Altar Servers

Clarifications

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Preparation of the Altar

When Preparing the Altar after the Petitions, it should look like this:

Processions

When there are three servers, they form a triangle with the cross in front.

When there are two servers, the candle-bearer follows directly behind the cross.

When Incense Is Used At Mass

We sometimes use incense at the more solemn/important Masses. When this is done, we have an extra server called a thurifer whose only job is to take care of the incense.

Procession: The thurifer leads the procession and waits behind the altar to give it to the deacon/priest after they reverence the altar. He waits for them to return it to him.

The Gospel: At the beginning of the 2nd reading, the thurifer waits by credence table, holding the boat and incense. Right after the reading the thurifer brings the thurible and boat to the priest. Then the thurifer takes his place ahead of the candles in the Gospel procession. When the deacon/priest reaches the bottom of the steps, he leads the procession to the ambo, taking his place behind the candle closest to the altar. He gives the minister the thurible after the people say “Glory to you, Lord.”

Preparation of the Altar: After Father first prays to God, holding the bread and wine and the people would normally respond, “Blessed be God forever,” the thurifer hands the incense to the deacon. The deacon then gives it to Father, and Father incenses the altar, the crucifix, and the gifts. Then he gives it to the deacon who incenses the priest and the people. Right after he incenses the priest the two candle-bearers wash the Father’s hands.

Recessional: The thurifer does not lead the recessional but, without the incense, joins the procession to form a diamond shape.

Note: Light a coal 10 minutes before Mass. Put a new coal in after the Gospel.