ALTAR SERVER DUTIES

Before Mass: Arrive 15 minutes beforehand. Get vested. Light the candle next to the ambo. One server gets the processional cross from the Blessed Sacrament Chapel. Join with other ministers in prayer before Mass.

Entrance: Cross bearer leads down center aisle. If there are only two servers, the second one follows immediately behind the cross bearer. If there are three, the second and third process shoulder to shoulder, behind the cross bearer. At the sanctuary, go to the left and stand facing the altar until all ministers are in place. Then everyone bows together. Cross bearer returns the cross to the chapel and the other server(s) take their places.

Opening Prayer: One server brings the sacramentary to the priest and holds it while he prays the opening prayer. Remain standing in front of the priest until he is completely finished with the prayer. Then return to your place.

Setting the Altar: When the ushers begin taking up the collection, one server lights the two altar candles and then extinguishes the candle by the ambo. The other server(s) brings the sacramentary to the altar and places it on the left side facing the people. Both servers then bring the chalices to the altar and place them on the corporals. Also bring the small pitcher of water to the altar. If the collection is still going on, be seated.

Preparing the Gifts: When the deacon stands up, go with him to receive the gifts of bread, wine and monetary offerings. Place the baskets on the floor in front of the altar and the bread and wine on the altar. Bring the cover of the wine pitcher to the credence table. When the deacon is finished pouring the wine into the chalices, remove the wine pitcher to the credence table and bring the water pitcher, bowl and towel to the priest for the washing of his fingers. When finished, return the bowl, pitcher and towel to the table and resume your places.

Communion: For communion, come up into the sanctuary to receive communion with the other ministers. During communion, take the sacramentary from the altar and return to your places.

Prayer after Communion: When the priest says "Let Us Pray," bring the book to him. When he finishes the prayer, return with the book to your place.

Recessional: When the choir begins the final hymn, the cross bearer goes to the chapel and brings the processional cross back to his/her place. When the priest and deacons leave their places, begin walking to the side of the altar. One server picks up the baskets of money. All bow together and then process out in the same way we entered.