Altar Servers: Torch-Bearers's Version
At St Francis of Assisi, Paddington, Sydney, Australia
1.1 Serving 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).
1.2 Servers, according to Canon law (church 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.
1.3 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.
1.4 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.
1.5 Servers should always know what they are doing (or at least look very solemnly like they knew exactly what they were doing, even when making a little mistake, so the people are not distracted, and so they don't draw unnecessary attention to themselves). If you fall over or drop something, there's no covering-up, so smile and look sheepish - but never ashamed - because you are performing a very valuable service, and although the Coordinator of Ceremonies might be stressed out, God forgives all….
1.6 Servers add a great sense of occasion to liturgies, so be proud of what you are doing. When done well, you produce the glories of the Roman Rite……
2.1.1 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.
2.1.2 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 .
2.1.3 Say hello to the Coordinator of Ceremonies and look pleased to see her/him so Sunday mass gets off in the right mood. The CC will then brief you on what sort of Gospel procession (and any other special instructions).
2.1.4 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)
2.1.5 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 whit 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.
2.1.6 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.
2.1.7 All servers check that the church is neat and tidy for the liturgy.
2.1.8 "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)
2.1.9 "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.
2.1.10 "Torch Bearers" check with the Coordinator of Ceremonies to see if there is a children's liturgy (and hence an offertory procession)
2.1.11 "Torch Bearers" check that the votive candles near the BVM's altar are not running out.
2.1.12 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 lit during mass - only the one for the day - since it takes too much time to light all of them at once.
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.
2.2.2 When ready to move, 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)."Water" and "Wine" stand behind the Torches, and upon reaching the altar steps, stand inside the torches.
2.2.3 When ready to move, 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). "Water" and "wine" should be right behind.
2.2.3 The choir (on choir Sundays) should be standing in two lines on the Sydney-City 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. 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 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).
2.2.9 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.
2.2.10 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 "Torches" move into the sacristy to put their torches down
2.2.11 "Water" and "Wine" as well as "Bell" go to their places in the servers' pew. The priest, meanwhile, incenses the altar and cross. The "Torches join them after the torches have been put down.
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 Lector 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 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.
3.1.2 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.
3.1.3 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.
3.1.4 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.
3.1.5 The CC goes to the Book of Gospels, remains facing East, and lifts the book up high for the people to see it.
3.1.6 On the CC's cue, the entire processional party turns to face West, and moves down to the front of the pews
3.1.7 The Procession is led by the thurifer, then crucifer, torches and boat, followed by CC and priest.
3.1.8 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.
3.1.9 The CC turns Eastward and open the Book of Gospel, holding it for the celebrant to proclaim it.
3.1.10 The Celebrant announces the Gospel, and incenses it., giving the thurible back to the thurifer.
3.1.11 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 servers 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.
3.2.4 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.
3.2.5 On the CC's cue, the entire processional party turns to face the ambo, and moves over to form around the ambo
3.2.6 The Procession is led by the torch bearer.
3.2.7 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.
3.2.8 The Celebrant announces the Gospel, and incenses it.
3.2.9 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 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 ( if there is one).
4.2 Before the Prayer of the Faithful ends, on days when there is a childrens' 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. They go off to the Sacristy, to get ready to lead the Sanctus candles.
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, led by one Torch, 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 As soon as the final hymn (or organ postlude) starts the torch-bearers and other 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.
6.2 Allow enough space for the lay ministers (lectors and eucharistic ministers) to join you.
6.3 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)
7.1 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).
7.2 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…..
7.3 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.
7.4 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 Friday
7.5 In Advent, the Advent Wreath should be extinguished by the Torches.
7.6 After this is all done, 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)
7.8 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.
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.