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The Altar Guild Ministry
“Martha, burdened with much
serving, came to him and said,
‘Lord, do you not care that my
sister has left me by myself to do
the serving? Tell her to help me.’”
(Luke 10:40)
ALTAR GUILD PRAYERS
GRANT, O Lord, we beseech you, that we may handle holy
things with reverence and godly fear, and perform our work
with such faithfulness and devotion that it may rise with
acceptance before you and obtain your blessing through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.—St. Joseph’s Monastery
O Lord Jesus Christ, who did accept the ministry of faithful
men and women during your earthly life; We pray you to
accept and bless the work that this altar guild undertakes in
the care of your sanctuary. Grant us a spirit of reverence for
your house and worship, your Word and Sacraments, and
preserve in purity and holiness our own souls and bodies as
living temples of Your presence. Amen.—Edith Weir Perry
Give me an open mind, O God, a mind ready to receive and
to welcome such new light of knowledge as it is your will to
reveal to me. Let not the past ever be so dear to me as to set
a limit to the future. Give me courage to change my mind,
when that is needed. Let me be tolerant to the thoughts of
others and hospitable to such light as may come to me
through them. Amen.—John Baillie
Gracious God, bless your Church and all who minister at the
altars and care for sacred vessels and linens. Give us an
awareness of beauty and mindfulness in holy places that we
may enable others to worship and set forward the coming of
your Kingdom, through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
Amen.—Mrs. Suzette Cayless
Message from the Pastor
As I think about all those I have encountered in parishes over
the years, some of the most joyful Christians I have ever
known were those who cared for the altar and church. I
remember spending hours chatting away with a dear man
named Oliver as he was sitting on the sanctuary steps
polishing the brass candle sticks or other metallic objects.
He was an elderly Gentleman’s Gentleman or Valet and
worked for a well-to-do family in Northwest Washington, DC.
His manners and good taste were impeccable. He was given
one day off every week and he would spend a large portion
of that day fixing up things at St. Ann’s Church. He has gone
to God but my mind’s eye can still see his friendly and
content smile. I have known several ladies who regularly set
up flowers near the altar, to enhance a presence which gave
them infinite consolation and joy. I have witnessed elderly
people, barely able to walk, moving slowly from pew to pew
to make sure that books were put back, that gum was
extracted and cereal from children was bagged. I have also
seen young people moving quickly through a church, anxious
to be doing something else, but learning an invaluable lesson
about patience and tidiness. (I remember a mother saying,
“If only she could keep her room as nice as she does the
church!”) Those who do the work of the Altar Guild are good
about taking instructions; but they are also invaluable in
letting pastors and staffs know when something is broken or
needs correction in the church. This is as it should be— they
have a profound love for the liturgy and the House of God.
The Altar Guild and those who work with them or who do
similar service are often unnoticed or even invisible. They
are rarely thanked and yet if they disappeared tomorrow,
priests would find their lives far more complicated with the
routine matters of caring for a church. Those in the pews
would probably quickly see changes— a lack of flowers, a
developing clutter and an increasingly polluted environment.
When Jesus spent time in the house of Lazarus, we are told
that Mary took the posture of a disciple sitting at his feet
while listening to him. Her sister Martha became frustrated
that she was doing all the cooking and serving. The
members of our Altar Guild should inculcate the virtues of
both of these women. While Jesus said that Mary had
chosen the better part and would not be deprived of it,
someone had to make preparations and serve. Receptive to
the Lord, our Altar Guild participates at Mass, says the
Rosary before or after services and is attentive to God’s
Word. However, the members are not entirely passive but
are also active in living out their faith and cherishing
everything that surrounds and makes possible the mysteries
of faith.
The members of the Altar Guild are not paid. They find their
reward in knowing that they have had an important part in
maintaining Holy Family Parish and in facilitating the
sacramental life of hundreds of believers. They appreciate
something that I would hope all our parishioners would
come to understand: this is not only God’s house but it is
also OUR house. It is the spiritual home of all who worship
and pray here.—Father Joe Jenkins
A Quick List of Duties
The Altar Guild is vitally important as it is charged with the
care of the Church’s sacred space, vestments, vessels, linens,
missals, hymnals, furnishings, flowers, decorations and other
liturgical supplies.
The Altar Guild sets up for the following liturgies:
Morning Weekday Masses (Mo/Tu/Th/Fr/Sa)
Sunday Morning 7:30 AM
Funerals (viewings and the Mass)
The priest or deacon sets up for the Wednesday 7:30 PM
Mass and for the following Sunday Masses: 9:30 AM, 12
Noon and the monthly 2:00 PM.
There are many duties that fall under the general care of the
church:
Vacuuming the carpet and cleaning the floor;
Straightening the books in the racks and pews;
Periodically waxing, cleaning and treating the wood
pews;
Taking out trash left by Mass-goers;
Cleaning up residual wax;
Replacing the altar candles;
Replacing the vigil or sanctuary candle;
Replacing the votive candles; &
Straightening or discarding bulletins, flyers, etc.
The assembling of the money and its counting on Monday
mornings also largely falls to certain members of the Guild.
Remove collections from lock-boxes (if still in church);
Remove money from the votive candle rack;
Remove money from the “charity” (poor) box; &
Remove money from the pamphlet/book money box.
When it comes to the linens and vestments, Guild members
do the following:
They wash by hand and then by machine the altar linens;
Various albs, cassocks, and other vestments are machine
washed;
Certain vestments are sent to the cleaners with special
instructions;
Sometimes zippers and buttons are replaced;
Vestments are repaired or handed over for replacement;
Seasonal vestments are set up and placed on hangers in
the sacristy; &
Members learn the manner that linens are folded,
washed and starched.
The Altar Guild has a sacred mission to store and safeguard
the liturgical vessels:
They set out the monstrance and candles for First
Saturday Adoration;
They set out the chalice, paten and sometimes the
ciborium for Mass;
They set out the cruets of water and wine for many of
the Masses;
They set out the water pitcher, bowl and finger towel;
They make sure that the Roman Missal and Lectionary
are in the church; &
They make sure the lights are on, the heat or air is
running and the microphones for Mass are powered.
When they set up for funerals, the Paschal Candle is brought
to the center lower step of the sanctuary. The pall for the
casket is laid over the pew on the priest’s chair side of the
church. Holy water is set next to the altar for sprinkling. The
vessels and gifts are set out. If the body was cremated, a
table with cloth is set out for the urn. The priest or deacon
usuallt takes care of weddings.
The two motivations behind the Altar Guild are (1) the desire
to humbly serve the Lord and his community and (2)
gratitude for the gifts of God that come to us through the
Church. Few are so privileged to work in God’s house.
The Importance of This Work
A beautiful environment enhances worship. While the
sacrifice of Christ and the Eucharistic presence would be just
as authentic in a barn as in a cathedral, the sacred trappings
of a church help to better dispose us to the mysteries taking
place around us. This is where the Altar Guild truly makes a
difference in the Church’s prayer and worship. Guild
members should know that our lives only have genuine value
when we employ our gifts in compliance to divine
providence and our personal calling.
Often we speak of stewardship in terms of time, talent and
treasure. Altar Guild members enbody in a practical way
such sacrifices. The Altar Guild of Holy Family Parish consists
of parishioners who take responsibility for caring for the
church, especially organizing the sacristy and maintaining the
sanctuary area around the altar. They keep God’s house
clean and lead the way in decorating and preparing the
church during the liturgical seasons.
The Cloths That are Used
Only the following may be placed on the altar:
1. The fair linen (white altar cloth) must always be on top of
any seasonal altar covering.
2. A corporal should be placed in the middle of the altar
and about an inch from the front edge. The corporal is a
small white cloth with a middle emblem that is folded
three times each way to form nine equal squares and
opened lying flat and not shook open.
3. White cloths must be placed on the credence table (on
the side of the altar). The gift or offertory table (in the
back-center of the church) is for the cruets of water and
wine.
During the Christmas and Easter seasons, Altar Guild
members help decorate the church and prepare for the
services pertaining to that time of year.
Liturgical Seasons
Advent initiates the new Liturgical Year. PURPLE is used for
both Advent and Lent. It symbolizes both penance and
preparation. It can also symbolize royalty. RED is used for
Palm Sunday, Good Friday, Pentecost, and for feast days of
apostles and martyrs. WHITE vestments are used for the
seasons of Christmas and Easter, for feasts of our Lord
outside of the Passion, and for Marian feasts. GREEN is used
throughout Ordinary Time when not otherwise replaced by
another color (according to the sanctoral or saints’ calendar).
We have an ordo in the sacristy that notes the liturgical color
of the day; this can be particular useful on the memorials of
saints.
Advent
We use no flowers during Advent, unless requested for a
funeral or a wedding. During this season, we use three
purple candles and one pink candle on a wreath. Appointed
parishioners light the first purple candle on the first Sunday
in Advent, light one more candle on each subsequent Sunday
during the season except on the third Sunday when the rose
(pink-looking) candle is lighted. An empty creche or stable is
set out. Gift cards for the poor will be selected from it.
Christmas
Various flowers (especially poinsettas) are purchased for
Christmas. Artifical trees are set up as live ones are not
permitted by the Archdiocese of Washington. The figures
are placed in the crèche although the wisemen are located
first near the ambo and slowly make their way across the
sanctuary as we get closer to the Epiphany.
Lent
About a month prior to Easter, the flowers, palms and small
individual candles are ordered for the church. Check the
inventory: ashes, towels, incense, charcoal, red cloth for
palms, red covers for statues, Station of the Cross booklets,
special basin and pitcher (for the washing of feet), wooden
Holy Thursday tabernacle, cloth for the veneration of the
Cross, Paschal Candle for the church, and congregational
candles with paper or plastic bobeches for the Easter Vigil.
As always insure that sufficient hosts are available for
services.
There are various altar cloths used during the seasons and
the Altar Guild has discretion as to choices. We use no
flowers during Lent, unless requested for a funeral or a
wedding.
Holy Saturday & Easter
On Holy Saturday morning, volunteers and Altar Guild
members will meet at a designated time to decorate the
church.
1. The Holy Water Tank and Stand is set between the
Baptismal Font and the Pascal Candle.
2. Place the candles in the baskets to be handed out for
the Easter Vigil.
3. Flowers (especially Lilies) are used around altar, ambo,
and tabernacle but try not to impede necessary
movement by the priest, deacon and servers.
4. Make sure a flashlight is available for the chanting of the
Easter Praises.
5. The oils should be out for the appropriate anointings.
Ordinary Time
During Ordinary Time, green vestments are worn. This time
lasts until the first Sunday in Advent, which is the start of the
new Liturgical Year.
We have eight banners, two to be displayed during each of
the liturgical seasons: Lent (purple), Easter (white), Advent
(purple) and Christmas (white).
CARE OF THE LINENS
The fair linens, credence cloths, altar cloths or communion
linens will grace our Eucharistic rites for years to come.
Fortunately, sacristans over the years have accumulated and
shared valuable knowledge on how best to care for the
linens. Listed below are some suggestions gathered that we
might find useful.
Cleaning the Linens
Always shake linens just removed from the altar into the
sacristy’s sink (sacrorium). This is the proper way to dispose
of any crumbs of consecrated bread that may remain on
altar or communion linens. As soon as possible after
removing linens from the sanctuary, inspect them for stains
that may not come out in normal washing. ALWAYS RINSE
THE SMALL LINENS AND ALTAR CLOTHS PRIOR TO WASHING
AND DISCARD THE RINSE WATER INTO THE SACRORIUM OR
INTO GROUND. Do NOT use chlorine bleach on any of the
cloths or linens. Common stains include:
Wine – Spray the stain with Red Wine Stain Remover which
is available from Almy. Let stand for 30 seconds before hand-
washing or machine-washing. If this product is not available,
cover wet stains with salt, immerse in cold water, and
sponge; treat dry stains with club soda, vinegar, or white
wine, cover with salt, immerse in cold water, and sponge.
Lipstick – Apply candle wax remover to the stain to dissolve
the lipstick or Spray n Wash, then launder. If color remains,
apply liquid detergent and let stand for 15 minutes, then
wash. If color persists, soak in a half-and-half mixture of 3%
peroxide and ammonia, then rinse and wash.
Candle Wax – Allow wax to cool and scrape excess away
with the dull side of a knife, then apply candle wax remover
to the stain to dissolve the remaining wax, then wash with
soap and water. An alternative (once excess is scraped away)
is to place the stain between two pieces of blotting paper
and press with a medium hot iron: the blotters will absorb
the wax.
Soot – Apply liquid detergent to the stain, rub and rinse.
Repeat as necessary, then wash.
Scorch – Rub cut onion into the mark, soak in cold water for
an hour, then wash.
Rust – Apply cream of tartar to the stain and soak in hot
water. Let water cool. Remove linen and wash.
Mildew – Wash with soap and water, rinse and sun dry. If
mildew persists, soak linen in 3% peroxide, then wash.
Washing
For linens without lace cut work and in good condition,
hand-wash or machine-wash on gentle cycle with pure soap
or mild detergent. Wash water can be hot (for medium to
heavy weight linen) to warm (for light weights). If needed,
use water softener to improve the cleaning performance of
the soap. Rinse thoroughly in warm water; rinse water
should be clear. For linens with lace cut work, hand washing
in warm water is strongly recommended. For linens that
have yellowed through age or infrequent use, try washing as
recommended and sun drying. Alternatively, boil yellowed
linen for half an hour in a pot containing washing soda and
soap. Finally, if bleach seems necessary, use an oxygen-type
bleach such as Clorox 2 ©, not chlorine. Chlorine bleach will
damage pure linen.
Drying
Never dry linen “bone dry.” It harms the fiber and makes
ironing very difficult. You may sun-dry or machine-dry until
damp, or simply remove from the washer and prepare for
ironing—this is especially recommended for linens with lace
cut work as it makes stretching the linen back into shape
much easier. Either way, ironing will be easier if you smooth
and fold (or roll) linens into a clean dry towel and refrigerate
the damp linen for several hours.
Care of Altar Cloths
For larger linens that will not fit on the ironing board, you
may iron the cloths on the main altar. Place a large towel
covering over the altar and have one or two helpers. A
person at the other end can hold the ironed cloth up so as
not to wrinkle the finished part.
Folding Small Linens
Corporal – The corporal has a cross or an emblem in the
middle of the cloth. Place the corporal on the ironing board
on the “wrong side” to iron. Fold in thirds, folding the
bottom side up, then the top side down. Finger press the
creases at the folds. Now fold the right side in (toward the
left) and finally, the left side in (toward the right). Press the
creases in place; there should be nine squares for the
corporal.
Purificator – The purificator (which is smaller than the
corporal) also has a cross or an emblem in the middle. Place
the purificator on the ironing board on the “wrong side” to
iron. Fold in thirds, right to left and left to right. Then press
a two point fold in the center where the cross is and ensure
that the top and bottom of the purificator meet when
finished and press.
Lavabo or Finger Towel – Most of our towels are just plain
towels. A finger towel looks like a smaller version of a
purificator. The finger towel has a cross or an emblem at the
bottom middle of the cloth. Place the finger towel on the
ironing board on the “wrong side” to iron. Fold in thirds,
right to left and left to right. Then fold in half, top down and
press.
Storage
Always be sure the altar linens are clean. They do not need
to be pressed before storing. All communion linens should
be cleaned and pressed and stored in designated drawers.
CHASUBLES, ALBS AND VESTMENTS FOR ALTAR SERVERS
Chasubles & Stoles – At least twice a year, check that all the
chasubles and stoles are clean. If needed, have them
cleaned or washed.
Albs – At least every other month, check all albs and ensure
they are clean and if needed, wash them in a soft detergent,
dry on medium heat and iron as necessary.
Altar Servers Albs & Cassocks – Occasionally we may have to
clean them but if the young people take them home then the
parents should take care of them. Please report to the
pastor when the vestments for servers are left on the floor
and/or not properly put away.
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
ACOLYTE – Person who is especially appointed to assist the
deacon and to minister to the priest and to assist as needed
in the celebration of the Mass.
ALB – Full length white linen vestment secured with a
cincture used at Mass. It symbolizes the garment in which
Christ was clothed by Herod and the purity of the heart with
which the Sacrifice of the Mass should be offered.
AMBO – Pulpit from which the Scriptures and especially the
Gospels are proclaimed.
AMBRY – Box on the wall in which the holy oils are kept near
the baptismal font.
AMICE – A garment worn under the alb and around the neck
to cover the priest’s collar or street clothing.
ASPERSORIUM – A container that holds holy water for
sprinkling.
CASSOCK – A long ankle length garb worn by clergy and
other ministers. Ours come in red and black.
CENSER – Metal container in which incense is burned and is
usually shaped like a vase or cup with a cover and is
suspended by chains. Also called a thurible.
CHALICE – Cup-shaped vessel or goblet used at Mass to
contain the Precious Blood of Christ.
CHALICE VEIL – A covering for the chalice, paten and burse
(linen covered pocket for the corporal). The color is based
upon the feast or liturgical season.
CHASUBLE – Sleeveless outer garment worn by a priest at
Mass. It is worn over all other vestments and usually
decorated with symbols or a design of rich colors. It
symbolizes the yoke of Christ and signifies charity.
CIBORIUM – Covered container used to hold the consecrated
small hosts.
CINCTURE – Belt or cord tied around the waist of an alb. It
symbolizes chasity.
COPE – Similar to a cape but larger, it is worn by the priest in
processions and other services.
CORPORAL – Square white linen cloth on which the Host and
Chalice are placed during the Mass.
CRUET – Small bottle or vessel to contain the water and wine
used at the Consecration of the Mass. They are presented as
offerings of the faithful at the Offertory.
DALMATIC – Similar to the priest’s chasuble, this vestment is
worn over the alb and is proper to the deacon and has
sleeves for his arms.
EWER – A small pitcher used to dispense water.
EUCHARIST – The true Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, who is
really and substantially present under the appearances of
bread and blood, in order to offer himself in the sacrifice of
the Mass and to be received as spiritual food in Holy
Communion.
HOST – The unleavened round wafer of bread that is
consecrated at Mass into the Eucharistic Christ.
HUMERAL VEIL – A veil worn to cover the back and
shoulders with the ends hangng down in front and fastened
by a clasp. It is used in solemn ceremonies, processions of
the Blessed Sacrament.
INTINCTION BOWL – A bowl containing water to cleanse
fingertips after distributing communion.
LAVABO – Liturgical washing of hands by the priest at Mass.
The finger towels or lavabos are used for the drying of the
priest’s fingers.
LECTIONARY – This book contains a three-year cycle of
readings for Sundays and solemn feasts, a two-year weekly
cycle, and a one-year cycle for the feasts of saints. There are
also responsorial psalms that follow the first reading for each
Mass along with the Alleluia verses to follow the second
reading if applicable.
MONSTRANCE – A metal vessel (often in the shape of a
starburst) on a stand (called a tabor) for holding the Body of
Christ for adoration or exposition of the Blessed Sacrament.
ORDO – Annual calendar containing abbreviated directions
for each day’s Mass.
PALL – Cloth covering, ornamental or plain, that is placed
over the coffin at a funeral Mass or a sacred linen covering,
which is a stiff square, placed over the top of the chalice at
Mass.
PASCAL CANDLE – Large candle in which five grains of
incense have been incased as a symbol of Christ’s wounds. It
is blessed on Holy Saturday and is symbolic of the Risen
Savior.
PATEN – Saucer-like dish of the same material as the chalice
and it must be large enough to cover the chalice. On it rests
the bread to be consecrated, and later on the sacred host.
PURFICATOR – Small piece of white linen, marked with a
cross in the center, folded in three layers and used to purify
the chalice and paten after Holy Communion.
PYX – Metal box in which the Blessed Sacrament is carried
on visitations to the sick.
SACRARIUM – A special drain leading directly to the ground.
It is used to wash linens and to purify vessels.
SACRISTAN – A person appointed for the care of the sacristy,
sacred vessels, vestments, and other articles required by the
ceremonial for any liturgical function.
SACRISTY – Room attached to the church, usually near the
altar, where the clergy vestments, sacred vessels and other
articles needed for liturgical use are stored.
SANCTUARY LAMP – Wax candle, generally in a red glass
container, kept burning day and night wherever the Blessed
Sacrament is reserved. It is an emblem of Christ’s abiding
love and a reminder of the faithful to respond with loving
adoration in return.
SANCTUARY – Part of the church containing the altar.
STOLE – Liturgical vestment composed of a strip of material,
several inches wide, and worn around the neck by priests
and bishops for the celebration of Mass and administration
of the sacraments. While signifying authority, it symbolizes
“the raiment of immortality.”
SURPLICE – A short white tunic worn over a cassock,
especially by acolytes and altar servers. Along with his stole,
it is the liturgical vestiture over the black clerical cassock.
TABERNACLE – Boxlike receptacle for the exclusive
reservation of the Blessed Sacrament and is usually located
in the middle-front of the church, either on or behind the
altar of sacrifice.
THURIBLE – A metal container in which incense is burned
and is usually shaped like a vase or cup with a cover and is
suspended by chains. Also called a censer.
VOTIVE CANDLES – These candles, usually on a stand, are lit
as individuals offer up their prayer intentions.
This booklet is prepared as an aid to assist those who volunteer and worship at Holy Family Catholic Parish, Mitchellville, MD. May it make possible a more active lay participation in our faith community.
12010 Woodmore Road Mitchellville, MD 20721
301-249-2266