Altar Server Test - visible to all

Amice

A rectangular piece of cloth with two long ribbons attached to the top corners. The priest puts it over his shoulders, tucking it around his neck to hide his cassock/alb and

Monstrance

A tall gold-plated or silver vessel used to expose the Blessed Sacrament during Benediction or Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament.

Receiving Communion

All are expected to receive communion on the tongue. If for some reason you cannot receive communion see the priest before mass begins (e.g. you need to go to confession).

Paten (with handle)

Altar boy holds the paten under the chin of the parishioner receiving communion to catch any host that falls or catch any crumbs that may fall.

Postures at Mass (Standing)

Always stand up straight with both feet firmly on the floor with feet apart. This will give you balance and comfort at the same time. Don't lean against the furniture or against the walls.

Sanctuary

Area around the altar beginning with the first step (our parish uses different color carpet to show the difference).

Sanctuary bells

Bells rung by servers at the moment of the consecration of the Eucharist.

Roman Misal

Book used by the Priest that contains all of they prayers of the Mass (Big red book).

Thurible

Bowl shaped device suspended by chains in which charcoal and incense is placed. Also called a censer.

Lavabo Bowl

Bowl used for washing of the hands at mass.

Thurifer

Carriers the censer and leads all processions. Thurifer also kneels in front and center of altar during Eucharistic prayer

Boat Bearer

Carries the incense for the censer/thurible. Walks directly behind thurifer in all processions.

Purificator

Cloth used to clean the chalice or wipe up any spills.

Processional Cross

Crucifix on a tall pole carried by an altar server in the procession and in the recession.

Postures at Mass (Eyes)

During Mass, always look toward the sacred action taking place at the altar, the ambo, or the priest.

Hand Washing Towel

Finger towel; used by the Priest to dry his hands after the ritual washing during Mass.

Postures at Mass (Genuflecting)

Genuflecting: When you genuflect, keep your hands in front of your chest while you go down on your right knee. Keep your body upright.

Book Bearer

Holds the Roman Misal for the priest.

Bucket/Pail

Holds the holy water when the priest uses the aspergillum to sprinkle the people/items with the holy water.

Postures at Mass (Profound Bowing)

If priest bows during procession - bow with him. At the words of Incarnation during the creed.

Postures at Mass (Mouth)

If you must yawn, sneeze or cough, please make sure you cover your mouth with the crook of your arm, not your hands.

First Part of the Mass

Introductory Rites and Liturgy of the Word.

Snuffer

It is a pole-like instrument with a tube at one side on the top with a retractable wick for lighting candles. The server using it should have enough wick exposed so that the flame will not go out until all candles are lit. Then the tab should

Postures at Mass (General Appearance)

Know what you are to do while serving mass and when you are to do it. And look as though you CAN do it. Remember to listen, sing, and pray with the other people who have gathered to worship God.

Chalice

Large gold or silver cup used by the priest that holds the wine to be consecrated and become the Blood of Christ.

Corporal

Large white cloth that goes on top of the altar cloth. All sacred vessels are placed on this. (e.g. chalice and ciboria)

Second Part of the Mass

Liturgy of the Eucharist.

Tabernacle

Locked gold cabinet directly below the cross holding the Body of Christ

Cope

Long cape the priest or deacon wears for certain services, such as Benediction.

Cincture

Long cord or rope sometimes worn around the waist over the alb.

Stole

Long narrow band of material that resembles a shawl and is the sign of authority of the priest or deacon. Priest wears straight down and deacon wears it to one side.

Humeral Veil

Long veil that is placed around the priest's shoulders and covers his hands. It is worn in Benediction during the blessing.

Alb

Long white garment worn by priests and deacons.

Cassock

Long, red (black) garment worn by servers.

Altar Boy responsible for clean up

Oldest altar boy makes sure all cassocks and surplices are properly hanging in closet; he may direct/instruct as needed for proper cleanup.

Altar Boy's Ministry

Other than priests and deacons, no one else is allowed to play so closely a part in the preparation of the Eucharist. Your participation as an altar boy is special. When you serve the priests and deacons, you serve the people of God, and above all, you serve Christ.

Spoon

Placed into the boat to ladle out the incense.

Dress Code

Plain, solid colored (no stripes or patterns) collared shirt.

Candle Bearer

Processes next to cross bearer on entry and exit. Also leads the gift bearers from back of church to the sanctuary. Two candle bearers will lead the priest/deacon for the reading of the gospel

Incense

Produces beautifully smelling smoke when placed on coals in a thurible.

Bell Ringer

Rings bells during epiclesis and consecration. At Easter Vigil, rings bells through the entire Gloria song.

Postures at Mass (Sitting)

Sit down on your chair carefully and gracefully. Once you are seated, sit tall and do not slouch. Both feet should be placed flat on the floor, do not cross your legs. Place your hands flat on your thighs in a relaxed manner. No talking or laughing while in the Sanctuary, unless needed.

Cruets

Small crystals bottles with a stopper used for water or wine usually carried on a tray (silver tray in our parish).

Pyx

Small round or square container used to take Holy Communion to the sick.

Paten

Small shallow round plate or bowl shaped plate on which the Priest's Host is placed.

Pall

Small stiff linen square which the priest places on top of the chalice.

Ciborium (Ciboria-more than one ciborium)

Special sacred vessel used to hold consecrated hosts.

Credence Table

Table where all sacred vessels, chalice, ciboria, cruets, and Misal are kept before Mass.

Lunette

The Lunette is a small, circular windowed box that holds the Blessed Sacrament in the Monstrance.

Epiclesis

The calling down of the Holy Spirit. Two times in mass. Bells are rung during the second epiclesis (short ring).

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.

Superfrontal

The colored cloth in front of the altar (usually has something special written on it).

Frontal

The colored cloth in front of the altar.

Runner

The colored cloth on each side of the altar.

Cross Bearer

The cross bearer carries the cross in procession.

Dalmatic

The dalmatic is a loose-fitting robe with open sides and wide sleeves worn by the deacon. It takes its color from the liturgical feast.

Aspergillum

The holy water sprinkler; it is a perforated metal ball or tube on a handle that holds the holy water used by the

Sanctuary Lamp

The lighted red candle in the sanctuary indicating the blessed sacrament is in the tabernacle - Jesus is present!

Taper

The long, thin waxy piece that goes into the snuffer for lighting candles.

Consecration of the Bread and Wine

The moment the bread becomes the Body of Christ. The moment the wine becomes the Blood of Christ. Bell is rung three separate times for each.

Paschal Candle

The paschal candle, used from the Easter Vigil through Pentecost Sunday; it is placed near the altar or ambo and is lit for all masses to commemorate the Risen Christ among us.

Ambo

The place from which the Word of God is proclaimed during the readings of sacred scripture; also called lectern or pulpit.

Recession

The time when servers, ministers, and priest leave the Sanctuary at the end of mass.

Procession

The time when servers, ministers, and priest move from back of church and enter the Sanctuary at the beginning of mass.

Altar Cloth

The white cloth covering the altar.

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHC)

These ministers assist in distributing the Body and Blood of Jesus when there is a large number of people and not enough ordinary ministers to do so.

Ushers

These people greet the community as they arrive for Mass.

Ordo

This book tells what feast day it is, what the readings

Chalice Veil

This is the large square cloth, matching the vestments of the day, which covers the chalice before the presentation of the gifts.

Cantor

This is the leader of song. This person leads the hymns,

Lector

This is the person that reads the first and second readings.

Burse

This is the square piece that opens; it holds the corporal(s) and matches the color of the vestments of the day.

Sacristan

This person usually works before Mass, making sure that

Offertory

Time after the "prayers of the faithful" ("Lord, hear our prayer...") when servers bring items from the credence table to the priest/deacon who is at the altar.

Genuflect

To touch one's RIGHT knee to the ground when reverencing Jesus present in the Tabernacle.

Postures at Mass (Hands)

Unless you are sitting down or carrying something, your hands should be folded in front of your chest, palm-to-palm, fingers pointing upward. Keep your hands high on your chest. If you are carrying something in one hand, hold the other hand flat on your chest.

Boat

Vessel used to carry the grains of incense before the incense is placed in the thurible.

Sacristy

Vesting Room; we have two (server's and priest's).

Postures at Mass (Walking)

Walk with your back straight and your head held high. Keep a steady pace in all your actions and movements. Maintain spacing from the person in front of you.

Silence

What we keep when in the Sacristy, when waiting to begin the procession, and during Mass. We whisper if we need to say something.

Postures at Mass (Simple Bowing)

When you bow to the altar or the priest, bow your head at the neck, slowly and gracefully. Don't walk and bow at the same time - stop before bowing.

Postures at Mass (Kneeling)

When you kneel, your body should be upright and your hands should be folded in front of your chest.

Surplice

White garment worn over the cassock by servers.

Postures at Mass (Attitude and Behavior)

Your attitude and the way you carry yourself at mass is extremely important. Your actions will convey to the priest and parishioners how much you really care about being there. When in the Church, always show the greatest of respect for where you are and for those around you. Always be aware of where the priest is and what the he is doing. He may need you to perform some additional task.

Altar Boy's Motto

"All for the Honor and Glory of God"