowed to serve.

25. Investiture or Blessing of Altar Servers
After the Altar servers may undergo a
simple Rite of Investiture or Blessing
from the priest before they can begin the
Altar Server s’ Training Program.

26. Any
Clarification???
Questions???
Sentiments??? or
Reactions???

27. Topic III
Altar Servers
and the
Liturgy

28. What is Liturgy?
The Liturgy to Vat. II is an action of Christ and of
the Body, the Church. Liturgy is the central
worship we give to God as members of His family
which is the Church. In the liturgy we worship God
in three forms: through the celebration of the
Eucharist, through the celebration of the
7Sacraments, and through the Liturgy of the Hours
( Divine Office or Breviary).

29. Eucharist
The most important liturgy of the
Church, however is the celebration
of the Eucharist. Which is also call
the Mass. The Mass is a celebration
of Christ, a celebration of the
Church, and also a celebration of our
community which we do especially
on Sundays.

30. How to prepare the Mass
The altar covered at least one cloth. On the
near the altar there are to be candlesticks
with lighted candles, at least two but even
four, six or if the bishop of the diocese
celebrate seven. There is also to be cross on
near the altar. The candles of the Gospels
may be carried in the entrance procession.
The Book of the Gospels may be carried in
the entrance procession then placed on the
altar.

31. Preparation of the Books
1. Next to the priest chair—the Sacramentary and
the folder with the prayers of the faithful. The
sacramentary should be marked in its proper
pages for a particular Sunday (prayers, preface,
canon, etc).
2. At the ambo or lectern- the lectionary which
must be marked in its proper pages for the
readings for a particular Sunday ( 1st reading,
psalm, s2nd reading)
3. At the offertory table at the entrance of the Church
– the Book of the Gospel which shall be carried in
its proper pages for the gospel of a particular
Sunday.

32. Preparation of the Credence Table
On a credence table- the chalice, corporal, purificator, a
paten and ciboria with the bread for the communion of
the ministers and the people, communion plate for the
communion of the faithful; the requisites for the washing
of hands. ( GIRM 80).
Preparation of the Offertory Table ( at the entrance of the
Church.)
On the table for the presentation of the gifts- cruets
containing wine and water, a ciborium with bread ( hosts),
and other things to be offered.

33. Preparation of the Vestments
In the sacristy – the vestments for priest and
ministers:
For the priest – sotana, stole, and chasuble;
For the deacon – sotana, stole, and
dalmatic
For the other ministers – lawfully approved
vestments or uniform. ( GIRM 81)

34. Basic Structures of the Mass
2 main parts:
The Liturgy of the Word: where readings
from the Bible are read and explained.
The Liturgy of Eucharist: where we give
thanks to God for all he has done for us
through Jesus by recalling his death snd
resurrection and the sharing the bread and
wine which have become the Body and Blood
of Christ.

35. Order of the Regular Sunday
Masses
A.) Introductory Rites
Entrance Song ( We gather to praise and
worship God)
This part opens the celebration and
accompanies the procession of priest to the altar
. It should be sung, to deepen our unity together
and to introduce us to the Mystery of thre
Season or Feast

36. Order of Simple Entrance
Procession
Once the congregation has gathered, the
priest and the ministries clad in their
vestments , go to the altar in this order:
Altar servers with 2 lighted candles
Reader with the Book of the Gospels
Other ( other servers, lay ministers,
deacon, concelebrant)
The priest who is to celebrate the Mass.

37. Reverence at the Altar
Opening Rite
Penitential Rite
Lord Have Mercy and
Gloria
 Opening Prayer or Collect

38. B.) Liturgy of the Word
( We listen to God’s message for us)
First Reading
Responsorial Psalm
Second Reading
Alleluia or Gospel Acclamation
Gospel Reading
Homily
Creed or Profession of Faith
Prayers of the Faithful

39. C. The Liturgy of the Eucharist
Offertory or Presentation of the Gifts
Offering of the Bread
Offering of Wine
Washing of Hands
Invitation to Pray
Preface
Holy, Holy, Holy
Canon or Eucharistic Prayer
Consecration
Our Father or Lord’s Prayer

40. D. PREPARATION FOR COMMUNION
 Sign of peace
Lamb of God
Communion (Christ shares with us his
Body and Blood)
Purification of the Chalice
Prayer after Communion

41. E. THE CONCLUDING RITE
Announcements
PROCEDURES AT SOLEMN PROCESSIONS
Solemn Entrance procession
Order for a Solemn Entrance:
 Thurifer (and boat bearer) with a lighted censer
 Candle bearers with lighted candles and Cross bearer
in between them with processional cross
 Reader (or Deacon) with the Book of the Gospels
 Other minister and concelebrants
 The bishop who is to celebrate the Mass
Solemn Gospel Procession

42. Topic IV
Liturgical Terms
Altar Servers
should Know

43. The Sanctuary
The Sacristy
Areas of the Church

44. The Confessional Room
Place of the Altar Server
The Sacrarium

45. Special
Books

46. Lectionary
Book of Gospel
Sacramentary

47. Special Linen
Corporal
Purificator
Finger Towel

48. Special Clothing (Vestments)
1. ALB

49. The Cincture

50. The Stole
Palm Sunday
Pentecost
Martyr
Good Friday
Ordinary
Time
Christmas Season
Solemnity of the BVM
Epiphany
Baptism of the lord
Easter Triduum ends up
Sunday Evening until the
40th Day of Pentecost
Feast Day
Baptism
Blessing’wedding
confession
Ash Wednesday
Advent Season
Lenten Season

51. The Chasuble

52. The Cope

53. The Dalmatic

54. Humeral Veil

55. The MITRE

56. The Crozier
It is a sign of his
Pastoral Office. The
Bishop carries it to
remind us, that he
is the pastor and
guardian of God’s
people.

57. The Pectoral Cross
Is the bishop’s
necklace. It is worn
under the chasuble
and the dalmatic,
under the cope but
above the mozeta
( chalico.)

58. The Ring
Is worn at all
times as a sign
that the
bishop is
wedded to
Christ in the
service of His
Church as
shepherd of
His flock and
should be
always be
worn.

59. The Skull Cap or Zucchetto
Is the small cap
worn by the
bishop/ pope.

60. The Pallium
They wear it above the chasuble in their
jurisdictional territory when
pontificating solemnly and during
ordinations, consecration of a Church,
dedication of an altar, blessing of an
abbot or consecration of virgins
Pall

61. Special Vessels
Chalice
Paten
Ciborium
Monstrance

62. Lunnette
Pyx
Communion
plate
Lavabo Bowl

63. Pitcher and Basin
Bell

64. Special Furniture
Presider’s Chair
Ambo
Altar

65. Credence Table
Tabernacle
Lectern
Sacramentary stand

66. Other Items Sacred
Altar Candle
Censer or Thurible
Incense Boat

67. Incense
Holy Water Bucket
Oil Stock

68. Paschal Candle

69. Processional Candles
Funeral Pall

70. REMINDERS
TOMORROW KINDLY
BRING YOUR OWN
UTENSILS SUCH LIKE
PLATE, SPOON, GLASS,
FORK AND ECT.

71. Topic V
Procedures
in
Serving

72. Postures and Gestures
 The section deals with liturgical actions or movements
that we do during the liturgy. Liturgical actions may be
classified either as posture or gesture.
 Posture refers to the position of the body, like standing,
sitting and kneeling. Gesture refers to the action of the
hands, head, or knees, like praying, bowing, genuflecting
and even in observing silence.

73. We Stand
During the entrance procession
During the opening rites and the opening prayer
During the alleluia and the reading of the gospel
During the Creed and the Prayers of the faithful
When the priest says. “ Pray brothers and sisters…
During the preface and the sanctus
At the acclamation after the consecration
At the Our Father, exchange of peace, and the Lamb of
God.
When we receive communion
At the prayer after communion
During the final blessing and the Dismissal

74. Note:
Standing is an active, engaged posture
that manifests respect and shows great
attention to what is taking place. It also
denotes readiness for praise and
thanksgiving and for service.

75. We Sit
During the first reading , responsorial psalm and second
reading
During the homily
During the Offertory
After receiving communion
During the announcements
Note:
 Sitting is a posture of repose, of listening and
meditation.

76. We kneel
o After the Sanctus during the Eucharistic Prayer
o During the consecration of the bread and wine.
o When the priest says, “ Behold the Lamb of God”
o Note:
Kneeling signified penance in the early Church.
More recently kneeling signifies adoration.

77. Gestures
When we make the sign of the cross
When we are in the praying position or when
sitting.
When we are holding on to something like
candles, cross, book. Etc
When we serve wine and water to the priest
during the offertory
When we wash the hands of the priest.
We use our Hands

78. Bowing
Bowing signifies reverence and honor shown
to the persons themselves or to the signs
that represent them, there are two types of
bows;
• The profound bow ( from the waist) and
• The simple bow ( of the head)

79. We make profound bow
In front of the altar at the beginning and at the
end of the Mass
( Note; The server carrying the processional
cross does not bow; other servers simply make a
simple bow.)
When we pass in front at the tabernacle ( unless
carrying something)
When the priest genuflects after consecrating the
host and wine.
When we approach the bishop or leave his
presence.

80. We make a Simple Bow
In front of the altar at the beginning and the end of the
Mass ( Note: this is for servers who carry candles, vessels,
books, etc.)
When we approach the priest with the book or incense
When we offer the priest the cruets of wine and water
When we approach the priest for the washing of hands
When receiving an object from the priest
When leaving his presence and returning to our seats.
Before receiving holy communion and saying “ Amen”
When the names of the Three Divine Persons are
mentioned together, and at the name of Jesus.

81. Note:
1. Servers bow to the bishop or to the priest(
When we approaching or leaving their
presence). We do not bow, however, to the
deacon.
2. Servers bow to the altar with the priest and
other ministers, only at the beginning and
at the end of the Mass. This is bow is
always done in front or before the altar.

82. The following practices are unliturgical
and therefore unnecessary;
1. Servers should not bow when the priest
kisses the altar at the beginning and at the
end of the Mass.
2. Servers should not bow to the altar when
putting and getting things on and from the
altar ( like setting up the altar during
offertory, etc.)

83. Genuflecting
Genuflection is another sign of showing
respect and reverence. When we
genuflect we bend our right knee
touching the floor( single genuflection).
Another way is bending both knees
touching the floor ( double
genuflection),. Note: Profound bowing
may be used instead of genuflecting.

84. We Genuflect of Bow
Upon entering or leaving the Church
When passing or leaving the sanctuary
When passing in front of the Tabernacle
After the consecration of the bread and wine.
When the Blessed Sacrament is exposed on the
altar ( both knees)
Note: Servers do not genuflect carrying things
like crosses, sacred vessels, books or candles.

85. Observing Silence
At the beginning of the Mass when the
priest says; My brothers and sisters, to
prepare ourselves to celebrate..
Every time the priest says; Let us pray..
After the gospel reading
After communion
We Observe Silence

86. Topic VI
Serving
At
Solemn
Celebrations

87. This section is intended for seniors servers as part of
their training to serve at solemn celebrations. This part
may not be given to first timers or young altar servers.
Solemn celebrations refer to special occasions, like
solemnities, feast, and Masses celebrated by the
Bishop, where more elaborate ceremonies are
conducted and more servers are needed.
Servers at Solemn occasions perform functions which
require specially selected, more experienced and
trained senior altar servers. Such servers and their
functions are described below:

88. Cross Bearer - carry the Processional Cross
Candle Bearers – carry the Processional Candles
Thurifer – carry the thurifier of censer
Boat Incense – carry the container for incense
Book Bearer – holds the Sacramentary
Miter Bearer – hold’s the Bishop’s Miter
Crozier Bearer – holds the Bishop’s staff

89. Specific Functions
Carrying the Cross
 Walk at a moderate, dignified pace. Hold the cross straight,
with the image of Christ facing toward. Bottom of the pole
is knee level;, right hand is throat level with the left hand
twelve inches lower. Approach the Altar without pausing
and proceed to the appropriate side to place the cross in its
stand.
 Only a taller server should carry the processional Cross,
Remember; WHEN YOU CARRYING THE CROSS, YOU DO
NOT BOW or GENUFLECT on approaching or leaving the
altar as the priest ministers do………..

90. Carrying the Candles
There are normally two candle bearers.
When you are carrying the candles,
walk on opposite sides of the cross
bearer, carrying the candles straight.
Outside hand should be at the knob
( near the top) of the candle holder, with
the other hand under the base. The
right hand is the height of the chest.

91. Holding a Book or The Sacramentary
When you holding the Sacramentary, hold the
book as steadily and high as possible in the
position directed by the priest. One hand should
support the weight of the book in the middle to
avoid unnecessary movement.
Carry the book with reverence, with the open side
to the left. However, when you are about to
present a book to a superior minister, carry it
with the open side to the right……>>>

92. Bell Ringing
Bells are rung at certain time during the Mass to darw the
attention of the people to the most sacred moments of
the Liturgy
Bells are rung at the following instances:
a) As signal for the entry of the priest at the
start of the Mass. Ring the bells to signal the start
of the Mass when the senior server or the priest tells
you they are ready. ( Note: In some parishes the bells
are rung after the introduction has been made.)

93. a) At the prayer over the gifts before the
consecration. Watch the priest’s hands. Ring the
bells when he holds out both hands flat over the bread
and wine, as he calls on the Holy Spirit to come upon
the gifts.
b) At each elevation of the Consecrated Host
and Chalice, containing the Consecrated
Wine. Start ringing the bells as he lifts the
Host. Stop ringing the bells when he starts the
chalice.
c) As a signal for communion. Ring the bells
when the priest drinks from the chalice.

94. Bells should be rung distinctly and quickly,
never too loud nor for an extended period.
Bells are normally rung in sets of three (
ring-ring-ring). Bells should be rung
reverently and carefully timed to
accompany the actual movements of the
raising and showing the consecrated host
and wine, never during the words of
consecration, nor after the showing as the
priest genuflects. At these times it is proper
to say to yourself “ My Lord and my God”.

95. Incensation
Incensing is one of the richest signs of prayer and
worship in the liturgy. It is a perfume only to be offered
to God and to honor his holy people and the gifts they
bring to the king. (cf. Mt. 2:11). It has been used in
Catholic Worship since about the 4th Century.
There are four instances where incense is used :
( though this may be optional)

96. 1. During the entrance procession
2. At the beginning of Mass, to incense the altar.
3. At the procession and proclamation of the gospel
4. At the preparation of the gifts, to incense them, as well as
the altar, priest, and people.
5. A the elevation of the Eucharistic bread and chalice after
the consecration.
 The bishop or priest puts the incense in the censer and
blesses it with the sign of the cross, saying nothing.
INCENSATION OF THE ALTAR
a) If the altar is freestanding, the bishop or priest incenses it
as he walks around it.
b) If the altar is not freestanding, he incenses it while walking
first to the right side, then to the left.

97. INCENSATION DURING THE CONSECRATION
After the singing of the Holy, Holy (Sanctus), the thurifer and
the boat bearer stand and the boat bearer puts incense into
the thurible. Both servers proceed in front of the altar and
kneel. The thurifer incenses the consecrated bread as it is
raised and the chalice also as it is raised. After the
incensation both servers stand bow and return to their
places and kneel.(Note: there is no need for the candle
bearers to accompany the thurifer and boat bearer for
the incensation.)
NOTE: The incense is not brought to the sanctuary again nor
carried in the recessional, unless it is used in some
procession or rite which will immediately follow the Mass.

98. INCENSE
 Incense is made from gum olibanum, a precious resin
taken from a certain tree. To this basic ingredient, other
spices are sometimes added to vary the perfume.
 In christian usage, the grains or power of incense burn
slowly on hot coals. As the smell is at its best when the
incense is first placed on the coals, it is customary for the
thurifer (incense bearer) to take the thurible back to the
sacrity each of the four occasions when it may be used
during the Mass.
CARRYING THE THURIBLE
 when you are carrying the thurible, carry it in your left
hand before it is filled with incense, and in the right hand
after it has been filled.

99. PRESENTING THE THURIFER
1. Approach the priest with the boat bearer. At once ,
transfer the thurible to you left hand.
2. Slide the securing ring up the chains, approximately 3o cm.
3. Pull the single chain lifts the lid, so that the lid comes up
and is stopped by the ring.
4. Now grip that chains at the securing ring with your right
hand, at the same time, lowering your left hand disc to your
hand at a level which is convenient for the presider.
5. The boat-bearer holds the boat open, with the spoon
handle towards the presider, so he may easily spoon the
grains onto the coals. When he is placing incense on the
close to him. If he is seated , keep it at the level of his lap. If
he is standing., keep it at the level of his waist…

100. Procedure to Incense
Transfer the end of the chin to your left, grasping the chain
with the right six inches above the cup. Raise the right hand
to the chin, twelve inches from the body, the chain lying on
the index finger secured by the thumb. Swing with the arm
and hand smoothly. Bow the head before and after the start
of each set of swings. Everyone gets three distinct swings
except the deacon ( two only). The celebrant is incensed after
he has incensed the altar, before washing his hands. When
incensing the congregation , swing center, left and right
separately.
When thurible is swung towards a person or object, this act or
honor is known as incensation or censing. There are no
longer precise rules for this action, but the thurifier should
know basic procedure for those times when he may have to
offer incense.

101. To incense a person, first face him and bow your head. Taking
the chains in your right hand, approximately 20cm, above the
bowl holding the disc and top of the chains against your
breast, raise the bowl to your eye level-never lower.
You will find it easier if grip around the chains in your right
hand has the chains running across your hand, with the bowl
hanging over the side of your first finger, secured by your
thumb. You can then “aim” and control the ceasing.
Holding the bowl well out from your face, swing it towards the
person, according to the customary number of swings. There
is no need to let the bowl fall back and hit the chains, unless
this makes it easier.
Finally, the bowl, moving it to your right side, and bow once
more to the person you have censed.

102. The censer is swung back and forth three times for the
incensation of the:
1. Blessed Sacrament
2. Relics of the Holy cross and images of Christ solemnly
exposed
3. The offerings at the altar
4. The cross of the altar
5. The Book of the Gospel
6. The Paschal Candle
7. The Bishop or Priest celebrant
8. Civil authority official present at the celebration
9. The Choir
10. The people
11. The dead body at funeral

103. The censer is swung back and forth twice for the incensation of
relics images of saints exposed for public veneration.
In the stational Mass of the Bishop, incense is used:
During the entrance procession
To incense the Altar at the beginning of the Mass
At the procession and proclamation of the Gospel
At the offertory, to incense the offerings, the altar, the cross,
the bishop, the elevation of the consecration.
The censer is swung back and forth twice for the incensation
of relics and images of saints exposed for veneration.
In the dedication of the altar of a church.
In the blessing of the Holy Chrism during the procession.
In the exposition of the blessed sacrament in the
monstrance.
In the funerals.

104. Furthermore, incensed is used in other liturgical processions:
 Palm Sunday
Candle mass
Holy Thursday
Paschal vigil
Corpus Christi & other solemn processions.
During solemn Lauds & Vespers, incense may be used to
incense the altar, the celebrant and the people while the
Gospel canticle is sung.
Imposition of incense except at the consecration, is done by the
celebrant, who blesses wout words.
Incensing of the Altar is done going around. The cross on or
near the altar is incensed in front of the altar, otherwise when
passing in front of it.

105. • The Blessed sacrament is incensed while kneeling during
benediction. The offerings on the altar are incensed with
three swings, one in the middle, one at the right and one at
the left before the incensation of the altar.
• The Bishop, at the altar or at the cathedral, stands without
taking the miter off to be incensed ( unless he has it on). The
concelebrants are incensed together by the deacon. Finally,
the people is incensed by the deacon.
• If the bishops presides without celebrating, he is incensed
after the celebrant and concelebrants. Do not start the
prayers before finishing the incensed.

106. Closing the Thurible
At the end of the sanctus , the boat bearer adds incense to
the thurible, and the thurifer goes to the center genuflects to
the Blessed Sacrament and turns and kneels behind the altar.
Each elevation is incensed three wings.
At Benediction, after the celebrant incenses the Blessed
Sacrament, the thurifer takes the thurible and knells about
three feet behind the celebrant. Three double swings
accompanying each movement of the Blessed Sacrament and
remains kneeling until the sacrament is reposed.
Note: the thurifer will be responsible for lightning the
incense, and disposing of the leftover charcoal after Mass.

107. [Bishop’s Paraphernalia]
1. Miter- is a double- pointed head dress, with two lappets hanging
at the back. It has been used by bishops since the 12th cent. The
ornate miter is of plain white fabric. It is ordinarily used while
the bishop is:
• sitting
• Addressing or blessing the people
• Walking in the procession ( except in the presence of the
Blessed Sacrament)
2. Crozier ( bacolo)- is a staff, usually with a shepherd’s crook at the
top, which the bishop uses as a sign of his pastoral office. The
bishop carries it to remind us that he is the pastor and guardian
of God’s people. Any bishop may use it when celebrating
Pontifical Mass with the consent of the local bishop. If there are
several bishops in a celebration, only the presiding one uses a
crozier. The crozier is usually used while the bishop is:

108. • Walking in the procession
• Listening to the gospel
• Preaching the homily
• Receiving the vows or professions of faith
• Blessing persons, unless imposition of hands is required.
3. Ring- is sworn by the bishop at all times as a sign of his
fidelity to Christ and that he is wedded to the service of his
diocese as shepherd of the flock.
4. Pectoral Cross- is the bishop’s necklace. It is worn under the
chasuble, under the cope but above the mozeta.
5. Skull Cap or Zucchetto- is a small violet cap worn by the
bishop.

109. TOPIC VII
NORMS
FOR
SERVING MASS

110. During the celebration, remember that in everything you do
as servers, 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 server. It is suggested that you
read all the rules and guidelines given below and put them to
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 or
dress. Black or brown shoes. No shorts are allowed and
rubber shoes should be avoided.

111. YOUR BEHAVIOR (OBSERVE GOOD MANNERS AND
RIGHT CONDUCT)
 Always ‘look alert’ at all times during the Mass. Do not slouch
when sitting and do not look around unnecessarily. Your eyes
should always look where the action is, for example, at the altar,
ambo, presider’s 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 server should always:
1. Move slowly and with dignity.
2. Handle objects solemnly and with reverence.
3. Pay very close attention to what is going on at the altar.
4. Focus attention on the deacon.
5. Participate in the prayers , response, and song as the priest
deacon, and congregation do.

112. PROHIBITIONS:
 No talking to each.
 No goofing off or joking around.
 No looking out into cogregation.
 No fiddling with your clothing, hair ,or vestments.
 No fidgeting while seated or standing .
 No leaving the sanctuary during the sign of peaces.
YOUR HANDS
 When not seated ,keep your hands folded with pamls and
1. Fingers together at chest level , pointed at a 45 degree
angle ,left thumd ever the knuckle of the right thumd.
When one hand is occupied, place the other open on
your breast.

113. STANDING
o When standing ,stand up straigth and still, with your hands
folded at the waist or chest .do not rock or sway
SITTING
 When seated , sit up straigth and still, with your hands
folded your lap, knees bent , and your feet flat on the floor.
Do not slough or fidget. Do not sit with your legs crossed or
outstretched.
Walking
 When walking. Take your time and move deliberately and
with dignity. Walking in church is not a race and should
never be hurried. When walking together , side by side,
walking at the same pace.

114. Offering the Bread and Wine
When you bring the wine and 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 the paten on
the Altar.
Washing of the Priest’s Hands
D o not move over to wash the priest’s hands until he has
finished the prayer for the offering of wine, and placed
chalice ion the Altar.
At the end of Holy Communion, be prepared to wash the
hands of the priest ( and concelebrants) and take the
water to the altar for cleansing of the chalice once the
priest is ready.

115. 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 insure that the plate is always below the Host.
Your Vestment
Upon arrival, you should vest in customary uniform (
cassock and cape or cassock and surplice ) of your
parish.
Reporting for duty before the Mass
15 minutes before the Mass started……

116. Lightning Altar Candles
Altar candles should be ligthed abput 5 minutes before the
Mass started.
Servers Meetings
All servers are expected to at5end all meetings. If for some
reason you are unable to attend the meeting, you are
asked to contact one of the moderators to let them know.
Servers will also get together for social event from time
to time.
Servers Schedule
The serving schedule will be posted in a regular basis. It is
your responsibility to know your assignment and note
then on your calendar.

117. After the Mass
Extinguish the candles gently but be careful not to spill the wax
or smash the wicks.
Take the Lectionary from the ambo back to the sacristy. Take
the cruets, finger bowl and towel from the credence table,
and the bells, to the sacristy. Leave the wine in the cruet.
Pour any remaining water in the washing sink and empty the
finger bowl into the sink.
Take off your vestment and fold it or hang it neatly in its proper
place.
You can also help the sacristan by doing through the pews and
picking up any papers that people have left behind.

118. Numbers of Servers
In most ordinary situations, one altar server is usually all
that is required, however many parishes prefer to have
two or more altar servers. For weekdays one server may
be required. For Sundays and other special occasions at
least two or more servers are desirable. On solemn
services where the Bishop is present a greater number of
servers may be required.

119. Topic VIII
Altar Services
Detailed
Instructions

120. Before The MASS
Procession ( simple entrance)
Opening Rite and Prayer
Liturgy of the Word
Preparation of the Altar
Gifts
Liturgy of the Eucharist
Communion
Closing Prayer
Recessional
After Mass
Additional Notes