ALTAR SERVER RULES

September 25, 2004 

1. Please be on time.  Please be in the sacristy 10 minutes prior to Mass.  If you are late, we need time to look for volunteers.

2. Please get a replacement, if you are going to miss an assignment.  When you sign up to serve you are making a commitment to serve when scheduled.  The parish is depending on you.

3. Please volunteer.  If you are at Mass and notice that the servers are not there, please come into the sacristy and volunteer.

4. Hang up albs in the closet when you are finished with them and please hang up any other albs that you notice on the floor.

5. Stay in the sanctuary during Mass unless the priest or deacon asks you to get something for him.  If you move from one side of the altar to the other, walk across the sanctuary and bow when you pass in front of the tabernacle.  (This means you don’t leave for a tissue, to use the bathroom, or to get a drink.  If you are feeling ill you may go to the sacristy!)

6. Pay attention and participate.  Sing the songs and recite the prayers.  Avoid becoming a distraction to anyone at Mass.

7. Please wear appropriate clothing.  Do not wear anything that will distract the people who are at Mass.  Please avoid clothes that “hang out” of your alb; baggy pants that may cause you to trip; or shirts and blouses that extend past your wrists or have hoods or oversized collars.  Also avoid nylon athletic pants that make noise when you walk. 

8. Please try to avoid wearing sneakers and flip flop sandals.  If you need to wear sneakers please make sure that are clean, laced and tied. During the winter, do not wear boots which squeak when you walk on a wet floor.  Bring a change of shoes if necessary.

9. Please be careful with the lanterns.  Please carry them so that they are perpendicular to the floor and do not swing as you walk.  Please be careful when you place them in the stands on the altar.  Make sure that they fit completely and firmly into the stand.

10. Be careful with candles.  Remember that the extinguisher should not touch the candles when you are putting extinguishing them.

11. There are three important rules to remember:
    1. Be calm and never run, race or look rushed.
    2. Listen carefully to everything that the priest or deacon might whisper to you and follow instructions.
    3. Always keep a look on your face that makes it look like you know what you’re doing

12. Remember that your primary duty is to assist the priest or deacon and to avoid any distractions.  Servers are best when no one notices you.