The Altar Servers' Handbook

The
Altar SERVERS
HANDBOOK
issued by
THE ARCHCONFRATERNITY OF SAINT STEPHEN
CONTENTS PREFACE
Preface ............................................................................................................ i Archbishops House,
Editors Note .................................................................................................. ii Westminster,
Petitions and Rescripts .................................................................................. ii London, S.W.i.
Archconfraternity of Saint Stephen

Object and History . ....................................................................................... 1
Membership and Rules .................................................................................. 2
I WELCOME the appearance of a new edition of the hand
book of the Archconfraternity of Saint Stephen for Altar-
Servers. I thank and congratulate its present compiler and
Constitution and Organization ...................................................................... 3
Indulgences .................................................................................................... 4 wish every blessing to its readers.
Prayers . ......................................................................................................... 5
To serve at the altar, as to sing in the choir, is next to the
Ceremony of Enrollment .............................................................................. 57
Hymn to Saint Stephen .................................................................................. 63 priesthood the highest privilege which a layman can enjoy.
He represents the faithful and takes a most intimate part in the
Directions rich treasures of the Churchs liturgy and ceremonial. Those
The Postulant ................................................................................................. 8 sacred ceremonies should be carried out with devotion, dignity
General Directions . ....................................................................................... 8 and attention to detail.
The Manner of Serving I would say, therefore, to those who use this manual: Re-
Low Mass ..................................................................................................... 13 member that whether you hold the office of Master of Cer-
Communion outside Mass ............................................................................ 34 emonies, or the more humble one of Torch Bearer, that you are
Benediction .................................................................................................. 36
High Mass .................................................................................................... 39
in the service of the King of Kings and are always on parade.
Missa Cantata .............................................................................................. 44 The success and the rhythm of a parade is secured by the at-
High Mass of Requiem ................................................................................. 48 tention given by each member to the minutest detail. So pay
Mass before the Blessed Sacrament Exposed .............................................. 49 the greatest attention to every small detail.
Devotions But the value of your service will be measured and indeed
Other prayers after Holy Communion ......................................................... 50 enhanced by your own sanctity and by the personal love you
Prayers according to the Seasons . .............................................................. 53 have for our Blessed Lord and devotion to His sacred myster-
Prayer of Saint Thomas More . .................................................................... 55 ies. This manual will help you to secure this.
May Almighty God and Saint Stephen bless all the mem-
bers of the Archconfraternity.
BERNARD CARDINAL GRIFFIN,
Archbishop of Westminster.
ii The Altar-Servers Handbook The Altar-Servers Handbook iii
EDITORS NOTE Beatissime Pater,
I t is a privilege to offer this handbook to Altar-Servers. Most

humbly I thank His Eminence Cardinal Griffin for the pref-
ace in which he welcomes it. I offer sincere thanks to Msgr.
I N Ecclesia Metropolitana Westmonasteriensi canonice
instituta est Sodalitas nuncupata Societas Altari Inserven-
tium Westmonasteriensis sub patrocinio Sancto Stephani Di-
Canon J. Collings for helpful counsel, as well as to Father G. aconi et Protomartyris, eo fine ut pueri et juvenes, in Ecclesiae
Harrison, of the Priests of the Sacred Heart, who compiled the Ritibus instituti, sacris functionibus accurate simul et intel-
pages on serving Low Mass; and to both for their invaluable ligenter peragendis incumbant. Quo magis autem Sodalium
help in correcting the proof and revising my faulty work. fervor et devotio augeatur, ipsa Sodalitas humillime petit ut
Editor Sanctitas Vestra eam Indulgentiis ditare dignetur, scilicet
tribus Indugentiis plenariis: una in die aggregationis Soda-
PETITIONS AND RESCRIPTS lium; altera in die festo principali Sodalitatis, nempe die 26
Decembris; tertia in articulo mortis; quatuor Indulgentiis sep-
tem annorum et totidem quadragenarum in sequentibus festis:
Beatissime Pater, scilicet, Sancti Joannis Ap. et Ev., die 27 Decembris; Sancti
A RCHIEPISCOPUS Westmonasteriensis infrascriptus, ad
pedes Sanctiatis Vestrae provolutus, humillime supplicat
ut Apostolicam Benedictionem digneris Societati Altaris min-
Joseph, die 19 Martii; SS. Apostolorum Petri et Pauli, die 29
Junii; et Sancti Michaelis Archangeli, die 29 Septembris: -in-
super Indulgentia quinquaginta dierum quotiescumque quisque
istrorum Westmonasteriensi impertire, quam in hunc finem Sodalis Sacrosancto Missae Sacrificio inservit, necnon quando
instituit ut nimirum juvenes quorum est sacris Ecclesiae ri- recitat orationem praeparatoriam ad inserviendum, h.e. Actio-
tibus ministrare, tum normam, usum, ipsam historiam harum nes nostras cum Salutatione Angelica Ave Maria.
caeremoniarum exactius discant, tum praesertim ad zelum FRANCISCUS BOURNE
domus Dei, ad laetum servitium cordis ac corporis coram Archiep. Westmonasteriensis.
altari incitentur.
Quare, etc. FRANCISCUS BOURNE N. 74120.
L.S. Archiep. Westmonasteriensis. Ex Audientia SSmi habita die 22 Maii, 1906
SSmus D. N. Pius Div. Prov. PP. X referente me infrascripto
Westmonasterii, die 1 Octobris, 1905.
S. Congis de Propaganda Fide Secretario, benigne adnuere
dignatus est pro gratia in omnibus juxta preces, in perpetuum,
Dilectis filiis fausta quaeque et salutaria a Domino adpre- servatis consuetis conditionibus.
cantes Apostolicam Benedictionem peramanter impertimus. Datum Romae ex Aed. S. C. de Propda Fide die et anno
praedictis.
die 5 No. 1905,
Pro Secret -J. BRUNI, Offs.
PIUS, PP. X.
iv The Altar-Servers Handbook
Guild of Altar Servers, under the
Patronage of Saint Stephen,
Deacon and Martyr
OBJECT
T HE object of the Guild is the sanctification of the Altar-

Server by teaching him that to serve in the Sanctuary is
a great religious privilege, by instructing him the manner of
observing the rites and ceremonies of the Church according
to the rubrics and to the decrees of the Sacred Congregation
of Rites and the interpretations of the most generally accepted
authorities, and by encouraging him to understand the meaning
and the purpose of the ceremonies in which he takes part.
HISTORY
T HE Guild was formed in March, 1905, by Father Hamilton

MacDonald, chaplain to the Sacred Heart Convent, Ham-
mersmith, by permission of the Archbishop of Westminster,
the late Cardinal Bourne, and it was blessed by His Holiness
Pope Pius X in the following November.
On the 4th December, 1906, the Holy Father erected the
Guild into an archconfraternity prima primaria having the
power to affiliate to itself other similar Guilds outside the
Archdiocese of Westminster in the British Isles.
On the 19th February, 1934, His Holiness Pope Pius XI
extended this privilege throughout the British Empire.
The Altar-Servers Handbook The Altar-Servers Handbook
MEMBERSHIP CONSTITUTION AND ORGANIZATION

MEMBERSHIP of the Guild is open to any boy or man, The Archconfraternity is divided into local chapters. At the
without any limit of age, who can serve Mass, and who head of the chapter is the Director, who is a priest.
has shown proof of a desire to conform to the object of the The Director oversees the whole chapter, leads the regular
Guild. It is recommended that a server after admission to the meetings, and enrolls the members into the Guild. The Direc-
Sanctuary serve at least six months before being admitted to tor should appoint a lay President of that chapter, who directs
membership of the Guild. The local Director of the church meetings and practices in his absence.
decides whether a candidate is eligible, and is empowered to The President should be a server who knows the serving
perform the ceremony of enrollment according to the form rubrics thoroughly, has the ability to coordinate the other serv-
prescribed on page 61 and to invest the server with the Guild ers and is capable of serving as Master of Ceremonies for the
medal. The medal and cord, and also the Guild handbook, more complicated ceremonies of the Church. The President
may be obtained from the General Secretariate. is responsible for preparing a regular serving schedule and
should also directly oversee the servers in their training and
in their observance of the Guild rules
Every member on enrollment promises to observe the fol-
lowing rules:
THE GUILDS SYSTEM OF PROMOTION
RULES The serving ranks within the Archconfraternity
1. To serve at the Altar reverently, intelligently and punc- Postulant. The Postulant is one who has the desire to join
tually. the Guild. He begins learning his Latin responses and the
2. To make the short acts of preparation before, and of movements for Torchbearer at High Mass and 2nd Acolyte
thanksgiving after, serving Mass. at Low Mass. The probation period is dependent upon the
3. To observe silence in the sacristy, and great reverence individual servers ability, though six months may be recom-
in the Sanctuary. mendable. When he has been admitted and enrolled into the
4. To recite daily the Guild prayer. Guild, he is done so as a Junior Acolyte.
Junior Acolyte. The requirements for having the rank of Ju-
Postulants and members are recommended to receive Holy nior Acolyte are as follows: He must have his Latin responses
Communion as often as possible, particularly when serving mastered, know in detail how to serve as Torchbearer at High
Mass. Enrolled members should always wear the Guild medal Mass and 2nd Acolyte at Low Mass and successfully passed
when serving. a test regarding these positions. The Junior Acolyte wears a
Unless taking part in the ceremonies, members are recom- plain red cord with a pewter medal and upon enrollment is
mended always to use a missal when assisting at Mass. presented with a certificate of enrollment.
Senior Acolyte. The Senior Acolyte must know how to
serve in detail Low Mass by himself, as well as the High Mass
positions of 1st and 2nd Acolyte and Thurifer, and passed a An Indulgence Of 300 Days every time a member before
test regarding these positions. The Senior Acolyte trades the serving Mass recites the prayer: Direct, we beseech Thee, O
plain cord for a red cord with tassels, but retains the pewter Lord, our actions (p.6).
medal.
Master of Ceremonies. The MC must have proven his reli- In England and Wales an Indulgence Of 200 Days may
ability as well as his fidelity to the rule of punctuality, intel- also be gained every time a server recites the Guild prayer: O
ligence and reverence while serving, must have a thorough God, Who dost graciously accept the ministry of Thy servants
knowledge of all the serving positions at Low Mass and High (p.6).
Mass and passed a test regarding the position of MC at High
Mass. The MC trades his pewter medal for a gold medal, and GUILD PRAYER
retains the red cord with tassels.
O
President. The President wears a two-tone, gold and black (To be recited daily)
medal with the red cord and tassels. God, Who dost graciously accept the ministry of Thy
servants and allow us to share in the service of Thine
Altar: grant that, whilst in serving Thee we follow
INDULGENCES the example of our Patron, Saint Stephen, the first Martyr, we
With the object of increasing the fervour and devotion of may, like him, come to see Thy Son standing at the right hand
members of the Guild, the Holy Father, on the 22nd May of Thy Majesty, and so enter into the Kingdom of Our Lord
1906, granted the following indulgences: and Savior, Jesus Christ, Who livest and reignest with Thee
in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end.
I. Three Plenary Indulgences: Amen.
(1) On the day of admission. Hail Mary
(2) On the patronal feast of the Guild, 26th December. Saint Stephen, Pray for us.
(3) At the hour of death. Saint Pius X, Pray for us.
II. An Indulgence Of Seven Years And Even Quaran-
tines (Forty Days) on each of the following feasts:
(1) Saint John, Apostle and Evangelist, 27th December.
(2) Saint Joseph, 19th March.
(3) Saints Peter and Paul, 29th June.
(4) Saint Michael, 29th September.
Prayers before serving Mass Prayers after serving Mass
I N the name, etc.
Come, O Holy Ghost, fill the hearts of Thy faithful, and

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be.
Anima Christi
kindle in them the fire of Thy love.
V. Send forth Thy Spirit, and they shall be created.
R. And Thou shalt renew the face of the earth.
S oul of Christ, sanctify me.
Body of Christ, save me.
Blood of Christ, inebriate me.
Water of Christs side, wash me.
Let us pray. Passion of Christ, strengthen me.
O GOD, Who hast taught the hearts of the faithful by the

light of the Holy Ghost, grant that, by the gift of the same
Spirit, we may be truly wise, and ever rejoice in His consola-
O good Jesus, hear me.
Within Thy wounds hide me,
Suffer me not to be separated from Thee.
tion. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. Against the malignant enemy, defend me.
At the hour of my death, call me,
O GOD, Who dost graciously accept the ministry of Thy
servants and allow us to share in the service of Thine
Altar: grant that, whilst in serving Thee we follow the ex-
And bid me come unto Thee,
That with Thy Saints I may praise Thee
Forever and ever. Amen.
ample of our Patron, Saint Stephen, the first Martyr, we may,
like him, come to see Thy Son standing at the right hand of Prayer before the Crucifix
Thy Majesty, and so enter into the Kingdom of Our Lord and
Saviour, Jesus Christ, Who livest and reignest with Thee in the
unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen.
B ehold, O kind and most sweet Jesus, I cast myself on my
knees in Thy sight, and with the most fervent desire of
my soul, I pray and beseech Thee that Thou wouldst impress
upon my heart lively sentiments of faith, hope, and charity,
D IRECT, we beseech Thee, O Lord, our actions by Thy
inspiration, and further them by Thy continual help; that
every prayer and work of ours may always begin from Thee,
with true contrition for my sins, and a firm purpose of amend-
ment, while with deep affection and grief of soul, I ponder
within myself and mentally contemplate Thy five wounds;
and through Thee be likewise ended. Amen. having before my eyes that which David the prophet put on
Hail Mary, Thy lips concerning Thee: They have pierced My hands and
V. Saint Stephen. My feet; they have numbered all My bones.
R. Pray for us.
V. Saint Pius X. V. Saint Stephen.
R. Pray for us. R. Pray for us.
V. Saint Pius X.
R. Pray for us.
THE POSTULANT Bowing is simple or moderate. A simple bow is made by

bowing the head only; a moderate bow is made by bowing
F IRST THOUGHTS No ministry, except that of those
who by ordination are set apart for the service of the al-
tar, wrote the late Cardinal Bourne in his preface to the first
the head and shoulders.
Genuflections are single and double. A single genuflection
is made by dropping the right knee to touch the ground near
edition of this handbook, deserves greater thought and con- the left heel; a double genuflection is made by kneeling with
sideration than the duty entrusted to those laymen and youths both knees on the ground, a moderate bow being then made
who have the office of assisting the priests of God in the dis- before rising.
charge of their sacred functions. Willingly you have come Walking and Turning. All movements in the sanctuary
forward to take up this exalted office, to enjoy the privilege should be noiseless and graceful. When two or more serv-
which Holy Mother Church grants you of wearing the sacred ers are together, they should move as one body. The rule for
dress of a cleric, namely, cassock and cotta, and of performing turning is: Never unnecessarily turn your back on the Blessed
duties in the Sanctuary for which originally men were set apart Sacrament. To observe this rule, remember, whenever you
from others by tonsure and minor orders. Your first impulse have to turn away from the altar, either by your right or left,
is a generous one. You value this high privilege and you feel always to turn back again the reverse way, so as never to turn
a secret joy at giving yourself to it. You are going to be often completely round.
in a holy place, performing sacred duties, and you will appear Lighting the Candles. To light the candles use a taper and
very publicly in the sight of all the congregation. To fulfill always begin with the candle or candles on the Epistle side
such an office worthily you will need to be holy in your own of the altar. When there are several candles to be lighted on
life, and edifying always in the sight of other people. Your each side, begin with the one nearest to the crucifix, and light
great help will be Prayer, Holy Mass and the Sacraments. in order from the topmost downwards.
To Extinguish the Candles reverse the whole of the above
GENERAL DIRECTIONS order, and begin with the candle or candles on the Gospel side
A LL actions should be done deliberately, thoroughly and of the altar, and, if there are several candles to be put out,
without hurry, but not slowly. All the words should be with the candle farthest from the crucifix and lowest down,
spoken audibly, each syllable articulated, every sentence rev- proceeding upwards so that the first candle that was lighted
erently pronounced. will be the last one extinguished.
The Hands, when serving, should be held together on the The Bell is not rung by the server serving Low Mass at
breast, palm to palm, with the fingers extended and close to- a side altar during Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, or
gether pointing upwards, the thumbs being crossed right over any solemn service at the high altar, or from the Gloria in
left. When one hand is being used, the other should lie with excelsis on Holy Thursday until the Gloria in excelsis on Holy
the open palm upon the breast. When not employed the hands Saturday.
may be held merely folded together right over left against the The bell is rung with the right hand as follows: Grasp
front of the body at the height of the elbows. firmly the handle of the bell, then raise and immediately lower
it so as to sound two distinct strokes at each time of ringing.
10 The Altar-Servers Handbook The Altar-Servers Handbook 11
At the Sanctus and at each elevation and at the Domine, non

sum dignus, three double strokes are rung. At the Hanc igitur,
only one stroke of the bell is required. PARTICULAR INSTRUCTIONS
The Thurible and Incense Boat are used as follows: Before
the fire is blessed, i.e. on first entering the sanctuary, or when The Server in the Sacristy
the thurible is given back to the thurifer after the incense has Behavior. All servers should take a pride in punctuality,
been blessed and used, he should grasp the chains with his personal cleanliness and good behavior, and while serving
LEFT hand just under the cap, letting the thurible swing freely strictly avoid staring about them. The service in which they
backwards and forwards. In his RIGHT hand he should carry assist is no common service but sacred and solemn, and the
the incense boat in front of him at elbow level. place is most holy, therefore must the server constantly re-
In order to present the thurible to the priest so that he may mind himself of the presence of God and His holy angels if
put incense on to the charcoal, the thurifer first gives the in- he would serve well.
cense boat to the Deacon (or First Assistant or the Master of The Sacristy is the antechamber of the sanctuary and within
Ceremonies as the occasion requires) and after raising the lid the precincts of Gods house; therefore the server will regu-
of the thurible by means of the ring at the top of the center late his conduct and behave well there, after the example of
chain, he grasps the chains just above the lid with his RIGHT the Holy Child and His saints. As a member of the Guild of
hand and raises the thurible to the level of the priests hands, St. Stephen he will place himself under the protection of that
taking care to place the LEFT hand holding the cap against faithful deacon and brave martyr, invoke his intercession and
his breast. After the priest has put the incense on the charcoal follow his example.
(and blessed it) the thurifer lowers the thurible, closes the lid
and passes the thurible to his RIGHT hand. He then receives THE SERVER AT THE ALTAR
the incense boat with his LEFT hand and gives the thurible The first thing that every server at Low Mass should be
to the Deacon (First Assistant or Master of Ceremonies) with careful about is the correct pronunciation of the Latin. Those
his RIGHT hand. While the thurible is being used the thurifer servers who have never learnt Latin, and they are the majority,
may put the incense boat on the credence table or transfer it should invariably use a book or a card when serving. It is so
to his RIGHT hand if he wishes to keep it with him. The thu- easy to make mistakes without realizing it, and these mistakes
rifer receives back the thurible in his LEFT hand and stands tend to increase until in the course of time the answers will
in plano on the Epistle side swinging the thurible gently to no longer be Latin at all but merely a succession of sounds
and fro as before. somewhat resembling that language.
He should follow the Mass. His duty is SERVE the priest.
He must, therefore, attend to what the priest is saying and
doing, so as to be ready to answer at the correct time, and be
rather beforehand than behindhand with his ministrations. It
is for the priest and not the server to set the pace.
The following DONTS will remind servers in a short but HOW TO SERVE AND PRAY AT LOW MASS
arresting way of some of the common faults to be avoided in
serving at Low Mass. Arrive in good time.
If you have to pass through the church, kneel down, pray
1. DONT look round when anyone passes in front of or near to Our Lord and say your Guild Prayers before Serving.
the altar. The Server should be either following the Mass If you enter by the sacristy, vest first, and then go into
in his Missal or watching the priest. church or a side-chapel and say your prayers.
Always walk slowly and reverently. Genuflect to the
2. DONT stand during the Credo, kneel as soon as you ground, keeping your body upright, and facing forward.
have answered Laus tibi, Christe. Prepare the cruets; light the candles beginning by the one
at the Epistle side; prepare your book if you use one. Help
3. DONT ever put the cruets on the altar without the lavabo the priest to vest.
cloth under them, and, at the Offertory, dont leave them If you are not serving at the Blessed Sacrament Altar, tell
on the altar for the priest to take: hand each cruet to the the priest if you or other people want Holy Communion, stat-
priest with the right hand. ing the number. If you forget this, you can still present altar-
breads to the priest up till the Offertory, or even any time
4. DONT kiss the chasuble before or after the Elevation, and before the Elevation.
hold it up only when the priest raises his arms. Never talk or play in the sacristy.
When the priest is ready, for Mass, take the Missal if this
5. DONT kneel at the side to receive Holy Communion, is the custom, bow to the Cross, and precede the priest, of-
always move to the front facing the altar on the Epistle fering him Holy Water with your right hand and then making
side, after the priest has said Indulgentiam. the sign of the Cross yourself. Ring the sacristy bell if this is
the custom. If you are carrying the Missal, lean it on your left
6. DONT carry the chalice veil to the Gospel side; either arm to do all these actions.
unfold it on the Epistle side and leave it there, or do not On reaching the Altar, be at the priests right: receive the
touch it. biretta if he is wearing it, kissing first his hand, then biretta
(Note A, p.29), and genuflect, even if the priest only bows
7. DONT come to the center for the priests blessing, remain (Note B, p.29). Put the biretta on the step or the credence
at the Gospel side until the priest has begun the last table, and if you have to put the Missal on the stand, go round
Gospel. by the side.
Then if necessary, close the sanctuary gates, genuflect and
go to the foot of the steps at the gospel side so as to be on
the priests left. Have your book open ready.
When the priest comes down and bows or genuflects, kneel
directly on the floor.
HOLY MASS 9. Sign of the Cross, while the P. says:

P. Adjutorium nostrum in nomine Domini.
(The numbers show what the server has to do or say) 10. S. QUI FECIT CAELUM ET TERRAM.
Do NOT bow during the Priests Confiteor, and do NOT
1. Sign of the Cross, while the Priest says: strike your breast.
Priest. In nomine Patris et Filii et Spiritus Sancti. Amen. P. Confiteor Deo omnipotenti, beatae Mariae semper vir-
(Anthem). Introibo ad altare Dei: gini, beato Michaeli archangelo, beato Joanni Baptistae,
2. Server. AD DEUM QUI LAETIFICAT JUVENTUTEM sanctis Apostolis Petro et Paulo, omnibus sanctis, et vobis
MEAM. fratres, quia peccavi nimis congitatione, verbo et opere;
(In Requiem Masses, pass along to No. 9). mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa; ideo precor
(Psalm 42). P. Judica me, Deus, et discerne causam meam beatam Mariam semper virginem, beatum Michaelem arch-
de gente non sancta: ab homine iniquo et doloso erue angelum, beatum Joannem Baptistam, sanctos Apostolos
me. Petrum et Paulum, omnes sanctos, et vos fratres, orare pro
3. S. QUIA TU ES, DEUS FORTITUDO MEA, QUARE me ad Dominum Deum nostrum.
ME REPULISTI, ET QUARE TRISTIS INCEDO, 11. Bow, turning slightly towards the Priest:
DUM AFFLIGIT ME INIMICUS. S. MISEREATUR TUI, OMNIPOTENS DEUS, ET
P. Emitte lucem tuam et veritatem tuam: ipsa me dedux- DIMISSIS PECCATIS TUIS, PERDUCAT TE AD VI-
erunt et adduxerunt in montem sanctum tuum, et in taber- TAM AETERNAM.
nacula tua. P. Amen.
4. S. ET INTROIBO AD ALTARE DEI: AD DEUM QUI 12. Begin immediately, bowing head and shoulders in front,
LAETIFICAT JUVENTUTEM MEAM. without leaning your hands or book on the step:
P. Confitebor tibi in cithara, Deus, Deus meus; quare tristis S. CONFITEOR, DEO OMNIPOTENTI, BEATAE
es, anima mea, et quare conturbas me? MARIAE SEMPER VIRGINI, BEATO MICHAELI
5. S. SPERA IN DEO, QUONIAM ADHUC CONFITE- ARCHANGELO, BEATO JOANNI BAPTISTAE,
BOR ILLI: SALUTARE VULTUS MEI ET DEUS SANCTIS APOSTOLIS PETRO ET PAULO. OMNI-
MEUS. BUS SANCTIS,
6. Bow slightly while the P. says: Here turn a little towards the priest:
P. Gloria Patri, et Filio, et Spiritui Sancto. ET TIBI, PATER,
7. Upright. Turn back:
S. SICUT ERAT IN PRINCIPIO, ET NUNC, ET SEM- QUIA PECCAVI NIMIS COGITATIONE, VERBO, ET
PER: ET IN SAECULA SAECULORUM. AMEN. OPERE,
P. (Anthem). Introibo ad altare Dei. Strike your breast three times:
8. S. AD DEUM QUI LAETIFICAT JUVENTUTEM MEA CULPA, MEA CULPA, MEA MAXIMA CULPA.
MEAM. IDEO PRECOR BEATAM MARIAM SEMPER VIR-
GINEM, BEATUM MICHAELEM ARCHANGELUM,
BEATUM JOANNEM BAPTISTAM, SANCTOS AP- Kyrie eleison.

POSTOLOS PETRUM ET PAULUM, OMNES SANC- 21.S. KYRIE ELEISON.
TOS, Kyrie eleison
Here turn a little to the priest: CHRISTE ELEISON.
ET TE, PATER, Christe eleison.
Turn back: CHRISTE ELEISON.
ORARE PRO ME AD DOMINUM DEUM NOS- Kyrie eleison.
TRUM. KYRIE ELEISON.
Remain bowing: Kyrie eleison.
P. Misereatur vestri, omnipotens Deus; et dimissis peccatis
vestris perducat vos ad vitam aeternam. If the priest does not say the GLORIA IN EXCELSIS, pass
13. S. AMEN. Kneel upright. Make the sign of the Cross with to No. 22. If he does say it, say this prayer:
the priest: Glory be to God on high, and on earth peace to men of
P. Indulgentiam, absolutionem, et remissionem peccatorum good will. O Lord God, heavenly King, God the Father al-
nostrorum tribuat nobis omnipotens et misericors Domi- mighty, we praise Thee, we bless Thee, we adore Thee, we
nus. glorify Thee, we give Thee thanks for They great glory.
14. S. AMEN. O Lord Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son, Lamb of God,
15. Bow slightly forward till the end: have mercy on us; receive our prayers; for Thou alone art
P. Deus, tu conversus vivificabus nos. holy, and our sovereign Lord.
16. S. ET PLEBS TUA LAETABITUR IN TE. Glory too be given to the Holy Ghost, one God with the
P. Ostende nobis, Domine, misericordiam tuam. Father and the Son. Amen.
17.S. ET SALUTARE TUUM DA NOBIS.
P. Domine, exaudi orationem meam. P. Dominus vobiscum.
18. S. ET CLAMOR MEUS AD TE VENIAT. 22. S. ET CUM SPIRITU TUO.
P. Dominus vobiscum. Pass to No. 23.
19. S. ET CUM SPIRITU TUO. If the priest omits DOMINUS VOBISCUM and goes
P. Oremus. straight to the missal, it is because there are several
20. Kneel now on the lowest step. Epistles (see p.30).
If the altar has only one step or footpace, remain kneeling 23. On ordinary days the priest says the COLLECTS.
on the floor. During the first one say:
This is your position for the rest of the Mass, at whatever O God, we offer to Thee the Prayers of Thy Church and
side you are. of all the faithful throughout the world, humbly begging
The Priest now kisses the altar and reads the INTROIT. Thee to pardon sinners, to pity the dying, and to confirm
in grace all those who love Thee: for the sake of Our Lord
Jesus Christ.
P. Per omnia saecula saeculorum. S. GLORIA TIBI, DOMINE.

S. AMEN. Pass over to the Epistle side and stand, slightly turning to
If there are other prayers, say: the priest.
O God, we pray Thee, for the sake of Blessed Mary our During the gospel, say what you can of this prayer:
Queen, and of all the Holy Martyrs, bless and strengthen O Lord Jesus, Thou didst come into the world for the space
the Catholics of this country; and bring back into Thy of a life-time, doing good to all, speaking words of truth
Church all those who stray through ignorance outside the and love, and finally dying on the Cross for our salvation.
one true Fold or Peter. Thou art still with us in the Blessed Sacrament, and we
O God, make us faithful servants at Thy Altar and call to read Thy sacred words in the Holy Gospel. We believe
the Sacred Priesthood all those Thou seest to be worthy; Thou art the Son of God: all that Thou has said is true,
make us generous in Thy service like our Holy Patron and Thou alone canst teach us the right way of life. Today
St. Stephen, and for his sake, ever keep us in Thy holy and every day we will deny ourselves, take up our cross,
grace. and follow Thee.
P. Per omnia saecula saeculorum. 26. LAUS TIBI, CHRISTE is answered at the end of the
S. AMEN. Gospel.
24.While the priest reads the EPISTLE, say this prayer: Then KNEEL DOWN, even if the priest says the Credo.
O Lord God, Thou has spoken to us by the voice of Thy During the Credo, say your I BELIEVE.
Prophets and Apostles; and Thy still speakest to us in the P. Dominus vobiscum.
person of our Holy Father the Pope and our Bishops and S. ET CUM SPIRITU TUO.
priests; make us obedient to their advice. But especially do P. Oremus.
Thou make us attentive to the voice of a right conscience
and to the inspirations of the Hold Ghost, that we may be OFFERTORY
truly wise in all our actions and ever glad to love and serve 27. When the priest begins unveiling the Chalice, go straight
Thee. to the credence table, without genuflecting in the center.
25. DEO GRATIS is answered at the end of the Epistle. Present the WINE and WATER, then the WATER, BASIN
(N.B.The priest turns his head slightly towards the and TOWEL as you have been taught. (Note D., p.32.)
server, or raises his left hand slightly). Return directly to your place without genuflecting in the
Change the Missal to the Gospel side, placing it slanting center.
on the altar. 28. P. Orate fratres.
Answer: Wait till the priest has turned back to the altar; then say
P. Dominus vobiscum. without bowing:
S. ET CUM SPIRITU TUO. S. SUSCIPIAT DOMINUS SACRIFICIUM DE MANI-
Make three small crosses on your forehead, lips and BUS TUIS, AD LAUDEM ET GLORIAM NOMINIS
heart: SUI, AD UTILITATEM QUOQUE NOSTRAM, TO-
P. Sequentia sancti Evangelii secundum... TIUSQUE ECCLESIAE SUAE SANCTAE.
While the priest reads the SECRET PRAYERS, say what CANON OF THE MASS
you can of the following: For the Church. O most loving Father, deign to receive
O Lord God, receive the Bread and Wine which we offer these offerings and bless Thy Church: our Holy Father
by the hands of Thy priest, for they will become the Body Pope (...), our Bishop (...), our priests and all missionar-
and Blood of Jesus; and for His sake grant us Thy grace ies and religious people. Bless all those who attend Mass
and blessing. today all over the world and all who are in need of Thy
O God, we offer Thee our poor actions, prayers, and sac- grace.
rifices of this day, together with the glorious merits of Our Personal Intentions. Here name all those you want to pray
Lady and the Martyrs, for the conversion of our beloved for.
country. The Saints. O Lord God, we know that Our Blessed Lady,
Deign to receive, O Lord, the homage of all devout St. Joseph, the Holy Angels, SS Peter and Paul and all the
Altar Servers together with the virtues and merits of St. holy Apostles and Martyrs are attentive to this sacrifice,
Stephen; and for his sake bless us and make us fervent and and, as it were, present around this altar to pay homage to
faithful. Jesus Who is coming. May we be fervent and pious here in
29. P. Per omnia saecula saeculorum. their glorious company; and grant that as they are invisibly
S. AMEN. beside us here on earth, we may be with them in heaven
P. Dominus vobiscum. after this life and see them with Thee in Thy glory.
S. ET CUM SPIRITU TUO. 31. When the priest spreads his HANDS over the chalice, give
P. Sursum corda. one double ring with your BELL.
S. HABEMUS AD DOMINUM. Then go up the steps without genuflecting in the center,
P. Gratias agamus Domino Deo nostro. and kneel close to the priest a little to the right.
S. DIGNUM ET JUSTUM EST. At each Elevation, when the priest genuflects, BOW then
While the priest reads the PREFACE say: raise the edge of the chasuble slightly with your left hand
It is truly right and just, O God our Father, that every day and LOOK UP and BOW again when the priest genuflects,
and in all places we should praise and thank Thee for all giving three distinct double rings with your BELL.
Thy mercies bestowed upon us through Jesus Christ our Looking up for the first time at the Sacred Host, say: MY
Lord. We invite all the Angels to help us to thank Thee LORD AND MY GOD.
worthily, and we join with them to sing Thy praises. When looking at the Chalice say: GLORY TO JESUS
30. P. Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus. WHO HAS SAVED US WITH HIS BLOOD.
Give three distinct double rings with your BELL, saying: Return directly to your place without genuflecting.
Praise be to God Who is most holy; and blessed be Jesus, Now say these prayers:
Who comes to save us. Remembering the Passion. O loving Father, we remember
how Jesus, now present in the altar, died on the Cross for
our salvation, offering His life in sacrifice to Thee; and
how Thou didst reward Him by His glorious Resurrection
and Ascension into heaven. So today we offer Thee with Have mercy on us;
confidence the same sacrifice, begging Thee to forgive Have mercy on us;
our sins and to make us worthy of entering into heaven to Grant us peace.
enjoy the glory of Our Saviour.
For the Souls in Purgatory. O merciful God, deliver from O Lord Jesus, at the Last Supper Thou didst promise peace
Purgatory all the suffering souls, especially those I have to Thy Apostles; grant then that receiving the Sacrament of
known and now pray for:... Eternal rest give unto them, O peace, we may be at peace with Thee and with everybody
Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them; may they for Thy sake.
rest in peace. O Lord Jesus, Thou didst die on the Cross for the salva-
For yourself. O Lord God, have mercy also on us poor tion of men out of obedience to the Father and prompted
sinners, and prepare us to be admitted one day into the by the spirit of Love; do Thou today in Holy Communion
company of St. John Baptist, of St. Stephen, and of all make us obedient and loving in Thy service.
Thy Holy Martyrs. Do not weigh our merits, but pardon O Jesus, save us ever from a sacrilegious Communion
our sins, for the sake of Jesus Our Lord. and from hell; may the Sacred Host rather make our souls
Little Elevation. May all possible Honour and glory be fervent and our bodies pure and healthy.
given to Thee, O God the Father with the Holy Ghost, by P. Domine non sum dignus.
all Christians together with Jesus our Brother, our King, 35. Ring your BELL with three distinct double strokes.
and our Redeemer. Say slowly three times:
32. P. Per omnia saecula saeculorum. Lord I am not worthy that Thou shouldst enter under my
S. AMEN. roof; but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.
Then say: May the priests Holy Communion prepare him
COMMUNION for life everlasting.
From now onwards, all your prayers should prepare you 36. When the priest makes the SIGN OF THE CROSS WITH
for Holy Communion, the Daily Bread of our souls. THE CHALICE, EITHER, if there are no Communions,
Say our OUR FATHER with the priest, thinking how present the CRUETS, see No. 37, OR, if there are Com-
each request can be fulfilled by Holy Communion. munions, go to the Epistle side of the predella, kneel on
the lowest step, and say:
33. P. Et ne nos inducas in tentationem. CONFITEOR DEO OMNIPOTENTI,
S. SED LIBERA NOS A MALO. BEATAE MARIAE SEMPER VIRGINI,
34. P. Per omnia saecula saeculorum. BEATO MICHAELI ARCHANGELO,
S. AMEN. BEATO JOANNI BAPTISTAE,
P. Pax Domini sit semper vobiscum. SANCTIS APOSTOLIS PETRO ET PAULO,
S. ET CUM SPIRITU TUO. OMNIBUS SANCTIS,
Strike your breast three times, saying: Without turning, ET TIBI, PATER,
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, QUIA PECCAVI NIMIS
COGITATIONE, VERBO, ET OPERE, offer WINE, then WINE and WATER, as you have been
Striking your breast, taught. (Note E., p.32.)
MEA CULPA, MEA CULPA, MEA MAXIMA CULPA. 38. Now change the MISSAL back to the epistle side, putting
IDEO PRECOR it STRAIGHT on the altar.
BEATAM MARIAM SEMPER VIRGINEM, 39. Go and kneel at the Gospel side.
BEATUM MICHAELEM ARCHANGELUM, While the priest covers the chalice, say:
BEATUM JOANNEM BAPTISTAM, O Lord Whom we received into our hearts, make them
SANCTOS APOSTOLOS PETRUM ET PAULUM, pure to welcome Thee; Thou dost stay but a short while,
OMNES SANCTOS, but give us grace enough for today and our whole life-
Without turning, ET TE, PATER, time.
ORARE PRO ME AD DOMINUM DEUM NOSTRUM. Of Lord Jesus, since we have been fed with Thy most
Remain bowing if the priest says Misereatur. sacred body and Blood, never let us profane ourselves by
If there is an interval, kneel upright till he starts. Bow. sin after so holy a sacrament; may we be living temples
P. Misereatur vestri, omnipotens Deus, et dismissis peccatis where Thou dwellest always by Thy grace.
vestris, perducat vos ad vitam aeternam.
S. AMEN. When the priest reads the COMMUNION ANTHEM from
Upright. Sign of the Cross. the missal, say:
P. Indulgentiam, absolutionem, et remissionem peccatorum Let us thank the Lord for all His blessings; and praise His
vestrorum tribuat vobis omnipotens et misericors Dominus. Holy Name for ever.
S. AMEN. 40. P. Dominus vobiscum.
Get the Communion Plate for yourself or the people com- S. ET CUM SPIRITU TUO.
municating. During the POSTCOMMUNIONS, read one or more of the
If you are receiving Communion, go up the steps and kneel following:
near to the priest a little to the right. O Lord Jesus, we thank Thee for the high gift of Thyself
Having received Our Lord, go down, kneel again at the Whom we receive in Holy Communion; may us ever love
side, and speak to Him in your own words: He is your Thee in return with all our heart and strength.
most loving and powerful Friend. 41. P. Per omnia saecula saeculorum.
If you are not communicating, make a Spiritual Commu- S. AMEN.
nion: O my God, since I am not receiving Thee sacramen- O Lord Jesus, we make a special request to Thee today in
tally today, come at least spiritually into my heart. Forgive Holy Communion: make Thyself known to all the people
me all my sins, for I am very sorry I have ever offended of this country that they may return to the true Faith and
Thee; fill my soul with grace so that I may be pious, obedi- be once again admitted to Thy Holy Sacraments as in the
ent, pure, just, truthful, humble, mortified, and generous. Catholic days of old.
After Communion, or when the Tabernacle is closed, In thanksgiving for Holy Communion, we offer Thee, O
37. Go to the credence table without genuflecting in the center; loving Jesus, the fervor with which St. Stephen, Thy first
Deacon and Martyr, used to receive Thee and distribute all eternity. How wonderful that Thou shouldst love me
Thee to the faithful, and finally laid down his life for Thee. and visit me.
42. P. Per omnia saecula saeculorum. Thou didst come into the world, but the Jews and so many
S. AMEN. sinners have rejected Thee. With all Thy faithful disciples,
P. Dominus vobiscum. I will always welcome Thee, believing in Thee and loving
S. ET CUM SPIRITU TUO. Thee, so that I may be a true child of God.
I genuflect to adore Thee, O Jesus, God made man, as the
43. EITHER (1): P. Ite, missa est. Shepherds and the Kings adored Thee in the Manager, for
S. DEO GRATIAS. Thou art the King of Kings and Divine Glory shines in
(Pass to No. 45.) Thy Face.
OR (2): P. Benedicamus Domino.
S. DEO GRATIAS. At the end of the Gospel. S. DEO GRATIAS.
(Pass to No. 45.)
OR (3): in Requiem Masses: PRAYERS AFTER MASS
P. Requiescant in pace. 48. P. Hail Mary. S. HOLY MARY. (Three times).
S. AMEN. P. and S. HAIL, HOLY QUEEN, MOTHER OF
No BLESSING. (Pass to No. 46.) MERCY; OUR LIFE, OUR SWEETNESS AND OUR
HOPE! TO THEE DO WE CRY, POOR BANISHED
44. If the priest left the MISSAL OPEN, change it for the Last CHILDREN OF EVE; TO THEE DO WE SEND UP
Gospel, kneeling in the center for the Blessing, unless you OUR SIGHS, MOURNING AND WEEPING IN THIS
have time to place the book (slanting) on the altar, and VALE OF TEARS. TURN, THEN, MOST GRACIOUS
kneel at the Gospel corner. ADVOCATE, THINE EYES OF MERCY TOWARDS
45. BLESSING. P. Benedicat vos omnipotens Deus, (Here make US; AND AFTER THIS OUR EXILE, SHOW UNTO
the Sign of the Cross), Pater et Filius et Spiritus Sanctus. US THE BLESSED FRUIT OF THY WOMB, JESUS.
S. AMEN. (Do not strike your breast when saying the following words
46. Stand up. to Our Lady): O CLEMENT, O LOVING, O SWEET
P. Dominus vobiscum. VIRGIN MARY.
S. ET CUM SPIRITU TUO. P. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God.
Here make three small crosses on your forehead, lips and heart. S. THAT WE MAY BE MADE WORTHY OF THE
P. Initium sancti Evangelii secundum Joannem. PROMISES OF CHRIST.
S. GLORIA TIBI, DOMINE. P. Let us pray.
47. Now go to the Epistle side, genuflecting in the centre. O God, our refuge and our strength, look down in mercy
Stand, turning slightly towards the priest, and say: on Thy people who cry to Thee; and by the intercession
O Lord Jesus, Who dost visit us in Holy Communion, of the glorious and immaculate Virgin Mary, Mother of
Thou art the Son of God, being One with the Father from God, of St. Joseph her Spouse, of Thy Blessed Apostles
Peter and Paul, and of all the Saints, in mercy and good- NOTE A.
ness hear our prayers for the conversion of sinners, and for KISSING THE PRIESTS HAND.
the liberty and exaltation of our Holy Mother the Church. In this matter perform or omit kissing the priests hand as
Through the same Christ Our Lord. you are taught to do.
S. AMEN. When receiving the biretta, kiss first the priests hand, then
the biretta. When returning it, kiss first the biretta, secondly
If you have to open the gates of the sanctuary, do so NOW the priests hand.
if the priest is holding the chalice; if he has left it on the In REQUIEM MASSES all kissing is omitted.
altar, you will have time to open them at the end of these
prayers.
P. Saint Michael, the Archangel, defend us in battle; be our NOTE B.
safeguard against the wickedness and snares of the devil. GENUFLECTING.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; and do thou, O Genuflect on ONE KNEE
Prince of the Heavenly host, by the power of God, cast 1. on entering or leaving the sanctuary, even if the priest
into hell Satan and all wicked spirits who wander through only bows,
the world seeking the ruin of souls. 2. whenever you pass from one side to the other.
S. AMEN Genuflect on BOTH KNEES
P. Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. 1. when you pass an altar where Holy Communion is be-
S. HAVE MERCY ON US. (Three times). ing given,
2. on entering or leaving the sanctuary while Commu-
Genuflect, even if the priest only bows. nion is being distributed, or the Blessed Sacrament is
Present the biretta, kissing it first, then the priests hand. exposed.
Lead out, walking reverently. 3. REMAIN KNEELING if you pass an altar during the
In the sacristy, bow to the Cross and to the priest, then Elevation.
kneel for the priests blessing.
NOTE C.
Help the priest to unvest, if he wishes.
If you have to extinguish the candles, begin with the one SPECIAL MASSES
on the Gospel side. Switch off any other lights if this is not When there are several Lessons.
done by a sacristan.
Now say your GUILD PRAYERS AFTER SERVING (and
make your thanksgiving) either before unvesting, or on your
WEDNESDAYS
way out through the Church (p.7.) Kyrie eleison.
P. Oremus.
Flectamus genua.
S. LEVATE. (Omitted in Whit-week).
Prayer. S. AMEN.
Per omnia saecula saeculorum. Third Lesson. S. DEO GRATIAS.
S. AMEN. 4. P. Oremus. Flectamus genua. S. LEVATE.*
P. Lesson Prayer. Per omnia saecula saeculorum.
S. DEO GRATIAS. (Stay in your place). S. AMEN.
P. Gradual. Fourth Lesson. S. DEO GRATIAS.
5. P. Oremus. Flectamus genua. S. LEVATE.*
P. Dominus vobiscum. Prayer. Per omnia saecula saeculorum.
S. ET CUM SPIRITU TUO. S. AMEN.
Fifth Lesson. No answer.
P. Oremus. Collect of the day.
Per omnia saecula saeculorum. P. Dominus vobiscum
S. AMEN. S.ET CUM SPIRITU TUO.
P. Oremus. Other prayers:
Per omnia saecula saeculorum. P. Oremus. Collect of the day.
S. AMEN. Per omnia saecula saeculorum.
P. Epistle of the day. S. AMEN.
S. DEO GRATIAS. P. Oremus. Other prayers.
Now change the Missal. Per omnia saecula saeculorum.
S. AMEN.
SATURDAYS P. Epistle of the day. At the end answer:
When there are 5 extra Lessons. S. DEO GRATIAS.
Kyrie eleison. Now change the Missal.
1. P. Oremus. Flectamus genua. S. LEVATE.* *N.B. Flectamus genua, and LEVATE, are omitted on
Prayer. Per omnia saecula saeculorum. Whit-Saturday.
NOTE D.
S. AMEN.
OFFERTORY CRUETS
First Lesson. S. DEO GRATIAS.
Spread the finger-towel on the altar at the epistle corner.
(Stay in your place).
Place the dish and cruets on it.
Bow when the priest comes towards you.
Prayer. Per omnia saecula saeculorum.
You now present the cruet of wine with your right hand; if
S. AMEN.
you are taught to kiss it, do so on the side, taking care to keep
Second Lesson. S. DEO GRATIAS.
your head erect and not to breath on to the wine.
Next you (kiss and) present the cruet of water with your
Prayer. Per omnia saecula saeculorum.
right hand, receiving the wine back in your left hand.
Receive the water in your right hand; place it on the dish;

bow to the priest, and retire to the credence to put down the
wine.
Now return to the altar, lift the dish and cruet in your left
hand, and arrange the towel on the altar. Bow to the priest and
wash his fingers; he will place the towel after use on your left
arm. Bow and put everything on the credence.
If the Orate Fratres has to be answered before you get
back to your place, kneel down where you are to make your
response.
NOTE E.
ABLUTIONS.
When the priest makes the sign of the cross with the chal-
ice before drinking the Precious Blood; or, if there have been
Communions, when the tabernacle is closed; take the cruets
from the credence and stand below the predella. When the
priest extends the chalice, go up, (bow), pour some wine,
(bow), turn round and go alongside the altar. Bow as the priest
comes, pour some wine, then pour some water with your
right hand if you can easily change hands with the cruets.
Then bow and retire.
To serve at the altar, as to sing in the choir,

is next to the priesthood the highest
privilege which a layman can enjoy.
COMMUNION OUTSIDE MASS O Sacrament most holy, O Sacrament Divine,

All praise and all thanksgiving be every moment Thine.
Accompany the priest to the altar. Praised be Jesus Christ, praised for evermore
When he goes up the steps, kneel at the side and begin the Be Jesus in the most adorable Sacrament of the Altar.
Confiteor: Bowing.
CONFITEOR DEO ONMIPOTENTI, On returning to the Altar the Priest says this prayer:
BEATAE MARIAE SEMPER VIRGINI, O sacred Banquet, wherein Christ is received;
BEATO MICHAELI ARCHANGELO, the memory of His Passion renewed;
BEATO JOANNI BAPTISTAE, the mind filled with grace;
SANCTIS APOSTOLIS PETRO ET PAULO, and the pledge of future glory given to us. (Alleluia).
OMNIBUS SANCTIS,
(Without turning) ET TIBI, PATER, P. Panem de coelo praestitisti eis, (Alleluia).
QUIA PECCAVI NIMIS S. OMNE DELECTAMENTUM IN SE HABENTEM
CONGITATIONE, VERBO, ET OPERE, (ALLELUIA).
(Strike your breast three times) P. Domine, exaudi orationem meam.
MEA CULPA, MEA CULPA, MEA MAXIMA CULPA. S. ET CLAMOR MEUS AD TE VENIAT.
IDEO PRECOR P. Dominus vobiscum.
BEATAM MARIAM SEMPER VIRGINEM, S. ET CUM SPIRITU TUO.
BEATUM MICHAELEM ARCHANGELUM,
BEATUM JOANNEM BAPTISTAM, P. Oremus.
SANCTOS APOSTOLOS PETRUM ET PAULUM, O God Who dost remind us of Thy Sacred Passion by this
OMNES SANCTOS, mystery of Thy Body and Blood; grant that we may so love
(Without turning) ET TE, PATER, this Sacrament that we receive abundantly the graces of re-
ORARE PRO ME AD DOMINUM DEUM NOSTRUM. demption.
Remain bowing.
P. Misereatur vestri omnipotens Deus, et dimissis peccatis P. Per omnia saecula saeculorum.
vestris, perducat vos ad vitam aeternam. S. AMEN.
S. AMEN. P. Benedictio Dei omnipotentis (Sign of the Cross), Patris,
Upright. Sign of the Cross. et Filio, et Spiritus Sancti, descendat super vos et maneat
P. Indulgentiam, absolutionem, et remissionem peccatorum semper.
vestrorum tribuat vobis omnipotens et misericors Dominus. S. AMEN.
S. AMEN.
Take the Communion Plate to the communicats. During Com-
munion pray to Our Lord in your own words. Or repeat
over and over again:
THE SERVER AT BENEDICTION On the arrival in the sanctuary, after the birettas have been
removed, all genuflect together; the celebrant and sacred min-
How to prepare the Sanctuary. If there be no sacristan, the isters and the torchbearers remain kneeling.
server may remove the crucifix and altar cover; if necessary, Then the celebrant, the deacon or the assistant priest as-
also the altar cards, and place on the altar the Benediction cends the altar steps, spreads the corporal and exposes the
candlesticks. He will see that the monstrance is in position Blessed Sacrament; meanwhile if steps are used the second
on the Gospel side, with the opening towards the Tabernacle. assistant server brings them and places them in position on
If altar steps are used, they should be placed in plano on the the predella, genuflects with the priest, and standing lifts his
Gospel side. The humeral veil should be placed folded on the alb as he ascends the steps. When the priest has descended,
credence. The Benediction book and the bell may be on the both priest and server stepping aside genuflect together, and
altar step. the server removes the steps from off the predella to their
How to prepare in the Sacristy. In the priests sacristy the proper place. The server returns to the left of the celebrant or
following vestments should be prepared: subdeacon and kneels down.
For Solemn Benediction (i.e., with deacon and subdeacon).
For the celebrant: amice, alb, cincture, stole and cope. The thurifer approaches and hands the incense boat to the
For deacon and subdeacon: amice, alb and cincture, and stole M.C. or deacon or first assistant server, while the subdeacon or
and dalmatic for the deacon, and tunic for the subdeacon. second assistance server comes to the right side of the priest to
Otherwise: amice, cotta and stole for the celebrant, and hold the cope. The thurifer meanwhile, holding the thurible in
stole for the assistant priest. his left hand, raises the lid-chain with his right hand, and lifts
In the servers sacristy should be prepared the thurible and the thurible to the level of the priests hand, having the hand
incense boat, and the torches. with the cap against his breast. When the incense has been
placed in the thurible, the thurifer, releasing the ring of the
When the celebrant is vested, the procession forms in the middle chain, closes the lid, and with his right hand hands the
following order: The thurifer precedes, carrying and gently thurible to the deacon, or assistant, who, holding the thurible
swinging the thurible in his left hand, having his thumb in in his left hand, gives the thurible into the celebrants right
the ring of the cap, and the chain ring on his middle finger, hand and with the left hand passes the cap across into the left
and holding the incense boat in his right hand against his hand of the celebrant.
breast; then follow the torchbearers carrying the torches in When the priest incenses the Blessed Sacrament, the as-
their outside hands, then the servers, and lastly the celebrant sistant servers (in the absence of deacon and subdeacon)
with sacred ministers, or with two assistants. If there be two sustain the cope on either side. If there be no deacon, the first
assistants, one will support the cope on the right hand, and assistant server will receive back again the thurible, from the
the other on the left. The cope is always held by the outside celebrant, pass it to the thurifer, who retires aside and remains
edge of the orphrey or gold-embroidered edge, about a foot standing and gently swinging the thurible.
from the end, so that the embroidered edge is shown, and not If the Blessed Sacrament is already exposed, the first in-
the lining of the cope. censing is omitted, and the thurifer does not bring the thurible
into the sanctuary until the Tantum ergo has commenced. If

only the Tantum ergo is sung, the thurifer will enter the sanc- MANNER OF SERVING HIGH MASS
tuary with the celebrant.
Preparation of the Sanctuary
If the celebrant is alone, after he has placed the Blessed
Sacrament on the altar and knelt down, the M.C. or the thu- The Altar. Place altar cards and missal stand with missal
rifer, if there be no M.C., ascends the predella and places the open at the Mass. Light six candles.
humeral veil on his shoulders and remains kneeling on the The Credence. On the credence should be the chalice, with
Epistle side of the predella until after the blessing, if the veil purificator, paten with host, pall, chalice veil folded, and burse
is removed before the celebrant descends. If the celebrant de- (containing corporal) of same color as vestments, cruets and
scends with the veil in plano, then the M.C. or thurifer may dish, lavabo cloth, bowl and bell, the humeral veil spread over
descend immediately after putting the veil on the celebrant all. If there is a Credo, the burse may be put over the chalice
and kneel below during the blessing. outside the humeral veil. The Epistle and Gospel book should
For the blessing the two assistants ascend the predella, and be on the credence.
during the blessing they sustain the cope. They afterwards On the altar steps should be the Ritus for the Asperges. Un-
descend with the celebrant and kneel with him on the lowest less there be necessity for so doing, or permission is given,
step whilst the Divine Praises are said. none but the priest or a sacred minister should touch the chal-
ice, paten, corporal and pall.
The M.C. or thurifer puts the veil aside on the credence and
kneels between the torchbearers.
Preparation in the Sacristy
The custom of incensing the Blessed Sacrament during the
act of Benediction is not in accordance with the best liturgi- Vestments for Sacred Ministers
cal use. Celebrant. Chasuble, stole, maniple, cincture, alb, amice
and biretta.
When the tabernacle is closed, the thurifer and torchbearers Deacon (on the right of celebrants vestments). Dalmatic,
rise, and after genuflecting together in plano, proceed to the stole, maniple, cincture, alb, amice and biretta.
sacristy in the same order as they came. Subdeacon (on the left). Tunic, maniple, cincture, alb,
Should there be exposition only, without reposition, the amice and biretta.
same order is to be observed up to the end of the first incensa- If there be Asperges, the maniples for sacred ministers and
tion, after which all rise, genuflect on both knees, and proceed chasuble for the celebrant should be put on the ministers
to the Sacristy. bench, and the cope placed ready in the sacristy.
In the servers sacristy prepare thurible and boat, holy-water
stoup and aspergillum, and torches, the number varying with
the grade of the feast, in Ferial and Requiem Masses 2, on
Sundays 4, never more than 6, or at most 8.
The duty of a server at High Mass includes the offices of until the Credo is intoned to leave the sanctuary.
thurifer, acolytes and torchbearers. When there is no Credo, the thurifer genuflects with the
subdeacon, after the celebrant has intoned the Oremus, and
Thurifer. The thurifer precedes the acolytes in the proces- goes with him to the credence. When the sacred ministers
sion to the sanctuary. If no Asperges, he carries the thurible return to the altar after the Credo, the thurifer fetches the
and incense boat. On Sundays he fetches the thurible after the thurible and boat and stands in plano on the Epistle side of the
Asperges. He stands holding it, on the Epistle side. When the altar ready for the incense to be blessed as at the beginning.
celebrant ascends to the altar, the thurifer ascends the predella After the celebrant has been incensed, the thurifer should ac-
by the Epistle side, hands the boat to the deacon with the right company the deacon when he incenses the clergy and choir,
hand, and holds the thurible while the celebrant puts in the and subdeacon. The thurifer will incense the deacon on his
incense and blesses it, receives the boat with the left hand and return to the sanctuary, and then incense, first, the M.C., then
with the right gives the thurible to the deacon, who passes it those in choir on the Gospel side collectively, with three single
to the celebrant; the thurifer returns in plano. If there be no swings of the thurible in the center, to the left and to the right;
master of ceremonies, he puts down the boat and takes the and those on the Epistle side in the same manner; then the two
missal stand from the altar during the incensation, afterwards Acolytes collectively; and lastly the people.
replaces it, and waits on the Epistle side till the celebrant has To incense the faithful the thurifer, standing at the entrance
been incensed. The thurifer receives back the thurible from to the sanctuary, will make a slight bow, to the middle first,
the deacon, and retires with it to the sacristy, and returns to then to the left and to the right, and with a single swing of
the sanctuary. the thurible will incense first the middle, then on the left,
Towards the end of the Epistle the thurifer fetches the then on the right. After bowing slightly he will return to the
thurible and brings it by the time the celebrant has finished sanctuary, and genuflect together with the torchbearers. With
reading the Gospel; he approaches the altar as before, and after them he will retire either to the sacristy or the credence, and
the incense has been blessed, carrying the thurible in his right after recitation of the Sanctus by the celebrant will precede
hand, he joins the acolytes and awaits the deacon in plano. the torchbearers to the sanctuary. Having genuflected between
Genuflecting together with the sacred ministers, the thurifer them, the thurifer will go to the Epistle side in plano, and
takes his place at the right hand of the first acolyte, facing the stand, swinging his thurible, until at the Hanc igitur the mas-
Epistle side. When the triple sign of the Cross is being made, ter of ceremonies or one of the Acolytes puts in incense; then
the thurifer passes behind the deacon to his right and presents when the sacred ministers kneel, the thurifer will kneel on the
the thurible to the M.C., and after receiving it back returns lowest step at the Epistle side of the Altar and at the Elevation
to his place facing the Epistle side, taking care not to swing incense the Holy Sacrament. After the consecration he goes
the thurible while the Gospel is being sung. At the close, the to the middle and genuflecting with the torchbearers precedes
thurifer hands the thurible to the deacon, who incenses the them either to the sacristy or credence, and the thurible being
celebrant and returns the thurible to the thurifer, who, with no longer required, he puts it away, and then returns with the
the thurible in his left hand, will take a position behind the other servers to the sanctuary.
subdeacon, and genuflect with the sacred ministers, and wait The Acolytes, bearing candles, walk on either side of the
Crossbearer behind the thurifer, and when they reach the sanc- will ascend the predella and remove the humeral veil from the
tuary stand facing one another at either end of the altar steps. subdeacons shoulders, and, after genuflecting with him on
As the sacred ministers arrive, they should come together the predella, will put the veil on the credence. Where it is the
behind them, genuflect together with them, then place their custom the first acolyte will receive the Pax from the M.C.,
candles on the credence. During the Psalm, Confiteor and and give it to the second. After the celebrant has received the
Versicles, they should kneel in front of the credence. While Sacred Host, and when the subdeacon removes the pall, the
the Gradual is being sung, they will take their candles; then first acolyte, genuflecting with the sacred ministers, places the
led by the thurifer, go to the middle and stand together in cruet on the altar, and on receiving them back will replace
front of him, facing the altar, a little behind the deacon and them on the credence. The second, taking the chalice veil from
subdeacon. When the M.C. gives the sign, the acolytes will the credence, comes to the middle, when the sacred ministers
genuflect, turn and follow the thurifer to either side of the change places, genuflects behind the subdeacon, then lays the
lectern or the subdeacon holding the gospel book, facing the chalice veil on the altar on the Gospel side, and returns to
Epistle side. The first acolyte should be nearest the people, the credence. At the blessing they will kneel, and during the
and the second acolyte on the altar side. They never genuflect last Gospel take up their candles, go to the middle, and after
during the Gospel. Afterwards they will return to the credence, genuflecting proceed to the sacristy. When turning they must
genuflecting as they pass before the altar, and replace their take care to remain in line with one another (and with the
candles on the credence. Crossbearer) and not turn individually, otherwise they would
During the Gloria and Credo they will stand one at each change places.
end of the sacred ministers bench in readiness to assist the The Torchbearers, genuflecting recta linea, leave the
sacred ministers, handing them their birettas and raising their sanctuary, when the thurifer, after having incensed the faith-
vestments. They kneel at Et incarnatus est. ful, has joined them, and go to the sacristy (or credence) to
At the Offertory the second acolyte will place the humeral fetch their torches. When these are lit, after the Sanctus bell
veil on the subdeacons shoulders and tie it in front; mean- has rung, they enter the sanctuary, led by the thurifer, walking
while the first acolyte will have prepared to follow the sub- two abreast; those on the right hold their torches in the right
deacon to the altar with the cruets, and will remain standing hand, and those on the left in the left hand, the unoccupied
at the altar side to receive them back again. While the deacon hand being laid upon the breast. On arriving in the sanctuary
is incensing the celebrant, the first acolyte will take the towel, the torchbearers genuflect with the thurifer and divide, kneel-
and the second the water cruet and dish, and approach the ing at equal distances in plano. After the elevation the torch-
celebrant and pour water over his fingers and offer the towel; bearers rise (except in the case of Holy Communion being
then bowing slightly they will replace the cruet, dish and la- administered, when they remain kneeling until the tabernacle
vabo cloth on the credence, and, the first acolyte taking the is closed), genuflect with the thurifer, and, preceded by him,
bell, they will stand until it is time to kneel down with the retire to the sacristy. Great care should be taken to move and
sacred ministers for the Elevation. genuflect together.
During the Elevation they will make a moderate reverence.
After the Pater noster the second acolyte, having genuflected,
MISSA CANTATA returns the thurible to the THURIFER, who takes it to the
sacristy and returns to the credence. The MASTER OF CER-
Prepare in the sacristy and sanctuary as for High Mass, except EMONIES assists the celebrant at the missal; at the end of
that the corporal and chalice should be prepared on the altar. the recital of the Gloria he descends with the celebrant per
For this Mass the servers are: Two acolytes, thurifer (if breviorem to the bench, where he assists as usual, and at the
there is incense), and master of ceremonies or one assistant proper time returns with the celebrant per longiorem, lifting
server for the celebrant. his alb as he ascends, and then goes to the missal. The Mass
Though on principle a Missa Cantata does not admit of proceeds as usual.
the use of incense, the Sacred Congregation of Rites does The THURIFER acts as at High Mass. Towards the end
in certain cases grant an indult for the use of the thurible on of the Gradual, Alleluia or Tract the MASTER OF CER-
special solemnities and where it is impossible to have deacon EMONIES assists as before with THURIFER and thurible.
and subdeacon.* (*Cf. Vavasseur, Ceremonial, Ed. ix, vol. I, The THURIFER goes to the credence, leaves the boat on the
p. 520, n. 288.) credence, and with the ACOLYTES proceeds to the middle
to meet the MASTER OF CEREMONIES coming down with
The Master of Ceremonies, or the assistant server acting the missal, they genuflect together, and the MASTER OF
as master of ceremonies, receives the biretta and kneels on CEREMONIES goes straight up with the book to the Gos-
the celebrants left, and responds as in Low Mass. He ac- pel side; meanwhile the ACOLYTES, with the THURIFER,
companies the celebrant to the altar, then passes to his right, go and stand on the Gospel side in plano; the THURIFER
receives the boat from the THURIFER and presents the spoon; on the outside, the FIRST ACOLYTE on his left and the
when the incense has been put in, he receives the thurible SECOND next to him, facing the celebrant. After the word
and gives it to the celebrant with the usual kisses. As soon as sequentia the THURIFER gives the thurible to the MASTER
the THURIFER has given the thurible to the MASTER OF OF CEREMONIES, who hands it to the celebrant with the
CEREMONIES, he passes to the left of the celebrant to assist customary kisses, and after the incensation receives it again
with the MASTER OF CEREMONIES in raising the chasuble. and returns it to the THURIFER, who takes up again his place
Both MASTER OF CEREMONIES and THURIFER genuflect next to the ACOLYTES during the singing of the Gospel. At
when the celebrant bows before the crucifix. Meanwhile the the close of the Gospel the MASTER OF CEREMONIES
FIRST ACOLYTE removes the missal stand and replaces it descends, receives the thurible from the thurifer and incenses
after the incensation. The celebrant gives the thurible to the the celebrant as usual; the ACOLYTES after genuflecting in
MASTER OF CEREMONIES, who receives it with the cus- the middle return to the credence. After the incensation the
tomary kisses. The MASTER OF CEREMONIES and THU- MASTER OF CEREMONIES goes up and moves the missal
RIFER descend on the Epistle side in plano. The MASTER towards the center of the altar.
OF CEREMONIES incenses the celebrant with three double If the Credo follows immediately, the THURIFER waits in
swings, the THURIFER standing on the left of the MASTER the middle in plano for its intonation, and at the word Deum
OF CEREMONIES. bows, genuflects and retires. If there is no Credo, he bows at
After the incensation the MASTER OF CEREMONIES Oremus, genuflects and goes to the credence and waits until
the incense is required. If the Credo is sung, the M.C. acts as should kneel on the predella to the celebrants right and lift
at the Gloria. the chasuble with his left hand. If customary, the SECOND
At the Offertory, as soon as the celebrant has said Oremus, ACOLYTE may go to the middle, genuflect, and kneel on the
the SECOND ACOLYTE goes to the altar to take the chalice predella at the celebrants left, and lift the chasuble with his
veil and places it on the credence. The FIRST ACOLYTE mean- right hand. After the Elevation the MASTER OF CEREMO-
while brings the cruets and removes them in the usual manner. NIES will go straight to the missal and remain at the altar,
Then the THURIFER should ascend the altar for the imposition assisting the celebrant until the missal has to be removed.
of incense, passing to the left of the celebrant as before. The THURIFER having retired, as in High Mass, with the
While the celebrant incenses the oblations and the crucifix, TORCHBEARERS, returns and stands between the ACO-
the FIRST ACOLYTE comes to the middle, genuflects and LYTES before the credence. If the SECOND ACOLYTE has
goes straight up to the altar, removes the missal stand, de- assisted on the predella, he will descend in plano, genuflect,
scends on the Gospel side, and after the celebrant has incensed and return to his place.
that side of the altar, the FIRST ACOLYTE follows him and At the ablutions the FIRST ACOLYTE will assist with the
replaces the book, then descends in plano, genuflects and goes cruets as in a Low Mass with one server. The SECOND ACO-
to the credence. LYTE, taking the chalice veil, proceeds to the middle to meet
During the incensation the MASTER OF CEREMONIES the MASTER OF CEREMONIES coming from the Gospel
and THURIFER genuflect whenever the celebrant bows to side with the book; they genuflect together, and the MASTER
the cross, but only after the oblations have been incensed and OF CEREMONIES proceeds to the Epistle side, while the
not before. When the altar has been incensed, the MASTER SECOND ACOLYTE lays the chalice veil on the altar near
OF CEREMONIES receives the thurible and incenses the the corporal. The SECOND ACOLYTE descends, genuflects
celebrant as usual. and goes to the credence. The MASTER OF CEREMONIES
Then he gives the thurible to the THURIFER who proceeds remains to the right of the celebrant on the Epistle side.
to incense the M.C., choir and people in the same manner as at If the last Gospel should be read from the missal, the
High Mass. Meanwhile the FIRST ACOLYTE with the towel MASTER OF CEREMONIES will remove the book as soon
and the SECOND with the water cruet and dish approach the as the celebrant goes to the center, so as to be kneeling in his
celebrant, bowing before and after as usual; they then return right place at the Blessing. If there is no special Gospel, the
to the credence. The MASTER OF CEREMONIES remains MASTER OF CEREMONIES closes the book and goes to the
at the missal to assist the celebrant. Gospel side to respond to the celebrant.
For the TORCHES the same rules apply as at High Mass. During the last Gospel the MASTER OF CEREMONIES brings
Everything now proceeds as in High Mass until the Eleva- the biretta, and waits on the Epistle side for the celebrant.
tion. At the Hanc igitur an ACOLYTE puts incense in the N.B. Throughout the Missa Cantata the MASTER OF
thurible. At the Elevation the FIRST ACOLYTE will ring the CEREMONIES makes all the responses to the celebrant.
bell, and the THURIFER will incense the Blessed Sacrament Note. When the sacristy is at a distance from the altar, the
as at High Mass. torches are kept at the credence or abacus, and here also the
During the Elevation the MASTER OF CEREMONIES thurifer places the thurible when not in use during the Mass.
HIGH MASS OF REQUIEM celebrant, who stands at the head of the catafalque.
If the body is present, the celebrant sings the Non intres;
Prepare black vestments for the sacred ministers in the then when the choir have sung the Libera and begin to repeat
sacristy, and on the altar light six candles and place the missal the Responsory, the thurifer gives the boat to the M.C. or dea-
open on the missal-stand. con and presents the thurible, and after the incense has been
For the Absolutions the processional cross should be on the put in retires to his former place.
Epistle side of the sanctuary and the cope for the celebrant. At the last Kyrie the server gives the aspersorium to the
The thurifer brings the thurible for the Offertory and retires deacon, who passes it to the celebrant after he has intoned Pa-
after the celebrant has been incensed. No one else is incensed. ter noster. The deacon and celebrant and master of ceremonies
At the Elevation the thurifer again brings the thurible and proceed round the catafalque; the server with the holy water
gives it to the subdeacon for incensing the Host. During the and the thurifer remain in their place, so as to be in readiness
Mass the thurifer can remain at the credence, kneeling during to receive back the aspersorium and hand the thurible to the
the Collects and from the Elevation to the Pax Domini. At the deacon.
Post-Communion he retires to the sacristy to fetch the thurible, After the incensation, the thurifer and holy water server go
and during the Last Gospel brings it into the sanctuary for the and stand behind the subdeacon, so as to be ready to lead the
Absolutions. procession to the church door or the sacristy.
The acolytes carry their candles in and out and assist with-
out candles at the Gospel. The server who carries the holy
water stoup should be at the credence for the Absolutions. MASS BEFORE THE BLESSED
After the Last Gospel the sacred ministers retire to the SACRAMENT EXPOSED
bench to lay aside their maniples, and the celebrant puts on CONCERNING GENUFLECTIONS. Genuflections on
the cope, the subdeacon takes the processional cross, and the both knees should only be made on entering and leaving the
procession to the catafalque proceeds as follows: sanctuary, and when servers have to leave the sanctuary and
The server with the holy water to the right of the thurifer each time on their return.
precedes the cross, the subdeacon with the cross and two aco- Acolytes and servers must genuflect on one knee each time
lytes with candles, then the clergy, and last the deacon with before going up to the altar and again on the predella before
the celebrant, the master of ceremonies or server carrying the descending.
Rituale. All the servers genuflect in passing before the altar. For the Lavabo the servers await the coming of the cel-
In the order indicated above the subdeacon and acolytes pass ebrant on the Epistle side.
on the left side of the catafalque, preceded by the thurifer and
server with holy water. The subdeacon and acolytes remain
standing facing the altar at the foot of the catafalque, leaving
a space between them and the catafalque sufficient for the cel-
ebrant and deacon to pass; while the thurifer and server with
holy water pass on and take up a position to the right of the
other prayers AFTER HOLY COMMUNION heaven.

There Thou reignest in glory; but still Thou dwellest with us
Blessed be Jesus Who has come to visit me. Hosanna! Ho- in the Most Blessed Sacrament of the Altar.
sanna! Hosanna! We most humbly praise and adore and thank Thee for having
O Jesus, I believe that Thou art my God and sovereign Lord: redeemed us with Thy Precious Blood and for giving us Thy
I adore Thee; it is my joy to know and serve Thee. I thank Thee sacred Body to be the Food of our souls.
for making a friend of me in spite of my unworthiness. Keep us, O Lord, without sin this day.
Lord Jesus, let me feel the sweetness of Thy presence; may Have mercy on us, O Jesus, because we place our trust in
I love Thee ardently all this day and for ever. Sweet Jesus, be Thee. Without Thee I am weak and helpless, and can do no
my secret, my treasure, my Friend, and my strength for today good; hold me by the hand and guide me, for I trust in Thee
and all my life. alone, O best of friends and my God.
I am forgetful, thoughtless, and weak; sometimes even will- Sweet Jesus, be to me Jesus. (Three times).
ful: check me, and remind me of Thy Love. O burning Heart of Jesus, make me love Thee daily more
I have often sinned in the past; but I trust Thou hast forgiven and more.
me. O! If only I had never offended Thee, how happy I would Sweetest Heart of Jesus, set my heart on fire with love of
be. Give me Thy sanctifying grace and keep me faithful and Thee. And when I leave the church to-day, may I be cheerful
sinless for this day and every day. and bright to all I meet, because I bear Thee in my heart.
For all Thy mercies unto me, sweetest Jesus, I praise Thee Jesus pure and strong, Jesus kind and humble, make my heart
and honor Thee with all my heart. like unto Thine.
For Thy own greatness and power, I bless, praise, and glorify Thee.
O my dear Mother Mary, praise Jesus for me, because I have
not fervor enough to bless Him worthily. Prayer to Christ the King
May all the peoples of the world worship Thee, O Jesus.
With the Angels and Saints in heaven, we call out to Thee
with one voice: Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of hosts; heaven
O Christ Jesus, I acknowledge Thee King of the universe;
all that was made was created for Thee; exercise all Thy
rights over me.
and earth are full of Thy glory. I renew my baptismal promises, renouncing Satan, his
With Thy glorious Apostles and all Thy white-robed Martyrs, works, and his pomps; and I promise to live as a good Chris-
we praise Thee. tian; especially I pledge myself to do all in my power to se-
With St. Stephen and all our Holy Patrons, we worship and cure the triumph of the rights of God and of Thy Church.
bless Thee for ever. Divine Heart of Jesus, I offer Thee my poor actions that all
For Thou, O Jesus, art the King of Glory, and One God with hearts may recognize Thy sacred Kingship, and that thus the
the Father and the Holy Ghost. reign of Thy Peace may be established throughout the world.
And yet Thou didst accept to humble Thyself and become man for Amen.
our salvation. Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory be, for the Popes
By Thy cruel Passion and Death, Thou didst open for us the gates of intentions.
GUILD PROMISE implored thy help, or sought thine intercession, and was left
forsaken. Filled therefore with confidence in thy goodness, I
I offer myself to God Almighty, to Blessed Mary ever Virgin,
and to our Holy Patron St. Stephen and I promise to do my
best to serve reverently, intelligently, and regularly, having the
fly to thee, O Mother, Virgin of virgins; to thee I come, before
thee I stand, a sorrowful sinner. Despise not my words, O
Mother of the Word, but graciously hear and grant my prayer.
glory of God and my own eternal salvation as my object. Amen.
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us.
Let us pray Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us.
O Lord Jesus Christ, who didst come not to be administered
unto but to minister, and who standing at the right hand
of the power of God, didst manifest to St. Stephen the radi-
St. Joseph, pray for us.
St. Stephen, pray for us.
ant light of Thy wonderful glory: grant to Thy servants, we Members of the Archconfraternity are recommended to invoke the
beseech Thee, that while faithfully serving Thy holy altars, intercession of their holy patron, St. Stephen, by the use of the follow-
we may with faith like his, worship Thee hidden in Thine ing prayers in their daily devotions, according to the seasons:
adorable sacrament, and in our hearts and minds, do Thou, O
Lord, enkindle the love of Thy grace. Who livest and reignest In the Advent Season
H
world without end. Amen. oly Spirit of God, Who by the laying on of the hands of
the Apostles wast given to the blessed deacon Stephen,
Prayer to be a priest and in him didst begin the service of the Altar in the New
O Lord Jesus Christ, the great High Priest, who dost call Law, grant that I, who serve the same Altar, may always keep
chosen souls to offer Thee in sacrifice and to assist holy and body that is Thy temple, that I who bear the sacred
Thee in saving souls, I beseech Thee to grant me this high vessels may purify my heart; so that at last, full of Thy grace,
grace though I am most unworthy of it; make me carefully I may, looking up into heaven, see Thy great joy, and come to
to prepare my heart to receive it and to keep myself pure and the eternal temple of Almighty God, where the Lamb of God
lowly that Thou mayest call me to serve Thee at Thine altar. is the Light in Thy radiance. Amen.
Amen.
O Mary, Mother of God and my dear mother too, obtain for In the Christmas Season
me this grace from the Sacred Heart of thy dear Son.
O God, Who didst consecrate the first fruits of the ministry
of Thine Altar in the blessed death of the deacon St. Ste-
phen, full of grace and of the Holy Ghost, grant, we beseech
Never leave the Church without greeting Our Blessed Lady.
Go and kneel at her altar, or turn to her statue. Thee, that we may so love the beauty of Thy house as ever
to partake of the grace of the Altar we serve, and lead us,
who here reign in serving Thee, to the glory foreseen by him,
Remember, O most loving Virgin Mary, that it is a thing un where we may serve Thy Majesty for ever by reigning with
heard of, that anyone ever had recourse to thy protection, Thee. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
NOTES WRITTEN BY SAINT THOMAS MORE on

In Lent the margin of the Newnham Book of Hours, written after
A lmighty and Everlasting God, Who didst grant to Thy holy

deacon St. Stephen that he, while still on earth, should
see Him for whom he was about to die, and dost allow me
his troubles began and he had resigned his position at
Court.
to look upon the same Lord Jesus Christ hidden beneath the
Holy Species while I stand before Thine Altar, grant to me
this mercy in Thy house, that I may always faithfully follow
G ive me Thy grace, Good God,
To see the world at nought;
To set my mind fast upon Thee and not to hang upon the
Him whom I serve, until I, His servant, come to be where He words of mens mouths;
is, Who lives and reigns with Thee in the unity of the Holy To be content to be solitary;
Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen. Not to long for worldly company;
Little by little utterly to cast off the world,
At Easter And rid my mind of all besides Thee;
O Lord Jesus Christ, Who didst not come to be served but

to serve, Who standing at the right hand of the power
of God didst show to St. Stephen the radiant light of Thy
Not to long to hear any worldly things,
But that the hearing of worldly fantasies may be to me
displeasing;
wonderful glory, grant me that, while I faithfully serve Thy Gladly to be thinking of God;
holy Altar, I may adore Thee hidden in the blessed Sacrament Piteously to call for His help;
with a faith like his. Enkindle my heart and my mind, O Lord, To lean unto the comfort of God;
with the love of Thy grace, that enlightened by Thy glorious Busily to labour to love Him;
presence, I may faithfully serve Thee in Thy holy Church, To know my own vileness and wretchedness;
until at last, seeing Thee face to face, I may be blessed with To humble and abase myself under the mighty hand of God;
the sight of Thy glory. Amen. To bewail my past sins;
For the purging of them patiently to suffer adversity;
At Pentecost Gladly to bear my purgatory here;
L ord God Almighty, Who dost make us sharers in this mys
tery of salvation, Who dost allow us Thy lowly and unwor-
thy servants to serve at Thy holy Altar, do Thou Who workest
To be joyful in tribulations;
To walk the narrow way that leadeth to life;
To bear the cross with Christ;
all things, give us the grace of Thy Holy Spirit to fulfill this To have the last things in remembrance;
service; that standing without blame in Thy holy presence, we To have ever before mine eye my death that is ever at hand;
may offer to Thee this sacrifice of praise. Grant, O Lord, that To make death no stranger to me;
this sacrifice be pleasing and acceptable in Thy sight for the To foresee and consider the everlasting fire of hell;
healing of our sins, and of those of all Thy people. Through To pray for pardon before the Judge do come;
Christ our Lord. Amen. (From the Liturgy of St. Basil). To have continually to mind the passion Christ suffered
for me;
56 The Altar-Servers Handbook
For His benefits incessantly to give Him thanks;

To buy the time again that I have lost;
To abstain from vain conversations;
To eschew light foolish mirth and gladness;
Recreations not necessary to cut off;
To set the loss of worldly substance, friends, liberty,
life and all at right nought for the winning of Christ;
To think my worst enemies my best friends,
For the brethren of Joseph could never have done him
so much good with their love and favor as they did
him with their malice and hatred.
These wishes are more to be desired by every man than
all the treasure of all the princes and kings, Christian
and heathen, were it gathered and laid together all
upon one heap.
The Ceremony of
Enrollment
of Altar Servers
in the
After the Credo, the candidates will kneel, facing the altar, on the floor of the sanc-
tuary. The priest, will stand facing them on the predella. Two servers will stand
nearby, bearing the medals on a tray and the holy water.
V. Adjutorium nostrum in nomine Domini.

Our help is in the name of the Lord.
R. Qui fecit coelum et terram.

Who hath made heaven and earth.
The priest will then interrogate the candidates. This may be done collectively.
Ant. Beati qui habitant in domo tua, Ant. Blessed are they who dwell in Thy Priest: What do you seek?
Domine. house, O Lord. Server: The blessing of Almighty God and admission to the Archconfra-
ternity of Saint Stephen for Altar servers.
Kyrie eleison, Christe eleison, Kyrie Lord have mercy, Christ have mercy, Priest: Do you promise to serve with reverence and to keep the rules of
eleison. Lord have mercy. the Archconfraternity?
Pater noster (secreto), Our Father (secretly)
Server: With the help of God, I do so promise.
V. Et ne nos inducas in tentationem. V. And lead us not into temptation.
R. Sed libera nos a malo. R. But deliver us from evil.
Server(s): I offer myself to God Almighty, to Blessed Mary ever Virgin
V. Domine, exaudi orationem meam.
R. Et clamor meus ad te veniat. V. O Lord, hear my prayer. and to our Holy Patron, Saint Stephen, and I promise to do my best to serve
R. And let my cry come unto Thee. reverently, intelligently and punctually, having the glory of God and my
V. Dominus vobiscum. own eternal salvation as my object.
R. Et cum spiritu tuo V. The Lord be with you.
Oremus.
R. And with thy spirit.
Let us pray.
Blessing of Medals
Deus, qui corda fidelium Sancti O God, Who has taught the hearts
Spiritus illustratione docuisti, da of the faithful by the light of the
nobis in eodem Spiritu recta sapere, Holy Ghost, grant that, by the gift of
et de ejus semper consolatione the same Spirit, we may be always Oremus. Let us pray.
gaudere. truly wise, and ever rejoice in His Domine Deus virtutem, bonorum O Lord, God of hosts, bestower of
consolation. largitor, et benedictionum infusor, all good things and giver of every
te humiliter deprecamur ut haec blessing, humbly we beseech Thee
Actiones nostras, quaesumus Do- Direct, we beseech Thee, O Lord, numismata bene dicere et sancti that Thou wouldst vouchsafe to
mine, aspirando praeveni, et adju- our actions by Thy inspiration, and ficare digneris: suppliciter rogantes bless and to sanctify these
vando prosequere ut cuncta nostra further them by Thy continual help; ut famuli tui qui eadem in notam Al- medals; do Thou grant we beseech
oratio et operatio a te semper in- that every prayer and work of ours taris reverentur inserviendi volunt Thee, that Thy servants who wish
cipiat, et per te coepta finiatur. may always begin from Thee, and induere, tibi officium pie et fideliter to wear them as a token of their
through Thee be likewise ended. exequantur, et tandem ad te, coram devout service at Thine Altar, may
Altari sublimi in Caelis, tuae gloriae faithfully and reverently fulfill their
Defende, quaesumus Domine, beata Do Thou, we beseech Thee, O Lord, participes perveniant gaudentes. duties to Thee until at length being
Maria semper virgine intercendente, by the intercession of Blessed Mary Qui vivis et regnas, etc. made partakers of Thy glory, they
istam ab omni adversitate familiam; ever virgin, defend this family from may joyfully come to Thee before
R. Amen. Thy heavenly Altar. Who livest and
et toto corde tibi prostratam ab all harm and mercifully deign to
hostium propitius tuere clementer protect from the snares of the ene- reignest, etc.
insidiis. my, those who prostrate themselves
before Thee. R. Amen.
Per Christum Dominum nostrum. Through Christ Our Lord. He sprinkles the medals with holy water.
R. Amen R. Amen.
The candidates will now advance in turn and kneel on the predella.
While conferring the medal the priest will say:
Accipe signum aggregationis ad Receive the token of your admission
sodalitatem Sancti Stephani, ut eo into the Guild of Saint Stephen that,
jugiter interveniente, vitam sanctam ever aided by his intercession, you
ducere valeas. Amen. may lead a holy life. Amen.
After enrollment, the candidates will genuflect to the Blessed Sacrament and
return by the sides of the Altar to their place on the lowest step or on the floor of
the sanctuary
Oremus. Let us pray.
Domine Jesu Christe, qui non O Lord Jesus Christ, Who didst
venisti ministrari sed ministrare, qui come not to be ministered unto but
stans in virtus Dei dextera ostendisti to minister, and Who standing at
beato Stephano claritate fulgida ad- the right hand of the power of God,
mirabilem tuam gloriam, concede, didst manifest to Saint Stephen
quaesumus, ministris tuis ut eadem the radiant light of Thy wonderful
fide qua ille, te colant celatum in glory: Grant to Thy servants, we
augusto Sacramento, dum sanctis beseech Thee, that while faithfully
altaribus tuis fideliter subministrent, serving Thy holy Altars, they may,
et accende corda eorum et mentes with faith like to his, worship Thee
ad amorem gratiae tuae. hidden in Thine adorable Sacra-
Qui vivis et regnas, etc. ment, and in their hearts and their
minds, do Thou, O Lord, enkindle
Amen. the love of Thy grace.
Who livest and reignest, etc.
Amen.
Making the Sign of the Cross over the newly admitted servers, the priest says:
Bene dicat vos Deus, et custodiat May God the Father, Son and Holy
corda vestra et intelligentias vestras, Ghost, bless you and safeguard you
Pater, et Filius et Spiritus Sanctus. in heart and mind. Amen.
Amen.
The priest then sprinkles the servers with holy water, after which, they return to
their places in choir.
Benedicite Servi Domini
Domino
Cui Servire Regnare

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What is the purpose of the Archconfraternity of Saint Stephen?

What is the purpose of the Archconfraternity of Saint Stephen?

What are the responsibilities of altar servers?

What are the responsibilities of altar servers?

The

Archconfraternity of Saint Stephen

EDITORS NOTE Beatissime Pater,

I t is a privilege to offer this handbook to Altar-Servers. Most

T HE object of the Guild is the sanctification of the Altar-

T HE Guild was formed in March, 1905, by Father Hamilton

MEMBERSHIP CONSTITUTION AND ORGANIZATION

Prayers before serving Mass Prayers after serving Mass

I N the name, etc.

Come, O Holy Ghost, fill the hearts of Thy faithful, and

O GOD, Who hast taught the hearts of the faithful by the

THE POSTULANT Bowing is simple or moderate. A simple bow is made by

At the Sanctus and at each elevation and at the Domine, non

HOLY MASS 9. Sign of the Cross, while the P. says:

BEATUM JOANNEM BAPTISTAM, SANCTOS AP- Kyrie eleison.

P. Per omnia saecula saeculorum. S. GLORIA TIBI, DOMINE.

Receive the water in your right hand; place it on the dish;

To serve at the altar, as to sing in the choir,

COMMUNION OUTSIDE MASS O Sacrament most holy, O Sacrament Divine,

into the sanctuary until the Tantum ergo has commenced. If

other prayers AFTER HOLY COMMUNION heaven.

NOTES WRITTEN BY SAINT THOMAS MORE on

A lmighty and Everlasting God, Who didst grant to Thy holy

O Lord Jesus Christ, Who didst not come to be served but

For His benefits incessantly to give Him thanks;

V. Adjutorium nostrum in nomine Domini.

R. Qui fecit coelum et terram.

Cui Servire Regnare

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