ALTAR

SERVER
TRAINING
MANUAL
Adapted from Philippine Ministry
of Altar Servers
Revised Edition 2019
ALTAR KNIGHTS OF MARY
IMMACULATE CONCEPTION

“AMARE ET SERVIRE
DOMINO”
TO LOVE AND SERVE THE LORD

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 1
FAITH AND IT’S
PILLARS

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 AMARE

(First, ask them why they are here on earth.)

 For what purpose are we here on earth?

We are here on earth in order to know and to love God, to

do good according to his will, and to
go someday to heaven. [1-3, 358] [YOUCAT 1]

 Why did God create us?

God created us out of free and unselfish love. [1-3]

When a man loves, his heart overflows. He would like to
share his joy with others. He gets this from his Creator.
Although God is a mystery, we can still think about him in
a human way and say: Out of the “surplus” of his love he
created us. He wanted to share his endless joy with us, who
are creatures of his love. [YOUCAT 2]

 Why do we seek God?

God has placed in our hearts a longing to seek and find him.
St. Augustine says, “You have made us for yourself, and our
heart is restless until it rests in you.” We call this longing
for God →RELIGION (We can understand religion generally to
mean a relationship to what is divine.). [27-30] [YOUCAT 3]

 How can we respond to God when he speaks to us?

To respond to God means to believe him. [142-149]

Anyone who wants to believe needs a heart that is ready to

listen (see 1 Kings 3:9). In many ways God seeks contact with
us. In every human encounter, in every moving experience of
nature, in every apparent coincidence, in every challenge,

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every suffering, there is a hidden message from God to us. He
speaks even more clearly to us when he turns to us in his
Word or in the voice of our conscience. He addresses us as
friends. Therefore we, too, should respond as friends and
believe him, trust him completely, learn to understand him
better and better, and accept his will without reservation.

 Faith, what is it?

Faith is knowledge and trust (YOUCAT). Faith is the power by

which we assent to God, acknowledge his truth, and commit
ourselves personally to him (YOUCAT 307).

Faith is the path created by God leading to the truth that is

God himself. Because Jesus is “the way, and the truth, and
the life” (Jn 14:6), this faith cannot be merely an attitude
or “confidence” about something or other, you have to believe.

The word “believe”, however, has two completely different

meanings. If a parachutist asks the clerk at the airport, “Is
the parachute packed safely?” and the other man answers
casually, “Hmm, I believe so”, then that will not be enough
for him; he would like to know it for sure. But if he has
asked a friend to pack the parachute, then the friend will
answer the same question by saying, “Yes, I did it personally.
You can trust me!” And to that the parachutist will reply,
“Yes, I believe you.” This belief is much more than knowing;
it means assurance.

PILLARS OF FAITH (Prayer, Creed, Commandments, Sacraments)

 What is prayer?

Prayer is turning the heart toward God. When a person prays,

he enters into a living relationship with God. [2558-2565]

Prayer is the great gate leading into faith. Someone who prays
no longer lives on his own, for himself, and by his own
strength. He knows there is a God to whom he can talk. People
who pray entrust themselves more and more to God. Even now
they seek union with the one whom they will encounter one day

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face to face. Therefore, the effort to pray daily is part of
Christian life. Of course, one cannot learn to pray in the
same way one learns a technique. As strange as it sounds,
prayer is a gift one obtains through prayer. [YOUCAT 468]

 What prompts a person to pray?

We pray because we are full of an infinite longing and God

has created us men for himself. We pray also because we need
to.

 What are the characteristics of Christian Prayer?

Christian prayer is prayer in the attitude of faith, hope,

and charity. It is persevering and resigns itself to the will
of God. [YOUCAT 493]
 Simple Formula in Praying: A.C.T.S.
o Adoration
o Contrition
o Thanksgiving
o Supplication
(Let us pray)
 How do we pray?
(At this point, group them into 9 groups. Give them 9
scripture stories and let them discover how the 9 biblical
characters prayed.)

1. Abel (Genesis 4:1-5) - Abel teaches us that prayer is

offering God our best (through a sacrificial lamb).
2. Noah (Genesis 9:1-16)- Noah teaches us that prayer is
thanking the Lord for all his blessings.
3. Abraham (Genesis 12:1-2) - Abraham teaches us that praying
is listening to God and readiness to make a new start
(Exodus).
4. Isaac (Hebrew 10:6-7) - Isaac teaches us that prayer is
to offer our life in sacrifice to God.
5. Moses (Exodus 33:11a) - Praying means “speaking with God”.
(Moses (Exodus 32:31-32) - Moses teaches us that prayer
is intercession.

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6. Jacob (Genesis 32:27) - Jacob teaches us that prayer is
like a spiritual fighting with God.
7. David (Psalm 149:1-3) - David teaches is that prayer is
blessing the Lord by singing and dancing. (To bless the
Lord is to speak well of his greatness and goodness — and
really mean it from the depths of your soul.)
8. Solomon (Song of Songs 3:4) - Solomon teaches is that
prayer is a love song.
9. Mary (Luke 1:38) - The Virgin Mary teaches us that prayer
is to always say “Yes” to the will of God.
10. Jesus - Jesus’ life was one single prayer.

 What is the highest form of prayer?

The Eucharistic Celebration is the greatest and highest act

of prayer, and constitutes the center and the source from
which even the other forms receive "nourishment": Liturgy of
the Hours, Eucharistic adoration, Lectio Divina, Holy Rosary,
meditation. All these expressions of prayer, which have their
center in the Eucharist, fulfil the words of Jesus in the
priest's day and in all his life: "I am the good shepherd; I
know my own and my own know me, as the Father knows me and I
know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep" (Jn
10: 14-15).

 Is it enough to pray when you feel like praying?

No. Someone who prays only when he feels like it does not
take God seriously and will leave off praying. Prayer thrives
on faithfulness. [2650] [YOUCAT 490]

 Can you learn to pray from the Bible?

The →BIBLE is like a wellspring of prayer. To pray with the

Word of God means to use the words and events of the Bible
for one’s own prayer. “To be ignorant of Scripture is to be
ignorant of Christ” (St. Jerome). [2652-2653]

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Sacred Scripture, especially the Psalms and the →NEW
TESTAMENT, are a valuable treasury; in it we find the most
beautiful and most powerful prayers of the Judeo-Christian
world. Reciting these prayers unites us with millions of
people from all times and cultures who have prayed, but above
all with Christ himself, who is present in all these prayers.
[YOUCAT 491]

 What is a Bible?

Basic Information Before Leaving Earth

“Bible” (Latin biblia = scrolls, books) is what Jews and

Christians call a collection of Sacred
Scriptures that came into being over a period of more than
one thousand years and is for them the charter of their
faith. The Christian Bible is considerably more extensive
than the Jewish Bible, because besides their Scriptures it
also contains the four Gospels, the letters of St. Paul,
and other writings of the early Church.

“The Bible is God’s love letter to us.” (SØREN KIERKEGAARD)

 Books of the Bible (73 Books)

OLD TESTAMENT (46 Books)

The Historical Books
Genesis (Gen), Exodus (Ex), Leviticus (Lev), Numbers (Num),
Deuteronomy (Deut), Joshua (Josh), Judges (Judg), Ruth
(Ruth), 1 Samuel (1 Sam), 2 Samuel (2 Sam), 1 Kings (1 Kings),
2 Kings (2 Kings), 1 Chronicles (1 Chron), 2 Chronicles (2
Chron), Ezra (Ezra), Nehemiah (Neh), Tobit (Tob), Judith
(Jud), Esther (Esther), 1 Maccabees (1 Mac), 2 Maccabees (2
Mac) The Wisdom Books, Job (Job), Psalms (Ps), Proverbs
(Prov), Ecclesiastes (Eccles), Song of Solomon (Song), Wisdom
(Wis), Sirach / Ecclesiasticus (Sir)
The Prophets
Isaiah (Is), Jeremiah (Jer), Lamentations (Lam), Baruch
(Bar), Ezekiel (Ezek), Daniel (Dan), Hosea (Hos), Joel
(Joel), Amos (Amos), Obadiah (Obad), Jonah (Jon), Micah

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(Mic), Nahum (Nahum), Habakkuk (Hab), Zephaniah (Zeph),
Haggai (Hag), Zechariah (Zech), Malachi (Mal)

NEW TESTAMENT (27 Books)

The Gospels
Matthew (Mt), Mark (Mk), Luke (Lk), John (Jn)
The Acts of the Apostles (Acts)
The Letters of St. Paul
Romans (Rom), 1 Corinthians (1 Cor), 2 Corinthians (2 Cor),
Galatians (Gal), Ephesians (Eph), Philippians (Phil),
Colossians (Col), 1 Thessalonians (1 Thess), 2 Thessalonians
(2 Thess), 1 Timothy (1 Tim), 2 Timothy (2 Tim), Titus (Tit),
Philemon (Philem), Hebrews (Heb)
The Catholic Letters
James (Jas), 1 Peter (1 Pet), 2 Peter (2 Pet), 1 John (1 Jn),
2 John (2 Jn), 3 John (3 Jn), Jude (Jude), Revelation /
Apocalypse (Rev)

 Is Sacred Scripture true? Who is the author?

“The books of Scripture firmly, faithfully, and without error
teach [the] truth. . . . Written under the inspiration of the
Holy Spirit, they have God as their author” (Second Vatican
Council, DV 11). [103-107] [YOUCAT 14]

Through His Word, he speaks to us. Therefore, again, we

respond by believing in Him.

(Gospel Sharing: John 1:1)

(Do “Listen to the Word”)

Reflection: Words are powerful –And God said, "Let there be

light," and there was light (Genesis 1:3). This power can be
related to journalism. Journalism's mission is to proclaim
the truth that is good, meaning they spread good news. God
gave this good news to us – Jesus. And now Jesus wants us to
"Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.”
(Mark 16:15). God granted the power of words to us we are now
challenged to use this as a sword. A sword can either help or
hurt according to its purpose. That is why, if we want to be
Jesus-like, we have to use our words to help and heal than

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harm and humiliate. And most of all, we have to spread the
truth.

(Proceed to creeds using “and that is why we have creeds to

instill the truth in our thoughts, words, and deeds” or do
“Affirmation” then creeds.)
 What are creeds?

→CREEDS are brief formulas of faith that make it possible for

all believers to make a common profession. [185-188, 192-197]
[YOUCAT 26]

 Why does the faith require definitions and formulas?

Faith is not about empty words but about reality. [YOUCAT 25]

 The Apostles’ Creed

I believe in God, the Father he ascended into heaven,

almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ,
God's 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 to the dead.
On the third day he rose
again;
he is seated at the right
hand of the Father,
and 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 the life everlasting.
Amen.

Let the Creed be like a mirror for you. Look at yourself in it to

see whether you really believe all that you claim to believe. And
rejoice every day in your faith. (ST. AUGUSTINE)

Everything we have talked about is a manifestation of love

– God’s love and our love for God. That is why God tests of

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faith to prove that we truly love Him no matter what
happens.

 The 10 Commandments

1. I am the Lord thy God, thou shall have no other gods

besides me;
2. Thou shall not take the name of the Lord your God in
vain;
3. Remember to keep holy the Lord’s day
4. Honor thy Mother and Father
5. Thou shall not kill
6. Thou shall not commit adultery;
7. Thou shall not steal;
8. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy
neighbor;
9. Thou shall not covet your neighbor’s wife;
10. Thou shall not covet your neighbor’s goods.

The first five represent your love for God and the last
five represent your love for others.

(In your level, as youth and altar server, how can you be able to
go against the commandments: “Acknowledgement of Sins”)

 Jesus’ Commandment

Jesus said to him, “You shall love the Lord, your God, with
all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.
This is the greatest and the first commandment. The second is
like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. The whole
law and the prophets depend on these two commandments.”
(Matthew 22:34-40)

 What is sin?

It is the failure of loving God and loving others. This is

manifested in a disregard for his commandments.

Note that when you’re in love, you are happy. “Teacher, what
. . . must I do to have eternal life?” (Mt 19:16). Jesus says,

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“If you would enter life, keep the commandments” (Mt 19:17).
Then he adds, “and come, follow me” (Mt 19:21). Real happiness
is found in Christ and in his everlasting love. But through
sin, we become lonely and unhappy.

 Why do we sin?

Freedom is the God-given power to be able to act of one’s own

accord. God created us as free men and wills our freedom so
that we might decide wholeheartedly in favor of the good. The
more we do what is good, the freer we become. Choosing evil
does not define freedom but rather destroys our freedom
entirely, yet people keep choosing it.

 If God is all-knowing and all-powerful, why does he not

prevent evil?

“God allows evil only so as to make something better result

from it” (St. Thomas Aquinas).

 Did God will the death of his only Son?

Jesus was “delivered up according to the definite plan and
foreknowledge of God” (Acts 2:23). So that we children of
sin and death might have life, the Father in heaven “made
him to be sin who knew no sin” (2 Cor 5:21). [YOUCAT 98]

(Even without visually seeing Jesus, His works and presence

continues among us through the liturgy.)

 What is liturgy?

→LITURGY is the official divine worship of the →CHURCH.

[1077-1112]

(from greek leiturgia = public work, service, achievement by

and for the people): In the Christian Tradition, liturgy means
that the People of god participate in the “work of God”. The
centerpiece of liturgical celebrations is the Holy Eucharist;
the other liturgies—for example, the celebration of other

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sacraments, devotions, blessings, processions, and the
Liturgy of the Hours—are ordered to it.

 What is the essence of every liturgy?

→LITURGY is always, in the first place, communion or

fellowship with Jesus Christ. Every liturgy, not just the
celebration of the Eucharist, is an Easter in miniature. Jesus
reveals his passage from death to life and celebrates it with
us.

 What is a sacrament?
Sacraments are holy, visible signs instituted by Christ of an
invisible reality (sacred signs), in which Christians can
experience the healing, forgiving, nourishing, strengthening
presence of God that enables them to love in turn; this is
possible because God’s grace works in the sacraments.

(“Paint me a Picture” can be done.)

 The 7 Sacraments
1. Baptism
2. Holy Eucharist
3. Confirmation
4. Holy Orders
5. Matrimony
6. Penance
7. Anointing of the Sick

 Why do we need sacraments in the first place?

We need →SACRAMENTS in order to outgrow our petty human life

and to become like Jesus through Jesus: children of God in
freedom and glory. [1129]

 In Baptism, the fallen children of men become cherished

children of God;
 Through →CONFIRMATION the weak become strong, committed
Christians;
 Through Penance the guilty are reconciled;

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  Through the →EUCHARIST the hungry become bread for
others;
 Through Matrimony and Holy Orders individualists become
servants of love;
 Through the Anointing of the Sick the despairing become
people of confidence.

(The sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist are called

Sacraments of Initiation. We say that receiving these sacraments
“initiates” one into the life of the Church.)

The sacrament in all the sacraments is Christ himself. In him

we men, lost in selfishness, grow and mature into the true
Life that has no end.

~~~

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 2
BEING AN ALTAR
SERVER

SERVIRE

 “Why are you here?”

Amare et servire Domino (To love and serve the Lord).

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Since we have been “saved by grace through faith (Ephesians
2:8-9)”, we serve him. We don’t serve God out of guilt or
fear or even duty but out of love, joy and deep gratitude for
what he’s done for us. We owe him our lives. We serve because
we are saved. “So use your body to honor God” (1 Corinthians
6:20).

Introduction to the Altar Serving

Being an Altar Server, you are called a minister, a

person who serves the parish community. As a minister, you
are to assist the community to celebrate the sacred liturgy,
a way of serving God and His people. You are mainly serving
the priest because leading the community to God in prayer
through the Holy Eucharist is the work of priests.
Altar servers are a vital part of the liturgical
ministry. They are vital because altar servers perform not
just a functional role but a symbolic role and symbolism is
the language of worship. Their actions in the Mass are
symbolic of much more than you think and the way they serve
can lead people closer to God.
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.”

 What is an Altar Server?

 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 lay ministers are to be referred
as Altar Servers. (i.e., not sacristans, acolytes,
or knights of the altar)

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  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.

 Being 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 contributes to the solemnity to the
celebration of the liturgy and 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 must
be observed:
 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;

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  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; and
 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 train and work well, they should, likewise,
have a neat and tidy appearance since this adds
to the dignity and beauty of the liturgical
celebrations.
 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.
 Brotherhood – An Altar Server has an attitude of
teamwork, 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.

(Read Scripture and do “Washing of the Feet”: John 13:1-20)

Being an altar server is being a leader. And to Jesus, leading

is serving. He asked us to serve and love one another,
therefore we must serve and love one another. Through this
you become effective leaders. A little sacrifice won’t hurt.
How about you, what will you have to sacrifice as an altar
server?

 Roles and functions of an Altar Servers

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  To assist during the liturgical celebrations,
especially the Mass (Instituted Acolytes, Deacons
Priests, Bishop).
 To work together with other lay liturgical
ministers in the preparation and celebration of
the liturgy, especially the Mass (Extraordinary
Ministers of Holy Communion, Lectors and
Commentators, Ushers, Greeters, and Collectors,
Music Ministry, Sacristans)

 Sacristan
(from latin sacer= sacred) A sacristan is an officer charged
with care of the sacristy, the church, and their contents.

 Responsibilities

 To be faithful in attending to their duties in

serving at all liturgical celebrations
 To arrive at least 30 minutes before service in order
to prepare of all liturgical materials to be used
for celebration, review final instructions before
the celebration, and personal and group prayers.
 To be present during practice and training.
 To assist in other liturgical celebrations
 To notify the coordinator if they will not be able
to attend to their schedules.
 To have a knowledge, importance, care, as well as an
understanding of their roles as altar servers.

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 Architectural Parts of the Church

3
THE CHURCH AND THE
LITURGY
(A tour-style lecture can be done)

1. Narthex
2. Aisle (Center-aisle and Side-aisle)
3. Nave
4. North and South Transept (on crossed-shaped church)
5. Sanctuary
6. Sacristy

Biblical Definition of a Church

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 “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church”
(Matthew 16:18)

“The Church” is the People that God gathers in the whole

world. She exists in local communities and is made real as a
liturgical, above all a Eucharistic, assembly. She draws her
life from the word and the Body of Christ and so herself
becomes Christ’s Body.

WE ARE THE CHURCH not I am the Church. She is one, holy,

catholic and apostolic. If you ever wondered why the church
is “she”, it is because the church is the bride of Christ.

The Liturgy

Liturgy means that the People of god participate in the “work

of God”. It 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.

 The Liturgical Calendar and its Seasons:

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 1. Advent – The beginning of the
church’s calendar. This
celebrates the two-fold coming of
Christ (Incarnation and Final
Judgment). With Christian joy we
celebrate his first coming. In
Christian hope we await his second
coming. This season lasts for four
weeks, including the 9 days of
Misa de Aguinaldo. The season
starts from the Sunday after
Christ the King and ends the eve
of Christ’s birth.
2. Christmas – the season which
celebrates the birth of Christ, The Incarnation, and God
became man. This season has 2 focal points: 1) The
Christmas Day until the solemnity of Mary, Mother of God.
2) The Solemnity of the epiphany until the feast of the
Baptism of the lord.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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 Solemnity of Christ the King.

 The Liturgical Colors

o White – The color of Joy, and Glory of God. Used
during the seasons of Christmas and Easter and the

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 feasts of the Lord, Blessed Virgin Mary, Saints who
are not Martyrs, and the angels.
o Violet/Purple – The sign penance and for mourning.
Used during the seasons of Advent and Lent, and for
the Masses for the Dead.
o Red – The sign of the blood of Christ or the fire of
the Holy Spirit. Used for the Palm Sunday, Good
Friday, Pentecost, and the Martyred saints.
o Green – The symbol of Good Harvest and Growth in our
Faith. Used for the Ordinary Time
o Rose – The symbol of rejoicing for a great feast
coming. Used during the 3rdSunday of Advent and
4th Sunday of Lent.
o Gold – The Symbol of Kingship of Christ to the World.
Used during the feast of Christ the King and other
Special Feast.
o Blue – The Symbol of the humbleness of Mary. Used for
the significant Feast of Mary

 Holy Vessels and Vestments

The Narthex:
• Baptismal Font – a fixture used for the baptism of
children and adults.
The Nave:
• Pew – a long bench seat or enclosed box, used for
seating members of the congregation of the Church.

The Sanctuary:
• Altar – The large, high table located at the center of
the sanctuary where most of the actions of the Liturgy of the
Eucharist take place.
• Lectern – The small, high table located at either side
of the sanctuary, where the readings from the Liturgy of the
Word is read.
• Tabernacle – A small box, in which the Body or the Blood
of Christ may be kept when the Mass is not said.
• Tabernacle Lamp – The lamp that lights the tabernacle,
this signifies that there is a Eucharist inside the
Tabernacle.

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• Presider’s chair – The chair in which only the Priest
or the bishop may sit whether during the Mass or outside the
Mass.
• Credence Table – A small table on which is placed the
vessels for the Liturgy of the Eucharist.
• Altar Candles – Candles lit during the Mass; it
signifies that Christ is the light of the world.
• Paschal Candle – A very large candle placed beside the
Lectern during the Easter Season and below the Sanctuary
during Baptisms and Funerals.
• Holy Icons – The Pictures or statues of Jesus Christ,
the Blessed Virgin Mary or other Saints.
• Sanctuary Bell – The bell located near the altar, it
may be in the Sanctuary or inside the Sacristy.

The Vessels:
• Ciborium – The cup-like vessel with a lid, this contains
the hosts that will be used for the Holy Communion. It can
also be used for the reserved hosts to be put in the
Tabernacle.
• Chalice – The cup used to hold the wine which will
become the blood of Christ during the Mass
• Patten – The saucer-like dish which usually matches the
Chalice. It holds the bread which will become the body of
Christ
• Pall – The stiff, square, white cover that is placed
over the Patten when it is on the Chalice and over the Chalice
during the Mass.
• Corporal – A white, linen napkin on which the
Eucharistic Vessels is placed during the Mass. It is folded
into small squares about the size of the Pall.
• Purificator – A triple-folded rectangular, white cloth
used to cleanse the chalice after the Communion.
• Finger Towel – A small cloth used by the Priests and
the Eucharistic Ministers in distributing the 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.

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• 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 – Candles mounted on a tall pole
(torch) 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 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.
• Surplice – A wide- sleeved garment, slipped over the
head, covering the shoulders, and coming down below the Knees.
It is worn over the Cassock.
• Alb – A long, white, dress-like vestment which is used
by the Clergy and the Seminarians.

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• 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.
• 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 Veil – A large shawl, worn around the shoulders
while carrying the Blessed Sacrament during the benediction
and Eucharistic Procession.
• 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.

The Eucharistic Celebration

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:

1. INTRODUCTORY RITES:
Entrance Hymn – a hymn which opens the celebration and
accompanies the procession of the priest and the

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 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 censing (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 Collect 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”.

2. 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

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 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.

3. 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”

4. 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.
Recessional – The Word goes out to the world.

(At this point, “Vessel-Rites” is taught)

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 (If intensive training is done, a one-by-one, step-by-step,
vessel-by-vessel coaching is done with focus on high Catholic
mass.)

~~~

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 4
WHAT’S NEXT?
DECORUM
DECORUM

The recommended uniform for the Ministry of Altar Servers are

the following:
 Any suitable and proper undershirt, preferably white in
color;
 Black pants (no denim);
 Black / white socks;
 Black shoes;

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  Cassock and Surplice;

This soutane/sotana is not designated as a needed tool for a

Eucharistic Celebration (for intricate vestments are discouraged in
the New Evangelization) but in recognition of it’s meaningful
symbolism.

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;
 No jewelry; and
 Basic hygiene is indispensable.

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

1. Your hands must always be clean, with clean

fingernails. Wash them before you serve for you will
handle things which are sacred.
2. Joined hands are held before the breast at 45 degrees,
palms together, fingers extended, thumbs crossed, right
over left.
3. When one of your hands is occupied, place the other
hand open on your breast.
4. When seated, put your hands on your knees.

 Standing

1. An altar Server’s head should be kept straight.

2. The body is relaxed but erect, shoulders back. The feet
are together.

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3. The hands are together before the breast at 45 degrees,
palms together, fingers extended, thumbs crossed, right
over left.

 Walking

1. While walking, walk solemnly, dignified and

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

 Sitting

1. When sitting, keep back straight and tall. The hand

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

 Kneeling

1. 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 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.

1. Bowing

 Shoulder Bow – both the head and the shoulders move as

one action. Bow only slightly forward

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  Waist Bow – both the head and the shoulder move together
but with the bending of the waist.

Note that all of these is to show reverence, dignity,

discipline, and respect for God's true presence. These must
be done though, in a smooth humanly manner and not as a
programmed robot. After all, we are humans. Practice makes
progress.

5
CODE OF CONDUCT

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 This Code of Conduct embodies the kind of behavior and
disposition that Altar Knights of Mary Immaculate Conception
require. Let us recognize that altar servers are not simple
children or youth but children and youth who are called to a
noble and holy purpose. This noble and holy purpose requires
a certain way of life and a closer following of Jesus. The
Code of Conduct is phrased as a personal promise because we
are to keep this as a solemn promise to ourselves, to God and
to our fellow Altar Servers.

CODE OF CONDUCT
(in Cebuano)

Ako usa ka sacristan. Gipili nako nga mamahimong usa ka

sacristan sa dihang mitubag ako sa tawag sa Dios nga
mangalagad. Nangalagad ako tungod kay nahibal-an ko nga ang
Dios nahigugma kanako ug ako nahigugma usab sa Dios. Kabahin
ako sa Altar Knights of Mary Immaculate Conception ug ginadala
ko kini sa tanang panahon bisan dili ako mangalagad, bisan
wala nako gisuot akong bisti, ug bisan pa ako naa sa gawas sa
simbahan. Isip usa ka sacristan, ako musunod kang Hesus sa
akong hunahuna, pulong, ug lihok ug magapuyo sama ni Kristo.

Busa, nagsaad ako nga mahimong maayong tawo,

Kristiyano, ug Katoliko. Mahimong maayong sacristan, anak,
estudyante, silingan, ug higala.

Tungod niini, sundon ko sa Code of Conduct sa among

ministriya aron mulambo ako ug “magbunga ug bunga nga
moluntad”.

Busa, tabangi ako Ginoo.

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1. Mahalon ko ang Ginoo sa tanan kong kasing-kasing, sa
tanan kong kalag, sa tanan kusog, ug sa tanan kong
hunahuna.
2. Ipasubos ko pirme ang akong kaugalingon sama kang
Kristo.
3. Mangayo ko ug pasaylo ug ako mupasaylo pud usab.
4. Lig-onon ko ang akong pagtuo ug kanunay ko nga muampo.
5. Musimba ko aron pagdayeg sa Ginoo.
6. Muserve ko sa akong schedule. Mananghid ko ug tarong
kung dili ko makaserve ug mangita ug mupuli nako.
7. Muapil sa mga practice, training, ug seminar alang sa
akong kalamboan.
8. 30 minuto bago ang misa, muadto na ko sa simbahan ug
mangandam.
9. Itago (ug ihilom) nako akong cellphone, alahas, ug relo
bago magsugod ang misa.
10. Dili nako gara-garaan ang mga sagradong butang.
11. Muserve ko nga hinlo ug plantsado akong sotana.
12. Muserve ko nga hinlo akong lawas.
13. Muserve ko nga hinlo akong intensyon.
14. Dili ko mahadlok nga muampo ug mangalad.
15. Respetuhon nako akong ginikanan, higala, ug
maskin kinsa, labaw na ang Ginoo.
16. Makitungo ko sa akong kauban nga sacristan.
17. Musunod ako sa sugo sa akong pamilya.
18. Musunod ako sa mga sugo sa pari, lideres, o
otoridad sa sulod o gawas sa simbahan.
19. Musunod ko sa sugo sa Ginoo, ingon usab sa sugo
ni Kristo.
20. Mamahimo kong modelo sa akong mga higala. Dili ko
mag-una-una ug muapil sa mga dautang binuhatan sa akong
mga higala.
21. Dili ko mugamit ug pulong nga dili makapahinungod
sa kang Kristo.
22. Dili ako maghubog-hubog, magpakaadik sa droga, o
mga buhat mga makapatay sa akong kaugalingon ug sa uban.
23. Respetuhon nako akong lawas kay kini iya sa Dios.
24. Dili ko makig-relasyon sa bawal nga relasyon.

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25. Dili ako makighilawas o magdula sa akong kinatawo
sa mali nga pamaagi. Gamiton ko ang gasa sa sekswal nga
kalipay sa tama nga panahon.
26. Likayan nako ang pagtan-aw ug pagkaganahan sa
porno ug uban pang mahilayong mga butang.
27. Dili nako gamiton ang social media ug internet sa
dautan nga tuyo.
28. Dili ko mangawat.
29. Dili ko mangatik, manlibak, ug mandaot.
30. Dili ko magpasakit ug tawo sa pulong man o buhat.

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