At St Francis' Paddington
1.1 The Coordinator of Ceremonies ("C.C.") at Paddington has the oversight of the liturgy. He or She should know about as much about the liturgy as the priest - because the job of the C.C. is to make sure that the priest is relaxed and can celebrate liturgy well, that all other ministers are briefed and relaxed, and that the people have a more effective time of prayer and worship - without unnecessary distractions or silly mistakes.
1.2 The C.C.'s job is to double check and coordinate everything that all other ministers are doing.
1.3 C.C.'s are there to help, to coordinate and to encourage other ministers. The C.C. should never become too obvious at liturgy, nor cause other people to get stressed out. The C.C. is present in the Roman Liturgy to "let the magic happen" - and this might mean something as simple as adjusting a microphone or footstool at a Children's' liturgy, or something as complicated as knowing the exact detail of the liturgies of the Easter triduum (including marking the liturgical books and giving the ministers helpful and accurate directions).
1.4 C.C.'s are invited to do this job because they have people skills, knowledge, and a love of the liturgy.
1.5 C.C.'s need to make sure that all of the relevant people have the information they need - their main job is to ensure full, active, prayerful and glorious participation in the liturgy. The Orthodox Christians (who the pope speak of as the "left lung" of the Church) speak of the liturgy as a "taste of heaven" - and this is our aim.
1.6 The C.C. may wear soutane and surplice or the alb.
1.7 Serving, likewise, is a lay ministry - one which is open to all baptised people (so they wear the alb, which is exactly the same white garment every Christian wears when they are baptized, usually as a baby).
1.8 Servers, according to Canon law (church law) and liturgical norms law can be women, men, girls and boys of all ages. They help the priest and people to celebrate the mass and other liturgies in a more prayerful and dignified way.
1.9 Servers should be praying in action. Don't ever forget that the main reason we are there is to worship God, and to do this in good and friendly relationships with our fellow Christians. If we're rude or stressed, we're not worshipping well. Being on time will help in reducing stress.
1.10 Paddington Parish will begin formally instituting this ministry at major liturgies from 2001 onwards - to give greater recognition to this ministry, and to provide better formation and confidence for Altar Servers.
2.1.1 For sung liturgies on major Feasts and Solemnities, C.C.'s should arrive, ideally, no later than 30 minutes before any liturgy begins- because there is a lot to prepare.
2.1.2 For sung liturgies on major Feasts and Solemnities, servers should arrive, ideally, no later than 15 minutes to half an hour before any liturgy begins, so that all preparations can be made in good time, and without rushing. For said liturgies, arriving a quarter of an hour before mass should be plenty of time.
2.1.3 You should wear black shoes where possible (or even leave a pair of black shoes or slippers in the sacristy cupboard). We're Franciscan, so brown sandals are fine too .
2.1.4 Servers should say hello to the Coordinator of Ceremonies and look pleased to see her/him so Sunday mass starts off in the right mood. As CC you will then brief you on what sort of Gospel procession (and any other special instructions).
2.1.5 Before vesting check the ordo booklet to make sure you have the right colour for the day (and check that the altar colours are correct also). The C.C. should double check that the lectionary, the Roman Missal and the liturgy documents are all marked and prepared correctly. The C.C. should also check that the furnishings and liturgical necessities have been prepared and are in the right place.
2.1.6 Before vesting, "Torch Bearers" should make sure their torches are clean and shiny - or give them a quick polish with brasso and a rag if they are looking shabby. DON"T VEST until you have done this first. You'll end up a mess if you try to polish with brasso while wearing a pure white alb. If torch bearers can find some cheap white gloves (at Gowings or somewhere), this would help prevent making the torches and brass-ware grubby.
2.1.7 Vest in Amice, Apparel, Alb and Cincture (so you're not wandering around in the sanctuary in mufti). The Crucifer vests in the tunicle (colour of the day) also.
2.1.8 All servers, under the guidance of the C.C. (when one is present) check that the church is neat and tidy for the liturgy. 2.9 "Water" and "Wine" check with the Coordinator of Ceremonies to see if there is a children's liturgy (hence offertory procession).
2.1.9 "Water" and "Wine" double check that the cruets for water and wine have been placed on the credence table by the Eucharistic Ministers (or at the back of the church when there is an offertory procession).
2.1.10 "Water" and "Wine" make sure the dish and finger towels for the lavabo are on the credence table.
2.1.12 "Water" and "Wine" double-check that the eucharistic minister has taken tabernacle key from the safe and put it in the tabernacle (so it can be opened during mass)
2.1.13 "Water" and "Wine" Check that the Eucharistic ministers have set out the right number of chalices, ciboria, breads, wine, water and purificators on the credence table (or if they have put it down the back since there is an offertory procession)
2.1.14 "Torch Bearers" check that no candles are burned down too far; and replace any that need replacing. Make sure that vaseline is smeared inside the metal cup of any candle you replace (it helps with cleaning later on)
2.1.15 "Torch Bearers" check that (on solemn feast) the candles are lit beside the main altar, the paschal Candle, the large candles on the back altar (a tall torch-bearer need to do this), the two beside the tabernacle, and the candles on the altar to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
2.1.16 "Torch Bearers" check with the Coordinator of Ceremonies to see if there is a children's liturgy (and hence an offertory procession)
2.1.17 "Torch Bearers" check that the votive candles near the BVM's altar are not running out.
2.1.18 In Advent, "Torch Bearers" should make sure the correct number of candles on the Advent wreath are lit before Mass starts (so they don't all have to be lit during mass - only the one for the day should need to be lit since too much time is taken up otherwise)
2.1.19 "Thurifer" should make sure the thurible is lit at least 15 minutes before mass - with three charcoals
2.1.20 "Boat" (or "Thurifer" if there is no boat) check that the incense boat is full of incense, and that the spoon is in the boat (otherwise you'll all look like dopes if the priest has nothing to spoon the incense out with).
2.1.21 "Bell" should ensure that the Sanctus bells are placed in the correct place on the sanctuary steps to reach them easily after the Sanctus.
2.1.22 The C.C. should double-check that all lay ministers are present and prepared.
2.1.23 Lectors and Eucharistic Ministers should arrive no later than ten minutes before a ceremony begins. They should say hello to the C.C. immediately, so liturgical stress levels can be minimized. The C.C. will have checked if any non-ambulant parishioners need to receive communion in their place, and briefs the Eucharistic ministers if this is the case. They will receive communion once the main communion is complete.For sung liturgies on major Feasts and Solemnities, servers should arrive, ideally, no later than 15 minutes to half an hour before any liturgy begins, so that all preparations can be made in good time, and without rushing. For said liturgies, arriving a quarter of an hour before mass should be plenty of time.
2.2.1 All Servers should be at the back of the church five minutes before Mass starts, in the correct order. Thurifer waits near the priest, with the Boat standing beside. The C.C. double checks that all this has taken place.
2.2.2 When ready to move (at the cue from the C.C.), the Thurifer will be at the very front of the procession, followed by the Crucifer (the cross is why incense is used) with Torchbearer 1 and Torchbearer 2 just behind. The crucifer and torches should move almost up to the beginning of the pews at the back (so the people can continue coming in).
2.2.3 The choir (on choir Sundays) should be standing in two lines on the Sydney-City (South) side of the church, ready to join in the procession, behind the torch-bearers.
2.2.4 The other lay-ministers (lectors and eucharistic ministers) should be behind the choir.
2.2.5 As the Choirmaster welcomes the congregation, the thurifer and boat-bearer move to the priest, who places incense into the Thurible. They wait for him to bless the incense (don't close the thurible until he has blessed it - or it is clear he has forgotten to bless it…). The Thurifer goes to the front of the Crucifer. The Boat Bearer, "Water and "Wine" stand behind the Torch-Bearers.
2.2.6 The procession begins as soon as the hymn starts, with the thurifer leading, incensing in front of the cross. The thurifer should set a slow pace. We're supposed to enjoy the procession in; not be out of breath by the end of it…….…….it's all about the people of God on their pilgrim way to the City of God……
2.2.7 Upon reaching the sanctuary steps, the thurifer and boat continue up, but the other servers should spread out on either side, leaving a "gate" for the lay Ministers, priest and choir. They should stand wide enough for the five lay-ministers to form part of the gate inside them, so when the priest arrives, there is enough room for him to walk to the centre.
2.2.8 The thurifer and boat should continue straight up (unlike the other servers who wait), and stand by on the North side of the altar-table, ready for the celebrant to kiss the altar and incense it.
2.2.9 When the priest arrives at the centre, all genuflect on his cue (except for the crucifer, thurifer and Torch-bearers who would drop things - they just bow their heads).
2.2.10 As the priest moves up to kiss the altar, the lay ministers return to their seats, and the servers move up to their places in the sanctuary.
2.2.11 The Crucifer places the cross in its holder and goes to his/her seat.
2.2.12 The "Torches" move into the sacristy to put their torches down
2.2.13 "Water" and "Wine" as well as "Bell" go to their places in the servers' pew.
2.2.14 The Thurifer and Boat offer the priest incense, who blesses it. They close the thurible, hand it to him, and he incenses the altar and the cross.
2.2.15 He returns it to them and they take it to the sacristy.
2.2.16 On very solemn days, the thurifer and boat follow the priest as he incenses - always staying on either side of him with their hands joined.
2.3.1 It is possible, if we're short of servers, that the "Water" and "Wine" will also double up to be the torch-bearers at this point.
2.3.2 On very important festivals, the torch-bearers go (without torches) to usher the 1st Lector, Cantor (if there is one - there usually isn't) and 2nd Lector to the lectern.
2.3.3 Before each reading, with hands joined, they go to the front of the altar steps, and stand side by side facing the altar - with a gap in between. The Reader approaches, stands between them, and they all bow to the altar. They then all go up to the ambo, and the servers flank the Lector, with hands joined and facing inwards to the ambo itelf. When the reading is over, they all go back to the front of the altar steps, bow to the altar, and the Lector and servers return to their places. This ushering is simply a way of giving the lectors more support, and making the occasion more solemn.
2.3.4 As soon as the second reading is finished, the Torch Bearers should go directly to the sacristy to get their torches for the Gospel Procession.
2.3.5 The Crucifer, Thurifer and Boat should go to the sacristy at the beginning of the second reading to be ready for the Gospel procession.
3.1.1 On very important days, the Gospel Book waits on the altar to be carried, in solemn procession, into the midst of the assembly to be proclaimed.
3.1.2 As soon as the Gospel acclamation begins, the thurifer and boat go to the priest and open the thurible - in which he puts incense, blesses it, and then they take their position at the front of the altar table.
3.1.3 While they are doing this, the crucifer and torches take their Eastward positions in front of the altar, waiting for the thurifer, boat, priest and CC to come to the front of the altar table for the Gospel procession.
3.1.4 The CC goes to the Book of Gospels, remains facing East, and lifts the book up high for the people to see it.
3.1.5 On the CC's cue, the entire processional party turns to face West, and moves down to the front of the pews
3.1.6 The Procession is led by the thurifer, then crucifer, torches and boat, followed by CC and priest.
3.1.7 As they reach the front of the pews, the thurifer falls back and stands to the North side (where the Boat is already waiting. The crucifer takes the lead, goes to the front of the pews, and turns East to face the Gospel book. 4.12 The CC turns Eastward and open the Book of Gospel, holding it for the celebrant to proclaim it.
3.1.8 The Celebrant announces the Gospel, and incenses it., giving the thurible back to the thurifer.
3.1.9 At the end of the Gospel, the celebrant kisses it, lifts it high, and calls out "This is the Gospel of the Lord". As soon as the people have responded, all ministers turn Eastward and go back up, in reverse order to replace the book of Gospels back on the altar. The don't move to the sacristy until the book has been placed back on the Altar.
3.2. Gospel Procession: Simple Version
3.2.1 It is possible, if we're short of servers, that the "Water" and "Wine" will also double up to be the torch-bearers at this point.
3.2.2 On less important days, the Gospel is proclaimed from the ambo - and the Lectionary Book is used instead of the Gospel Book.
3.2.3 As soon as the Gospel acclamation begins, the thurifer and boat go to the priest and open the thurible - in which he puts incense, blesses it, and then they take their position at the front of the altar table.
3.3.4 While they are doing this, the crucifer and torches take their Eastward positions in front of the altar, waiting for the thurifer, boat, priest and CC to come to the front of the altar table for the Gospel procession.
3.3.5 On the CC's cue, the entire processional party turns to face the ambo, and moves over to form around the ambo
3.3.6 The Procession is led by the torch bearer.
3.3.7 As they reach the ambo, the thurifer falls back and stands to the South side (where the Boat is already waiting. The crucifer goes behind the celebrant and faces the ambo, holding the cross high. 4.21 The Celebrant announces the Gospel, and incenses it.
3.3.8 At the end of the Gospel, the celebrant kisses it, lifts it high, and calls out "This is the Gospel of the Lord". As soon as the people have responded, all ministers turn South, they move back to their position in front of the altar while the CC puts the book of the gospels back on the table, and then they go back to the sacristy and then to their places.
4. The Offertory Procession and the Preparation of Gifts
4.1 As soon as the Creed and Prayer of the Faithful is complete, the servers ready themselves for the offertory procession of gifts ( if there is one).
4.2 Before the Prayer of the Faithful ends, on days when there is a children's' liturgy (or very solemn days) the Torches go to the sacristy to light their torches. They go to the back of the church to lead the offertory procession down to the altar.
4.3 The water and wine ready themselves to go to the front with the priest and CC. They collect the gifts form the people of God, and arrange them correctly on the altar table (see diagram).
4.4 On simpler days, the gifts are already on the Credence table, and the "Water" and "Wine" simply take them to the altar and arrange them correctly.
4.5 The "Water" and "Wine" bring the wine and water to the priest, who fills the chalices, and adds just a drop of water to each (which symbolizes the mixing of Christ's Divine and Human natures). They also bring one purificator for each chalice and place them on the side of the altar table. They then go to the credence table for the incensations.
4.6 The Thurifer and boat have already gone to the sacristy, to get the thurible and incense ready for the offertory. They stand by - waiting for the celebrant to make the offertory prayers ("blessed are you Lord God of all creation" etc), to fill the chalices, and then they move forward to offer him incense. They wait for him to bless it, and then the thurifer hands him the thurible
4.7 On Very Solemn days, they stand precisely on either side of him, and follow him as he incenses the gifts, the altar and the cross (bowing when he bows) . This is simply to add dignity to the occasion.
4.8 They then stand back, and when he is finished take the thurible from him.
4.9 The thurifer and boat bow, the celebrant bows back, and the thurifer censes him three times, and then bows to him.
4.10 They then move to the choir and cense them once in each of three directions, then moves down to the people.
4.11 The thurifer and boat stand at the front of the altar facing West, boat beside, bow to the people in three directions, and then incenses the people of God once in each of three directions. Thurifer and boat bow finally to the people once, and return to the sacristy, ready for the Sanctus.
4.12 While the incensation of the people is taking place, the "Water" and "Wine" move forward with the finger-bowl and finger-towel so the celebrant can purify his hands after the incensation ( he says the prayer "Lord wash away my iniquity…."). The then return to the sacristy to prepare for the Sanctus.As soon as the Creed and Prayer of the Faithful is complete, the servers ready themselves for the offertory procession ( if there is one).
5. The Sanctus and Consecration
5.1 The servers ready themselves to carry incense, torches and bells to mark the solemn prayer of consecration.
5.2 Once in the sacristy, the torches, water and wine, bell and crucifer light six torches (three for either side). This needs to be done very quickly. The Thurifer and boat get the thurible stoked up with incense. The "Bell" get the Sanctus Bells (and carries these as well as a torch).
5.3 Three torch-bearers line up, out of sight of the congregation, on the North side of the sanctuary, three on the South. The three on the South have the thurifer and boat in front of them
5.4 As soon as the Sanctus begins, the servers move in front of the altar on the carpet, facing East. As soon as the Sanctus finishes, they kneel facing the altar.
5.5 When the celebrant does the minor elevation with bread and wine respectively, the thurifer incenses the consecrated species three times, and the "Bell" rings the Sanctus bell.
5.6 At the Great elevation ( "Through Him, with Him, in Him"….), the thurifer incenses the gifts again. As soon as the "Great Amen" is said or sung, all servers stand and return to the sacristy the way they came.
6.1 Once the choir (or people) begin the Agnus Dei (lamb of God).The C.C, Servers, Eucharistic Ministers and Cantor move up to the altar, and stand on the North Side of the altar table. The CC gives directions if ministers seem unsure.
6.2 During this, one Eucharistic Minister (or the CC) goes up to the tabernacle, genuflects, opens it and brings the ciborium down to be placed on the corporal. The door of the tabernacle should be left obviously open, and the veil pushed slightly aside.
6.3 The Ministers then stand back in line waiting for communion.
6.4 The Celebrant distributes the hosts to all assisting Ministers - who do not consume, but hold it reverently in their left hands, with their "Right hand forming a throne for the left"
6.5 Once the priest has announced "behold the Lamb of God" and the people respond, all Ministers consume the host at the same time as the priest.
6.6 At the C.C.'s direction, the Priest and C.C. will then distribute the Chalices and purificators. The first two Eucharistic Ministers to receive the Chalice keep them, and give the precious Blood to the other Eucharistic Minister and the servers. The Other Eucharistic Minister will be given a ciborium or paten to minister the Sacred Body.
6.7 The Priest and Eucharistic Ministers turn East and give communion to the Choir first.
6.8 The Chalice Bearers should make sure they stand far enough from the Ciboria so that the lines of people don't get backed up and communion is unnecessarily slow and confused.
6.9 After the Choir Communion is finished, the Eucharistic Ministers move down to the front of the Altar steps to give the people Holy Communion.
6.10 At very big liturgies (congregation wise) there will be a communion Station at the back of the Church as well (with extra Eucharistic Ministers rostered) - but usually there won't be.
6.11 The Chalice Bearers should stand far enough away from the Ciboria bearers to allow a line to form at the cup without holding up distribution in the center.
6.12 At the conclusion of the main communion, the celebrant goes (with a Chalice bearer) to non-ambulant parishioners and gives them communion in their place.
7.1 As soon as the people's communion is complete, the Eucharistic Ministers go up to the credence table where they reverently consume any of the Precious Blood left over. If there is any need of assistance (if too much is left), they call the CC or servers to assist them.
7.2 One Eucharistic Minister returns the ciborium to the tabernacle, and takes the key to the credence table, so it can be locked in the safe with the chalices and patens.
7.3 They then purify the patens and chalices, ensuring no traces of the sacred species are left.
7.4 The insides of our chalices are becoming scratched, perhaps because of the rings people wear. Please be careful, when purifying the chalice, not to put your ring-bearing hand inside the chalice.
7.5 They then lock the silver and gold in the safe, and place the used purificators in the enamel dish in the sacristy. They return to their seats The servers ready themselves to carry incense, torches and bells to mark the solemn prayer of consecration.
8.1 If needed, the "Bell" holds the missal/folder for the priest during the final prayer (so the priest can raise his hands in prayer).
8.2 As soon as the final hymn (or organ postlude) starts the servers move into the sacristy, get their stuff, and then form up down in front of the altar, forming a "gate" facing East with Cross and torches held high.
8.3 At the C.C.'s direction, they enough space for the lay ministers (lectors and eucharistic ministers) to join them. 9.4 After the choirmaster's cue (usually the last verse of the hymn), all turn and lead the choir out at a slow pace. Let the choir almost reach you before you turn (so they don't have to run to catch up - it's a bad look).
10.1 At the end of a liturgy, the thurifer should make sure any burning coals are emptied out of the thurible into the drain outside, and then extinguished with water
10.2 As soon as mass is finished, still in alb, the torches should extinguish all the candles on the altar, back altar and votive altars (not, of course the prayer candles in the holder at the BVM's altar).
10.3 Candles should never be blown out - use the snuffer, because blowing creates wax splashes on albs, on the floor, and leaves the candle wick to burn down and become useless. The altar candles are not on your birthday cake…..
10.4 The Paschal candle should be extinguished by the torches (unless there is a baptism to follow). This is a bit difficult because it is so large, and needs to be carefully lifted down and blown out (the only exception to the birthday-cake rule). This should be done by a taller, stronger person. There is almost a cup-full of melted wax inside - so be aware this is also a safety issue.
10.5 In Advent, the Advent Wreath should be extinguished by the Torches.
10.6 "Water" and "Wine" should make sure the credence table is empty, and everything washed up and put away. The Eucharistic ministers are responsible for putting away the chalices, patens and ciboria - but double check this has been done.
10.7 Crucifer should make sure the cross is put back, and that all furniture in the sanctuary is in neutral position
10.8 If there is s a special event (like a wedding, baptism, school mass etc.), the CC will ask all the servers to assist in setting up the church quickly
10.9 After this is all done, all servers should check with the CC that everything's OK, then disrobe. Hang up your alb, put away your cincture and carefully detach the apparel from your amice, and put the amice in the server's amice drawer (properly folded and wound - of course)
10.10 On Maundy Thursday, at the conclusion of the Mass of the Last Supper, the servers assist in stripping the altars completely in preparation for Good FridayAt the end of Mass, "Water" and "Wine" should make sure the credence table is empty, and everything washed up and put away. The Eucharistic ministers are responsible for putting away the chalices, patens and ciboria - but double check this has been done.
10.11 If there is aspecial event (like a wedding, baptism, school mass etc.), the CC will ask all the servers to assist in setting up the church quickly
Ambo The lectern (where the readings are proclaimed)
Alb the long white garment (neck to the top of your shoe) which represents the white robe of the baptised
Altar The Holy Table at the front of the sanctuary (nearest the people) (Back altar Former altar which now holds the tabernacle)
Amice The white square of cloth, with two long white strings, tied around the neck to cover ordinary clothes underneath (if no apparel is worn), or placed over the head and then pushed back to form a collar in the colour of the day (when the apparel is worn)
Agnus the "Agnus Dei" or "Lamb of God" (just the Latin term for it)
Apparel the decorative band (in the colour of the day) attached to the amice, and which form a collar when pushed back.
Aspergil The tree branch or silver water sprinkler-stick used to sprinkle water over the people
"Bell" The server(s) who ring the bells for the Sanctus and at other times.
"Boat" the Boat bearer is the server who carries the incense boat, and who hands it to the celebrant at the right times
Chalice The consecrated cups used to distribute precious blood at Holy Communion. These are kept in the main safe.
Chasuble The garment of sacrifice - the conical vestment worn by the priest (over the top of the alb and stole) at mass - in the liturgical colour. It's ancient predecessor was a leather "waterproof" vestment which was used to prevent blood from spilling over the priest when he sacrificed animals in the Jewish temple. In the Catholic mass, the sacrifice we offer is not a living animal, but Christ himself in the form of bread and wine - and we offer ourselves with him "as a living sacrifice".
Ciborium The gold-lined silver container used to store the consecrated hosts in the tabernacle
Cincture The long cloth belt worn around the waist of the alb, usually in the colour of the day
CC The Coordinator of Ceremonies is the person who is responsible for making sure the liturgy proceeds in good order, and who is the "trouble-shooter". The CC assists the priest, lay ministers and servers by giving quiet reminders of what comes next. All servers see the CC as their glorious leader - and are almost as obedient to the CC as they are to the Parish Priest or Pastoral Associate.
Cope The long cape (in the colour of the day) worn by the priest on Palm Sunday, weddings, baptisms and at benediction
Corporal The square white cloth (folded nine ways) which must be spread out on the altar before the blessed sacrament is put down. It is always carefully folded back in nine ways so that no consecrated crumbs of the Lord's body are thrown on the ground. Servers should NEVER shake it out like a normal table cloth (it has been known to happen!)
Credence table The table on the side of the sanctuary where chalices, finger bowls etc. are kept for use during mass Cruets The glass pitchers used to contain wine and water for the mass.
Crucifer The server who has the dignity of carrying the cross in procession. On Great Holy Days, the Crucifer at Paddington wears the tunicle in the colour of the day in order to make clear the honour given to the cross
Deacon The ordained minister of Charity - mentioned in the Bible in 1 Timothy Chapter 3, Philippians Chapter 1, and Romans Chapter 16 (the Catholic church no longer has women deacons). Deacons can preach, marry people, bury people and lead a parish- but they cannot celebrate the mass or give absolution for confession. Paddington rarely has a deacon present, but there are now many permanent, celibate and married deacons in Australia and the world.
Eucharistic Minister The lay-minister who assist the priest in distributing Holy Communion time, and for Communion to the sick.
Feasts The second-most important days of celebration.
Finger- towel The small white cloth used by the priest to dry his hands at the lavabo
Humeral Veil (Vimpa) The veil worn over the shoulders by the server when carrying the bishop's staff of mitre. This veil is sometimes worn by the priest over his shoulders at benediction (and on Maundy Thursday Night)
Lavabo The ceremony of hand-washing which happens just after the incensing of gifts (at solemn masses) or just after the gifts have been placed on the altar (at simpler masses)
Lector The lay-minister who proclaims the reading at liturgy Monstrance Also called an "ostensory", this is the precious display container used at benediction and exposition of the blessed sacrament
Ordo The small booklet (kept in the sacristy in the glass-covered slot) which tells you the feast-day, the readings and the colour of the day.
Paschal the large ornate candle used at funerals, baptisms, and Easter until Candle Pentecost Paten The silver or gold plate/dish used for the bread to be consecrated at Mass
Purificator The thin white cloth used to wipe the chalice after different people take communion
Pyx The small silver containers (which look a bit like fob-watches) used to store the blessed sacrament when communion is taken to the sick. The pyx is usually kept in a leather wallet. There is another larger pyx kept in the tabernacle, and it stores one large consecrated host which is used at benediction.
Relics These are sacred memorials of Saints. They are usually small pieces of bone taken from the body of the saint, and are often placed in a sealed, secure place in the altar of a church - to remind us that many people have actually given their life to protect the Catholic faith. Paddington church has a relic of St Francis in a special ostensory (usually kept in the safe).
Sanctus The "Holy, Holy, Holy" (just the Latin word for it) Solemnities The most important days of celebration like the Easter triduum and Sundays.
Tabernacle The decorated safe in which the blessed sacrament is reverently kept. The liturgically coloured veil, inside white fabric lining, red sanctuary lamp, and candles on either side are signs used to show that the blessed sacrament is present in the tabernacle
Tabernacle Key The tabernacle cannot be opened without this. It is kept in the main safe.
Thurible The incense burner
Thurifer The server who carries the thurible, and whose job it is to know when, where and how incense is used at liturgies
Triduum The three great holy days of Easter: Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter. These are the holiest days of the Church year, and celebrate the great mystery of Jesus' death and Resurrection. They are even more important than Christmas.
Torch-bearer The server who carries the torch in processions and at the Sanctus Water The server who carries the water for the offertory and the lavabo (may also be the Bell) Wine The server who carries the wine at the offertory, and the finger towel at the lavabo (may also be the Bell)
The following guidelines were prepared by the Bishops' Committee on the Liturgy and presented to the National Conference of Catholic Bishops for discussion at the June 1994 Special Assembly on Thursday, June 16, 1994. The suggested guidelines may be used as a basis for developing diocesan guidelines
1. Although institution into the ministry of acolyte is reserved to lay men, the diocesan bishop may permit the liturgical functions of the instituted acolyte to be carried out by altar servers, men and women, boys and girls. Such persons may carry out all the functions listed in no. 68, para. 2 and nos. 142-147 of the General Instruction of the Roman Missal.
2 The determination that women and girls may function as servers in the liturgy has been made by the Archbishop of Sydney (our addition) on the diocesan level so that there might be a uniform diocesan policy.
3. No distinction should be made between the functions carried out in the sanctuary by men and boys and those carried out by women and girls. The term "altar boys" should be replaced by "servers". The term "server" should be used for those who carry out the functions of the instituted acolyte.
4. Servers should be mature enough to understand their responsibilities and to carry them out well and with appropriate reverence. They should have already received holy communion for the first time and normally receive the eucharist whenever they participate in the liturgy.
5. Servers should receive proper formation before they begin to function. The formation should include instruction on the Mass and its parts and their meaning, the various objects used in the liturgy (their names and use), and the various functions of the server during the Mass and other liturgical celebrations. Servers should also receive appropriate guidance on maintaining proper decorum and attire when serving Mass and other functions.
6. Since the role of server is integral to the normal celebration of the Mass, at least one server should assist the priest. On Sundays and other more important occasions, two or more servers should be employed to carry out the various functions normally entrusted to these ministers.
7. Servers should normally be vested. This is within the tradition of the Church and prevents difficulties regarding appropriate dress for these ministers. All servers should wear the same liturgical vesture [The alb is the preferred vestment for servers (see General Instruction of the Roman Missal, no. 298.)]
8. Servers carry the cross, the processional candles, hold the book for the priest celebrant when he is not at the altar, carry the incense and censer, present the bread, wine, and water to the priest during the preparation of the gifts or assist him when he receives the gifts from the people, wash the hands of the priest, assist the priest celebrant and deacon as necessary.
9. Servers respond to the prayers and dialogues of the priest along with the congregation. They also join in singing the hymns and other chants of the liturgy.
10. Servers should be seated in a place from which they can easily assist the priest celebrant and deacon. The place next to the priest is normally reserved for the deacon.
The General Instruction on the Roman Missal
This is the Main Church source document which is relevant for servers and other lay Ministers
Chapter III, Part III: Special Ministries
65. The acolyte is instituted to serve at the altar and to assist the priest and deacon. In particular it is for him to prepare the altar and the vessels and, as a special minister of the Eucharist, to give communion to the faithful.
66. The reader is instituted to proclaim the readings from Scripture, with the exception of the gospel. He may also announce the intentions for the general intercessions and, in the absence of the psalmist, sing or read the psalm between the readings. The reader has his own proper function in the eucharistic celebration and should exercise this even though ministers of a higher rank may be present. Those who exercise the ministry of reader, even if they have not received institution, must be truly qualified and carefully prepared in order that the faithful will develop a warm and lively love for Scripture from listening to the reading of the sacred texts.
67. The cantor of the psalm is to sing the psalm or other biblical song that comes between the readings. To fulfill their function correctly, these cantors should possess singing talent and an aptitude for correct pronunciation and diction.
68. As for other ministers, some perform different functions inside the sanctuary, others outside. The first kind include those deputed as special minsters to administer communion and those who carry the missal, the cross, candles, the bread, wine, water, and the thurible. The second kind include: a) The commentator. This minister provides explanations and commentaries with the purpose of introducing the faithful to the celebration and preparing them to understand it better. The commentator's remarks must be meticulously prepared and marked by a simple brevity. In performing this function the commentator stands in a convenient place visible to the faithful, but it is preferred that this not be at the lectern where the Scriptures are read. b) Those who, in some places, meet the people at the church entrance, seat them, and direct processions. c) Those who take up the collection
69. Especially in larger churches and communities, a person should be assigned responsibility for planning the service properly and for their being carried out by the ministers with decorum, order, and devotion.
70. Laymen, even if they have not received institution as ministers, may perform all the functions below those reserved to deacons. At the discretion of the rector of the church, women may be appointed to ministries that are performed outside the sanctuary. The conference of bishops may permit qualified women to proclaim the readings before the gospel and to announce the intentions of the general intercessions. The conference may also more precisely designate a suitable place for a woman to proclaim the word of God in the liturgical assembly.
71. If there are several persons present who are empowered to exercise the same ministry, there is no objection to their being assigned different parts to perform. For example, one deacon may take the sung parts, another assist at the altar; if there are several readings, it is better to distribute them among a number of readers. The same applies for the other ministries.
72. If only one minister is present at a Mass with a congregation, he may carry out several different functions.
73. All concerned should work together in the effective preparation of each liturgical celebration as to its rites, pastoral aspects, and music. They should work under the direction of the rector of the church and should consult the faithful.