Procedures in Serving (Formation Rites of Altar Server)

this how knighits of the altar develop her/his serving

1. Topic V Procedures in Serving

2. Postures and Gestures The section deals with liturgical actions or movements that we do during the liturgy. Liturgical actions may be classified either as posture or gesture. Posture refers to the position of the body, like standing, sitting and kneeling. Gesture refers to the action of the hands, head, or knees, like praying, bowing, genuflecting and even in observing silence.

3. We Stand During the entrance procession During the opening rites and the opening prayer During the alleluia and the reading of the gospel During the Creed and the Prayers of the faithful When the priest says. “ Pray brothers and sisters… During the preface and the sanctus At the acclamation after the consecration At the Our Father, exchange of peace, and the Lamb of God. When we receive communion At the prayer after communion During the final blessing and the Dismissal

4. Note : Standing is an active, engaged posture that manifests respect and shows great attention to what is taking place. It also denotes readiness for praise and thanksgiving and for service.

5. We Sit During the first reading , responsorial psalm and second reading During the homily During the Offertory After receiving communion During the announcements Note: Sitting is a posture of repose, of listening and meditation.

6. We kneel After the Sanctus during the Eucharistic Prayer During the consecration of the bread and wine. When the priest says, “ Behold the Lamb of God” Note: Kneeling signified penance in the early Church. More recently kneeling signifies adoration.

7. Gestures When we make the sign of the cross When we are in the praying position or when sitting. When we are holding on to something like candles, cross, book. Etc When we serve wine and water to the priest during the offertory When we wash the hands of the priest. We use our Hands

8. Bowing Bowing signifies reverence and honor shown to the persons themselves or to the signs that represent them, there are two types of bows; The profound bow ( from the waist) and The simple bow ( of the head)

9. We make profound bow In front of the altar at the beginning and at the end of the Mass ( Note; The server carrying the processional cross does not bow; other servers simply make a simple bow.) When we pass in front at the tabernacle ( unless carrying something) When the priest genuflects after consecrating the host and wine. When we approach the bishop or leave his presence.

10. We make a Simple Bow In front of the altar at the beginning and the end of the Mass ( Note: this is for servers who carry candles, vessels, books, etc.) When we approach the priest with the book or incense When we offer the priest the cruets of wine and water When we approach the priest for the washing of hands When receiving an object from the priest When leaving his presence and returning to our seats. Before receiving holy communion and saying “ Amen” When the names of the Three Divine Persons are mentioned together, and at the name of Jesus.

11. Note: Servers bow to the bishop or to the priest( When we approaching or leaving their presence). We do not bow, however, to the deacon. Servers bow to the altar with the priest and other ministers, only at the beginning and at the end of the Mass. This is bow is always done in front or before the altar.

12. The following practices are unliturgical and therefore unnecessary; Servers should not bow when the priest kisses the altar at the beginning and at the end of the Mass. Servers should not bow to the altar when putting and getting things on and from the altar ( like setting up the altar during offertory, etc.)

13. Genuflecting Genuflection is another sign of showing respect and reverence. When we genuflect we bend our right knee touching the floor( single genuflection). Another way is bending both knees touching the floor ( double genuflection),. Note: Profound bowing may be used instead of genuflecting.

14. We Genuflect of Bow Upon entering or leaving the Church When passing or leaving the sanctuary When passing in front of the Tabernacle After the consecration of the bread and wine. When the Blessed Sacrament is exposed on the altar ( both knees) Note: Servers do not genuflect carrying things like crosses, sacred vessels, books or candles.

15. Observing Silence At the beginning of the Mass when the priest says; My brothers and sisters, to prepare ourselves to celebrate.. Every time the priest says; Let us pray.. After the gospel reading After communion We Observe Silence