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Overview
This classic guide helps servers to perform with confidence and reverence, allowing the liturgy to unfold in a smooth and prayerful manner. A glossary of words and objects accompanies illustrations of vessels, linens, altar preparation, vestments, posture symbols, and examples of processions. Also contains easy-to-draw symbols that servers can use to make a diagram of their sanctuary's layout for study and practice.
Product Details
| ISBN-13: | 9780819224859 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | Morehouse Publishing |
| Publication date: | 02/01/1996 |
| Sold by: | Barnes & Noble |
| Format: | eBook |
| Pages: | 57 |
| File size: | 854 KB |
About the Author
Read an Excerpt
The New Complete Server
By Christopher J. Heller, Eleanor Smith, W. Ellwood Post
Church Publishing Incorporated
Copyright © 1995 Morehouse PublishingAll rights reserved.
ISBN: 978-0-8192-2485-9
CHAPTER 1
Acolyte or Server?
In the early years of the Church, lay people helped priests in many ways. Some of them assisted at the celebration of the Eucharist and were sometimes called "acolytes." This word "acolyte" has meant different things at different times in our history. Recently, many people have come to equate "acolyte" with "server."
In 1973, the Catholic Church restored the ministry of Acolyte. This means that, as a church community, we recognize that we need this ministry of service. Someone who is called by God to serve the Church as an acolyte is "instituted" in a special ceremony by the local Bishop or someone selected by the Bishop. Instituted acolytes serve in the following ways:
1. Preparing the altar and sacred vessels before Mass;
2. Preparing the corporal, chalice(s), purificator(s) and Sacramentary for the Eucharist;
3. Helping the priest to receive the bread and wine carried in procession;
4. Assisting with incense, especially when there is no deacon;
5. Helping to distribute Communion as a minister of the Eucharist;
6. Cleaning the vessels after Mass, or after Communion;
7. Bringing Communion to the sick and home-bound of the parish;
8. When necessary, conducting most of the ceremony of the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament;
9. Instructing others who assist at liturgies and other church ceremonies.
This is a longer "job description" than most people realize when they use the word "acolyte." Since most parishes do not have instituted acolytes on a regular basis, other persons perform some of the acolyte's duties. These persons are called "servers," as ministers who assist at the liturgy.
This manual is called The New Complete Server to avoid confusion with acolytes. In many parishes, servers are young people from grammar, junior-high and high schools. In other places, servers may be adults or senior adults who help with the ceremonies. This manual is called complete, since it can be used by any age group in any parish or worshipping community.
Parish Differences
Each parish community does things differently from other parishes. Three items that differ from place to place are the use of incense, the use of bells, and the vestment worn by the server. The priest, deacon or person delegated by the pastor will instruct the server in these and other matters. Below is a list of ways some parishes or worship communities use these things.
Incense is optional in any form of Mass. When it is used, it is both a sign of honor and a sign of our prayer rising like smoke to God (see Psalm 141). Servers will be told by the priest or his delegate when and how incense will be used in the parish. There are five times when incense can be used at Mass:
1. In the entrance procession;
2. At the beginning of Mass upon arriving at the sanctuary, to honor the altar and cross;
3. In the Gospel procession, to honor the Word of God;
4. At the preparation of the gifts, to honor the offerings, the altar, the priest, the othe ministers, and all those gathered for the Eucharist;
5. At the consecration of the bread and wine, to honor the Body and Blood of Christ.
In the Middle Ages, bells or chimes alerted the people to the most important parts of the Mass. The bells or chimes were rung before, during and after the priest prayed the words of Jesus: "this is my body.... this is my blood." Because people can easily see and hear what is happening today, most parishes do not use bells or chimes. They could be used:
1. During the Eucharistic Prayer, after the "Holy, Holy," when the priest holds his hands over the bread and wine;
2. During the words of consecration, also called the institution of the Eucharist narrative.
The final big difference among parishes is the server's vestment. This can vary widely from one parish to another. Servers should take care of the vestment if they have one for use at Mass. Vestments can be: alb and cincture, since the alb is the usual vestment for liturgical ministers; clean, neat clothes; no special vestment, since lay persons such as readers and special ministers of the Eucharist often use this last option.
It will be up to each parish to choose how the server will assist the faithful in each of these three areas. Each server is responsible for remembering the instructions as to what the community's practice will be. Servers might use this page as a reminder by checking off each item that applies to their parish.
Examples of Servers
Procession Crossbearer (center) flanked by two candlebearers
Deep bow from waist
Kneeling server, in alb and cincture
Standing server, in cassock and surplus
Seated server
Thurifer
Familiar Words and Objects For Servers to Know
Acclamation: literally "a holy shout!" We sing the Gospel Acclamation as a way of praising God who is present in the Word. We join more fully during the Church's solemn Eucharistic Prayer when we respond with the eucharistic acclamations it contains.
Acolyte: someone who helps prepare for the liturgical ceremony, leads the congregation, and assists the priest as a minister of Communion. The acolyte, one of the Church's ministers, is instituted by the Bishop or his delegate in a special ceremony.
Advent: the four weeks before Christmas, during which we prepare for Christ's final coming as well as for the upcoming Christmas feast. The priest wears violet, which is a traditional color of waiting, preparation, anticipation and expectation.
Advent Wreath: a festive circular wreath, often made of greens, arranged to hold three violet candles and one pink (or rose) candle. The candles are lighted for the Saturday evening and Sunday Masses of Advent, with one additional candle lighted each week so that the Light of Christ becomes brighter as we approach Christmas. The candles may be changed for white ones, which would burn during the Christmas season until the Baptism of the Lord.
Alb: a long, white garment which covers the entire body. This was the clothing that the citizens of ancient Rome wore. The alb is always worn by the priest and deacon. In some parishes, servers and other liturgical ministers also wear albs.
Altar: the place where the sacrifice of Jesus is offered to the Father and made present to us. The Lord's Table, around which the assembly gathers to celebrate the Eucharist, is always treated with respect. The altar table represents Christ, the Lamb of God who gave his life for us, the One who is the Center of our lives. Servers and other liturgical ministers show respect to Christ by bowing when passing in front of the altar.
Altar Cloth: the long white cloth that covers the top of the altar and hangs over the ends. It is like a table cloth on a dining room table. The corporal is placed on top of the altar cloth. Further, large decorative cloths are sometimes hung in front of the altar, especially on festive occasions.
Altar Rail: the dividing line between the seats for ministers in the sanctuary and those of the congregation in the nave. The altar rail encloses the sanctuary and the altar. Some churches continue to have this railing, although most have removed it.
Ambo: a strong and prominent stand or lectern from which the Scripture readings are proclaimed. A church or worship area has one ambo, and may also have a smaller lectern for the music ministers and the person making announcements.
Ambry: a special box or glass case attached to a wall of the church where the holy oils are kept. Also see Oils.
Amice: a white cloth which covers the priest's neck and shoulders. It is now usually part of the alb rather than a separate vestment.
Ascension: a feast which occurs on a Thursday or a Sunday [for those in Canada and elsewhere] some forty days after Easter. It recalls the return of Jesus Christ to the Father.
Assembly: those called by baptism as God's Holy People. The faithful assembly gives thanks and remembers the wonderful things which God has accomplished for us through Christ Jesus. Also see Congregation.
Benediction: a service of special devotion to the Eucharist. This liturgy is different from Mass. The priest or another person will instruct the server as to how to assist at Benediction.
Boat: a small container that holds the incense. This is usually carried by the thurifer, in the left hand.
Bible: inspired by God, the Bible is our collection of holy books which gather together the Hebrew Scriptures and Christian Scriptures. The Church selects certain passages to be proclaimed and heard each time we gather for the Eucharist and other public prayer times. These selected passages are contained in the Lectionary.
Book of the Gospels: the book from which the deacon or priest proclaims the Gospel text at the Eucharist. It is carried in procession by the deacon or a reader. Communities that do not have a Book of the Gospels carry in the Lectionary and use it for all the Scripture readings.
Candle-Bearer: server(s) who carry a candle in processions during Mass. They often walk on both sides of the processional cross or slightly behind it.
Canon: see Eucharistic Prayer
Cassock: a long dark-colored robe that reaches from shoulders to ankles. Servers in some parishes wear a cassock with a white surplice over it.
Celebrant: one who leads a liturgical ceremony. For Mass, this will usually be a priest from the parish, but it may also be a visiting priest or the bishop. For community prayer services, the celebrant may be a deacon or other person specially appointed to lead the assembly. The celebrant leads everyone in celebrating God's Life and Love. Also see Presider.
Celebrant's Chair: the central chair, used by the priest or bishop or the person who leads the community in prayer. It is sometimes located just behind the altar, but it can also be located elsewhere in the sanctuary. Servers will bring the Sacramentary to this chair, which is also called the presider's chair, or simply "the chair."
Censer: see Thurible
Chalice: the cup used by the priest when he consecrates the wine into the Blood of Christ. It is usually made of gold or silver, but it can also be made of other solid materials.
Chalice Veil: a cloth that can cover the chalice while it sits on the credence table. The veil is either white or the color of the chasuble.
Chasuble: a long, flowing robe that goes over the priest's head. This is the changeable, outer vestment that people see in its entirety. It comes in the colors of the Church Year.
Christmas: the celebration of the Birth of Jesus at Bethlehem, when God came to us in human form.
Ciborium: a covered container used to hold the bread or wafers consecrated at Mass. The leftover bread or wafers are placed in the tabernacle as a sign of respect for the Eucharist. The plural of ciborium is ciboria.
Cincture: a thin rope tied around the waist over the alb. When a parish uses albs for the servers, they also wear cinctures.
Concelebration: the celebration of a Mass by more than one priest. This will often happen during Holy Week, at Confirmation, and on other special occasions.
Congregation: another word for the faithful people, the assembly, those who have gathered to participate in the worship of God at the Church's public prayer.
Cope: a long cape that is worn by the priest during some ceremonies. It is open in the front, and often held together near the chin by a clasp. It is often the color of the Church season.
Corporal: a square piece of white cloth which is spread over the altar cloth. It is put on the altar where the priest will offer the gifts of bread and wine to God on our behalf. The chalice, ciboria and flagon are placed on it.
Credence Table: a side table in or near the sanctuary, where all the objects used for Mass are placed before and after they are actually used.
Cross-Bearer: the server who carries the processional cross during the entrance and exit processions, and who on most occasions leads toward the altar those who present the gifts of bread and wine on behalf of the entire community.
Cruets: bottle-like containers that hold the water and wine for Mass.
Dalmatic: a coat-like vestment worn by the deacon, especially on festive occasions. It is usually open at the sides, and is the same color as the chasuble. A deacon may wear the dalmatic, or just an alb and stole.
Deacon: a person ordained by the bishop to serve the community. Deacons proclaim the Gospel at Mass, preach the homily when permitted, prepare the bread and wine, and assist in distributing communion. Deacons also baptize, join persons in marriage and assist at funeral and burial services. Many parishes have deacons.
Easter: the celebration of Jesus' Resurrection from the dead. This is the most important feast day of the Church Year.
Easter Vigil: the night before Easter Sunday. This is the most important Mass of the Year. Beginning after sunset, the Easter Vigil includes the renewal of baptismal promises for all, as well as the Baptism, Confirmation and First Eucharist of those who have been preparing to join the church community.
Eucharist: a Greek word which means "thanksgiving." It refers to the bread and wine that have been consecrated. It also refers to the part of the Mass, the Liturgy of the Eucharist, during which the consecration takes place. It can also refer to the entire Mass itself. Also see Mass.
Eucharistic Prayer: the long prayer spoken by the priest in the name of the congregation. This prayer asks for God to consecrate bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ. In reciting this prayer, the priest reminds us of the great things God has done for us, especially in sending us Jesus the Son. With the priest and by our participation in the sung or spoken acclamations, we give thanks to God from our hearts.
Flagon: a pitcher which is used to consecrate enough wine for all present to receive the Blood of Christ during Mass.
Genuflect: to briefly touch one's right knee to the floor. A server genuflects whenever passing in front of the tabernacle, as a sign of respect for the Eucharist which is kept there.
Good Friday: two days before Easter. On Good Friday, Mass is not celebrated. Instead, we remember the Lord's Passion and Death by venerating or kissing the cross of Christ. This is one of the most simple and solemn church services of the entire year.
Holy Thursday: three days before Easter. Our celebration recalls the night when Jesus celebrated the Last Supper with his Apostles. The Mass on Holy Thursday night includes the washing of feet as a gesture of service, and a special procession which concludes the evening.
Homily: an explanation of the Scripture readings used at Mass. This is the talk which comes after the Gospel. The homily is preached by the priest or the deacon. In the absence of a priest or a deacon, another person is authorized to offer a reflection on the Scriptures at a Liturgy of the Word with Communion.
Host: the round piece of bread used at Mass. It is made of flour and water without yeast. The priest often uses a larger host so that everyone at Mass will be able to see it.
Humeral Veil: a long cloth, usually white, which goes over the priest's shoulders and covers his arms. This is attached by a clasp in the front. It is used during Benediction, or when carrying the Blessed Sacrament in procession.
Incense: a mixture of resins, bark and other natural materials such as flowers, which gives off a sweet-smelling smoke when burned. This smoke rises and represents our prayers rising to God. The use of incense is always optional in a parish. The priest or person instructing the servers will tell them when incense will be used.
Intinction: a way of dipping the host or Eucharistic bread into the consecrated wine during Communion time, so that persons may receive both the Body and Blood of Christ.
Lectern: a strong and sturdy reading stand used to hold the Lectionary or Book of the Gospels while a person proclaims one of the Scripture readings. Each church or worship space should have one of these. Also see Ambo.
Lectionary: a large book containing the Bible readings which have been selected for use at Mass and other church services. This is the book used by the reader who proclaims God's Word. If there is no Book of the Gospel, the deacon or priest proclaims the Gospel from the Lectionary.
Lector: also called the reader or proclaimer, this is the person who reads God's Word so that the faithful assembly might hear it. The lector walks in the procession and may carry the Lectionary. In the absence of the deacon, the lector carries the Book of the Gospels or the Lectionary.
(Continues...)
Excerpted from The New Complete Server by Christopher J. Heller, Eleanor Smith, W. Ellwood Post. Copyright © 1995 Morehouse Publishing. Excerpted by permission of Church Publishing Incorporated.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.
Table of Contents
Contents
Introduction
Acolyte or Server?
Parish Differences
Examples of Servers
Familiar Words and Objects For Servers to Know
Familiar Objects Illustrated
Illustrations of Some Vestments
Workbook
People Symbols
Posture Symbols
Outline of the Mass
Before Mass
Processions
Examples of Processions
Beginning of Mass
Introductory Rites
Blessing and Sprinkling with Holy Water
Penitential Rite
Glory to God
Opening Prayer
Liturgy of the Word
Profession of Faith
General Intercessions
Preparation and Presentation of the Gifts
Eucharistic Prayer
Communion Rite
Communion Time
After Communion
Concluding Rites
After Mass
Weddings
Funerals
Altar Server Investiture Ceremony
Investiture Ceremony