Altar servers accept an important responsibility: serving Holy Mass. Their assistance is invaluable because it helps the faithful to worship God with attention and devotion. When altar servers fulfill their tasks with dignity, care and devotion, they help others to pray and draw closer to God. By serving them in this way, altar servers are imitating Christ himself, “For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve” (Mk 10:45). Altar servers serve their parish families as well as the priest who is offering the Eucharist. Above all, they are serving Christ the High Priest. The commitment to serving at the altar is far more than a task, far more than a responsibility, far more than an honour. It is a truly holy service to the People of God.
Servers should assemble in the sacristy or assigned vesting area at least 20 minutes before Mass, and vest in approved attire: alb and cincture, or cassocks and surplices (cf. GIRM, n. 339).
Servers should wear clothing appropriate for assisting at Mass, paying particular attention to wearing shoes that are not distracting.
Prior to leaving the sacristy the priest, deacon or principal altar server may lead the servers in a preparatory prayer; then all reverence, with a bow, the cross or sacred image in the sacristy.
During Mass, servers should minimize chatter among themselves, so as not to distract the congregation. Servers should participate fully in all aspects of the Mass, such as singing, congregational responses, reciting the Creed, and so forth.
If incense is to be used, it should be put into the thurible prior to the procession.
The thurifer leads the procession, followed by the cross bearer, candle bearers, other servers, extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion, lectors, a deacon or lector carrying the Book of the Gospels, and finally the celebrant.
In procession all look straight ahead; those not carrying anything should have hands joined.
All proceed with proper spacing at a steady but unhurried pace.
On arriving at the sanctuary step and following the lead of the celebrant, those not carrying anything should bow to the altar, or genuflect to the tabernacle if one is present in the sanctuary. Genuflection is not necessary if the tabernacle is located elsewhere than directly behind the altar. Those carrying objects do not genuflect, but should bow their heads.
During the Mass all further gestures of reverence are now made only to the altar.
After placing the cross and candles in their proper locations, the servers move to their appropriate places.
Approved: Solemnity of St. Joseph,
Spouse of the Virgin Mary
March 19, 2020
+ J. Michael Miller, CSB
Archbishop of Vancouver