Cross bearer:

    Carries the cross in procession to and from the sanctuary.

    Sits on the right side of the sanctuary behind the priest’s chair

    Holds the book for the priest for the prayers at the beginning and end of Mass.

    At the offertory, brings the bookstand to the altar.

          (If serving alone, the server moves to the other side of the sanctuary for the Offertory and

          Communion Rite; then returns to hold the book for the closing prayers.)

 

Acolytes:

At the Offertory:

Bring the chalice and ciboria to the altar;

Help receive the gifts of bread and wine from those in the offertory procession;

Bring the water and wine to the priest;

                          - The wine is closest to the altar.

Wash the priest's hands.

- The server who brought up the water picks up the bowl, the server who brought up the wine holds the towel;

(When a server is serving alone, the server brings the wine and water cruets to the altar; then picks up the bowl and towel to wash the hands of the priest.)

 

At the Consecration:

             The server close to the bells rings them (one ring)

                          - When the priest places his hands over the gifts;

                          - When the priest lifts up the host;

                          - When the priest lifts up the chalice.

 

At Communion:

Stand for the Our Father

After the Lamb of God prayer, both servers pick up Communion plates and stand to receive  Holy Communion;

Stand next to the priest at the Communion station and assist with the plate.

 

After Communion:

             1. One server brings water to the priest and pours water into the chalice;

             (When the priest lifts the chalice stop pouring)

             2. Take the chalice and ciboria from the altar and place them on the server’s table;

             3. Remove the book from the altar after Communion,

            

General notes to all servers

 

1. When there is one server, the cross bearer holds the book.

2. Remember, wear dress shoes, NOT SNEAKERS, for Mass.

3. Be punctual, be vested in alb ten minutes before Mass begins.

4. Light the candles and put the cruets in place five minutes before Mass.

5. After Mass put out the candles, bring in the chalice and refill the cruets.

6. When a server is carrying the cross or candle, the server bows when entering and leaving the sanctuary.  Any other time the server genuflects before the Blessed Sacrament.

 

Thank you for all you do for St. John Neumann parish.

Father McKeaney

ALTAR SERVER NOTES