Altar Servers

I. Introductory Notes--I put together an altar server program that clearly defines their responsibilities and my expectations from them in order to serve on the altar.  Built into this program is a graded testing of the different levels of altar serving; i.e., beginner, altar server, acolyte, acolyte captain.  Each level is tested differently and I especially encourage the older acolytes to move into the acolyte captain's position with the incentive that they are the ones who will serve at special masses such as (1) 1st communion, (2) Christmas, (3) Easter and  (4) the Bishop's visits.  I award a pin for reaching the altar server level after one year of being a Beginner.  A wooden cross to wear at mass for the acolyte.  A beautiful Benedictine crucifix for the acolyte captains in order to really set them apart from the others.  There is an objective point system that is earned throughout the year for serving and thus eliminates any favoritism when it comes time to award scholarship monies upon graduation for the eighth graders and/or special recognition to the others for outstanding participation.  My intent in putting this program together, thanks to Father Marty Heinz in Rockford Illinois, is to standardize all altar servers doing the same thing, and to give them an incentive to become better and more involved in what they are doing at mass.  The extra benefit comes from the experience of being on the altar with the priest and hopefully foster vocations much the way it used to in years past.

I have adapted this program to both of the parishes I have been at and it seems to work well, once everyone understands the expectations.  Ideally then, I look for someone in the parish to take over the accountability and training of the servers in due time.

Over the years I've discovered that there is a group of altar servers who go above and beyond just the expectations of being an Acolyte Captain. They will sit in the pews and recognize that an altar server hasn't shown up for their assigned mass and they will discreetly go vest and suddenly appear on the altar. They will not only anticipate my every movement, but they will be ahead me and keep me on track. They are there early to "make sure" that everything is in order and ready to go including the other altar servers. They are just special that way. So I created a fifth category that I call the ELITE. To separate them out from the rest of the servers I bought them black cassocks and white surplices and then introduced them to the congregation and the special recognition they deserved. I know it sounds like the old Church, but maybe that is what I'm trying to remind the older people about and introduce it to the younger generations that have never seen altar servers in black cassocks and white surplices.  

ALTAR SERVER'S GUIDELINES

II. Expectations:

All servers are expected to be at the Church 15 minutes before mass begins.
All servers are expected to fulfill their assigned times to serve.
All servers are to sign in when they serve.
	All servers are expected to find their own replacement at mass if they cannot make it for whatever reason; i.e., boy for boy, girl for girl, although, a girl may find a boy substitute. There should never be only girls serving at mass.
All servers are expected to wear "Sunday clothes" at the weekend masses.
All servers are expected to hang up their vestments after mass.
All servers are expected to pay attention to the priest during mass.
All servers are expected to serve at funerals and weddings when asked.
	All servers will be ranked according to their experience; i.e., Beginner, Server,Acolyte. Acolyte Captain's rank must be earned by testing.
All servers are expected to know and say the appropriate responses throughout the mass.

1. Beginner--0-6 months in training

2. Server--6-12 months in training(earns pin)

3. Acolyte--12 months or more and is proficient(earns wooden cross)

4. Acolyte Captain--Proficient leader(earns crucifix)

All positions will move up to the next position by being tested every six months until they reach the acolyte level.  You may not remain at the Beginner or Server level.    You must achieve the level of proficiency of an Acolyte.  Acolyte Captains are for those who demonstrate leadership qualities and is not mandatory for everyone.

IV. Test--Beginner--you must be able to identify them by name and tell me what they are used for in the liturgy.

This is an oral examination given by the priest.

Sacramentary--the book the priest prays from during the mass at the altar.

Lectionary--the book of scriptures read at the liturgy of the Word.

Sanctuary--the sacred space elevated before the congregation.

Sacristy--the room where priests vest before mass.

Vestments--special robes worn by priests, deacons and altar servers.

Alb--white robe worn over street clothes, priests, deacons.

Cincture--cord used as a belt for the alb.

Chasuble--colored vestment worn only by the priest.

Dalmatic--colored vestment worn only by the deacon.

Cassock--black/red/white vestment worn by altar servers.

Altar--the table of the Lord in the sanctuary.

Altar Cloth--the tablecloth for the altar--always white.

Purificator--small white cloth used with the chalice.

Corporal--small white cloth placed in the center of the altar.

Altar Vessels--sacred vessels used during the celebration of liturgy.

Chalice--gold cup used by the priest/eucharistic ministers for the Blood of Christ.

Paten--small dish usually used with the chalice.

Ciborium--gold cup with a lid for the Body of Christ in the Tabernacle.

Pall--stiff, white board placed over the chalice. Note! The white covering for a casket is also called a pall.

Tabernacle--the ornate receptacle used to place the Body of Christ.

Ambo--the place where the Word of God is proclaimed.

Credence Table--the small table off to one of the sanctuary for sacred vessels.

Bells--rung during the consecration of the mass.

Paschal Candle--the large ornate candle used at funerals, baptisms, and Easter until Pentecost.

Processional Cross--the cross carried in and out of the mass.

Cruets--small pitchers of water and wine for the mass.

Finger Bowl--small bowl for priest to wash hands during the liturgy of eucharist.

Thurible--container for burning incense.

Thurifer--the server responsible for the thurible.

Boat--the container for incense.

Aspergillum--the holy water sprinkler

Demonstrate--knowledge of all of the above items and definitions.

Demonstrate--how to light and extinguish candles properly.

Demonstrate--how to set the altar correctly for eucharistic celebration.

Demonstrate--when to bring the cruet of water for wine intinction.

Demonstrate--when to bring the finger bowl and towel for hand washing.

Demonstrate--when to ring the bells at the consecration.

Demonstrate--what posture and hand holding is proper while serving.

Demonstrate--the appropriate responses said by the people during mass.

Demonstrate--that you know everything from the Beginner's and Server's test.

Demonstrate--that you can recite by heart "The Gloria, Holy Holy, Nicene Creed and the Our Father".--that you can recite by heart "The Gloria, Holy Holy, Nicene Creed and the Our Father".

Demonstrate--by your history that you can perform your ministry well.--by your history that you can perform your ministry well.

Demonstrate--all of the above with proficiency.

Demonstrate--that you know and understand the various parts of the mass as well as the priest does so that you can anticipate him during the celebration; i.e., the Procession; the Introductory Rite; the Penitential Rite; the Opening Prayer; the Liturgy of the Word; the Homily; the Profession of Faith; the General Intercessions; the Liturgy of the Eucharist; the Eucharistic Prayer; the Preface Acclamation; the Memorial Acclamation; the Communion Rite; the Prayer after Communion; the Concluding Rite, the Blessing and Dismissal.  It's all in the missalette.