MINISTRY OF ALTAR SERVERS The 7 Sacraments

Pre Module – Basic Catechisms 1. Baptism

2. Holy Eucharist
3. Confirmation
The Basic Teachings of the Faith: 4. Holy Orders
5. Matrimony
4 Pillars of Faith 6. Penance
7. Anointing of the Sick
Creed

Commandments
The Prayer
Sacraments
Holy Scriptures
Prayer
Salvation History
The Creed
Traditional Prayers
I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of
heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only Lord’s Prayer
Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy
Hail Mary
Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under
Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was Glory Be
buried; he descended into hell; on the third day
Personal Prayers
he rose again from the dead; he ascended into
heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God Adoration
the Father almighty; from there he will come to
judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Contrition
Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the Thanksgiving
communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body, and life Supplication
everlasting. Amen Holy Scriptures
The 10 Commandments

1. I am the Lord thy God, thou shall have Salvation History

no other gods besides me;
2. Thou shall not take the name of the Fall of Man
Lord your God in vain;
Covenant with Noah
3. Remember to keep holy the Lord’s day
4. Honor thy Mother and Father Covenant with Abraham
5. Thou shall not kill
6. Thou shall not commit adultery; Exodus
7. Thou shall not steal;
Tribal
8. Thou shalt not bear false witness
against thy neighbor; Kingdom
9. Thou shall not covet your neighbor’s
wife; Divided Kingdom
10. Thou shall not covet your neighbor’s
Exilic
goods.
Post-Exilic
Birth Of Christ
Passion And Death Of Christ
Resurrection Of Christ
Traditional Prayers
The Lord’s Prayer
Hail Mary
Glory Be
Types of Personal Prayers
Adoration
Contrition
Thanksgiving
Supplication
Duties and Responsibilities:
To have a knowledge about the basic teachings
of the Church;
To understand the basic teachings of the
Church.
MINISTRY OF ALTAR SERVERS
Module 1 – Introduction to the Ministry of Altar
Servers
Being an Altar Server you are called a minister,
a person who serves the parish community. As a
minister, you should assist the community to
celebrate the sacred liturgy, which is to serve
God. You are mainly serving the priest to lead
the community to God in prayer which is the
work of the priests. You appear in public, but
you are never a performer. By your faithful duty,
you remain always a servant of God in your
Parish. Blessed John Paul II said “you are far
more than ‘helpers of the priest’. Above all, you
are servants of Jesus the Eternal high Priest.”
Basic Prayers
Lord’s Prayer
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come, your will be done, on
earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our
daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we
forgive those who trespass against us. And lead
us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Amen.
Hail Mary
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you;
blessed are you among women, and blessed is
the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary,
Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at
the hour of our death. Amen.
Glory Be
Glory be to the Father and of the Son and of the
Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning is now and
ever shall be. Amen.
Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of
heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only
Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy
Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under
Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was
buried; he descended into hell; on the third day
he rose again from the dead; he ascended into
heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God
the Father almighty; from there he will come to
judge the living and the dead. I believe in the
Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the
communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body, and life
everlasting. Amen
What is an Altar Server? Identity:
In the same manner as the Ministries of Lectors
& Holy Communion, the Ministry of Altar
Servers are appointed on a temporary basis,
thus they are commissioned, rather than
instituted.
Altar Servers are not to be confused with the
instituted acolytes. In the Dioceses of the
Philippines, these ministers are to be referred as
Altar Servers. (i.e., not sacristans, acolytes, or
knights of the altar)
The primary role of the Altar Servers is to assist
the priest in the celebration of the liturgy,
especially during Mass. This is done through
specific actions and by setting an example to the
congregation by active participation.
There is nothing that prevents girls from
becoming Altar Servers however, for practical
reasons, and as a venue to attract vocations to
the priesthood; it is highly recommended that
boys are appointed for this ministry.
Ideals of an Altar Server:
Reverence – Reverence for God and for sacred
objects is most important when they serve.
Reverent actions, peaceful and dignified
behavior and gestures should be seen by the
people when you stand at the sanctuary, for this
adds solemnity to the celebration of the liturgy
and contribute to the active participation of all.
Discipline – With good training and proper
discipline, the rituals and ceremonies of the
liturgy can be carried out in an orderly and
solemn manner. But, as always, training involves
discipline. Discipline among Altar Servers is
expected in the following:
During the celebration of the liturgy, especially
the mass
As they actively participate in the celebration;
As they avoid unnecessary movements that may
cause distraction to others;
As they pay attention to every part of the Mass,
at the same time being aware of the
responsibilities and tasks;
As they avoid loitering and congregating in the
sacristy or other places around the church;
As they work diligently with other lay liturgical
ministers and even with priests
Outside of the celebration
In their relationship with others, especially with
their family, friends, classmates and other
persons whom they encounter;
In their care and concern, respect and
reverence for the materials they use for the
celebration of the liturgy, as well as the church
and its other areas (e.g. sacristy);
In their respect for their elders;
In their willingness to undergo on-going
formation and training.
Decorum – decorum means “what is proper.”
Decorum requires a sense of dignity. Servers
should not only do their work well, they should
not just train well, they should, likewise, have a
neat and tidy appearance since this adds to the
dignity and beauty of the liturgical celebrations.
This is shown in the following ways:
By keeping their uniforms neat and clean at all
times, especially as they wear it during liturgical
celebrations;
By being groomed;
By moving in dignified manner, with confidence
and reverence for the liturgical celebration.
Piety – Piety does not mean they look holy
whenever they serve at the altar. It means that
they carry within themselves a great love for
God and his people, even if they are not serving
in the Church. Piety involves:
A good prayer life;
A special love for Jesus in the Blessed
Sacrament;
A devotion to the Blessed Mother;
A deep love for the Eucharist and other
Sacraments;
Reading the Bible and learning from it
Brotherhood – An Altar Server has an attitude
of team-work, in serving you should understand
that you are a part of a larger group. Always
remember that in serving you should be united
in the service of God. Brotherhood involves:
Witnessing – a life of witnessing that involves
Doing good to others at all times;
Being faithful to their responsibilities, not only
in the church, but in their families, in School, in
other places;
By avoiding bad habits and vices;
By being good example to others.
Teamwork – Serving at the altar is never a solo
task. It is always done as a team of brothers.
This is shown in the following ways.
By being aware of their own responsibility and
the responsibility of other ministers as well;
By helping each other, being friendly and kind,
not proud, boastful or competitive.
By welcoming newcomers and teaching them
patiently;
By praying together with other ministers before
and after liturgical celebrations;
By being a brother to their fellow servers.
Roles and functions of an Altar Servers
To assist ministers of higher rank during the
liturgical celebrations, especially the Mass,
namely:
Instituted Acolytes;
Deacons;
Priests;
The Bishop.
To work together with other lay liturgical
ministers in the preparation and celebration of
the liturgy, especially the Mass, namely:
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion;
Lectors and Commentators;
Ushers, Greeters, and Collectors;
Music Ministry
Sacristans
Altar Server Facts:
Altar Server’s Motto: SERVE THE LORD WITH
GLADNESS
Altar Server’s Patron Saints: Tarcisius – August
15
St. Pedro Calungsod – April 2
Altar Servers’ Pledge:
LORD, Here I am, all yours, ready to serve you, I
shall strive hard to be faithful to my duty of
serving at the Mass and of helping the Church. I
shall strive to be a good example to all and to
help my fellow Christians respect your home.
May I be your loyal Servant as an Altar Server
with the Help of Mary, Our Lady of Beautiful
Love, my mother and my model. AMEN. Duties
and Responsibilities:
To be faithful in attending meetings and
formation programs of the parish, vicariate or
diocese.
MINISTRY OF ALTAR SERVERS
Module 2 – The Liturgy
 The word “LITURGY” came from a Greek word
which means “public duty”, a service, and a
public organization. Its original meaning was
some public action. When the word was
adopted by the Church to describe her public
“services” of worship its meaning changed. In
Christian liturgy we are not talking about what
we do but what God does. The Vatican council
points out so clearly, the liturgy is the action of
Jesus Christ, an action of eternal worship in
which he involves us, the members of his
mystical body, the church. Kinds of liturgical
observance:
Solemnity – the days of great importance to the
Church, including all Sundays, this begin in the
evening of the preceding day, which has a
special vigil Mass for some solemnities.
Feast – celebrated within the limits of a
calendar day.
Memorial – a feast within the limits of the day
which are either obligatory (M), or optional (m)
Ferial – a day where there is an optional
memorial and the priest may select a mass of
his choice, unless otherwise directed by the
calendar.
Mother of God. 2) The Solemnity of the
epiphany until the feast of the Baptism of the
lord.
Lent – A 40 days giving of ourselves to prayer
and penance, to hearing the word of God and to
acts of charity. In this season we prepare for the
Easter and recall the grace of our Baptism. It
runs from Ash Wednesday until the Mass of the
Lord’s Supper.
Easter Triduum – the three days of the Passion,
Death, and Resurrection of Christ. This is the
highest point of the year. This begins on the
Mass of the Lord’s Supper and reaches until the
Easter vigil.
Easter – This season has 50 days celebration of
the rising of Christ from the dead. Starting from
the Easter vigil until Pentecost. These days are
called as feast days but Easter Octave for the 8
days after Easter Sunday.
Ordinary Time – A season of growth in our faith.
This season has 2 parts: 1) the Sunday of the
baptism of the Lord until Ash Wednesday. 2)
and the Pentecost Sunday until the Feast of
Christ the King.
The Liturgical Colors:

The Liturgical Seasons:

White – The color of Joy, and Glory of God. Used
during the seasons of Christmas and Easter and
the feasts of the Lord, Blessed Virgin Mary,
Advent – The beginning of the church’s
Saints who are not Martyrs, and the angels.
calendar. This celebrates the two-fold coming of
Christ (Incarnation and Final Judgment). With Violet – The sign penance and for mourning.
Christian joy we celebrate his first coming. In Used during the seasons of Advent and Lent,
Christian hope we await his second coming. This and for the Masses for the Dead.
season lasts for four weeks, including the 9 days
Red – The sign of the blood of Christ or the fire
of Simbang Gabi. The season starts from the
of the Holy Spirit. Used for the Palm Sunday,
Sunday after Christ the King and ends the eve of
Good Friday, Pentecost, and the Martyred
Christ’s birth.
saints.
Christmas – the season which celebrates the
Green – The symbol of Good Harvest and
birth of Christ, The Incarnation, and God
Growth in our Faith. Used for the Ordinary Time
became man. This season has 2 focal points: 1)
The Christmas Day until the solemnity of Mary,
Rose – The symbol of rejoicing for a great feast
coming. Used during the 3rd Sunday of Advent
and 4th Sunday of Lent.
Gold – The Symbol of Kingship of Christ to the
World. Used during the feast of Christ the King
and other Special Feast.
Blue – The Symbol of the humbleness of Mary.
Used for the significant Feast of Mary
Duties and Responsibilities
To be faithful in attending to their duties in
serving at all liturgical celebrations;
To arrive at least 30 minutes before their
appointed duty. This is meant for the following
purposes:
Preparation of all liturgical materials they use
for celebration;
Review final instructions especially for more
complicated rites or ceremonies included in
special liturgical celebrations
Personal and group prayers
To be present during practice and training
sessions for special celebrations with more
complicated styles for serving. In this case, the
rule, No Practice-No service, must be applied.
To assist in other liturgical celebrations, such as
baptisms, weddings, funeral masses or
blessings, etc.;
To notify the Ministry coordinator if they will
not be able to attend to their schedules. They
are also expected to look for their replacement
during the said schedule.
MINISTRY OF ALTAR SERVERS
Module 3 – The Mass
As an Altar Server, it is important for each
server to know the structure of the Mass. It is
not merely a matter of knowing “what comes
next” but of understanding the meaning of each
part of the Holy Mass. The Mass itself is an
action moving steadily forward to its supreme
moments, when Heaven and Earth meet in the
great mystery of the Altar. Parts of the Mass:
INTRODUCTORY RITES:
Entrance Hymn – a hymn which opens the
celebration and accompanies the procession of
the priest and the ministers to the Altar. It is
sung, to deepen our unity together and to
introduce us to the mystery of the season or
feast.
Veneration of the Altar – It is done by the clergy
after the Entrance Hymn. As the sign of Christ,
center of the Church and of the Eucharistic body
the altar is shown reverence by the 3 traditional
gestures: the bow or the customary reverence ,
the kiss, and the incensation(when incense is
used)
Greeting – The presider greets the assembly
which is a reminder of the unity of the Church in
God’s grace.
Penitential Rite – It invites us to be sorry for all
our sins, and takes away all our venial sins
which do not need absolution in private
confession. We come to God in a spirit of
contrition, so that we may be worthy in
celebrating the Eucharist.
Gloria – An ancient hymn of praise sung or
recited in solemnities (except Advent and Lent)
and appropriate feasts.
Opening Prayer – An invitation to prayer and a
time of silent prayer. On behalf of the people
the priest offers the prayer to God and thus the
people respond “AMEN”
LITURGY OF THE WORD:
First Reading – A reading coming from either
the Old or New Testament which expresses the
mood of the celebration
Responsorial Psalm – A responsory that
continues the mood of the 1st The Responsory
is made by the people as their prayer and the
Cantor makes the psalm the main prayer.
Second Reading – A Reading taken from the
New Testament which is not the Gospel and said
only during Solemnities.
Alleluia/Gospel Proclamation – A joyous
welcome to the Holy Gospel
Homily – An explanation, Proclamation of the
readings of the Liturgy
Creed – The profession of Faith as a follower to
the teachings of Christ in the Church
Prayers of the Faithful – The offertory of the
petitions of the community before God.
LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST:
Offertory – The people offers the works of their
hands to God.
Prayer over the Gifts – The priest raises up the
offerings to God.
Sanctus – The people praises the Holy Trinity,
“Holy, holy”
Acclamation and Anamnesis – The faithful
proclaims the mystery of faith and remember
the death and resurrection of Christ made
present through the Eucharist.
Lord’s Prayer – The people recites the prayer
Jesus taught the Church.
Rite of Peace – The people beg for the peace
and unity of the Church
Agnus Dei – The people asks God to take away
the sins of the world.
Communion – The priest and other Ministers
distributes the Eucharist to the people.
Prayer after Communion – On behalf of the
people the priest offers a Thanksgiving prayer to
God and thus the people respond “AMEN”
CONCLUDING RITE:
Final Blessing – A blessing that the presider
gives to the people, which concludes the Mass
in the power of the Holy Trinity, by making the
Sign of the Cross which is the sign of Faith.
Dismissal – The presider or the Deacon sends
the people to serve love to others.
Duties and Responsibilities
To be faithful in attending to their duties in
serving at the Mass.
To arrive at least 30 minutes before their
appointed duty.
To notify their coordinator if they will not be
able to attend to their schedules. They are also
expected to look for their replacement during
the said schedule.
To have a knowledge of the parts of the Mass
and the importance of each, as well as an
understanding of their particular roles and
responsibilities
MINISTRY OF ALTAR SERVERS
Module 4 – The Church
An Altar Server must know and understand
every part of the church he is moving in and
treat it with utmost respect, this also extends
until the home. A church is a building that was
constructed to allow people to meet to worship
together. The Narthex:
Baptismal Font – a fixture used for the baptism
of children and adults.
The Nave: To have a knowledge of the parts of the church
and know its functions for the spirituality of the
Church.
Pew – a long bench seat or enclosed box, used
To ensure the care and maintenance of the
for seating members of the congregation of the
church.
Church.

The Sanctuary:
MINISTRY OF ALTAR SERVERS

Altar – The large, high table located at the

center of the sanctuary where most of the Module 5 – The Holy Vessels and Vestments
actions of the Liturgy of the Eucharist take
place.
An Altar Server must know all the vessels he
Lectern – The small, high table located at either
holds and hold it with care. He should also know
side of the sanctuary, where the readings from
all the vestments he and the clergy is wearing
the Liturgy of the Word is read.
every Mass. The Vessels:
Tabernacle – A small box, in which the Body or
the Blood of Christ may be kept when the Mass
is not said. Ciborium – The cup-like vessel with a lid, this
contains the hosts that will be used for the Holy
Tabernacle Lamp – The lamp that lights the
Communion. It can also be used for the
tabernacle, this signifies that there is a Eucharist
reserved hosts to be put in the Tabernacle.
inside the Tabernacle.
Chalice – The cup used to hold the wine which
Presider’s chair – The chair in which only the
will become the blood of Christ during the Mass
Priest or the bishop may sit whether during the
Mass or outside the Mass. Patten – The saucer-like dish which usually
matches the Chalice. It holds the bread which
Credence Table – A small table on which is
will become the body of Christ
placed the vessels for the Liturgy of the
Eucharist. Pall – The stiff, square, white cover that is
placed over the Patten when it is on the Chalice
Altar Candles – Two candles lit during the mass,
and over the Chalice during the Mass.
it signifies that Christ is the light of the world
Corporal – A white, linen napkin on which the
Paschal Candle – A very large candle placed
Eucharistic Vessels is placed during the Mass. It
beside the Lectern during the Easter Season and
is folded into small squares about the size of the
below the Sanctuary during Baptisms and
Pall.
Funerals.
Purificator – A triple-folded rectangular, white
Holy Icons – The Pictures or statues of Jesus
cloth used to cleanse the chalice after the
Christ, the Blessed Virgin Mary or other Saints.
Communion.
Sanctuary Bell – The bell located near the altar,
Finger Towel – A small cloth used by the Priests
it may be in the Sanctuary or inside the Sacristy.
and the Eucharistic Ministers in distributing the
Duties and Responsibilities: Communion and by the Bishops in
administering the Sacraments of Confirmation
and Holy Orders.
Cruets – The two small pitchers which contains
the water and wine offered during the Mass
Communion Plate – A plate with a handle used
by an Altar Server in catching a Eucharistic
Crumbs.
Sanctus Bell – A hand bell which is rung during
the Mass.
Sacramentary – A book on which the volume of
Presidential prayers and the order of the rites
connected with the mass are located.
Lectionary – A Liturgical book that holds the
readings used during the liturgy of the Word in
the Mass.
Gospel Book – A book that holds the Sunday
and Solemnity Gospels
Pitcher and Basin – Used to hold and catch the
water for the washing of the hands of the
presider.
Pyx – A pocket watch-shaped case in which it
holds the Holy Communion to be given to the
sick in the Community outside the celebration
of the Mass.
Processional Cross – The crucifix mounted on a
tall pole which is carried during processions
Processional Candles – The two candles
mounted on a tall pole which is carried during
processions
Monstrance – A large ornate vessel used to hold
the Blessed Sacrament during Its Public
Exposition.
Lunette – A thin, circular receptacle which holds
the Blessed Sacrament when exposed in the
Monstrance.
Oil Stocks – A metal cylinder, with
compartments for sacramental oils.
Aspergillum – The bush form or hollow bulb
sprinkler which contains a sponge, and has an
openings to sprinkle drops of Holy Water to the
people.
Thurible – A metal container with a lid which is
extended from chains, in which charcoal and
incense is burned. It is also called censer.
Incense Boat – A small metal container which
holds the incense to be put into the Thurible.
The Vestments:
Cassock – A long outer garment worn by the
Clergy and by Altar Servers.
Alb – A long, white, dress-like vestment which is
used by the Clergy and the Seminarians.
Cincture – A long cord used to fasten the Alb at
the waist to hold it in place and adjust it to
proper length
Stole – A long colored cloth ornately decorated
worn by the priest around his neck, letting it
hang down in front, and worn by the deacon
over his right shoulder and fastened on his left
side like a sash. Its Color varies according to the
season or feast.
Chasuble – The outer vestment worn over the
stole and alb. Its Color varies according to the
season or feast.
Dalmatic – A loose fitting robe with open sides
and wide sleeves worn by deacons.
Cope – A large semi-circular cloak, held at the
front by a clasp or band of fabric. It is used
during benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.
Humeral Vail – A large shawl, worn around the
shoulders while carrying the Blessed Sacrament
during the benediction and Eucharistic
Procession.
Surplice – A wide- sleeved garment, slipped
over the head, covering the shoulders, and
coming down below the Knees. It is worn over
the Cassock.
Mitre – A double-pointed head-dress, with two
lappets hanging at the back. It is used by the
Bishops.
Crozier – A staff with a shepherd’s crook at the
top, this is a sign of his pastoral office.
Pectoral Cross – The Bishop’s cross necklace. It
is worn under his chasuble and the dalmatic,
under the cope but above the mozeta.
Bishop’s Ring – The ring worn by the Bishop at
all times as a sign that he is wedded to Christ in
the service of the Church.
Zucchetto – The Violet cap worn by the Bishop,
Purple cap for the Arch Bishop, Red cap for the
Cardinals and white for the Pope.
Pallium – A vestment given by the pope to a
residential Arch Bishop. They wear it above
their chasuble in their jurisdictional territory.
Attire and Decorum
Attire –The recommended uniform for the
Ministry of Altar Servers are the following:
Cassock and Surplice (cape for special occations)
Plain white undershirt (when serving should be
tucked in);
Black pants (no denim);
Black / white socks;
Black leather shoes;
Insignia, such as pins and Cross
Personal grooming- Before serving, Altar Servers
must come to church with presentable decorum
and proper grooming. This includes the
following:
Appropriate haircut (2 X 3 hair cut)’
With no artificial hair color or unnatural
hairstyles;
Clean hands and neatly trimmed fingernails;
Mustache must be clean-shaven( for older
servers only)
No jewelry;
Basic hygiene is indispensable
Duties and Responsibilities:
To have a knowledge of the vessels they are to
use for the celebration of the liturgy, as well as
the proper use of these, including , but not
limited to the following:
Liturgical Vestments
Sacred Vessels
Altar Linen
To ensure the care and maintenance of vessels
used for the celebration of the liturgy, including,
but not limited to the following:
Processional cross;
Thurible and boat;
Bells;
MINISTRY OF ALTAR SERVERS
Module 6 – The Basic Postures and Gestures
An Altar Server must know and understand
every posture appropriate for the ceremony.
And he should also know all the actions that
should be done in every part of the Mass. As a
Server you should know when to move, walk
and to bow. The Hands:
Your hands must always be clean, with clean
fingernails. Wash them before you serve for you
will handle things which are holy.
Joined hands are held before the breast at 45
degrees, palms together, fingers extended,
thumbs crossed, right over left.
When one of your hands is occupied, place the
other hand open on your breast.
When seated, put your hands on your knees.
Standing:
not like a spring, that is, quickly. Nor slowly
(with exception to medical issues).
Double Genuflect – starts from the single
genuflection position. This genuflection involved
both knees planted on the ground, the servers’
hands still in the orans position (unless carrying
an object) and a moderate bow is made.
Bowing:

An altar Server’s head should be kept straight.

The body is relaxed but erect, shoulders back.
The feet are together. The hands are together
before the breast at 45 degrees, palms together,
fingers extended, thumbs crossed, right over
left.
Walking:
Shoulder Bow – both the head and the
shoulders moves as one action. Bow only
slightly forward
Waist Bow – both the head and the shoulder
move together but with the bending of the
waist.

While walking, walk solemnly, dignified and

deliberately. Know where to go and walk there
with head straight, shoulders back, and hand
held properly.

Sitting:

When sitting, keep back straight and tall. The

hand should be placed at the lap. The feet
should be flat on the ground.

Kneeling:

When kneeling, allow the body weight be

equally distributed on both knees. Leave the
feet uncrossed and keep the hands in praying
position.

Genuflecting:

Single Genuflecting – One goes down on their

right knee, keeping the left one upright, from a
standing position. The server gets back up, but