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This blog post is for aspiring altar servers. Best to familiarize yourself first about your role and on the various objects and vestments used in the liturgy before you join in your parish Altar Server's Ministry.
As defined in the Altar Server's Handbook of the Catholic Archdiocese of Seoul: The primary role of the altar server is to assist the priest in the celebration of the liturgy during Mass. This is done through specific actions and by setting an example to the congregation by active participation in the liturgy by their actions, singing of hymns, responses of the people, looking alert and sitting or standing at the appropriate times.
Servers carry the cross, the processional candle(s), 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 or deacon 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.
Altar servers are chosen from among the faithful who display a desire to participate in an intimate way during the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. It is an extreme privilege to kneel so close to the altar as our loving Savior, Jesus Christ, becomes truly present, Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity upon the altar.
A server is uniquely joined in the Heavenly Supper of the Lamb of God and serves in the company of myriads of angles eternally singing “Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!”
Dear Altar Servers, you are, in fact, already apostles of Jesus! When you take part in the Liturgy by carrying out your altar service, you offer a witness to all. Your absorption, the devotion that wells up from your heart and is expressed in gestures, in song, in the responses: if you do it correctly and not absent-mindedly, then in a certain way your witness is one that moves people.
The Eucharist is the source and summit of the bond of friendship with Jesus. You are very close to Jesus in the Eucharist, and this is the most important sign of his friendship for each one of us. Do not forget it. —excerpt from Pope Benedict XVI, Address to Altar Servers, August 2, 2006
The Sacred Objects, Linens, and Vestments Used at Mass
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A sacred cloth of white linen around twenty inches square upon which the chalice paten and ciboria are placed during Mass. When not in use, it is folded three times each way so as to form nine equal squares and placed in the burse. All vessels that actually contain the Blessed Sacrament — chalice, paten, ciborium, and monstrance — must be placed on a corporal.
Pall
A square of linen, stiffened with starch, cardboard, or plastic, set on the chalice to prevent dirt or insects from falling into it.
Paten
It is the plate on which the bread (big host) used by the presider is placed and consecrated during the Mass. It is usually of the same material as the chalice and is a place on top of the chalice at the start of the Mass.
Purificator
A small piece of white absorbent linen, approximately eight by sixteen inches, folded in three lengthwise, and marked with a cross in the center, employed during the Mass. It is used to wipe the lip of the chalice after the reception of the Precious Blood and to dry the chalice after it is washed at the end of or after Mass.
Chalice
It is a cup usually (but 'not always) supported by a "node" (the central. part of the vessel, usually a knob) and set on a base. This vessel is used to hold the Precious Blood of the Lord at the Mass.
Ciborium
It is really a paten in the form of a chalice with a lid because the Sacred Body of our Lord is placed in it. It is used to contain the Hosts reserved in the tabernacle.
Cruets
These are the vessels to hold the wine and water at the Mass.
Pitcher and Basin
These are used to hold and catch the water for the washing of the hands of the presider after' the Offertory and Communion. They are always paired with a towel.
Finger Towel
Small cloths used by the celebrants at various times in the liturgy, for instance at the Preparation of the Gifts in the Mass, or by the bishop when administering the Sacraments of Confirmation and Holy Orders.
Communion Plate
It is used during communion, held by a server under the chin of those who receive communion directly into the mouth. It must be used when Holy Communion is given by "intinction", dipping the Host in the Blood of the Lord.
Bell(s)
Known as the "sanctus bell" is rung by a server at Mass, at the two elevations and as a warning before the consecration. It has a practical use, to draw attention to the most sacred moments of the liturgy. In some places, it takes the form of a set of bells. It may also be used during the Eucharistic blessing at benediction.
Sacramentary
The volume of presidential prayers for the officiant of the Eucharist and for any rites connected' with the Mass. Vatican Council II restored the rule that all members of the worshipping community, whether ministers or laypersons, should perform only those parts which pertain to their office in accordance with the principles of the Liturgy.
Processional Cross
It is a large crucifix set on a long staff, to be carried in procession, and perhaps used as the altar cross at Mass.
Processional Candlesticks
These are two tall candlesticks carried in procession by two servers.
Monstrance
It is a larger vessel, really a stand to display the Host at the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. It is designed so that we can see the Host and adore the Lord. The priest uses the monstrance to give the Eucharistic blessing at Benediction and to carry the Host in a solemn Eucharistic procession. There are many imaginative designs for the monstrance, but a typical design is circular with rays coming from the center point.
Lectionary
The liturgical book that holds the Scriptural readings used during the Liturgy of the Word in the Mass. This is usually placed at the ambo or Lectern.
Sacramentary Stand
It is placed on the altar at the preparation of gifts. It takes various forms, a metal or wooden book-rest or a cushion.
Thurible or Censer
It is a metal bowl hanging by three chains (usually) from a disc. The cover, pierced to allow the smoke to rise, is usually held by a fourth chain, which passes through the hole in the disc so that the server can raise it. A metal ring is often used to hold these chains together around the bowl. It is often mistaken for the "incense" and the "charcoal". The thurible is used to contain these two.
Incense Boat
It is shaped like a boat, with a hinged lid and a matching spoon. From the boat, the grains of incense are spooned onto the burning coals in the thurible.
Credence Table
It is a movable table to the side of the altar, covered with a white cloth, upon which are placed the things needed for sacred functions, particularly the Mass, such as the chalice, cruets, basin, and finger cloth or towel.
Lunette
It is the gilt clip that holds the Host when exposed in the monstrance.
Pyx
It is the round container that holds the Host and lunette in the tabernacle. A smaller pyx, tike an old-fashioned watch case, is used to take the Eucharist to the sick.
Holy Water Vessel
It is also known as the "bucket" and the sprinkler as an "aspergil”. The sprinkler may take the form of a brush or of a hollow bulb, perhaps containing a sponge, with openings so that drops of water may be sprinkled on people or objects.
Oil Stocks
Usually takes the form of a metal cylinder, with compartments or the sacramental oils (oil of the sick and oil of Chrism for Baptism and Confirmation).
Pectoral Cross
It is the bishop's necklace. It is worn under the chasuble and the dalmatic, under the cope but above the mozeta.
Ring
It is worn at all times as a sign that the bishop is wedded to Christ in the service of his Church as shepherd of the flock and should always be worn.
Alb
It is a white garment reaching to the ankles. It is derived from the ancient Roman tunic and is a sign of purity: The word "alb" comes from the Latin word for "white".
Stole
It is a distinctive sign of those who have received Holy Orders as they carry out the ministry in sacrament and worship. The priest wears the stole around the neck and hanging down in front.
The deacon wears his stole on his left shoulder, crossing it like a sash under his right arm. It is of the color of the season or day. It stands for authority in the community.
Chasuble
It is the major Eucharistic vestment, worn over the stole and the alb. It is the color of the season or day. There are various styles of the chasuble. These styles developed over the years from the original form of an outdoor cloak of the later Greek and Roman periods. It stands for charity ("And over all these put on love, that is, the bond of perfection." Colossians 3:14).
Dalmatic
It is worn by the deacon. It resembles a large coat, of the color of the season or day. It is worn over the stole and the alb. Unlike the chasuble, the dalmatic has sleeves.
Cope
It is a large semi-circular cloak, held at the front by a clasp or band of fabric. It is used for solemn celebrations of the sacraments and for Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.
Humeral Veil
It is a large white shawl, worn around the shoulders while carrying the Blessed Sacrament in procession and while giving the Eucharistic blessing at the benediction.
In addition to the basic vestments, the servers should also know the vestments and regalia used by a bishop. In liturgical celebrations, the vestments of the bishop are the same as that of the priest. In more solemn celebrations, it is fitting that he wears the dalmatic under the chasuble especially during ordinations. The Pontifical insignia which he wears are the following: the ring, the crozier, the miter, the pectoral cross and the pallium if he has right on it.
Mitre
It is a double-pointed head-dress, with two lappets hanging at the back. It has been used by bishops since the 12th century. The ornate mitre may be adorned with embroidery or gems. The simple mitre is of plain white fabric. It is ordinarily used while:
a) sitting
b) addressing or blessing the people
c) walking in procession, (except in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament)
He does not use it at the Introductory Prayers of the Mass or Liturgy of the Hours, at the orations, the Prayer of the Faithful, Eucharistic Prayer, the Gospel, at hymns sung standing, nor in the presence of the exposed Blessed Sacrament.
Crozier (bacolo)
It is usually with a shepherd's crook at the top, is a sign of his pastoral office The bishop carries it to remind us that he is the pastor and guardian of God's people. Each bishop may use it when celebrating pontificalier, with the assent of the local bishop. If there are several bishops in a celebration, only the presiding one uses it. It is usually used while:
a) walking in procession
b) listening to the Gospel
c) preaching the homily
d) receiving the vows or professions of Faith
e) to bless persons unless imposition of hands is required
Skull Cap or zucchetto
It is the small violet cap worn by the bishop.
Pallium
It is given to the residential archbishops. They wear it above the chasuble in their jurisdictional territory when pontificating solemnly and during ordinations, the consecration of a church, dedication of an altar, blessing of an abbot, or consecration of virgins.
Cincture
This is a long cord used for fastening some albs at the waist. It is worn over the alb by the priest at Mass. It is a symbol of chastity. It is usually white in color.
Amice (optional)
This is a rectangular piece of cloth with two long ribbons attached to the top corners. The priest puts it over his shoulders, tucking it in around the neck to hide his cassock and collar. It is worn whenever the alb does not completely cover the ordinary clothing at the neck (GI 297). It is then tied around the waist. It symbolizes a helmet of salvation and a sign of resistance against temptation.
Surplice and Black Cassock
Black cassock and white surplice is worn by altar servers.
References:
- CEI Publishing. (2005). Altar server's handbook [PDF]. Retrieved from http://church.catholic.or.kr/international/images/files/Manual.pdf.
- Sacred objects and vestments [PDF]. (n.d.).
- Most of the photos used are from Holy Art, and some are from Catholic Liturgicals, Michigan Church Supply, Tmushkala, and Catholic Voices Comment.