This document provides information to altar servers on Catholic liturgy and practices. It covers the order of mass, liturgical seasons and vestments, sacraments, vessels and linens used during mass, important terms, saints, and proper serving posture. The core topics are organized across multiple pages with brief explanations on each topic.

1. Altar Servers Theory Guide
(2012-2013)

2. Contents
Page 1: Altar Servers 5 Core Values
Page 2: Altar Servers Ranking System
Page 3-4: Order of the Mass
Page 5: Liturgical Seasons
Page 6: Liturgical Calendar
Page 7: Liturgical Vestments
Page 8: Liturgical Colours
Page 9-10: Liturgical Terms
Page 11: The 7 Sacraments
Page 12: Liturgical Missals
Page 13-15: Liturgical Symbols
Page 16-20: Altar Vessels
Page 21: St. Pius X
Page 22: Ten Commandments
Page 23: Days of Obligations/Days of Fasting and Abstinence
Page 24: Holy oils/others
Page 25: Serving Posture
Page 26: Archbishop
Page 27: Feast Days
Page 28-30: Prayers

4. Altar Servers 5 Core Values
What are our Altar Servers 5 core values?
1) Discipline
2) Respect and Honour
3) Commitment
4) Responsibility
5) Positive Attitude
Page 1

5. Altar Servers Ranking Structure
Thurifer
Cross
1st
Server
2nd
Server
Alk
Novice is not considered a rank
Page 2

6. Order of the Mass
1) Introductory Rites 2) Liturgy of the Word
Opening procession 1st
Reading
Greetings Responsorial Psalm
Penitential rite/I confess 2nd
Reading
Kyrie/Lord have mercy/Absolution Gospel Acclamation
Gloria Gospel
Opening Prayer Homily
3) Liturgy of the Eucharist The Creed/Nicene Creed
Offertory General Intercession
Preparations of the Gifts
Prayer over the Gifts
Eucharistic Prayer
Preface Dialogue
Preface
Holy Holy/Sanctus
Epiclesis
Consecration/Institution Narrative
Memorial Acclamation
Final Doxology (Most important part of the mass)
The Great Amen Page 3

7. 4) Communion Rite
The Lord’s Prayer/Our Father
Sign of Peace
Breaking of Bread/ Fraction of the Bread
Communion
Prayer after Communion
5) Concluding Rite
Announcements
Final Blessings
Closing Procession
Page 4

8. 5 Liturgical Seasons
How long does each season last?
Advent: 4 Weeks
Lent: 40 Days
Easter: 7 Weeks
Ordinary Sundays: 33 Weeks
Christmas: 12 Days
What does each season mean?
Advent: The coming of Christ into the World
Lent: Fasting and Penitence in preparation for Easter
Easter: Celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus
Ordinary Sundays: Get closer to God in our Life
Christmas: Celebrate the Birth of Jesus
Page 5

9. Liturgical Calendar
Advent: 1st
Sunday of Advent marks the start of the Liturgical
Calendar
Ash Wednesday: Marks the start of Lent
Passion (Palm) Sunday: Marks the start of Holy Week
Solemnity of Christ the King: Marks the end of the Liturgical
calendar
During year A cycle, the Gospel of Matthew is the primary
Gospel that is used for readings. During Year B, Mark is the
primary Gospel and during year C, Luke is the primary Gospel.
Gospel of John is read on particular Sundays of the Year
Page 6

11. Liturgical vestments
Altar Servers Vestments:
Cassock/Alb: Differentiate the difference between the Altar Servers and the
Congregation.
Cincture/sash: Worn around your Cassock or Alb and fasten it.
Cape: Differentiate the Altar Servers from the Priest.
St. Benedict’s Crucifix: It’s worn around the neck and the medal on the crucifix is
used to ward off spiritual and physical dangers especially those related to evil or
temptation.
Priest Vestments:
Cassock/Alb: Differentiate the difference between the Priest and the Congregation.
Stole: Symbol of authority, worn by the priest to Minister a Sacrament.
Chasuble: Worn by the priest as it symbolizes Love.
Humeral Veil: Worn by the priest when carrying the Monstrance on Maundy
Thursday, Novena Sessions and Holy Hour.
Cope: Worn by priest during Eucharistic Adoration (Holy hour), Eucharistic
Procession, Funeral Services, Wedding Services and special Solemnities.
The Chasuble is worn over the stole because it symbolizes that Authority is at the
service of Love.
Page 7

12. Liturgical Colours
What does different Liturgical Colours Symbolize?
Green: Hope and Growth
Red: The Lord’s passion, Holy Spirit and Martyrdom
Purple: Penance and Repentance
Pink: Joy
White: Purity and Holiness
Gold: Majesty and Glory
When do we wear these Liturgical Colours?
Green: Ordinary Sundays
Red: Palm/Passion Sunday, Feast of Martyrs, Feast of the Lord’s
Passion and Cross, Funeral of Popes and Cardinals, Feast of Saints
Purple: Advent, Lent (except 3rd
Sunday of Advent and 4th
Sunday of
Lent), Funeral mass
Pink: 3rd
Sunday of Advent and 4th
Sunday of Lent
White: Christmas Seasons, Easter Seasons, Holy Thursday, Feast of
Saints, Wedding and Baptism
Gold: Christmas season, Easter season and Ordination Masses
Page 8

13. Liturgical Terms
INRI: Jesus the Nazarene, King of the Jews
IHS: Jesus, Savior of Men
Pulpit: Ambo, Lectern
Sacramentary: Roman Missal
Holy Holy: Sanctus
Our Father: The Lord’s Prayer
Kyrie: Lord Have Mercy/Absolution
General Intercession: Prayer of the Faithful
I Believe: Nicene Creed
Transubstantiation: Transformation of Bread and Wine becoming the Body and
Blood of Jesus Christ
Catholic: Universal
Corpus Christi: Body and Blood of Jesus Christ
Altar Servers: Acolyte
Pope: Vicar of Christ
Nativity: Birth
Holy Trinity: God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit
Page 9

14. Penitential Rite: I Confess
Holy Family: Jesus, Mother Mary and St. Joseph
Ave Maria: Hail Mary
Triduum: (3 days of mass preparations) Example; Before Easter, it recalls the
passion, death, burial and resurrection of Jesus.
Lamb of God: Agnus Dei
Blessed Sacrament: Consecrated body (bread) and blood (wine) of Jesus Christ
Epiclesis: Call upon the Holy Spirit
Consecration: Sacred
Eucharist: Holy Communion, Thanksgiving
Sacrament: A sign of the Sacred
Matthew: Man
Mark: Lion
Luke: Bull
John: Eagle
Page 10

16. The 7 Sacraments
1) Sacrament of Baptism: For Catholics, the Sacrament of Baptism is the first step in a
lifelong journey of Commitment and discipleship.
2) Sacrament of the Eucharist: We believe in the real presence of Jesus, who died for
our sins. As we receive Christ's Body and Blood, we also are nourished spiritually and
brought closer to God.
3) Sacrament of reconciliation: Through confession, we find God's unconditional
forgiveness and as a result we are called to forgive others.
4) Sacrament of Confirmation: It is most often associated with the gifts of the Holy
Spirit.
5) Sacrament of marriage: For Catholics, the Sacrament of Marriage, or Holy
Matrimony, is a public sign that one gives oneself totally to this other person. It is also a
public statement about God: the loving union of husband and wife speaks of family
values and also God's values.
6) Sacrament of Holy Orders: In the Sacrament of Holy Orders, or Ordination, the priest
being ordained vows to lead other Catholics by bringing them the sacraments (especially
the Eucharist), by proclaiming the Gospel, and by providing other means to holiness.
7) Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick: It is a Ritual of healing appropriate not only
for physical but also for mental and spiritual sickness.
Page 11

17. Liturgical Missals
There are 3 Liturgical Missals:
1) Sacramentary: Consist of Gospel readings, opening prayers,
Eucharistic prayers, special Blessings and Closing prayers
2) Book of Gospels: Consist of Gospel readings of Matthew, Mark,
Luke and John
3) Lectionary: Consist of 1st
reading from the Old Testament or New
Testament, Responsorial Psalm, 2nd
reading from the New
Testament and Gospel readings.
The 1st
reading is read on weekday and weekend mass. It’s taken from
the book of Old Testament: Genesis to Malachi (Bible)
The 2nd
reading is only read on weekend mass. It’s taken from the
Books of New Testament: Acts to revelations (Bible)
The Gospel reading that is taken from the Lectionary is only read on
weekday mass.
There are 150 Psalms and 13 Eucharistic Prayer
Page 12

18. Liturgical Symbols
The Dove: The Dove is a symbol of the Holy Spirit,
God forgiveness and peace
The Lamb: The Lamb is a symbol of Jesus Christ
victory over death in his resurrection. The Lamb is
white in colour which symbolize Purity and Innocence
The Fish: The fish is used by Christians to identify
themselves in time of prosecution
Page 13

19. The Alpha and the Omega: Christ is the Beginning and
the End of all creations
Chi-Rho: Chi-Rho invokes the crucifixion of Jesus, as
well as symbolizing his status as Christ
Fleur De Lis: The Lily represents Purity, and in turn to
the Virgin Mary. Three sepals symbolize the Holy
Trinity
Page 14

20. Sacred Heart of Jesus: Jesus love for mankind
Why do we make a Small Cross on our Forehead, Lips
and Heart during gospel??
Forehead: That the word of God be kept in our Mind
Lips: That the word of God be Proclaim by our Lips
Heart: That the word of God be loved and cherished in our Hearts
Page 15

21. Altar Vessels
Altar Vessels that is used by Altar Servers:
Alk
Boat
Cross
Thurible
Communion Plates
Altar Bells
Altar Lamp
Altar Vessels that is used by the Priest:
Chalice
Paten
Ciborium
Communion Bowls
Sprinkler/Aspersory
Monstrance/Ostensory
Luna
Pyx
Cruets
Page 16

22. Altar Linens
Altar Linens used by Priest:
Pall
Purificator
Finger Towel
Corporal
Altar Table Cloth
Order of the Chalice
Corporal [Top]
Pall
Paten
Purificator
Chalice [Bottom]
Page 17

23. Why do we have to use these Altar Vessels during
mass? What is it used for? :
Alk: It is used to hold lighted candles which remind us that Jesus is the
light of the world. It has long poles which is held by Altar Servers during
opening procession, Gospel and closing procession
Boat: Contains incense that’s used for incensing
Cross: Accompanied with a Long pole and held by the Altar Server during
Opening and Closing Procession. This reminds us that we are followers of
Jesus
Thurible: Contains hot charcoal and when incense is poured into the
Thurible, smoke rises from the Thurible and it shows that our prayers are
rising up to Heaven
Communion Plates: Used by the Altar Servers to catch crumbs that drops
from the Host
Altar Bells: Rung by Altar Server during Consecration, when the priest
drinks the wine before communion and Gloria during Christmas, Easter
Virgil, Easter Sunday and Maundy Thursday
Altar Lamps: Lighted candles shows the presence of Jesus
Page 18

24. Chalice: Holds the mixture of the water and wine for the priest to
consecrate and consume. [When the water (people) is mixed with the wine
(Jesus) it symbolizes the unity of Jesus and his people]
Paten: Holds the host that’s to be consecrated
Ciborium: Contains host which have or have not been consecrated. Used
by the priest/Communion Ministers to distribute the host to the congregation
Communion Bowls: Holds the host which has been consecrated. Used by
the priest/Communion Ministers to distribute the host to the congregation
Sprinkler/Aspersory: Holds the holy water for sprinkling when there is
special Blessings
Monstrance/Ostensory: Hold the Luna which contains the blessed
Sacrament (Body of Jesus) during Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and
Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament (Holy Hour, Novena)
Luna: Contains the Blessed Sacrament (Body of Christ)
Pyx: Contains the Host which will be distributed to the Communion
Ministers during mass so that the Communion Minister can deliver the Host
to the sick who are unable to attend mass
Cruets: It holds the water and wine separately without it being mixed
Page 19

25. Why do the Priest have to use these Altar Linens
during mass? What is it used for? :
Pall: A piece of Stiffened Square Linen used to cover the Chalice at the
Eucharist. It can also be a Cloth ornamented or plain, placed over the coffin
at Funeral masses
Purificator: A purificator is a small piece of rectangular white cloth with a
cross at the centre, used at Communion to cleanse the Chalice
Finger Towel: A small piece of rectangular white cloth with the cross at
the top left hand corner. Used by the Priest after washing his hands, when he
is done with Preparations of the Gifts. Archbishop uses it after washing his
hands when administering the Sacrament of Confirmation. (The priest wash
his hands and wipe it with the finger towel to cleanse the priest from his
sins)
Corporal: A square white Linen cloth on which the Host and Chalice are
placed on it during mass to prevent stains on the altar cloth. It’s also placed
under the monstrance during at Benediction or under the Blessed Sacrament
Altar Table Cloth: A large rectangular cloth that is used to cover the Altar
Table. It also prevents the Altar Stone that is beneath the Altar cloth from
getting stained
Altar Stones: Contains relics of martyrs in them and it is inserted on the
surface of the Altar table and that is what makes the Altar table sacred.
Page 20

26. St. Pius X
Pope St. Pius X is our Altar Servers Patron Saint.
(1835-1914)
Feast of St. Pius X: August 21
Born poor and humble of heart
Undaunted champion of the Catholic faith
Zealous to restore all things in Christ
Crowned a holy life with a holy death.
His English name is Joseph Sarto.
Page 21

27. Ten Commandments
1. I, the Lord, am your God. You shall not have other
gods besides me.
2. You shall not take the name of the Lord God in vain
3. Remember to keep holy the Lord's Day
4. Honor your father and your mother
5. You shall not kill
6. You shall not commit adultery
7. You shall not steal
8. You shall not bear false witness
9. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife
10. You shall not covet your neighbor's goods
Page 22

28. Days of Obligations
All Sundays
The Ascension of the Lord
Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
All Saints day
Christmas
Days of Fasting and Abstinence
Ash Wednesday and Good Friday
Page 23

29. Holy Oils
Oil of Catechumens: Used in Baptism
Oil of Chrism: Used in Baptism, Confirmation and
Priestly Ordination
Oil for the Sick: Used in the Sacrament of the Sick
Novena
A form of devotion consisting of special prayers or
services on 9 consecutive days (9 days before Feast day)
How many times can we receive the host
within a day?
Ans: 2 times
Page 24

30. Serving Posture
Standing: We stand in reverence to show the utmost
respect to the Eucharist, especially when we are in God’s
house and where Jesus in present
Bowing: We bow to the priest as the priest represents
Christ during mass. We bow to the Altar table as it is
consecrated, contain relics of martyrs and represent the
throne of God. We bow to the congregation as a sign of
peace
Kneeling: We kneel down during prayers as a sign of
Respect, Humility and Homage to God
Genuflecting: Genuflecting is a sign to Deep respect and
reverence towards God. We only Genuflect towards the
Tabernacle and the Eucharist.
Tabernacle: It is a Glorious tent where the Body of Christ
(Consecrated bread) resides in.
Page 25

31. Archbishop
We always address the Archbishop as Your Grace.
The Archbishop always put on his Mitre (Headdress) and
holds the Crozier (Shepard Staff) for Liturgical functions
Mitre: A bishop's Mitre is the head-dress worn by a
bishop as a symbol of Authority
Crozier: The Crozier Symbolize the Archbishop
obligation to stand as a firm support for the faithful.
The Archbishop usually Celebrate the Sacrament of
Confirmation which involves the youths and the Feast day
of the church itself
Page 26

32. Feast Days
Mary, Mother of God All Souls
The Epiphany of the Lord Christ the King
The Baptism of the Lord The Immaculate Conception,
The Presentation of the Lord of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Annunctiation of the lord
Ash Wednesday Christmas Day/holy innocent
Saint Joseph, husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary Holy Family
Palm Sunday
Maundy Thursday
Good Friday
Easter Virgil
Easter Sunday
Saint Joseph Worker
Ascension of the Lord
Our lady of Fatimah
Pentecost
The Most Holy Trinity
Corpus Christi
The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus/immaculate heart/St Anthony of padua/our lady of perpetual succout/st.anne and
st jokim/st peter and paul
The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary/ Nativity of the b.v.m
The Exaltation of the Holy Cross/our lady star of the seas/Archangels and angels/st.theresa/st.jude
All Saints
Page 27

33. Prayers
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in Heaven,
Hallowed be thy name;
Thy kingdom come
Thy will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
Hail Mary:
Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou amongst women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.
Glory Be:
Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.
Page 28

34. The Apostle's Creed
I believe in God,
the Father Almighty,
Creator of Heaven and earth;
and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, Our Lord,
Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended into Hell.
The third day He arose again from the dead;
He ascended into Heaven,
sited at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty;
from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy Catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
Hail Holy Queen
Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of mercy,
our life, our sweetness and our hope.
To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve:
to thee do we send up our sighs,
mourning and weeping in this valley of tears.
Turn then, most gracious Advocate,
thine eyes of mercy toward us,
and after this our exile,
show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary! Amen.
Anima Christi
Soul of Christ, make me holy
Body of Christ, be my salvation
Blood of Christ, let me drink your wine
Water flowing from the side of Christ, wash me clean
Passion of Christ, strengthen me
Kind Jesus, hear my prayer
Hide me within your wounds
And keep me close to you
Defend me from the evil enemy
And call me at the hour of my death
To the fellowship of your saints
That I might sing your praise with them
for all eternity. Amen.
Memorare
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary,
that never was it known
that anyone who fled to thy protection,
implored thy help
or sought thy intercession,
was left unaided.
Inspired by this confidence,
We fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins my Mother;
to thee do we come, before thee we stand, sinful and sorrowful;
O Mother of the Word Incarnate,
despise not our petitions,
but in thy mercy hear and answer them. Amen.

35. Saint Michael Prayer
Saint Michael, the Archangel, defend us in battle.
Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray;
and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly host,
by the power of God
cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits
who prowl throughout the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.
Act of Contrition
O my God, I am heartfully sorry for having offended thee, and I detest all my sins because of
Thy just punishment, but most of all because I have offended Thee my God, Who is all good and
deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of Thy grace, to sin no more, and to
avoid the near occasion of sin. Amen.
Morning Offering
Dear Lord, I do not know what will happen to me today. I only know that nothing will happen
that was not foreseen by You, and directed to my greater good from all eternity. I adore Your
holy and unfathomable plans, and submit to them with all my heart for love of You, the Pope,
and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Amen.
Grace Before Meals
Bless us, O Lord, and these Thy gifts, which we are about to receive from Thy bounty, through
Christ our Lord. Amen.
Page 30