Altar Server Handbook

Holy Family Catholic Parish

Modesto, CA

2015

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v 1.0 - October 4, 2014

v1.1 - February 22, 2015

● changed timing of removal of Lectionary from Altar

v1.2 - March 9, 2015

● merged cover page due to Google Docs allowing different 1st page footer

● changed file name to "Altar Server Handbook"

● minor text format adjustments

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General Requirements

Who can serve

At Holy Family Catholic Parish, all registered parishioners who have received their First Holy

Communion may become Altar Servers. Interested catechism students preparing for First Holy

Communion will be considered on an individual basis. All candidates must have the commitment

and ability to perform this role with reverence.

Scheduling

The Altar Server Schedule will typically be set for an entire month. Prior to creating the

schedule, the Altar Server Coordinator will send an email requesting availability; please reply as

soon as possible. There should be 4 Servers for each Mass. Even if you are not assigned,

please check in with the Coordinator when arriving at Mass, in case a scheduled Altar Server is

absent. In addition, there will be special services throughout the year which will require Altar

Servers, such as Holy Days and Sacramental Masses. You may be asked to serve but this will

be scheduled as needed.

Dress

Please remember that your job is to Serve the Priest and Deacon without drawing attention to

yourself.

Attire: While serving, wearing a white shirt, black pants, and black shoes is preferred. They

tend to be less noticeable while worn under an alb. Avoid bright colors.

Hair: Long hair should be placed behind your shoulders so it does not interfere with your duties.

Jewelry: Avoid wearing anything that will make noise and/or will be distracting to you or anyone

else.

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Conduct

To allow for dressing, prayer time, and any last-minute instructions, please arrive to your

assigned Mass at least 20 minutes prior to its scheduled start. If you have been scheduled and

cannot serve at a Mass (for example, due to illness), please call or text your Altar Server

Coordinator as soon as possible, so an alternate can be found to take your place without delay.

An Altar Server will be considered absent and will be substituted with an alternate if s/he fails to

arrive 10 minutes prior to the Mass.

We have many people who assist in our Masses, such as Sacristans, Lectors, and Ushers. If

any of these ministers attempt to give you instructions, thank them and ask that they speak with

your Altar Server Coordinator first before changing anything that you have been instructed to

do. The exception to this rule is the Priest presiding at the Mass. Remember... he is

ultimately in charge of the Mass: you should follow his instructions without hesitation.

For example, when the Priest stands, you stand, unless you are kneeling for the

Consecration or if the Priest tells you to sit.

Although it may sound obvious, to be an Altar Server, you must want to serve at the Altar of

God, with the support of your parents. An Altar Server who is reluctant, disinterested or bored

can be a distraction during the Mass.

During the Mass, your attention should always be on the Priest. If you have any doubts, look

towards your Coordinator. If someone is speaking from the Ambo, you listen but still focus on

the Priest. Avoid looking around the congregation for people you may know.

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Try to maintain a good posture during the Mass. Avoid slouching. While standing or kneeling,

your hands should always be placed in a prayerful manner: fingers and thumbs together, palm

on palm, right thumb over left thumb with hands resting on your chest. While sitting, keep your

hands in your lap. Don’t cross your legs. Your feet should be flat on the floor in front of you (if

they reach). Your hands should not be touching your hair or face during Mass. If you have to

sneeze, cough or yawn you should use the bend in your arm. Remember… you should set an

example for how people are to act at Mass.

Keep conversation with your fellow Altar Servers to a minimum. Whisper to each other just

enough to get your responsibilities done. There will be opportunities after the Mass to “catch up”

with your friends. Remember… your job is not to be noticed, but to serve God and his Church.

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The Altar Server at Mass

Prior to Mass, the Altar Server Coordinator needs to make sure the Sacristan has arranged the

Credence Table:

When Altar Servers arrive to serve, they check in with the Coordinator, go to the Alb Cabinet in the Sacristy, find an alb that best fits and put it on. The alb should hit the tops of the shoes without the sleeves covering the hands. The server consults the calendar in the Sacristy to determine what color cincture to wear. Once dressed in an Alb, the Altar Server should say the “Before Mass” Prayer posted on the door of the cabinet:

Oh Jesus, my King and Lord, by the grace of the heavenly Father

and the power of the Holy Spirit, guide me in all righteousness

as I serve You today at the Altar so I may be always worthy

of Your presence. If I happen to make an error,

may it be a lesson so my service

will be perfect tomorrow. Jesus, I love you with all my heart.

Amen After praying, the Altar Server leaves the Sacristy and checks back in with the Coordinator. When all Altar Servers are prepared and present, the Coordinator determines the assignment of the 4 Altar Server positions (referred to in this document as AS1, AS2, AS3 and AS4).

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AS1 removes the Crucifix from the stand near the Altar Server chairs and returns to the Coordinator. AS2 & AS3 removes an Altar Candle from one of the stands beside the Altar and returns to the Coordinator.

When Mass is about to begin, the Coordinator lights the Altar Candles for AS2 & AS3.

Entrance Procession

AS1 is in front carrying the Crucifix. AS2 is behind AS1’s left shoulder. AS3 is behind AS1’s

right shoulder. AS4 follows AS2 & AS3, followed by any additional Altar Servers/trainees. The

Lectors, Deacon and Priest will follow.

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As the Coordinator or Usher temporarily stops people from entering the Church (Nave), the Altar

Servers start processing through the double doors (AS1 must dip the Crucifix so as not to hit the

top of the door jamb). They process down the back aisle and turn at the center aisle:

When the Priest reaches the back aisle, the Coordinator or Usher can allow people into the

Nave again.

Regarding bowing to the Altar: an Altar Server should always bow to the Altar when approaching or passing it, unless they are holding something.

When reaching the Altar, AS1 turns to the left, walks up the ramp, places the Crucifix in its

holder, then stands in front of his/her seat.

When AS2 & AS3 reach the Altar, AS2 carries the Altar Candle to the left of the Altar. AS3

carries the Altar Candle to the right of the Altar. AS2 & AS3 place their Altar Candles into their

holders, then meet behind the center of the Altar. They bow to the Altar together, turn to the

right (AS2 should be in front of AS3) and go directly and stand in front of their seats.

When reaching the Altar, AS4 bows to the altar, turns left and goes directly and stands in front

of his/her seat.

While standing, an Altar Server’s hands should be placed in a prayerful manner: fingers and

thumbs together, palm on palm, right thumb over left thumb with hands resting on your chest.

The Introductory Rites

Sign of the Cross

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Greeting

The Lord be with you.

And with your spirit.

Penitential Act

I confess to almighty God...

And, striking their chest, the people say:

through my fault,

through my fault,

through my most grievous fault;

therefore ...

May almighty God have mercy on us,

forgive us our sins,

and bring us to everlasting life.

Amen.

You were sent to heal the contrite of heart:

Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

You came to call sinners:

Christ, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy.

You are seated at the right hand of the Father to intercede for us:

Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

The Gloria

Glory to God in the highest...

Amen.

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AS4 should have the Lectionary in his/her lap, looking for the Priest’s signal to walk behind the

Altar (do not bow), and stand in front of him holding the Lectionary:

Opening Prayer (The Collect)

Let us pray...

Amen.

AS4 then returns the Lectionary to the book stand. When the Priest sits, the Altar Servers can

sit, with their hands in their laps, paying attention to the Priest.

At this point, the Priest may call up children to attend Children’s Liturgy of the Word.

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The Liturgy of the Word

First Reading

The word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

Psalm

Second Reading

The word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

When the Priest and/or Deacon stands, all Altar Servers must stand. AS2 & AS3 should walk

behind the Altar, bowing together, and retrieve the Altar Candle they processed with. The Priest

or Deacon will raise the Book of the Gospels. AS2 walks with the Priest/Deacon to AS3:

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Together, the Priest or Deacon, AS2 & AS3 walk to the Ambo:

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AS2 & AS3 should stand on either side of the Ambo with their Altar Candles level with each

other, near but not touching the Ambo:

Gospel

The Lord be with you.

And with your spirit.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to N.

Glory to you, O Lord.

…

The Gospel of the Lord.

Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

AS1 & AS4 remain standing. AS2 & AS3 return the Altar Candles to their holders, meet behind

the Altar, bow together, and walk to their seats. When all the Altar Servers are together, they

may sit as the Priest or Deacon starts to deliver...

The Homily

When the Homily is finished, all Altar Servers stand.

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The Creed

I believe in one God...

At the words that follow, all bow:

and by the Holy Spirit

was incarnate of the Virgin Mary,

and became man.

...and the life of the world to come.

Amen.

The Prayer of the Faithful

Let us pray (sing) to the Lord..

Lord, hear our prayer.

...

Amen.

The Liturgy of the Eucharist

Preparation of the Altar

AS4 removes the Lectionary from the book stand. AS1 carries the book stand to the Altar,

followed by AS4 with the Lectionary. After AS1 places the book stand on the Altar, AS4 places

the Lectionary on the book stand. AS1 & AS4 bow to the Altar together. AS4 returns to his/her

seat. AS1 removes the Crucifix from the holder and goes to the back of the Nave for the

Presentation of the Gifts.

Presentation of the Gifts

When the Priest (and Deacon, if present) stand, all Altar Servers not already standing must

stand. AS2 & AS3 walk behind the Altar, bowing together, then walk on either side of the Altar

to meet the Priest & Deacon in front of the Altar. AS1 processes down the Main Aisle, with the

Gift Bearers behind. AS2 & AS3 will be given the Bread (in a large bowl) and Wine (in a carafe)

to place on the Altar, then bow together and return to the Credence Table.

Preparation of the Altar (continued)

AS2 then brings the stacked Chalice, Corporal, Paten, Pall & Purificator to the Altar. If no

Deacon is present, AS2 will Dress the Altar: Unfold the Corporal placing it on the bottom center

of the Altar with the Pall and the Purificator to the right. The Chalice is then placed in the center

of the Corporal.

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AS3 brings the tray with the Communion Cups and Purificators. If no Deacon is present, AS3

removes the Communion Cups and Purificators from the tray and places them to the right of the

Corporal:

AS3 removes the tray from the Altar and returns it to the Credence Table.

When it is time for the Priest or Deacon to add water to the wine, AS2 brings the cruet to him,

then takes it from him and goes back to their seat.

When the Priest or Deacon empties the wine in the carafe into the Communion Cups, AS4

removes the empty carafe from the Altar.

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AS3 places the towel on their forearm and gets the water bowl from the Credence Table. AS2

(with the water pitcher) & AS3 (with the bowl & towel) walk together to the Priest to wash his

hands:

AS2 & AS3 place the water pitcher, bowl and towel back on Credence Table.

All 4 Altar Server should now be standing at their seats.

Pray, brethren (brothers and sisters)...

Amen.

The Eucharistic Prayer

The Lord be with you.

And with your spirit.

Lift up your hearts.

We lift them up to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

It is right and just.

The Priest concludes the Preface with the people, singing

Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of hosts.

Heaven and earth are full of your glory.

Hosanna in the highest.

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

Hosanna in the highest.

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All Altar Servers should now kneel for the Eucharistic Prayer, with their

hands in a prayer posture:

AS1 watches the Priest. As he places his hands over the bread and wine

in the “Epiclesis” posture shown here:

AS1 will ring the Altar Bells for a 5-count: 1-2-pause-1-2-pause-1-2-pause-1-2-pause-1-2

Take this, all of you, and eat of it,

for this is my Body,

which will be given up for you

AS1 will ring the Altar Bells for a 3-count: 1-2-pause-1-2-pause-1-2

Take this, all of you, and drink from it,

for this is the chalice of my Blood,

the Blood of the new and eternal covenant,

which will be poured out for you and for many

for the forgiveness of sins.

Do this in memory of me

AS1 will ring the Altar Bells for a 3-count: 1-2-pause-1-2-pause-1-2

AS1 places the Altar Bells under the Credence Table.

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The mystery of faith.

When we eat this Bread and drink this Cup,

we proclaim your Death, O Lord,

until you come again.

At the conclusion of the prayer the Priest takes the chalice and the paten with the host and,

raising both, he says:

Through him, and with him, and in him,

O God, almighty Father,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

all glory and honor is yours,

for ever and ever.

Amen.

The Altar Servers stand, remaining in their prayer posture.

The Communion Rite

The Lord’s Prayer

Sign of Peace

The peace of the Lord be with you always.

And with your spirit.

Let us offer each other the sign of peace.

The Altar Servers may offer one another the Sign of Peace, but they are to remain standing in

front of their seats.

AS3 brings the small bowls from the Credence Table to the Altar.

AS1 walks behind the Altar and removes the Lectionary and the bookstand, and places them on

the Credence Table.

AS4 walks to the Blessed Sacrament Chapel, genuflects to the Blessed Sacrament, holds the

door open for the Deacon or Sacristan while they move the Blessed Sacrament from the

Tabernacle to the Altar, then returns to stand in front of his/her seat.

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Breaking of the Bread

Lamb of God,

you take away the sins of the world,

have mercy on us.

Lamb of God,

you take away the sins of the world,

have mercy on us.

Lamb of God,

you take away the sins of the world,

grant us peace.

Invitation to Communion

Behold the Lamb of God,

behold him who takes away the sins of the world.

Blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb.

Lord, I am not worthy

that you should enter under my roof,

but only say the word

and my soul shall be healed.

Communion

All Altar Servers will stand in front of their seats to receive Communion (unless directed by the

Priest). They should make a preparatory act of reverence by bowing their heads in honor of

Christ’s presence in the Sacrament. If an Altar Server is unable to receive, they should cross

their arms.

The Body (Blood) of Christ.

Amen.

After Communion

AS1 brings the large bowl from the Altar to the Credence Table.

AS2 brings the water cruet to the Priest or Deacon to purify the chalice, then returns it to the

Credence Table. AS2 then returns to the Altar and removes the stacked Chalice, Corporal,

Paten, Pall & Purificator to the Credence Table.

AS3 brings the small bowls from the Altar to the Credence Table.

AS4 walks to the Blessed Sacrament Chapel, holds the door open for the Deacon or Sacristan

while they move the Blessed Sacrament from the Altar to the Tabernacle, genuflects to the

Blessed Sacrament, then returns to stand in front of his/her seat.

The Credence Table should look like this:

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When the Priest sits, the Altar Servers can sit.

AS4 needs to have the Lectionary book in their lap, looking for the Priest’s signal to walk behind

the Altar (do not bow), and stand in front of the Priest holding the Lectionary.

When the Priest stands, all Altar Servers will stand.

Prayer after Communion

Let us pray.

The Priest says the Prayer after Communion, at the end of which the people acclaim:

Amen.

AS4 returns the book to the book stand. When the Priest sits, the Altar Servers will sit, with their

hands in their laps, paying attention to Priest.

Announcements

During the announcements, if the Priest sits, the Altar Servers can sit. When the Priest stands,

the Altar Servers stand.

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The Concluding Rites

Blessing

The Lord be with you.

And with your spirit.

May almighty God bless you,

the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

Dismissal

Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your life.

Thanks be to God.

AS1 removes the Crucifix from the holder, carries it down the center aisle to the second row of seats, turns and faces the Altar. AS2 & AS3 will walk behind the Altar, bowing together, retrieve the candle they processed with, carry them down the steps to a position between the Altar and AS1, turn and face the Altar. AS4 will walk directly to the front of the Altar, turn and face the Altar. The Priest and Deacon will walk down in front of the Altar. When they bow to the Altar, AS4 bows with them. Then the Procession turns around and walks down the center aisle and turns right down the back aisle. When walking through the double-doors, AS1 must dip the Crucifix so as not to hit the top of the door jamb. Once the Procession has exited the Sanctuary, AS4 moves past AS1. All Altar Servers then turn around and wait for the Priest and Deacon to bow in reverence to the Crucifix. AS1 then carries the Crucifix through the Sacristy door and returns it to its holder. AS2 & AS3 extinguish their candles, carry them through the Sacristy door and return them to their holders. All Altar Servers then meet in the Sacristy to say the “After Mass” Prayer posted on the door of the closet prior to removing their albs.:

Lord Jesus, thank you for the opportunity

to serve You during the Holy Mass. In Your Sacred Presence,

my heart is filled with joy and peace.

May Your Spirit always guide me

so I may grow in Your love by the grace of the Heavenly Father.

Amen.

The Altar Servers return their albs to their hangers, neatly place the cintures in the bin, and close the alb closet door.

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Glossary Alb - a white vestment worn by clergy and servers in some Christian Churches.

Altar - the table in a Christian church at which the bread and wine are consecrated in

communion services.

Altar Bells - a small hand-held set of bells to create a “joyful noise” and focus attention to the

Consecration of bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Jesus.

Altar Candle - candles set on or near altars for religious ceremonies

Altar Server - an assistant to a Priest or Deacon during Mass

Altar Server Coordinator - the adult supervisor of Altar Servers at a Mass

Ambo - a raised platform or lectern in a church or chapel

Book of the Gospels - a bound book containing the Gospel readings.

Carafe - an open-topped glass flask typically used for serving wine

Chalice - a large cup or goblet, typically used for drinking wine

Cincture - a belt

Collect - a short prayer, especially one assigned to a particular day or season

Communion Cups - cups used to hold the Precious Blood for Communion.

Consecration - the act ot changing bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ

Corporal - a cloth on which the chalice and paten are placed during the celebration of the

Eucharist.

Credence Table - A small side table in the sanctuary of a church which is used in the

celebration of the Eucharist.

Crucifix - a representation of a cross with a figure of Jesus Christ on it.

Cruet - a small container for the water to be used in the celebration of the Eucharist.

Epiclesis - that part of the Eucharistic Prayer by which the Priest calls down the Holy Spirit

upon the Eucharistic bread and wine.

Deacon - an ordained minister of an order ranking below that of priest.

Gospel - the record of Jesus' life and teaching in the first four books of the New Testament.

Genuflect - lower one's body briefly by bending one knee to the ground, typically in worship

Homily - a talk on a religious or moral subject, especially one given during a church service and

based on a passage from the Bible.

Lectionary - a list or book of portions of the Bible appointed to be read at a church service.

Lector - a reader and proclaimer of Scripture

Nave - the central part of a church building, intended to accommodate most of the congregation.

Pall - a cloth covering

Paten - a plate, typically made of gold or silver, used for holding the bread during the Eucharist

and sometimes as a cover for the chalice.

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Priest - an ordained minister of the Catholic Church having the authority to perform certain rites

and administer certain sacraments.

Psalm - a sacred song or hymn, in particular any of those contained in the biblical Book of

Psalms and used in Christian worship

Purificator - a white linen cloth which is used to wipe the chalice

Reverence - deep respect for someone or something

Sacristan - a person in charge of a sacristy

Sacristy - a room in a church where a priest prepares for a service, and where vestments and

other things used in worship are kept

Sanctuary - the area around an Altar that's considered holy

Tabernacle - an ornamented receptacle or cabinet containing the Blessed Sacrament

Usher - someone who helps parishioners find seats and assists with the Collection

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Individual Altar Server Roles

Altar Server #1

● Recites Altar Server Prayer Before Mass ● Carries the Crucifix into Church ● Places book stand on the Altar during Preparation of the Altar ● Carries the Crucifix during the Presentation of the Gifts ● Kneels after "Hosanna in the highest" ● Rings Altar Bells the first time (for a 5-count) when the Priest places

hands over the bread and wine (Epiclesis) ● Rings Altar Bells the second time (for a 3-count) at the Consecration

of the Precious Body ● Rings Altar Bells the third time (for a 3-count) at the Consecration of

the Precious Blood ● Stands at the singing of "Amen" ● Removes book stand and Lectionary from the Altar after the Sign of

Peace ● Receives Communion at his/her seat and stays standing ● Removes the big bowl from the Altar ● Carries the Crucifix out of Church and waits for the Priest and

Deacon to bow ● Recites Altar Server Prayer After Mass

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Altar Server #2

● Recites Altar Server Prayer Before Mass ● Carries the Altar Candle into Church ● Carries the Altar Candle during the Gospel ● Brings the stacked Chalice, Corporal, Paten, Pall and Purificator to

the Altar ● If Deacon is not present, Dresses the Altar (Unfolds the Corporal,

placing it on the bottom center of the Altar with the Pall and the Purificator to the right, then the Chalice is placed in the center of the Corporal)

● Waits with the Priest for the gifts and places them on the Altar ● Brings water to the Priest for the Chalice and Carafe ● Brings the water pitcher to the Priest and, with Altar Server #3, helps

him cleanse his hands ● Kneels after "Hosanna in the highest" ● Stands at the singing of "Amen" ● Receives Communion at his/her seat and stays standing ● Brings water to purify Chalice ● Removes the stacked Chalice, Corporal, Paten, Pall & Purificator

from the Altar ● Carries the Altar Candle out of Church and waits to blow it out until

after the Priest and Deacon bow to the Crucifix ● Recites Altar Server Prayer After Mass

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Altar Server #3

● Recites Altar Server Prayer Before Mass ● Carries the Altar Candle into Church ● Carries the Altar Candle during the Gospel ● Brings the tray, places the Cups and Purificators on the Altar then

removes the tray ● Waits with the Priest for the gifts and places them on Altar ● Brings the bowl and towel to the Priest and, with Altar Server #2,

helps him cleanse his hands ● Kneels after "Hosanna in the highest" ● Stands at the singing of "Amen" ● Brings small bowls to the Altar during the "Sign of Peace" ● Receives Communion at his/her seat and stay standing ● Removes small bowls ● Carries the Altar Candle out of Church and waits to blow it out until

after the Priest and Deacon bow to the Crucifix ● Recites Altar Server Prayer After Mass

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Altar Server #4

● Recites Altar Server Prayer Before Mass ● Last Altar Server to Process ● Carries the Lectionary during Mass ● Holds the Lectionary during Opening Prayer ● Places Lectionary on the Altar during the Preparation of the Altar ● Removes empty Carafe from Altar ● Kneels after "Hosanna in the highest" ● Stands at the singing of "Amen" ● Opens the door for Deacon or Sacristan to the Blessed Sacrament

Chapel and genuflects to the Blessed Sacrament ● Receives Communion at his/her seat and stays standing ● Opens the door for Deacon or Sacristan to the Blessed Sacrament

Chapel and genuflects to the Blessed Sacrament ● Holds the Lectionary during Final Prayer ● After Mass place Lectionary back in stand ● Last Altar Server to Process ● Recites Altar Server Prayer After Mass