Preparation before Mass begins even before you arrive at Church. If you are a newer server it is important for you to review with your parents the contents of the guidebook. Secondly, one must decide what to wear. Some may say God doesn’t care what we look like. It is good that I am here. Yes that is true, but sometimes we need to think ahead because what we wear might be distraction for some at the Mass.
What should I wear? Here is my suggestion…
Gentlemen:
Dress shoes, dress slacks, dress or golf shirt
Ladies:
Dress shoes (flats preferred, please be careful with heels), dress slacks or skirts, blouse or nice shirt. If you have longer hair, please pull it back while you are serving.
What to avoid…
- Tee shirts with writing (sometimes can show through the alb)
- Sneakers with the flashing lights
- Jewelry and makeup
NOW FOR THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF YOUR PREPARATION…PRAYER! HERE IS A PRAYER YOU CAN SAY BEFORE MASS!
Oh Jesus, my King and Lord,
by the grace of the heavenly Father
and the power of the Holy Spirit,
guide me in all righteousness
as I serve You today at the Altar
so I may be always worthy of Your presence.
If I happen to make an error,
may it be a lesson
so my service will be perfect tomorrow.
Jesus, I love you with all my heart.
Amen.
The next question…what time should I arrive before Mass???
- For Sunday’s it is important for servers to be present 15 minutes before Mass. Sometimes the sacristy may be locked, so please just take your seats in the sanctuary and wait for Father to arrive.
- For special celebrations…it is important that you arrive 30 minutes ahead of time for Father to go over special instructions. There are many things that are not in this guidebook, so in order not to overwhelm you, just come early and Father will go over what is to be expected.
What should I do once the sacristy is open?
- First vest in your alb
- Light the candles (two by the tabernacle and two by the altar)
- If there are three servers light the two candles in the server sacristy. Then take the processional crucifix and two candles and go to the back of Church. If Father wants anything different you will communicate.
SPECIAL NOTE: (THIS IS A NEW POLICY WHICH IS EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY SO PLEASE MAKE NOTE)
If there are only two servers…the processional crucifix only will lead the procession. The other server will follow behind carrying nothing with hands folded. So please do not light the candles until there are three servers.
SPECIAL NOTE TO PARENTS:
It is you and your child(s) responsibility to find replacements. If you know you are going to be away please contact a fellow server and see if they are able to switch with you.
A list will be provided with names, email addresses, and telephone numbers that will be provided to assist you in finding a replacement when necessary.
THE PASTORS POLICY ON INCLEMENT WEATHER:
In the event of bad weather, if you hear of dangerous road conditions please remain home. If the conditions outside are such where you might be endangering your lives and the lives of others the obligation to attend Sunday Mass is no longer binding.
Server Roles for Sunday
SERVER 1 (Cross bearer, leads the gifts up, rings the bells at the consecration.
SERVER 2 (Candle bearer, holds the Roman Missal, assists with the preparation of the altar, and washing of the hands)
SERVER 3 (Candle bearer, assists with the preparation of the altar, and washing of the hands.
Server Roles for Special Occasions When Incense is Used
SERVER 1 (Incense…incense is used at the beginning, the Gospel, and the offertory…special note if there is no deacon the server will incense Father, visiting clergy, and the congregation)
SERVER 2 (Cross bearer, leads up the gifts, rings the bells at the congregation)
SERVER 3 (Candle bearer, holds the Roman Missal, assists with the preparation of the altar, and washing of the hands)
SERVER 4 (Candle bearers, assists with the preparation of the altar, and washing of the hands)
For special circumstances an MC (Master of Ceremonies will be assigned). When the bishop is present we will have six or up to seven servers scheduled.