Saint Damien Parish
Wheeler Army Airfield Chapel
Altar Server Guide
June 2015
"Enlighten my understanding and inflame my will
that I may serve more worthily at your holy altar."
http://saintdamienusaghawaii.org
Saint Damien Parish, Wheeler Army Airfield Chapel
Altar Server Guide, June 2015
REQUIREMENTS FOR AN ALTAR SERVER
Although the duties of the altar server are many and varied, the most important responsibility of the altar server
during Mass is to pray!
 Have received First Holy Communion and have demonstrated appropriate maturity.
 Have a strong desire to serve the Lord and committed to their fellow servers.
 Must attend training and certified by the parish altar server coordinator
RESPONSIBILITIES OF ALL ALTAR SERVERS
The Altar Server must follow rules to continue to serve at Mass
 Attend all Altar Server training and meetings.
 An altar server must attend every Mass they are scheduled for.
o If for some reason the server cannot attend the assigned Mass, it is the server’s responsibility to
find a replacement.
o If there is a problem finding a replacement, contact the Altar Server Coordinator no later than
Thursday before the assigned Mass.
o Remember, you are part of a team. When you miss your scheduled date, everyone suffers.
 Servers must demonstrate the ability to make use of the “tools of the trade,” such as matches, candle
lighters, books and candles, etc.
 Arrive at church at the prescribed time before scheduled Mass.
 Perform duties assigned to you as best as possible. People make mistakes, we are all human. Learn
from the mistakes and you can perform better next time.
 Stay in a personal prayer position (hands together and down in your lap) during Mass.
 Servers should know the responses and say them out loud.
 Stay after Mass to clean up.
DRESS / ATTIRE
Your dress and appearance must be proper for serving at the Altar and representing our Church and Parish.
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Boys will wear closed toe shoes
No hats
Hair pieces for girls and jewelry should be in good taste and not distract from mass
Alb length should generally be four to six inches above the ankles; the sleeves can be rolled up neatly as
required
The cincture knot belongs on the altar server's left hip (picture)
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Saint Damien Parish, Wheeler Army Airfield Chapel
Altar Server Guide, June 2015
JOB DESCRIPTIONs
Typically, there will be three servers assigned to a particular Mass on Saturdays / Sundays. The three positions
will be defined as the following:
 Server One
 Server Two
 Server Three or Crossbearer
Server One:
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This is typically the older or more “seasoned” server and supervise other servers, and will make
sure everything is in its proper place before and after Mass.
He or she will be responsible for holding the Roman Missal for the priest during the opening and
closing prayers (the “Let us Pray” prayers).
Bringing the book to the altar during the preparation of the gifts, going down to the foot of the altar
with the priest to receive the gifts, holding the wine for the priest and deacon, assisting in the
washing of the hands.
He or she will also be responsible for taking the book off the altar after communion.
He or she will be responsible for ringing the bells during the consecration.
Dressing the Altar
Bringing the water to the priests for the purification of the chalice after communion.
If incense is used during Mass, Server One will carry the thurible.
Server Two:
 Server Two will be responsible for the following tasks:
o He or she will be responsible for bringing up the chalice and paten to the altar, assist in receiving
the gifts at the foot of the altar with the priest, holding the water for the priest and deacon during
preparation of the altar, pouring the water when the priest washes his hands.
o He or she will also be responsible for clearing the altar of the Ciboriae and the Chalice and Paten.
Server Three:
 Server Three is generally the least experienced and who carries the cross during the Entrance and
Closing Processions and during the Offertory.
o If incense is used during Mass, Server Three will carry the boat.
If one or more scheduled altar servers do not show up then duties will be modified and rehearsed based on the
experience level of the attending altar servers.
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Saint Damien Parish, Wheeler Army Airfield Chapel
Altar Server Guide, June 2015
ORDER OF PREPARATION
Arrival For Mass
 The assigned chaplain's assistant or Parish Coordinator will open the Church and be available questions.
 Servers should arrive at the appropriate time for preparation and rehearsals before their scheduled Mass.
 Quietly put on your alb and cincture with wooden cross. The cincture color changes so check the calendar
for which color to wear.
 Listen to any instructions given to you about changes at Mass (baptisms, special masses, etc...)
 Together - recite the Altar Server Prayer
All 3 Altar Servers will make sure the set up the Altar, Sacristy, and Offertory area is complete.
Offertory Table (in the back of the church)
 Wine cruet
 Ciborium with hosts
Credence Table (left side of the sanctuary when facing the altar)
 Water cruet
 3ea Chalice, Purificator, and Pall
 Drape a purificator over each chalice
 Place one large host in one paten
 Place each paten on top of the chalice
 Place a pall (heavy board-like cloth) on the top of each paten
 Place a corporal on top of each pall
 Place the chalice and paten on the credence table
 A clean cloth and lavabo
 Hand cleaner
Other Items
 Books: Lectionary, Roman Missal, Father's large print Missal, Book of Gospels, Prayers of the Faithful
 Bells (on the floor by the seats near the choir)
 Altar Candles (on the crosses in each front corner of the altar)
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Saint Damien Parish, Wheeler Army Airfield Chapel
Altar Server Guide, June 2015
4:30 PM, 30 minutes before start of Mass - Light the candles on the Altar
4:55 PM, 5 minutes before start of Mass - Light the Processional Candles, Carry the Processional Cross and
Candles to back of Church to prepare for Opening Procession. Line up against the window keeping the main
entrance and isle clear until time to line up.
ORDER OF THE MASS
Entrance Procession
Line up when told OR when the opening hymn is announced.
CrossBearer enters first with AS1 and AS2 (candle holders) side by side behind the Crossbearer. Begin entrance
at start of song or when Father sends you.
Prior to going up on the Altar, the Altar Servers, EMEs, Lector 1, and Priest will line up in front of the wood railing
and bow together. The Crossbearer (goes to the LEFT side of the altar) does not bow the Cross, just slightly bow
your head.
The Priest will go up the step first, then the Crossbearer, then AS1 and AS2, then the EMEs.
AS1 and AS2 will go place candles on each side of Lectern go to the Altar, bow and stand in front of their chairs
on either side of Father.
The Crossbearer will place the Processional Cross on the stand on the RIGHT side of the lecturn, then go to
stand in front of 1st chair behind Lectern.
Seating: AS1 sits on the RIGHT side of Father (When facing altar)
Opening Prayer- As soon as the “Gloria” is almost finished, AS1 holds Missal for Father. When Father says “Let
Us Pray” AS1 holds the Roman Missal open for Father. When Father is done, close the Roman Missal and put it
in his/her lap.
NOTE: The Roman Missal is kept either on AS1's lap or on his/her chair UNLESS Father directs otherwise.
Readings- Sit and fold hands in lap (position of prayer). Remember to say responses, prayers and sing during
entire Mass. Stand at the Alleluia.
Gospel- AS1 and AS2 move down steps after Father, bow, move to Lectern, raise Processional candles, stand
about 2 feet away from Lectern. After the Gospel, put candles back, move back to seats, bow behind Altar, sit for
Homily.
Offertory- As soon as music starts, AS3 take Processional Cross around right side and back to the foyer. AS1
and AS2 move down steps, bow behind Altar, set up Altar, bow behind Altar, return to seats.
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Saint Damien Parish, Wheeler Army Airfield Chapel
Altar Server Guide, June 2015
Dressing The Altar / Receiving The Gifts
When the Crossbearer moves, AS1 and AS2 stand and bow together then go to Credence Table to get the
coporal, 3 Chalices, 3 purificators, palls and patens and place them on the Altar.
AS1 unfolds the corporal and arranges the chalices, paten, palls and purificators. When done they bow and go
back to their seats.
Watch for signal of processing Gifts, AS1 and AS2 move down steps after Father, bow behind Altar, both move to
front of Altar behind Father.
AS1 and AS2 be prepared to receive hosts from Father and place on center of corporal, receive wine and place
on Credence table, receive prayer book and place on stand
AS3 return Cross to stand, move behind Lectern and be prepared to place gifts. If not needed, take seat.
AS1 and AS2 prepare water and wine at Credence table by removing lids of cruets, AS1 will carry wine, AS2 will
carry water and stand to RIGHT of AS1. Both stand at edge of steps until Father is ready. Hand cruets to Father,
he will hand back. Bow to Father when done, place cruets on Credence table.
AS1 and AS2 prepare for hand washing at Credence table. AS1 will carry water and the dish, AS2 will carry hand
towel and stand to RIGHT of AS1. Both stand at edge of steps until Father is ready. AS 2 holds towel under dish
as AS1 pours water over Father’s hands. AS2 hands towel to Father, who will hand back when done. Bow to
Father when done, place items on Credence table.
All 3 stand and kneel in front of side chairs throughout Communion. Seating: AS1 sits in the middle with the
bells.
Eucharistic Prayer / Ringing Of Bells (AS1)- When Father lays his hands over the gifts ring the bells x 3, after
Father says “This is My Body which will be given up for you” when he raises the Bread ring the bells x 3, stop
ringing when he lowers the Bread, after Father says “Do this in memory of Me” when he raises the Wine ring the
bells x 3, stop ringing when he lowers the Wine.
Sign Of Peace- All Altar servers shake each other’s hands, shake Father’s hand, shake choir hands if there is
time
Communion- Kneel in front of chairs, stand when Ministers are ready, receive communion, kneel in front of chairs
After Communion- AS1 and AS2 assist Father, bring water to Altar, wait for Father to purify all vessels and move
them to edge of Altar, then carefully move them to Credence Table, move Missal from Altar to AS1 chair, AS1 and
AS2 go to the Altar, bow, AS1 gets MIssal.
Communion Blessing and Closing Prayer- AS1 holds Missal for blessings and prayers and then returns it to the
left corner of the Altar.
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Saint Damien Parish, Wheeler Army Airfield Chapel
Altar Server Guide, June 2015
Closing Procession- As soon as the Closing Hymn starts, AS1 and AS2 move down steps before Father, bow,
and get the candles near Lectern and go to the front of the Altar in front of railings, AS3 gets Cross and lines up in
front of the Altar on the SAME SIDE as the entrance procession. Father and all Altar Servers will bow (CB just
your head), then Crossbearer leads the way out, followed by AS1 and AS2 side by side.
Remember to walk slowly
BAPTISMS DURING THE MASS
Altar Servers will move up to the Altar rail right after the Homily.
AS1 and AS2 assist Father with whatever he may want. Each Priest is different, so each time we do Baptisms it depends on
which Priest is scheduled.
Typically this includes AS1 moving the Baptism font out into the center of the aisle right in front of the Altar as soon as the
Homily is done.
Then as each child is Baptized, the Altar Servers will hand the hand towel to Father first and get the towel back, then the
Baptism Garments, then the Baptism Candles.
Once the ceremony is done, they hand the boxes for the candles to the Families.
They place all items onto the Baptism font stand.
Sacristan will come out and move the Baptism font out of the way.
The Offertory and Collection should start right after the Baptisms are completed.
AS1 and AS2 begin their normal tasks at this point.
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Saint Damien Parish, Wheeler Army Airfield Chapel
Altar Server Guide, June 2015
DUTIES AFTER MASS
YOU MUST KEEP YOUR ROBE ON WHEN CLEANING THE CHURCH AFTER MASS.
Clear the credence table off and take the sacred vessels back to the sacristy, EME’s will clean them and put them
away.
Properly extinguish candles by the altar with the candle lighter/extinguisher; Processional candles go on floor
behind small Alter in Blessed Sacrament Chapel, Altar candles go on middle left shelf in storage room across
from Sacristy
Place all books in upper right cabinet in Sacristy
Place bells in upper middle cabinet in Sacristy
Remove Altar cover, fold, place in upper left cabinet in Sacristy
Turn statues of Mary and Joseph inward
Stand up on chair, pull curtains closed to cover Crucifix, use clips on top of curtains
Return Prayer book Stand to the Blessed Sacrament Chapel on right side of small Altar
Return the picture of Saint Damien to the Blessed Sacrament Chapel in front of the Holy water font
Return the Processional Cross and Stand to the Blessed Sacrament Chapel on right side of Crucifix
Remove your vestments and PROPERLY hang them back on the right clothing rack.
Place the wooden crosses in the drawer
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Saint Damien Parish, Wheeler Army Airfield Chapel
Altar Server Guide, June 2015
DEFINITIONS
1. Alb - The full white garment worn by the priest, deacon, and in some cases the altar servers. The alb is symbolic of
Baptism. The rope tied around the waist is called a cincture.
2. Altar - The place where the Eucharistic Sacrifice takes place. The altar is sacred and often contains relics of the saints.
3. Ambo - The platform, lectern or pulpit from which the reading and homily are given.
4. Aspergillium - The holy water sprinkler.
5. Cassock - A long tunic like garment which reaches from the neck to the heels which is worn by some servers and clergy.
6. Chalice - A cup of precious metal that holds the wine which becomes the Blood of Jesus after the consecration. All
chalices should be placed in their places after Mass. If the Chalices were left unpurified by the priest or deacon for some
reason they should be left out on the presentation table for purification by the priest or deacon. Never put an unpurified
chalice away.
7. Ciborium - A large cup or container of precious metal with a cover of the same material which will hold the Body of Jesus
after the consecration for distribution of Holy Communion to the faithful.
8. Corporal - A white linen cloth, usually with a cross in the center, used to protect any particles of the Precious Body and
Blood of Jesus from falling to the altar cloth. It is always folded and unfolded as to protect any particles from being lost.
The corporal is like the body winding sheet used to hold the crucified body or Our Lord in the tomb.
9. Credence Table - The table in the sanctuary where the cruets, chalices and ciborium are kept before and after the
Consecration.
10. Cruets - The vessels containing the water and wine used at Mass.
11. IHS - the first three letters of Jesus’ Name in Greek, often used to decorate the altar and other church facades.
12. Lavabo - The Lavabo is the small bowl that catches the water poured over the priest's hands at the ceremonial washing.
13. Lectionary - The book of reading used for the Liturgy of the Word. It usually contains all the biblical reading used for the
three-year Sunday cycle of reading and the two-year daily Mass readings.
14. Lunette - A thin, circular receptacle, having a glass face that holds the Consecrated Host used for Adoration and
Benediction. It slides into the monstrance on a little track.
15. Monstrance - This is a large, ornate vessel used to hold the Blessed Sacrament for Adoration, Benediction and solemn
Eucharistic processions.
16. Pall - A square piece of cardboard or plastic, which is covered by linen and used to cover the chalice.
17. Paten - A small saucer shaped plate of precious metal that holds the Host. Servers should be very careful when they
have to handle it during their official duties.
18. Purificator - A linen cloth used by the priest or deacon to dry the chalice after washing and purifying it. Used Purificators
must always be placed in the proper container for sacred cloths.
19. Pyx - A case, about the size of a pocket watch, in which Communion is carried to those who are sick or unable to come
to church.
20. Sacramentary - The book containing the prayers said by the priest during the Mass.
21. Sacrarium - A sink with it drain going directly into the ground usually fitted with a cover and lock, which is used for the
disposal of the following: The sacred linen wash and rinse water, used holy water, used baptismal water, and blessed
ashes. No other use is allowed.
22. Sepulcrum - The cavity on the altar in which the relic(s) of the patron saints of that church or chapel are incased.
23. Stock - The metal containers used to hold the oil of the catechumen, the oil of chrism and the oil for anointing the sick.
24. Surplice - A wide sleeved, linen worn over a cassock by clergy and altar servers in some parishes.
25. Thurible - The special vessel which holds burning charcoal and into which incense is placed. The device holding the
incense is called the “boat.”
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Saint Damien Parish, Wheeler Army Airfield Chapel
Altar Server Guide, June 2015
ALTAR SERVER’S PRAYER
Open my mouth, O Lord, to bless your Holy Name.
Cleanse my heart from all evil and distracting thoughts.
Enlighten my understanding and inflame my will
that I may serve more worthily at your holy altar.
O Mary, Mother of Christ the High Priest, obtain for me
the most important grace of knowing my vocation in life.
Grant me a true spirit of faith and humble obedience
so that I may ever behold the priest as a representative of God
and willingly follow him in the Way, the Truth, and the Life of Christ.
Amen.
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Saint Damien Parish, Wheeler Army Airfield Chapel
Altar Server Guide, June 2015
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Saint Damien Parish, Wheeler Army Airfield Chapel
Altar Server Guide, June 2015
Wheeler Altar Server Weekly Rehearsal
4:15 PM each Saturday please be present in Sacristy
Review of assignment as AS1, AS2, AS3.
4:30 PM- AS1 light the candles on the Altar
4:55 PM- Light the Processional Candles, carry the Processional Cross and Candles to front of Church to
prepare for Opening Procession. Line up against the window keeping the main entrance and isle clear
until time to line up.
Rehearse procession from foyer to Altar, bow, move to seats, AS1 and AS2 bow behind Altar
Hold hands folded whenever moving on Altar
Opening Prayer- AS1 holds Missal for Father (Let us Pray)
Readings- Sit and fold hands in lap (position of prayer). Remember to say responses, prayers and sing
during entire Mass. Stand at the Alleluia.
Gospel- AS1 and AS2 move down steps after Father, bow, move to Lectern, raise Processional candles,
move back to seats, bow behind Altar
Offertory- As soon as music starts, AS3 take Processional Cross around right side and back to the foyer.
AS1 and AS2 move down steps, bow behind Altar, set up Altar, bow behind Altar, return to seats
Watch for signal of processing Gifts, AS1 and AS2 move down steps after Father, bow behind Altar, both
move to front of Altar behind Father.
AS1 and AS2 be prepared to receive hosts from Father and place on center of corporal, receive wine and
place on Credence table, receive prayer book and place on stand
AS3 return Cross to stand, move behind Lectern and be prepared to place gifts. If not needed, take seat.
AS1 and AS2 prepare water and wine, stand at edge of steps until Father is ready. Bow to Father when
done.
AS1 and AS2 prepare for hand washing, stand at edge of steps until Father is ready. Bow to Father when
done.
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Saint Damien Parish, Wheeler Army Airfield Chapel
Altar Server Guide, June 2015
Wheeler Altar Server Weekly Rehearsal
Eucharistic Prayer / Ringing Of Bells (AS1)- When Father lays his hands over the gifts ring the bells x 3,
after Father says “This is My Body which will be given up for you” when he raises the Bread ring the bells
x 3, stop ringing when he lowers the Bread, after Father says “Do this in memory of Me” when he raises
the Wine ring the bells x 3, stop ringing when he lowers the Wine.
Sign Of Peace- All Altar servers shake each other’s hands, shake Father’s hand, shake choir hands if
there is time
Communion- Kneel in front of chairs, stand when Ministers are ready, receive communion, kneel in front
of chairs
After Communion- AS1 and AS2 assist Father, bring water to Altar, wait for Father to purify all vessels
and move them to edge of Altar, then carefully move them to Credence Table, move Missal from Altar to
AS1 chair, AS1 and AS2 go to the Altar, bow, AS1 gets MIssal.
Communion Blessing and Closing Prayer- AS1 holds Missal for blessings and prayers and then returns it
to the left corner of the Altar.
Closing Procession- As soon as the Closing Hymn starts, AS1 and AS2 move down steps before Father,
bow, and get the candles near Lectern and go to the front of the Altar in front of railings, AS3 gets Cross
and lines up in front of the Altar on the SAME SIDE as the entrance procession. Father and all Altar
Servers will bow (CB just your head), then Crossbearer leads the way out, followed by AS1 and AS2 side
by side.
Remember to walk slowly
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Saint Damien Parish, Wheeler Army Airfield Chapel
Altar Server Guide, June 2015
Wheeler Altar Server Weekly Rehearsal
DUTIES AFTER MASS
YOU MUST KEEP YOUR VESTMENTS ON WHEN CLEANING THE CHURCH AFTER MASS.
Clear the credence table off and take the sacred vessels back to the sacristy, EME’s will clean them and
put them away.
Properly extinguish candles by the altar with the candle lighter/extinguisher; Processional candles go on
floor behind small Alter in Blessed Sacrament Chapel, Altar candles go on middle left shelf in storage
room across from Sacristy
Place all books in upper right cabinet in Sacristy
Place bells in upper middle cabinet in Sacristy
Remove Altar cover, fold, place in upper left cabinet in Sacristy
Turn statues of Mary and Joseph inward
Stand up on chair, pull curtains closed to cover Crucifix, use clips on top of curtains
Return Prayer book Stand to the Blessed Sacrament Chapel on right side of small Altar
Return the picture of Saint Damien to the Blessed Sacrament Chapel in front of the Holy water font
Return the Processional Cross and Stand to the Blessed Sacrament Chapel on right side of Crucifix
Remove your vestments and PROPERLY hang them back on the right clothing rack.
Place the wooden crosses in the drawer
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