The Qualities of an Altar Server
Every server first and foremost must have a sense of reverence and respect. When we are visitors in someone’s house, we ought to show respect and visiting the house of God’s is no different. We must remind ourselves that the real presence of Jesus dwells within the church, in the tabernacle. The rubrics of the church state that the ministers, which would include servers, genuflect to the Tabernacle, IF it is in the sanctuary, at the beginning and end of Mass, and bow to the altar during the course of the Mass. This is due to the fact that the Mass is an unfolding mystery of Christ, first His Word in the Scripture, then His Sacrifice on the Altar, His Communion with us, and finally His abiding Presence.
Outside of Mass, however, the normal tradition applies, we genuflect whenever we cross before the Lord. The very fact that genuflection at the beginning and end of Mass is obliged shows that the special rubrics, meant to sacramentally unfold the mystery of the Eucharist, apply only during the Mass.
So, as they set up the altar before Mass, the servers and others should continue to genuflect. The exception would be when impeded, such as carry chalices and the like, when there is danger of dropping them. They may bow in such a circumstance. Otherwise, at the Offertory and during the Mass generally, when approaching and departing the altar they bow.
If the tabernacle with the Most Blessed Sacrament is present in the sanctuary, the priest, the deacon, and the other ministers genuflect when they approach the altar and when they depart from it, but not during the celebration of Mass itself. Otherwise all who pass before the Most Blessed Sacrament genuflect, unless they are moving in procession. Ministers carrying the processional cross or candles bow their heads instead of genuflecting.
Priest & Deacon Vestments
The Alb
This is a vestment made of white cloth which may or may not be embroidered. It is used by the priest, deacon and other ministers during Mass. It is the foundation over which all other vestments are placed. It recalls the white garment received at Baptism, which, as the rite says, is the sign of our dignity as children of God, a gift to be preserved as a precious treasure.
The Cincture
A cord that is wrapped around the waist to hold the Alb and Stole in place.
The Stole
This is the distinctive emblem of the ordained ministers (Bishops, Priests and Deacons). It is worn around the neck. During Mass it is hidden by the chasuble or Dalmatic; during other celebrations it is visible. The deacon wears it at an angle from left to right.
The Chasuble
This is a garment that the priest wears at Mass. It is worn over the alb. It is roughly circular in shape and covers the priest, extending down to below the knees. It reminds the priest – and all of us – that we must allow ourselves to be enveloped by Jesus, to clothe ourselves with him and his love.
Dalmatic
This is a vestment very similar to the chasuble, but with sleeves. Originally from Dalmatia, as its name implies, it was used throughout the Roman Empire by the second century. It was adopted as a liturgical vestment in Rome around the middle of the fourth century. It is now worn by deacons.
Cassock
An ankle-length garment. It is usually black, however, depending on the rank of the person wearing it it can also come in Purple, Red and White. White is reserved for the Pope or for those serving in tropical climates.
Surplice
This is a white vestment that is worn over the cassock. It reaches down to the knees (like a smaller version of the alb), with wide, short sleeves. It is also worn by altar servers in some churches. This too can be plain white or can be very ornate with lace.
Cope
Formerly this was a raincoat (its Latin name is pluviale “raincoat”) used for long processions. Today it is worn by the celebrant during come celebrations (Eucharistic Benediction and for Processions). It is also commonly worn by Deacons in certain circumstance instead of the Dalmatic.
Humeral Veil
This is a vestment that covers the shoulders, the arms (the humeri are the arm bones between the shoulders and the elbows), and the hands of the priest when he holds the monstrance with the Eucharist for Benediction or in procession. When used, this vestment is usually worn over the cope.
Bishop's Vestments
Zuchetto
This is a Roman Catholic cleric’s skullcap: black for a priest, purple for a bishop, red for a cardinal, and white for the Pope.It is worn at all times during a liturgical ceremony with two exceptions; it is removed in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament and it is removed during the Mass at the Eucharistic Prayer and placed on the Bishop’s Chair.
Mitre
The Mitre is a tall folding cap, made of two similar parts rising to a peak and sewn together at the sides. Two short lappets always hang down from the back. The Mitre is the traditional, head-dress of a Bishop. It is very ornate. It is the symbol of the Bishop’s authority as the teacher of the diocese. Some say that the two parts joined at the sides represent the Old and the New Testaments.
Crozier
The Crozier is a Staff with a hook at the top, used by a Bishop. It symbolizes that the Bishop is the Shepherd of the Church.
Pectoral Cross
A pectoral cross or pectorale is a cross that is worn on the chest, usually suspended from the neck by a cord or chain. In ancient and medieval times pectoral crosses were worn by both clergy and laity, but by the end of the Middle Ages the pectoral cross came to be a special indicator of position worn by the clergy and bishops.
Episcopal Ring
Episcopal rings of the bishops and archbishops. The bishop, named by the pope but consecrated by his immediate superior cardinal or archbishop, is privileged to wear the ring that is awarded to him by the cardinal. The style of the episcopal ring has almost always been very large, gold or stone-set ring.
Liturgical Objects
Liturgical Books
Book of Gospels
This is a large volume, often decorated with pictures and illuminated, containing the four Gospels. In some celebrations it is carried solemnly in procession.
Lectionary
This is a book containing the Readings, the Responsorial Psalm, the Gospel Acclamation, and the Gospel. It is placed on the Ambo, the place where the Word of God is proclaimed. There are different volumes corresponding to the liturgical season and the type of celebration.
Missal
This is always a Red book containing all the prayers that the priest recites during the Mass: Prayers, Prefaces, Eucharistic Prayers, Blessings. It is placed on the altar. At the beginning and end of Mass, when the priest is at his chair, it is placed on a stand or is held by an altar server.
Ritual Books
These books contain rites for the celebration of the sacraments (Baptism, Confirmation, Reconciliation, Matrimony, Anointing of the Sick) and of the sacramentals (Funerals).