MINISTRY OF ALTAR SERVERS

Altar Server’s Motto: “SERVE THE LORD WITH GLADNESS” (cf. Psalm 100:2)

Module 1 – Introduction to the Ministry of Altar Servers

Being an Altar Server you are called a minister, a person who serves the parish community. As a
minister, you should assist the community to celebrate the sacred liturgy, which is to serve God.
You are mainly serving the priest to lead the community to God in prayer which is the work of
the priests. You appear in public, but you are never a performer. By your faithful duty, you
remain always a servant of God in your Parish. Blessed John Paul II said “you are far more than
‘helpers of the priest’. Above all, you are servants of Jesus the Eternal high Priest.”

What is an Altar Server? 

Identity:
 In the same manner as the Ministries of Lectors & Holy Communion, the Ministry of
Altar Servers are appointed on a temporary basis, thus they are commissioned, rather
than instituted.
 Altar Servers are not to be confused with the instituted acolytes. In the Dioceses of the
Philippines, these ministers are to be referred as Altar Servers. (i.e., not sacristans,
acolytes, or knights of the altar)
 The primary role of the Altar Servers is to assist the priest in the celebration of the
liturgy, especially during Mass. This is done through specific actions and by setting an
example to the congregation by active participation.
 There is nothing that prevents girls from becoming Altar Servers however, for practical
reasons, and as a venue to attract vocations to the priesthood; it is highly recommended
that boys are appointed for this ministry.
Ideals of an Altar Server:
1. Reverence – Reverence for God and for sacred objects is most important when they
serve. Reverent actions, peaceful and dignified behavior and gestures should be seen by
the people when you stand at the sanctuary, for this adds solemnity to the celebration
of the liturgy and contribute to the active participation of all.
 
2. Discipline  – With good training and proper discipline, the rituals and ceremonies of the
liturgy can be carried out in an orderly and solemn manner. But, as always, training
involves discipline. Discipline among Altar Servers is expected in the following:
During the celebration of the liturgy, especially the mass
 As they actively participate in the celebration;
 As they avoid unnecessary movements that may cause distraction to others;
 As they pay attention to every part of the Mass, at the same time being aware of the
responsibilities and tasks;
 As they avoid loitering and congregating in the sacristy or other places around the
church;
 As they work diligently with other lay liturgical ministers and even with priests
 Outside of the celebration
  In their relationship with others, especially with their family, friends, classmates and
other persons whom they encounter;
 In their care and concern, respect and reverence for the materials they use for the
celebration of the liturgy, as well as the church and its other areas (e.g. sacristy);
 In their respect for their elders;
 In their willingness to undergo on-going formation and training.

3. Decorum – decorum means “what is proper.” Decorum requires a sense of dignity.

Servers should not only do their work well, they should not just train well, they should,
likewise, have a neat and tidy appearance since this adds to the dignity and beauty of
the liturgical celebrations. This is shown in the following ways:
 By keeping their uniforms neat and clean at all times, especially as they wear it
during liturgical celebrations;
 By being groomed;
 By moving in dignified manner, with confidence and reverence for the liturgical
celebration.
 
4. Piety – Piety does not mean they look holy whenever they serve at the altar. It means
that they carry within themselves a great love for God and his people, even if they are
not serving in the Church. Piety involves:
 A good prayer life;
 A special love for Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament;
 A devotion to the Blessed Mother;
 A deep love for the Eucharist and other Sacraments;
 Reading the Bible and learning from it
   
5. Comradeship  – An Altar Server has an attitude of team-work, in serving you should
understand that you are a part of a larger group. Always remember that in serving you
should be united in the service of God.
Comradeship involves:
Witnessing – a life of witnessing that involves:
 Doing good to others at all times;
 Being faithful to their responsibilities, not only in the church, but in their families, in
School, in other places;
 By avoiding bad habits and vices;
 By being good example to others.
Teamwork – Serving at the altar is never a solo task. It is always done as a team of brothers.
This is shown in the following ways:
 By being aware of their own responsibility and the responsibility of other ministers as
well;
 By helping each other, being friendly and kind, not proud, boastful or competitive.
 By welcoming newcomers and teaching them patiently;
 By praying together with other ministers before and after liturgical celebrations;
  By being a comrade to their fellow servers.
Roles and functions of an Altar Servers  
To assist ministers of higher rank during the liturgical celebrations, especially the Mass, namely:
 Instituted Acolytes;
 Deacons;
 Priests;
 The Bishop.
To work together with other lay liturgical ministers in the preparation and celebration of the
liturgy, especially the Mass, namely:
 Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion;
 Lectors and Commentators;
 Ushers, Greeters, and Collectors;
 Music Ministry
 Sacristans

Module 2 – The Liturgy

The word “LITURGY” came from a Greek word which means “public duty”, a service, and a
public organization. Its original meaning was some public action. When the word was adopted
by the Church to describe her public “services” of worship its meaning changed. In Christian
liturgy we are not talking about what we do but what God does. The Vatican council points out
so clearly, the liturgy is the action of Jesus Christ, an action of eternal worship in which he
involves us, the members of his mystical body, the church.

Kinds of liturgical observance:

 Solemnity – the days of great importance to the Church, including all Sundays, this
begin in the evening of the preceding day, which has a special vigil Mass for some
solemnities.
 Feast – celebrated within the limits of a calendar day.
 Memorial – a feast within the limits of the day which are either obligatory (M), or
optional (m)
 Ferial – a day where there is an optional memorial and the priest may select a mass of
his choice, unless otherwise directed by the calendar.

The Liturgical Seasons:

 Advent – The beginning of the church’s calendar. This celebrates the two-fold coming of
Christ (Incarnation and Final Judgment). With Christian joy we celebrate his first coming.
In Christian hope we await his second coming. This season lasts for four weeks, including
the 9 days of Simbang Gabi. The season starts from the Sunday after Christ the King and
ends the eve of Christ’s birth.
 Christmas –  the season which celebrates the birth of Christ, The Incarnation, and God
became man. This season has 2 focal points: 1) The Christmas Day until the solemnity of
Mary, Mother of God. 2) The Solemnity of the epiphany until the feast of the Baptism of
the lord.
  Lent – A 40 days giving of ourselves to prayer and penance, to hearing the word of God
and to acts of charity. In this season we prepare for the Easter and recall the grace of
our Baptism. It runs from Ash Wednesday until the Mass of the Lord’s Supper.
 Easter Triduum – the three days of the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Christ. This
is the highest point of the year. This begins on the Mass of the Lord’s Supper and
reaches until the Easter vigil.
 Easter – This season has 50 days celebration of the rising of Christ from the dead.
Starting from the Easter vigil until Pentecost. These days are called as feast days but
Easter Octave for the 8 days after Easter Sunday.
 Ordinary Time – A season of growth in our faith. This season has 2 parts: 1) the Sunday
of the baptism of the Lord until Ash Wednesday. 2) and the Pentecost Sunday until the
Feast of Christ the King.

The Liturgical Colors:

 White – The color of Joy, and Glory of God. Used during the seasons of Christmas and
Easter and the feasts of the Lord, Blessed Virgin Mary, Saints who are not Martyrs, and
the angels.
 Violet – The sign penance and for mourning. Used during the seasons of Advent and
Lent, and for the Masses for the Dead.
 Red – The sign of the blood of Christ or the fire of the Holy Spirit. Used for the Palm
Sunday, Good Friday, Pentecost, and the Martyred saints.
 Green – The symbol of Good Harvest and Growth in our Faith. Used for the Ordinary
Time
 Rose – The symbol of rejoicing for a great feast coming. Used during the 3 rdSunday of
Advent and 4th Sunday of Lent.
 Gold – The Symbol of Kingship of Christ to the World. Used during the feast of Christ the
King and other Special Feast.
 Blue – The Symbol of the humbleness of Mary. Used for the significant Feast of Mary

Duties and Responsibilities

 To be faithful in attending to their duties in serving at all liturgical celebrations;
 To arrive at least 30 minutes before their appointed duty. This is meant for the following
purposes:
 Preparation of all liturgical materials they use for celebration;
 Review final instructions especially for more complicated rites or ceremonies included in
special liturgical celebrations
 Personal and group prayers
 To be present during practice and training sessions for special celebrations with more
complicated styles for serving. In this case, the rule, No Practice-No service, must be
applied.
 To assist in other liturgical celebrations, such as baptisms, weddings, funeral masses or
blessings, etc.;
  To notify the Ministry coordinator if they will not be able to attend to their schedules.
They are also expected to look for their replacement during the said schedule.
Module 3 – The Mass
As an Altar Server, it is important for each server to know the structure of the Mass. It is not
merely a matter of knowing “what comes next” but of understanding the meaning of each part
of the Holy Mass. The Mass itself is an action moving steadily forward to its supreme moments,
when Heaven and Earth meet in the great mystery of the Altar.

Parts of the Mass:

1. INTRODUCTORY RITES:
 Entrance Hymn – a hymn which opens the celebration and accompanies the
procession of the priest and the ministers to the Altar. It is sung, to deepen our unity
together and to introduce us to the mystery of the season or feast.
 Veneration of the Altar – It is done by the clergy after the Entrance Hymn. As the
sign of Christ, center of the Church and of the Eucharistic body the altar is shown
reverence by the 3 traditional gestures: the bow or the customary reverence , the
kiss, and the incensation(when incense is used)
 Greeting – The presider greets the assembly which is a reminder of the unity of the
Church in God’s grace.
 Penitential Rite – It invites us to be sorry for all our sins, and takes away all our
venial sins which do not need absolution in private confession. We come to God in a
spirit of contrition, so that we may be worthy in celebrating the Eucharist.
 Gloria – An ancient hymn of praise sung or recited in solemnities (except Advent and
Lent) and appropriate feasts.
 Opening Prayer – An invitation to prayer and a time of silent prayer. On behalf of
the people the priest offers the prayer to God and thus the people respond “AMEN”

2. LITURGY OF THE WORD:

 First Reading – A reading coming from either the Old or New Testament which
expresses the mood of the celebration
 Responsorial Psalm – A responsory that continues the mood of the 1st The
Responsory is made by the people as their prayer and the Cantor makes the psalm
the main prayer.
 Second Reading – A Reading taken from the New Testament which is not the Gospel
and said only during Solemnities.
 Alleluia/Gospel Proclamation – A joyous welcome to the Holy Gospel
 Homily – An explanation, Proclamation of the readings of the Liturgy
 Creed – The profession of Faith as a follower to the teachings of Christ in the Church
 Prayers of the Faithful – The offertory of the petitions of the community before
God.
3. LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST:
 Offertory – The people offers the works of their hands to God.
 Prayer over the Gifts – The priest raises up the offerings to God.
  Sanctus – The people praises the Holy Trinity, “Holy, holy”
 Acclamation and Anamnesis – The faithful proclaims the mystery of faith and
remember the death and resurrection of Christ made present through the Eucharist.
 Lord’s Prayer – The people recites the prayer Jesus taught the Church.
 Rite of Peace – The people beg for the peace and unity of the Church
 Agnus Dei – The people asks God to take away the sins of the world.
 Communion – The priest and other Ministers distributes the Eucharist to the people.
 Prayer after Communion – On behalf of the people the priest offers a Thanksgiving
prayer to God and thus the people respond “AMEN”

4. CONCLUDING RITE:
 Final Blessing – A blessing that the presider gives to the people, which concludes the
Mass in the power of the Holy Trinity, by making the Sign of the Cross which is the
sign of Faith.
 Dismissal – The presider or the Deacon sends the people to serve love to others.

  Duties and Responsibilities

 To be faithful in attending to their duties in serving at the Mass.
 To arrive at least 30 minutes before their appointed duty.
 To notify their coordinator if they will not be able to attend to their schedules. They are
also expected to look for their replacement during the said schedule.
 To have a knowledge of the parts of the Mass and the importance of each, as well as an
understanding of their particular roles and responsibilities

Module 4 – The Church

An Altar Server must know and understand every part of the church he is moving in and treat it
with utmost respect, this also extends until the home. A church is a building that was
constructed to allow people to meet to worship together. 

The Narthex:
 Baptismal Font – a fixture used for the baptism of children and adults.
The Nave:
 Pew – a long bench seat or enclosed box, used for seating members of the congregation
of the Church.
The Sanctuary:
 Altar – The large, high table located at the center of the sanctuary where most of the
actions of the Liturgy of the Eucharist take place.
 Lectern – The small, high table located at either side of the sanctuary, where the
readings from the Liturgy of the Word is read.
 Tabernacle – A small box, in which the Body or the Blood of Christ may be kept when
the Mass is not said.
 Tabernacle Lamp – The lamp that lights the tabernacle, this signifies that there is a
Eucharist inside the Tabernacle.
  Presider’s chair – The chair in which only the Priest or the bishop may sit whether
during the Mass or outside the Mass.
 Credence Table – A small table on which is placed the vessels for the Liturgy of the
Eucharist.
 Altar Candles – Two candles lit during the mass, it signifies that Christ is the light of the
world
 Paschal Candle – A very large candle placed beside the Lectern during the Easter Season
and below the Sanctuary during Baptisms and Funerals.
 Holy Icons – The Pictures or statues of Jesus Christ, the Blessed Virgin Mary or other
Saints.
 Sanctuary Bell – The bell located near the altar, it may be in the Sanctuary or inside the
Sacristy.
  Duties and Responsibilities:
 To have a knowledge of the parts of the church and know its functions for the
spirituality of the Church.
 To ensure the care and maintenance of the church.

Module 5 – The Holy Vessels and Vestments

An Altar Server must know all the vessels he holds and hold it with care. He should also know all
the vestments he and the clergy is wearing every Mass.

The Vessels:
 Ciborium – The cup-like vessel with a lid, this contains the hosts that will be used for the
Holy Communion. It can also be used for the reserved hosts to be put in the Tabernacle.
 Chalice – The cup used to hold the wine which will become the blood of Christ during
the Mass
 Patten – The saucer-like dish which usually matches the Chalice. It holds the bread
which will become the body of Christ
 Pall – The stiff, square, white cover that is placed over the Patten when it is on the
Chalice and over the Chalice during the Mass.
 Corporal – A white, linen napkin on which the Eucharistic Vessels is placed during the
Mass. It is folded into small squares about the size of the Pall.
 Purificator – A triple-folded rectangular, white cloth used to cleanse the chalice after
the Communion.
 Finger Towel – A small cloth used by the Priests and the Eucharistic Ministers in
distributing the Communion and by the Bishops in administering the Sacraments of
Confirmation and Holy Orders.
 Cruets – The two small pitchers which contains the water and wine offered during the
Mass
 Communion Plate – A plate with a handle used by an Altar Server in catching a
Eucharistic Crumbs.
 Sanctus Bell – A hand bell which is rung during the Mass.
  Sacramentary – A book on which the volume of Presidential prayers and the order of
the rites connected with the mass are located.
 Lectionary – A Liturgical book that holds the readings used during the liturgy of the
Word in the Mass.
 Gospel Book – A book that holds the Sunday and Solemnity Gospels
 Pitcher and Basin – Used to hold and catch the water for the washing of the hands of
the presider.
 Pyx – A pocket watch-shaped case in which it holds the Holy Communion to be given to
the sick in the Community outside the celebration of the Mass.
 Processional Cross – The crucifix mounted on a tall pole which is carried during
processions
 Processional Candles – The two candles mounted on a tall pole which is carried during
processions
 Monstrance – A large ornate vessel used to hold the Blessed Sacrament during Its Public
Exposition.
 Lunette – A thin, circular receptacle which holds the Blessed Sacrament when exposed
in the Monstrance.
 Oil Stocks – A metal cylinder, with compartments for sacramental oils.
 Aspergillum – The bush form or hollow bulb sprinkler which contains a sponge, and has
an openings to sprinkle drops of Holy Water to the people.
 Thurible – A metal container with a lid which is extended from chains, in which charcoal
and incense is burned. It is also called censer.
 Incense Boat – A small metal container which holds the incense to be put into the
Thurible.

The Vestments:
 Cassock – A long outer garment worn by the Clergy and by Altar Servers.
 Alb – A long, white, dress-like vestment which is used by the Clergy and the
Seminarians.
 Cincture – A long cord used to fasten the Alb at the waist to hold it in place and adjust it
to proper length
 Stole – A long colored cloth ornately decorated worn by the priest around his neck,
letting it hang down in front, and worn by the deacon over his right shoulder and
fastened on his left side like a sash. Its Color varies according to the season or feast.
 Chasuble – The outer vestment worn over the stole and alb. Its Color varies according to
the season or feast.
 Dalmatic – A loose fitting robe with open sides and wide sleeves worn by deacons.
 Cope – A large semi-circular cloak, held at the front by a clasp or band of fabric. It is
used during benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.
 Humeral Vail – A large shawl, worn around the shoulders while carrying the Blessed
Sacrament during the benediction and Eucharistic Procession.
  Surplice – A wide- sleeved garment, slipped over the head, covering the shoulders, and
coming down below the Knees. It is worn over the Cassock.
 Mitre – A double-pointed head-dress, with two lappets hanging at the back. It is used by
the Bishops.
 Crozier – A staff with a shepherd’s crook at the top, this is a sign of his pastoral office.
 Pectoral Cross – The Bishop’s cross necklace. It is worn under his chasuble and the
dalmatic, under the cope but above the mozeta.
 Bishop’s Ring – The ring worn by the Bishop at all times as a sign that he is wedded to
Christ in the service of the Church.
 Zucchetto – The Violet cap worn by the Bishop, Purple cap for the Archbishop, Red cap
for the Cardinals and white for the Pope.
 Pallium – A vestment given by the pope to a residential Archbishop. They wear it above
their chasuble in their jurisdictional territory.
Attire and Decorum
Attire –The recommended uniform for the Ministry of Altar Servers are the following:
 Cassock and Surplice (cape for special occasions)
 Plain white undershirt (when serving should be tucked in);
 Black pants (no denim);
 Black / white socks;
 Black leather shoes;
 Insignia, such as pins and Cross
Personal grooming- Before serving, Altar Servers must come to church with presentable
decorum and proper grooming. This includes the following:
 Appropriate haircut (2 X 3 hair cut)’
 With no artificial hair color or unnatural hairstyles;
 Clean hands and neatly trimmed fingernails;
 Mustache must be clean-shaven( for older servers only)
 No jewelry;
 Basic hygiene is indispensable

Duties and Responsibilities:

To have a knowledge of the vessels they are to use for the celebration of the liturgy, as well as
the proper use of these, including , but not limited to the following:
 Liturgical Vestments
 Sacred Vessels
 Altar Linen
To ensure the care and maintenance of vessels used for the celebration of the liturgy, including,
but not limited to the following:
 Processional cross;
 Thurible and boat;
 Bells;
 Module 6 – The Basic Postures and Gestures
An Altar Server must know and understand every posture appropriate for the ceremony. And
he should also know all the actions that should be done in every part of the Mass. As a Server
you should know when to move, walk and to bow. 
The Hands:
 Your hands must always be clean, with clean fingernails. Wash them before you serve
for you will handle things which are holy.
 Joined hands are held before the breast at 45 degrees, palms together, fingers
extended, thumbs crossed, right over left.
 When one of your hands is occupied, place the other hand open on your breast.
 When seated, put your hands on your knees.
Standing:
 An altar Server’s head should be kept straight. The body is relaxed but erect, shoulders
back. The feet are together. The hands are together before the breast at 45 degrees,
palms together, fingers extended, thumbs crossed, right over left.
Walking:
 While walking, walk solemnly, dignified and deliberately. Know where to go and walk
there with head straight, shoulders back, and hand held properly.
Sitting:
 When sitting, keep back straight and tall. The hand should be placed at the lap. The feet
should be flat on the ground.
Kneeling:
 When kneeling, allow the body weight be equally distributed on both knees. Leave the
feet uncrossed and keep the hands in praying position.
Genuflecting:
 Single Genuflecting – One goes down on their right knee, keeping the left one upright,
from a standing position. The server gets back up, but not like a spring, that is, quickly.
Nor slowly (with exception to medical issues).
 Double Genuflect – starts from the single genuflection position. This genuflection
involved both knees planted on the ground, the servers’ hands still in the orans position
(unless carrying an object) and a moderate bow is made.
Bowing:
 Shoulder Bow – both the head and the shoulders moves as one action. Bow only slightly
forward
 Waist Bow – both the head and the shoulder move together but with the bending of the
waist.