Serving Procedures at Sunday Eucharist
(see here for procedure when there is a baptism at Mass)

Please arrive at least 15 minutes before Mass!

Preparation:

1.       Put on your server's alb (robe) and cincture (cord) and cross.

2.      Check with the Fr. Dave or Deacon Charlie to see if there is anything they would like you to do.

3.      Take processional cross and candles to the back of the church if they are not there already. Light the acolyte candles (or ask someone to help you), and be ready to begin when the Cantor welcomes everyone.

Procession:

1.       Line up with Cross-bearer first, at the back of the last pew. The Candle-bearers line up behind the Cross-bearer, side-by-side.

2.      After the song has begun, check to see if everyone is ready.

3.      Lead the procession slowly up to the altar. Take your time!!

4.      Stop at the base of the sanctuary: Cross-bearer moves to the far left side; Candle-bearers move to the left or right. Wait for Father and Deacon to reverence the altar.

5.       Do not bow when you are carrying the cross or candles.

6.      Go ahead of Father and Deacon to the Sanctuary. Cross-bearer steps up on the sanctuary platform and places the cross in the holder at the back of the sanctuary. Candle-bearers place the candles in the holders on either side of the altar then proceed to their seats.

7.      All servers stand at your chairs.

Greeeting, Penitential Rite, and Opening Prayer:

1.       Cross bearer brings up the Red Sacramentary and holds it in front of the Priest.  

Presentation and Preparation of Gifts:

1.       After the two Eucharistic Ministers place the large corporal cloth on the altar, the candle bearers bring up Father's chalice and the second glass chalice, two purificators (small white cloths usually on top of the chalices on the credance table), and the Sacramentary. Place the chalices and purificators on the right side of the altar and lay the Sacramentary on the left side.

2.      Return to your seats and wait for Father or Deacon to go to the foot of the altar to receive the gifts.

3.      One server goes to the right of whoever is receiving the gifts and one to the left.

4.      Whoever gets the paten with the hosts on it, place that on the altar, between the chalices and the Sacramentary and then go back to get the cruet of water.

5.       Whoever gets the cruet of wine can either stand by the altar or bring the top back to the credance table and then bring the cruet up to the altar.

6.      Deacon or Father will take the water and wine, pour some water into the wine, and then distribute the wine into the two chalices. Remain until Father or Deacon hands back the wine cruet and then take both water and wine cruets back to the credance table.

7.      Get the pitcher and bowl and towel and come back and stand to the right of Father but even with the back of the altar.

8.      When Father puts his fingers over the bowl, pour a little water over them. When Father dries his hands, offer your arm for him to drape the towel over.

9.      Take the bowl, pitcher, and towel back to the credance table.

10.   Go stand at your chairs.

Eucharistic Prayer:

1.       Go behind the chairs to kneel on the kneelers.

Sign of Peace :

1.       Share the Sign of Peace with Father and Deacon if present.

Holy Communion:

1.       After the Sign of Peace, bring up the glass serving plates to the altar.

2.      Servers then go to receive communion.

3.      After receiving, servers strip the altar. Fold the large corporal cloth and hang it on the holder.

4.      Either put the Sacramentary back under the credance table or hold it for prayer after communion.

After Communion:

1.       When Father is ready (when he stands up or beckons), the cross bearer takes him the Sacramentary for the Prayer after Communion and the Final Blessing.

Going Forth:

After the final blessing and dismissal ("The Mass is ended ...". "Thanks be to God")

1.       The Cross-bearer gets the cross; the Candle bearers get the candles.

2.      The Candle-bearers line up on either side of the altar. The Cross-bearer lines up to the left of the altar (as you face the altar).

3.      Father and Deacon will bow. Remember, the altar servers do not bow when carrying the candles or cross!

4.      All servers turn and slowly lead the procession to the back of the church.

After Mass:

1.       Help clear the credence table if the Eucharistic Ministers have not done so.

2.      Hang up your server's alb, cincture and cross.