Ministry of

Altar Server
(LECTURE)
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
SACRED VESSELSSACRED VESTMENTSTHE SANCTUARY
LITURGICAL COLORSLITURGICAL SEASONS
PARTS OF THE MASS
The practical server must know and understand
the various objects and vestments used in the
liturgy.
 CORPORAL- a sacred cloth of white linen
around twenty inches square upon which the
chalice, paten and ciboria are placed during
Mass.

PALL- a square of linen, stiffened with

starch, cardboard, or plastic, set on the
chalice to prevent dirt or insects from
falling into it.
PATEN- is the plate on which the bread
(big Host) used by the presider is placed
and consecrated during the Mass.

PURIFICATOR- a small piece of white

absorbent linen, approximately eight by
sixteen inches, folded in three lengthwise,
and marked with a cross in the center,
employed during the Mass.
 CHALICE- is a cup usually (but not always)
supported by a “node” (the central part of the
vessel, usually a knob) and set on a base. This
vessel is also used to hold the Precious Blood of
the Lord at the Mass.

CIBORIUM- is really a paten in the form of a

chalice with a lid because the Sacred Body of
our Lord is placed in it. It is used also to
contain the Hosts reserved in the Tabernacle.
 CRUETS- are the vessels to hold the wine
(Blood of our Lord) and water ate the Mass.

PITCHER AND BASIN- are used to hold

and catch the water for the washing of the
hands of the presider after the Offertory
and Communion. They are always paired with
a towel.
 FINGER TOWEL- small clothes used by the
celebrants at various times in the liturgy, for
instance at the Preparation of the gifts in the
Mass, or by the bishop when administering the
Sacraments of Confirmation and Holy Orders.

COMMUNION PLATE- is used during

communion, held by a server under the chin of
those who receive communion directly into the
mouth.
BELL- known as the “Sanctus Bell” is rung by a
server at Mass, at two elevations and as a
warming before the consecration. It has
practical use, to draw attention to the most
sacred moments of the Liturgy.

SACRAMENTARY BOOK- the book of

presidential prayers for the officiant of the
Eucharist and for any rites connected with the
Mass.
 LECTIONARY BOOK- the liturgical book that
holds the spiritual readings used during the
Liturgy of the Word in the Mass. This is usually
placed at the “ambo” or lectern.

SACRAMENTARY STAND- is placed on the

altar at the preparation of gifts. It takes various
forms, a metal or wooden book-rest or a cushion.
THURIBLE- is a metal bowl hanging by three
chains (usually) from a disc. It is often
mistaken for the “incense” and the “charcoal”.

INCENSEBOAT- is shaped like a boat, with a

hinged lid and a matching spoon. From the
boat the grains of incense are spooned onto
the burning coals in the Thurible.
 CREDENCE TABLE- is a movable table to
the side of the altar covered with white
cloth, upon which are placed the things
needed for sacred functions, particularly the
Mass, such as the chalice, cruets, basin, and
finger towel.

PROCESSIONAL CROSS- is a large

crucifix, set on a long staff, to be carried in
procession, and perhaps used as the altar
cross at Mass.
PROCESSIONAL CANDLE- are two tall candlesticks
carried in procession by two servers.

MONSTRANCE- is a larger vessel,

really a stand to display the Host at
exposition of the Blessed Sacrament .
 LUNETTE- is the gift clip which holds Host when
exposed in the Monstrance.

PYX- is the round container which holds the Host

and Lunette in the Tabernacle. A smaller pyx, like an
old-fashioned watch case, is used to take the
Eucharist to the stick.
ASPERGILIUM- is also known as the “bucket”
and the sprinkler as an “aspergil”.

OIL STOCKS- usually takes the form of a

metal cylinder, with compartments for the
sacramental oils (oil of the sick and oil of
Chrism for Baptism and Confirmation).

Table of Contents
 ALB- is a white garment reaching to the
ankles. It is derived from the ancient
Roman tunic and is a sign of purity. The
word “alb” comes from the Latin word for
“white”.

STOLE- is a distinctive sign of those who

have received Holy Orders as they carry
out the ministry in sacrament and worship.
CHASUBLE- is the major Eucharistic vestment,
worn over the stole and the alb. It is the color
of the season or day.

DALMATIC- is worn by the deacon. It

resembles a large coat, of the color of the
season or day. It is worn over the stole and the
alb.
 COPE- is a large semi-circular cloak, held at
the front by a clasp or band of fabric. It is
used for solemn celebrations of the
sacraments and for Benediction of the Blessed
Sacrament.

HUMERAL VEIL- is a large white shawl, worn

around the shoulders while carrying the
Blessed Sacrament in procession and white
giving the Eucharistic blessing at the
benediction.
MITRE- is a double-pointed head-dress, with
two lappets hanging at the back. It has been
used by bishops since the 12th century.

CROZIER- is a staff, usually with a shepherd's

crook at the top, is a sign of his pastoral office
the Bishop carries it to remind us that he is the
pastor and guardian of God’s people.
PECTORAL CROSS- is the bishop’s necklace.
It is worn under the chasuble and the
dalmatic, under the cope but above the
mozeta.

Table of contents
*Liturgical Seasons:
Ordinary Time - (33-34 weeks)
Christ the King
Advent Season ­- (4 weeks)
Christmas Season - Birth of Jesus – (Dec. 25)
Holy Family
Epiphany
Baptism of Jesus
Ordinary Time
Lenten Season – Ash Wednesday
Last Supper
Death of Jesus
Easter Season – Resurrection
Ascension
Pentecost – (50 days after lent)
*Liturgical Colors:

Green - is the color of plant life, abundant in spring. It is used to represent the triumph
of life over death. Green is the liturgical color for the Trinity season in some traditions,
and may be used during Epiphany in others.

Violet- is the color for penitence and mourning. It is also the color of royalty. Purple is
the liturgical color for the seasons of Advent and Lent.

Red - is the color of blood, and so is used in the church as the liturgical color for the
commemoration of martyred saints. As the color of fire, red is used as the liturgical
color for Pentecost.

White - has, since before biblical times, been recognized as a symbol of purity,
innocence and holiness. It is the liturgical color for the Christmas and Easter seasons.
White is sometimes represented by silver.

Blue - the color of the sky is symbolic of heaven. It may also be used to symbolize
truth. Blue is gaining acceptance as a liturgical color for Advent.
*Parts of the Mass:

INTRODUCTORY RITES LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST

-Entrance Song -Preparation of the Gifts

-Veneration of the Altar -Eucharistic Prayer

-Penitential Rite -Communion Rite
-“Gloria”
-Opening Prayer

LITURGY OF THE WORD CONCLUDING RITE

-First Reading -Final Blessing
-Responsorial Psalm -Dismissal
-Second Reading
-“Alleluia”
-Gospel
-Homily
-Profession of Faith
-Prayer of the Faithful
*Parts of the SANCTUARY:
Sanctuary – the highest place at the front of the Church within, which most of the
action of the Liturgy of the Eucharist takes place.
Tabernacle – is a small box, usually especially
decorated, in which the Eucharist is kept when Mass is not being stared.
Paschal Candle – a large
candle which is placed in the Sanctuary. It is used during the Baptism and Funerals.

Lectern – the place from which the readings are done, the gospel is
proclaimed and the homily is given.
Altar – the large, high table, usually located in the middle of the Sanctuary where most
of the action of the Liturgy of the Eucharist takes place.
Altar Candles – they are lit to signal that Mass was started.
Altar Cloth – a long white linen cloth
draped over the altar ends as a symbol of the upcoming meal and also the cloth wrapped
around the body of Jesus when he was buried.
Sacristy – a sacred place where the sacred vessels, linens, book and vestments are
located.
Crucifix – a fix cross in the center of the Sanctuary, which also symbolizes our Lord’s
Passion.
Vigil Lamp - it signify the presence of the Blessed Sacrament.
Sacrarium – a basin or sink, with a separate drain pipe directly to the
earth for the disposal of water used for Sacred Purpose, as when washing/ altar linens.
Presider’s Chair – is a sign of
the priest’s role of presiding over the assembly during the Liturgy of the Word and the
Concluding Rite of the Mass.
Basic PRAYERS
THE LORD’S PRAYER

HAIL MARY

GLORY BE

APOSTLE’S CREED