Entrance Procession (Cross Bearer, Acolyte 1, Acolyte 2)
Before the scheduled start time of Mass:
The Cross Bearer removes the processional cross from its stand in the sanctuary and brings the cross into the sacristy.
Acolyte 1 and Acolyte 2 retrieve the processional candles from the sanctuary and bring the candles into the sacristy for lighting.
At the entrance of the Church the ministers line up for the entrance procession as follows:
Cross Bearer
Acolyte 1 Acolyte 2
Lector
Eucharistic Ministers
Deacon
Priest
The Cross Bearer leads the procession up the aisle when the people/choir begin singing the entrance hymn. In the event that there is no music, the Cross Bearer begins the procession when instructed to do so by the Presiding Priest. The walking pace of the procession should be slightly slower than your normal walking pace.
The Cross Bearer lines up at front of the sanctuary to the far right (on the side of the lectern).
Acolyte 1and 2 line up at the front of the sanctuary on opposite sides. They should leave enough room for the Eucharistic Ministers, Lector, Deacon and Priest to stand between them.
After the Priest. Deacon and Eucharistic Ministers bow/genuflect, the Cross Bearer steps up into the sanctuary and proceeds to place the cross in its stand. He/she goes to his/her seat and remains standing.
Acolyte 1 and Acolyte 2 step into the sanctuary and place the processional candles in their stands (leaving the candles lit). He/she goes to his/her seat and remains standing.
While standing at their seats, the Cross Bearer and Acolytes all have their hands folded and participate in the Mass as usual.
Whenever the servers are not carrying or holding something, their hands should be folded.
Gospel Procession (Acolyte 1 and 2)
When the Choir/Cantor begins to sing the Gospel acclamation (following the second reading), Acolyte 1 and 2 retrieve the candles from the candle stands and proceed to the front of the Altar.
The Acolytes stand facing each other at opposite ends of the Altar, leaving enough room for the Priest or Deacon to retrieve the Gospel Book from its resting place on the Altar.
As soon the Priest/Deacon picks up the Gospel Book and starts to walk toward the lectern, Acolyte 1 and 2 walk together to the Lectern and stand facing each other on opposite sides of the Lectern.
When the Priest or Deacon finishes proclaiming the gospel the Acolytes return the candles to their stands and sit down.
Preparation of the Altar (Cross Bearer)
When the announcements are finished and the Hymn at the Preparation of the Gifts begins, the Cross Bearer moves the collection basket(s) from the front of the altar to the front of the aisle.
After moving the collection basket(s), the Cross Bearer begins to prepare the altar. He/she brings the chalice, purificator, paten, and pall, to the altar from the credence table
PLEASE NOTE- The chalice is always carried using two hands.
All sacred objects are set in their proper place by the Cross Bearer according the layout in Figure 1.
Any extra ciboria or communion cups are also brought to the altar
When the altar is prepared the Cross Bearer returns to his/her seat.
Gift Procession (Acolyte 1 and Acolyte 2)
When the priest stands up and begins to walk down to front of the aisle to receive the gifts, Acolyte 1 and Acolyte 2 accompany him.
The priest will hand the tray with the water and wine cruets to one Acolyte and Ciborium/bowl to the other Acolyte.
Both Acolytes turn around toward the altar in unison with the priest and bow to the altar before continuing.
The Acolyte holding the water and wine cruet tray goes directly to credence table to removes the caps from the cruets.
The Acolyte holding the ciborium goes directly to the altar and places the ciborium or bowl on the center corporal. He or she then returns to the credence table and waits with the other Acolyte until it is time for them both to approach the altar together (as soon as the Priest places the paten down on the center corporal)
Preparation of the Gifts (Acolytes 1 & 2)
Acolyte 1 & 2 approach the altar as soon as the priest places the paten down on the center corporal. One Acolyte brings the wine cruet and the other Acolyte brings the water cruet.
The handles of the wine cruet and water cruet should be facing the Priest so that he can handle them easily and quickly.
When the Priest returns the wine cruet and water cruet to the Acolytes, they bow together toward the altar.
The wine cruet and water cruet are returned to the credence table by the Acolytes and who then prepare to wash the Priest’s hands.
Hand Washing(Acolytes 1 & 2)
After the Priest raises the chalice in prayer and places it down on the center corporal, he will bow. As the Priest bows, both Acolytes approach the altar.
One Acolyte holds the finger bowl and water jar for hand washing, while the other Acolyte holds the towel (which should be unfolded and held with both hands by the Acolyte).
As the Priest holds his fingers over the finger bowl, the Acolyte holding the finger bowl and water jar for hand washing pours water over his fingers.
The Priest will then take the finger towel from the other Acolyte. After drying his hands he will fold the finger towel and give it back to the Acolyte.
After the Priest gives the finger towel back to the Acolyte, both Acolytes bow toward the altar before returning to the credence table.
The Acolyte holding the finger bowl and water jar then goes directly into the sacristy and empties the water bowl in the sink and replenishes the water jar with fresh water from the faucet.
Ringing the Altar Bells (Cross Bearer)
The Cross Bearer rings the altar bells when the priest elevates the Consecrated Host (The Body of Christ) for the congregation to see.
The Cross Bearer rings the bells again when the chalice containing the Precious Blood of Jesus is elevated for the congregation to see.
The altar bells should be rung moderately for about 2 seconds.
The Sign of Peace
At the Sign of Peace all servers approach the altar, exchange the sign of peace with the Priest, one another, and then return to their seats
Receiving Holy Communion (Cross Bearer, Acolyte 1, Acolyte 2)
The Altar Servers receive Holy Communion after the Priest, Deacon, Lector, and Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist.
After receiving Holy Communion the servers may sit or kneel at their seats.
Purifying the Chalice and Paten (Cross Bearer)
After Holy Communion has been distributed to the congregation, the Priest will place the remaining consecrated hosts (Jesus) in the tabernacle.
After the Priest closes the tabernacle door, the Cross Bearer immediately brings the water cruet to the Priest for the purification of the paten and chalice.
If the priest holds the chalice out toward the Cross Bearer, then the Cross Bearer pours the water into it. -Or- The Priest may choose to take the water cruet from the Cross Bearer and pour the water himself.
After pouring the water or receiving the water cruet back from the Priest, the Cross Bearer bows toward the altar and returns the water cruet to the credence table.
Clearing the Altar (Cross Bearer)
After the Priest purifies the chalice, he will place it at the right corner of the altar along with the paten, purificator, and pall.
The Cross Bearer carefully carries the chalice from the altar table to the credence table (chalices are always carried using two hands).
If there are any other sacred vessels remaining on the altar they should be brought to the credence table by the Cross Bearer.
Except for pyxes, there should be nothing remaining on the far left, center, or far right corporals.
On their last trip to the altar the Cross Bearer bows to the altar.
Procession at the end of Mass (Cross Bearer, Acolyte 1 and Acolyte 2)
When the closing hymn starts to play the Cross Bearer is the first person to leave his/her place in the sanctuary. The Cross Bearer retrieves the processional cross from the stand and proceeds down the aisle turning around to face the altar at the fifth pew.
The Acolytes follow the Cross Bearer holding the processional candles and turn around to face the altar at the third pew.
The Priest will venerate (kiss) the altar and proceed around to the front of the altar and stand facing it. When the Priest bows or genuflects, all servers bow their heads in unison (at the same time).
When the priest turns around to process down the aisle, all servers turn with him. The Cross Bearer then leads the procession down the aisle walking at a moderate pace.
Having arrived at the back of the church, the servers return to the sacristy
SUMMARY of ROLES
Cross Bearer
Leads the entrance procession
Moves the collection basket(s) from the front of the altar to the head of the aisle just before the collection begins.
Prepares the altar (with chalice, paten, purificator, and pall)
Rings the Altar Bells
Helps purify the chalice and paten after Holy Communion
Helps clear the altar
Leads procession at the end of Mass
Acolytes 1 & 2
Carry processional candles at the entrance procession
Carry procession candles for gospel procession
Assist the priest during the gift procession
Helps the Priest at the preparation of the gifts
Help to wash the Priest’s hands
If One Server is Missing at the Start of Mass
One server carries the cross in the procession and the other server carries a candle. Throughout the Mass, the servers share the duties of the Acolytes and Cross Bearer.
If Two Servers are Missing at the Start of Mass
The one server who is present acts as Cross Bearer and performs the duties of the acolyte (prepares the altar, helps the priest with the gifts, and washes the priest’s hands)