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The
 History
• First of all, in the earliest days of the
Church, Mass was celebrated by the
bishop, and he was served by deacons.
Responses at the liturgy were made by
all the faithful in common.

• Then, as the Church grew, the bishop

delegated this responsibility to priests
under his authority. The different
kinds of lower ministers came about;
subdeacons, as well as the minor
orders (porter, lector, exorcist and
acolyte).
• Until the later Middle Ages, solemn Mass
was the only kind of Mass there was. In
solemn Mass, the deacon and subdeacon
do almost all of the serving. All that's left is
to carry the candles, processional cross,
thurible and incense boat. These were
done by clerks. Clerks were young men
ordained and employed by the Church for
the mundane tasks of the Church like
recordkeeping or accounting. At some
point, clerks became expected to either
advance to the priesthood or leave the
Church's service to marry.
• The Council of Trent established
seminaries for the training of priests,
which replaced the old systems like
apprenticeships or cathedral schools.
The diaconate, subdiaconate and
minor orders became restricted to
seminary walls and were completely
removed from ordinary parish life.
As such, the only people who could
serve the priests were other priests,
or laymen filling the role of acolyte.
Even so, this was a pretty easy job
for laymen until low Mass became
the most common kind of Mass out
there.
• In solemn Masses, all the lay servers had to do was
basically carry things around: the thurible, incense
boat, candles and processional cross. Even then, the
subdeacon could carry the processional cross and
present the cruets.
 Min is t ry of
The
Who Can be an Altar Server?
 Formerly, only men and boys could
serve at the altar, but canon 230 of
the Code of Canon Law promulgated
in 1983 allowed local ordinaries to
permit girls and women to do so.The
term "acolyte" is sometimes applied to
altar servers, but in the proper sense
means someone who has been
received the ministry of that name,
usually reserved for those who are to
be promoted to the permanent or
transitory diaconate.
 n i s tr y o f
Th e Mi
The Role of an Altar Server
The place of the altar server in
liturgical celebrations remains one
of prominence and distinction. As
you are destined in a special way
for the service of the altar, you
should learn all matters concerning
liturgical worship and strive to
grasp their inner spiritual meaning.
 The Role of an Altar Server
• The altar server retains a genuine and
vital role in the liturgical assembly. Your
role, through your actions and conduct,
is to bring the assembly to a fuller
understanding of the liturgy and a
greater love for God. You have a place
of honor at Mass, because you assist the
priest in many ways. Your behavior and
accomplishment are signs of your faith
and your love for God and God’s people.
 The Role of an Altar Server
• Altar servers are chosen from the faithful
who display a desire to participate in a
more intimate way during the Holy Sacrifice
of the Mass. It is an extreme privilege to
kneel so close to the altar as our loving
Savior, Jesus Christ, becomes truly
present, body, blood, soul and divinity. In
the presence of Our King it is both wise and
necessary for you to perform all assigned
duties with attention, dignity and reverence.
 The Role of an Altar Server
• Also keep in mind to attend to every
action of the Divine Liturgy as a team,
all serving the Sacred Mass in the
same manner and style as your
companion altar servers.
 The Role of an Altar Server
• As you participate as instructed, you
will enter into a fuller participation in
the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass while
assisting the priests. Therefore, it is
imperative that all servers do their
assigned tasks in the prescribed form
and manner.
 Min is t ry of
The
The Vestments of an Altar Server
 While ordained and instituted
ministers must wear an alb  or any
other appropriate attire, such as a 
cassock and surplice, may be worn by
servers. Black and red are the most
common colors for a server's cassock,
if used. (General Instruction of the Roman Missal,
nos. 119, 336)
 Basic Things to Know Before Serving
1. Basic Catechism of The Church (Regular Session)
2. The Holy Eucharist / Parts of the Mass
3. The Sanctuary, Altar and other Furnitures
4. Liturgical Books
5. Sacred Vessels
6. Sacred Vestments
7. Sacred Linens
8. Liturgical Year and Colors
9. Some General Principles in the Liturgy
10. Serving Posture, Procedure and Roles
 The SANCTUARY
The Sanctuary is the space at the front of the church within
which most of the action of the Mass takes place. The word
means “holy place.” It is often set apart
from the rest of the church by being slightly elevated. There
are many things in the sanctuary with which you should be
familiar.
 The ALTAR
• The place where the Eucharistic Sacrifice takes place. The altar is
sacred and often contains relics of the saints. The place where the
Liturgy of the Eucharist takes place.
• The altar is sacred and often contains relics of the saints. Likewise,
either on the altar or near it, there should be a cross, with the figure of
Christ crucified, a cross clearly visible to the assembly, so as to call to
mind for the faithful the saving passion of the Lord.
• The Altar is the center of Thanksgiving that is accomplished through
the Eucharist.
• The celebration of the Eucharist in a sacred place is to take in the
Altar; however, outside a sacred place, it may take place on a suitable
table, always with the use of cloth, a corporal, a cross, and candles.
Parts of the Altar
• Table (mensa): The upper surface
• Base (Stipes) the Support of the Table
• Sepulcher (Tomb) Cavity of relics in the Altar Stone
Various Kinds of Altars
• Movable Altar – can be transferred from place to place
• Fixed Altar – attached to the floor
• Portable Altar
• Main Altar
• Side Altar

Today’s Criteria
• Free Standing
• Central Position
• Solid Material
• Artistic
• Consecrated or Blessed
• No obligation of Sepulcher
 The AMBO or LECTERN
• The Ambo is the stand at
which the Word of God is
read from the lectionary.
The homily is usually
delivered from the ambo
also.
• It is where the Liturgy of
the Word takes place.
 The Presidential CHAIR
• The chair from which
priests lead the prayers
and rites of the church.
The adjacent chairs
are for deacons or
concelebrants.
 The CATHEDRA
• The cathedra is also known as the
“Bishop’s Chair”
• The throne of the Bishop in his
cathedral
• It is an official and functional chair
for teaching; the importance of it
can be seen in the fact that it gave
the name to the church: Cathedral
 The TABERNACLE
The Tabernacle is the ornate place where the Eucharist is
reserved, and is kept locked with the Tabernacle key. If the entire
Church is “God’s House,” then the Tabernacle is “Jesus’ Room.”
Hosts are taken from and returned to the Tabernacle at
Communion time.
 The Sanctuary LAMP
The Sanctuary Lamp or Vigil Candle is a
candle in a red holder that is lit when the
Blessed Sacrament is present within the
Tabernacle.
Proper reverence by genuflection is to be
given to the Tabernacle at all times the
vigil light is lit.
 The CREDENCE TABLE
• The Credence Table is the side table near the sanctuary
where items are kept when they are needed for Mass
but are not currently being used.
 The LITURGICAL BOOKS
Sacramentary
Contains the opening prayer, prayer over the gifts,
prayer after communion, and solemn blessings.
Eucharistic prayers and prefaces for all of the
masses including most special occasions.
 The LITURGICAL BOOKS
Lectionary
• Contains the scripture readings for Mass. It is
carried in the procession by the lector and
placed on the ambo.
 The LITURGICAL BOOKS
Book of Gospels
• This book contains the Gospel readings. It is
usually carried in the entrance procession by the
deacon or lector.
 Sacred Vestments
ALB
• This long, white, vestment reaching
to the ankles and is worn when
celebrating Mass. Its name comes
from the Latin ‘albus’ meaning
‘white.’ This garment symbolises
purity of heart. Worn by priest,
deacon and in many places by the
altar servers. The full white garment
worn by the priest, deacon, and in
some cases the altar servers. The
alb is symbolic of Baptism.
 Sacred Vestments
CASSOCK
• A long garment worn by Altar
Servers (red) under the Surplice.
Also worn by Diocesan Priests
(Black), Monsignors (Rose),
Bishops (Violet), Cardinals (Red),
and the Pope (White).
• A long tunic-like garment which
reaches from the neck to the
heels and is worn by some
servers and clergy.
 Sacred Vestments
CINCTURE
• Cincture (optional)
• This is a long cord used for
fastening some albs at the waist.
• It is worn over the alb by those
who wear an alb.
• It is a symbol of chastity. It is
usually white in colour
 Sacred Vestments
CHASUBLE
• The chasuble is the sleeveless
outer vestment, slipped over the
head, hanging down from the
shoulders and covering the stole
and alb. It is the proper Mass
vestment of the priest and its color
varies according to the feast. It is
worn as a mantle over his
shoulders symbolizing the yoke of
Christ and signifies charity.
 Sacred Vestments
STOLE
• A stole is a long cloth, often ornately
decorated, of the same color and
style as the chasuble. A stole
traditionally stands for the power of
the priesthood and symbolizes
obedience. The priest wears it
around the neck, letting it hang
down the front.
• A deacon wears it over his right
shoulder and fastened at his left
side like a sash.
 Sacred Vestments
DALMATIC
• A loose-fitting robe with open
sides and wide sleeves worn by a
deacon on more solemn feasts. It
takes its color from the liturgical
feast as listed above.
 Sacred Vestments
SURPLICE
• This is a wide-sleeved garment,
slipped over the head, covering
the shoulders, and coming down
below the hips. It is worn over the
cassock.
 Sacred Vestments
COPE
• A cape-like garment which is put
over the shoulders and hangs to
the ankles, it is open in the front
and worn by a priest or deacon in
processions at Benediction and in
other services.
 Sacred Vestments
HUMERAL VEIL
• This is a long narrow shawl-like
vestment used at Benediction.
 Sacred Vessels

CHALICE
• This large cup is used at
Mass to hold the wine that
becomes the blood of Christ
 Sacred Vessels

PATEN
• This is a saucer-like dish that
usually sits on top of the
chalice. It holds the bread
that becomes the body of
Christ.
 Sacred Vessels
PALL
• This is a stiff square white
cover that is placed over the
chalice.
 Sacred Vessels

CIBORIUM
• The ciborium is a vessel
which contains the small
Hosts used for the
Communion of the faithful. It
can look like a chalice with a
large top and cover or a large
bowl with a cover.
 Sacred Vessels
CRUETS
• The ciborium is a vessel
which contains the small
Hosts used for the
Communion of the faithful. It
can look like a chalice with a
large top and cover or a large
bowl with a cover.
 Sacred Vessels
ASPERSORY and
ASPERGILLIUM
Aspersory is a container for holding
holy water. The Aspergillum, the holy
water sprinkler, is a stick-shaped
implement with holes in it to dip into
the Aspersory and catch the holy
water for sprinkling the people and
Things.
 Sacred Vessels
MONSTRANCE
• This is a large ornate vessel
used to hold the Blessed
Sacrament for Benediction
and Eucharistic processions.
 Sacred Vessels
LUNETTE
• A thin, circular receptacle,
having a glass face that holds
the Consecrated Host used at
Benediction
 Sacred Vessels
PYX
• A small metallic case for the
Holy Viaticum or for the
communion of the Sick.
 Sacred Vessels
THURIBLE
• This is used to contain the
burning charcoal on which
incense is put. Incense has
always been used since
early times to do honor to
people and things. For this
reason we incense the altar,
Book of the Gospels, bread
and wine, and the people at
Mass
 Sacred Vessels
Lavabo Bowl
• This is used to contain the
burning charcoal on which
incense is put. Incense has
always been used since
early times to do honor to
people and things. For this
reason we incense the altar,
Book of the Gospels, bread
and wine, and the people at
Mass
 Sacred Linens
Purificator
• A folded piece of linen used
to purify or cleanse the
chalice. It is usually placed
on the altar.
 Sacred Linens
Corporal
• This comes from the Latin
‘corpus’ meaning a ‘body’. It
is a square of linen cloth on
which the vessels
containing the hosts and
the chalice are placed at
Mass
 Sacred Linens
Finger Towel
• Used by the priest to dry his
fingers
 Other Objects
Processional Cross
• The Processional Cross is the
large cross that is carried in by
a server at the beginning of
Mass and is carried out at the
end of Mass
 Other Objects
Processional Candles
• These two candles are carried
either side of the cross in the
entrance procession. They are
then used to flank the Gospel
when it is proclaimed. 
 Posture at Mass
Posture is how you are using the parts of
your body at a particular time. An altar
server has to carry out a number of
different actions at mass, and so there are a
number of different postures. Know what
you are to do while serving, and when you
are to do it. Always do things smoothly.
If you make a mistake, never get flustered.
 Posture at Mass
Hands – Unless you are sitting down or
carrying something (like a candle), your
hands should be kept joined in front of your
chest; either locked together, or palm-to-
palm, fingers pointing upward. Keep your
hands high up on your chest. If you are
carrying something in one hand hold the
other hand flat on your chest.
 Posture at Mass
Bowing – When you bow to someone
or something at mass, it should be a
smooth forward inclining of your head
and shoulders. Never walk and bow at
the same time: stop before bowing.
There are two types of bowing, the
bow of the head and the bow of the
body as described below:
 Posture at Mass
Bow – This bow is a slow nod of the head, made
when: The name of Jesus is mentioned Leaving
the priest after an action (i.e. water and wine etc)
Profound Bow – This bow is made from the
waist with hands folded. It should be made
slowly and reverently when: Crossing the altar if
the Blessed Sacrament is not present At the
moment of elevation during consecration. During
the Creed at the words “by the power of the Holy
Spirit, He was born
of the Virgin Mary and became man.”
 Posture at Mass
Genuflecting – When you genuflect,
keep your hands in front of your chest
while you go down on your right knee.
Keep your body straight, bow your
head briefly, and rise to the standing
position. Be sure that your cassock/alb
does not trip you on the way down or
up.
 Posture at Mass
As a rule, if the Blessed Sacrament is
reposed in the Tabernacle, a
genuflection is made before and after
Mass, and outside of mass whenever
passing in front of the Tabernacle.
Exception: The cross-bearer when
carrying the processional cross does
not genuflect.
 Posture at Mass
Walking – Always walk with your back
straight and your head held straight
and high. The pace should not be
rushed but deliberate. The cross-
bearer always sets the pace in
processions. When walking in pairs, act
in unison, remember you are a team.
 Posture at Mass
Kneeling – When you kneel, your body
should be upright and your hands should
be in front of your chest, well above your
waist.
Standing – Always stand up straight with
both feet firmly on the floor six to eight
inches apart. This will give you balance
and comfort at the same time. Do not lean
against the furniture or against the walls.
 Posture at Mass
Sitting – Sit down on your chair carefully and gracefully.
Once you are seated, sit tall and do
not slouch. Place both feet firmly on the floor. Place your
hands on your lap or flat on your
thighs in a relaxed manner.
Eyes – During Mass always look towards the place where
the action is happening: the
celebrant’s chair, the ambo or the altar. When a reader is
reading the scriptures, you should
be looking at the reader. Keep your attention on the
presider in case he is need of your
assistance.
 Min is t ry of
The