Please arrive at least 15 minutes before Mass!

1.      Put on your server's alb (robe) and cincture (cord) and cross.

2.      Check with the Presider or Deacon Charlie to see if there is anything they would like you to do.

3.      Take processional cross and candles to the back of the church if they are not there already. Light the acolyte candles (or ask someone to help you), and be ready to begin when the Cantor welcomes everyone.

1. Line up with Cross-bearer first, at the back of the last pew. The Candle-bearers line up behind the Cross-bearer, side-by-side.
2. After the song has begun, check to see if everyone is ready.
3. Lead the procession slowly up to the altar. Take your time!!
4. Stop at the base of the sanctuary: Cross-bearer moves to the far left side; Candle-bearers move to the left or right. Wait for Priest and Deacon to reverence the altar.
5. Do not bow when you are carrying the cross or candles.
6. Go ahead of Priest  and Deacon to the Sanctuary. Cross-bearer steps up on the sanctuary platform and places the cross in the holder at the back of the sanctuary. Candle-bearers place the candles in the holders on either side of the altar then proceed to their seats.
7. All servers stand at your chairs.

1.      Cross bearer holds either small Missal or chair binder in front of the Priest.  

1.      The two candle bearers place the corporal cloth on the altar, bring up the chalice and the other communion cups, purificators (small white cloths usually next to the chalices on the credence table), and the Missal. Place the chalices and purificators on the corporal and lay the Missal on the left side.

2.      Return to your seats and wait for Priest or Deacon to go to the foot of the altar to receive the gifts.

3.      One server goes to the right of whoever is receiving the gifts and one to the left.

4.      Whoever gets the paten with the hosts on it, place that on the altar, on the corporal and then go back to get the cruet of water.

5.      Whoever gets the cruet of wine can either stand by the altar or bring the top back to the credence table and then bring the cruet up to the altar.

6.      Deacon or Priest will take the water and wine, distribute the wine into the chalices, and then pour some water into the wine in the main chalice. Remain until Priest or Deacon hands back the wine cruet and then take both water and wine cruets back to the credence table.

7.      Get the pitcher and bowl and towel and come back and stand to the right of Priest  but even with the back of the altar.

8.      When Priest puts his fingers over the bowl, pour a little water over them. When Priest dries his hands, offer your arm for him to drape the towel over, bow slightly to Priest.

9.      Take the bowl, pitcher, and towel back to the credence table.

10.  Go stand at your chairs.

1. Go behind the chairs to kneel on the kneelers.

1.      Share the Sign of Peace with Priest and Deacon if present.  Remain on the altar (don’t go to pews to exchange the sign of peace)

1.      After the Sign of Peace, bring up the communion plates to the altar.

2.      Servers then go to receive communion.

3.      After Communion is over, servers strip the altar. Fold the corporal cloth and put it under the credence table.

4.      Either put the large Missal back under the credence table or if the Priest is using the smaller Missal, hold it for prayer after communion.

1.      When Priest is ready (when he stands up or beckons), the cross bearer takes him the small Missal or goes and holds the chair binder for the Prayer after Communion and the Final Blessing.

1.      After the final blessing and dismissal and announcements.

2.      The Cross-bearer gets the cross; the Candle bearers get the candles.

3.      The Candle-bearers line up on either side of the altar. The Cross-bearer lines up to the left of the altar (as you face the altar).

4.      Priest and Deacon will bow. Remember, the altar servers do not bow when carrying the candles or cross!

1.      All servers turn and slowly lead the procession to the back of the church.

1.      Help clear the credence table if the Eucharistic Ministers have not done so.

2.      Hang up your server's alb, cincture and cross.