The Altar Servers
Guidelines for Altar ServerThe
following guidelines were prepared by the Bishops' Committee
on the Liturgy and presented to the National Conference
of Catholic Bishops for discussion at the June 1994 Special
Assembly on Thursday, June 16, 1994. The suggested guidelines
have been slightly revised according to the third typical
edition of the General Instruction of the Roman Missal.
They may be used as a basis for developing diocesan guidelines.
Although institution into
the ministry of acolyte is reserved to lay men, the diocesan
bishop may permit the liturgical functions of the instituted
acolyte to be carried out by altar servers, men and women,
boys and girls. Such persons may carry out all the functions
listed in no. 100 (with the exception of the distribution
of Holy Communion) and nos. 187 - 190 and no. 193 of the
General Instruction of the Roman Missal.
The determination that women
and girls may function as servers in the liturgy should
be made by the bishop on the diocesan level so that there
might be a uniform diocesan policy.
No distinction should be
made between the functions carried out in the sanctuary
by men and boys and those carried out by women and girls.
The term "altar boys" should be replaced by
"servers". The term "server" should
be used for those who carry out the functions of the instituted
acolyte.
Servers should be mature enough to understand their responsibilities
and to carry them out well and with appropriate reverence.
They should have already received holy communion for the
first time and normally receive the eucharist whenever
they participate in the liturgy.
Servers should receive proper
formation before they begin to function. The formation
should include instruction on the Mass and its parts and
their meaning, the various objects used in the liturgy
(their names and use), and the various functions of the
server during the Mass and other liturgical celebrations.
Servers should also receive appropriate guidance on maintaining
proper decorum and attire when serving Mass and other
functions.
Since the role of server
is integral to the normal celebration of the Mass, at
least one server should assist the priest. On Sundays
and other more important occasions, two or more servers
should be employed to carry out the various functions
normally entrusted to these ministers.
Acolytes, altar servers, readers, and other lay ministers
may wear the alb or other suitable vesture or other appropriate
or dignified clothing. (General Instruction of the Roman
Missal, no.339) All servers should wear the same liturgical
vesture.
Servers carry the cross, the processional candles, hold
the book for the priest celebrant when he is not at the
altar, carry the incense and censer, present the bread,
wine, and water to the priest during the preparation of
the gifts or assist him when he receives the gifts from
the people, wash the hands of the priest, assist the priest
celebrant and deacon as necessary.
Servers respond to the prayers and dialogues of the priest
along with the congregation. They also join in singing
the hymns and other chants of the liturgy.
Servers should be seated
in a place from which they can easily assist the priest
celebrant and deacon. The place next to the priest is
normally reserved for the deacon.
Servers may not distribute
holy communion unless they have been mandated for this
function by the bishop.
The Order for the Blessing
of Altar Servers, Sacristans, Musicians, and Ushers (Book
of Blessings, nos. 1847-1870) may be used before servers
first begin to function in this ministry.
