As We Worship

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 THE PLEDGE
I ………………………. Knight/Lady of the Altar, promise solemnly that I will do my best to be
a close follower of Jesus Christ, our Lord and savior. I promise to be obedient to his
representatives on earth, our parish priest, our bishop and our Holy Father, the Pope.

With the help of the intercession of Mary I will try to promote friendship and co-
operation, especially among my fellow Knights/Ladies.

I also pledge allegiance to my country, Ghana, and I will do whatever I can to promote
prosperity and peace in the country. I will obey and support the lawful authority in their
efforts to promote the well-being of all citizens.

I will especially try to help the priest to make the church services worthy celebrations for
the greater honour and glory of God.

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KNIGHTS AND LADIES OF THE ALTAR

The Knights and Ladies of the Altar are also referred to as KNOLTA.

GREETINGS

V. At your service

R. Lord

V. Fellow Knights

R. Learn and serve

The Meaning of KNIGHTS

K - Knowledge

N - Neatness

I - Intelligence

G - Goodness

H - Humility/Holiness/Helpfulness

T - Trustworthy/Truthfulness

S - Servant

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PRELIMINARY RULES

 To be an altar server at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church you must first have
received the sacrament of baptism and made your first communion.

 An altar server must attend every Mass for which they are scheduled. If for some
reason the server cannot attend the assigned Mass, it is the server’s
responsibility to find a replacement.

 Please arrive at least 30 minutes before Mass begins.

 Dress as you would to go anywhere important. Servers should dress in collared

shirts, trousers or khakis. Blue Jeans, beach attire, and gym clothes are never to
be worn at Mass. Such clothing is not appropriate dress for serving at the altar.

 No sneakers, work boots, or flip-flops. Appropriate dress shoes should be worn,

(preferably black shoes)

 Everyone, including altar servers, should genuflect or bow when crossing in front
of the tabernacle, when Jesus is present Body, and Blood in the Eucharist, and at
the beginning and end of Mass. 

 Servers must demonstrate the ability to make use of the "tools of the trade"
such as matches, candle lighters, books and candles, etc

GENERAL RULES AND GUIDELINES

 All Knights especially the Officers shall be full of zeal for the spiritual welfare of
the whole society and its individual members. They shall observe and guard the
rules, uphold the constitution and strive to excel in piety, humility and fraternal
charity as becoming of all-round Christian gentlemen.

 All Knights shall pay respect and reverence to priest and bishops as the
representatives of Christ the King on earth and be always helpful and courteous
to them.

 All Knights shall take active part in all activities of the society, be they spiritual,
social, recreational or other, so that every Knight will have the opportunity to
develop the best qualities of body and mind.

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 All Knights shall be ready and willing to give up their own individual interest for
the good of the whole society, realizing that in unity there is strength and that
success is achieved only when all work together towards a common goal.

 All knights shall endeavour to receive the sacraments as many times as possible,
especially the sacrament of the Blessed Eucharist and the Sacrament of
Reconciliation.

 All shall be brothers to each other. Courtesy, respect and love for one another
shall be observed.

 All Knights shall learn to take adversity with a smile, especially when their
feelings are hurt or when being teased or corrected.

 All Knights shall associate themselves with good and honourable boys and girls
and thus preserve their dignity as Knights of the Altar.

Meetings

 During meetings all Knights are expected to give their opinion freely and
candidly, though in a graceful manner and will never hesitate to propose
whatever they consider necessary for the benefit of the society.

 During the Business part of the meeting, items like Rules for correct serving,
appointments for various occasions, parts of the Constitution and Bye-laws,
Liturgical news items, and so on should not be forgotten.

SERVING

 All Knights are to be decently dressed at all times. However, on the altar they
shall be in clean and ironed cassocks and surplices. Furthermore, they shall wear
decent footwear which will not hamper their movements on the altar.

 All Knights assigned to serve shall be punctual. They shall be in cassock and
surplice at least ten minutes before time.

 All Knights shall be silent in the sacristy and on the altar. No talking, no laughing,
no looking around.

 All Knights shall walk with dignity while serving. They shall kneel or genuflect
perfectly as a true salute to Christ, their King, and perform all actions in perfect
harmony.

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REQUIREMENTS

An altar server should have received the sacraments of Baptism and First Communion. A
server should also learn the main prayers of the Mass: The Gloria, Our Father, I am not
worthy and the Holy, Holy, Holy. A server should know the names of the places in the
church (e.g. sanctuary, altar, sacristy), the items used in the Mass and what they are
used for (e.g. chalice, paten, corporal, alb, etc.). When lighting a match, always strike
down and away from you.

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DRESSING

Servers should be neat, clean and simply dressed. Albs are made from lightweight
material and what you wear underneath might show through. For that reason, avoid
bold stripes and designs of any kind that might show through. Solid colours are fine, but
light colours are best for shirts and tops. Neat clean shoes should be worn.

POSTURE

Always sit with your feet flat on the floor and your hands folded in your lap or placed on
your knees. You should be still and sit up straight. Don’t fidget or slouch. This could
distract Father or the people at Mass. You are doing your best job if no one notices you
are there. When on the altar, always move slowly and smoothly.

Kneeling – When you kneel, your body should be upright and your hands should be in
front of your chest, well above your waist.

Standing – Always stand up straight with both feet firmly on the floor six to eight inches
apart. This will give you balance and comfort at the same time. Do not lean against the
furniture or against the walls.

Sitting – Sit down on your chair carefully and gracefully. Once you are seated, sit tall and
do not slouch. Place both feet firmly on the floor. Place your hands on your lap or flat on
your thighs in a relaxed manner.

Eyes – During Mass always look towards the place where the action is happening: the
celebrant’s chair, the ambo or the altar. When a reader is reading the scriptures, you
should be looking at the reader. Keep your attention on the presider in case he is in
need of your assistance.

PRAYER BEFORE MASS

Priest: I will go to the Altar of God

Servers: To God who gives joy to my youth

Priest: Our help is in the name of the Lord

Servers: Who made heaven and earth

All: Go before us oh Lord. In this our sacrifice of prayer and praise and grant that what
we say and sing with our lips, we may believe in our heart and what we believe in our

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hearts, We may practice and show forth in our daily lives. Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

PRAYER AFTER MASS

Priest: Praise be Jesus Christ

Servers: Now and for ever

Priest and Servers: Bless oh Lord our hearts and minds and grant that as we leave your
house may we continue to be aware of your presence. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.

SOME EXPLANATIONS AND NOTES

THE CHURCH

The Church is defined as a group of people who worship together. It is a community that
comes together in the name of God to pray adore and worship the Lord God. The
Church as a liturgical place is the house of God, where the faithful come together to
worship, praise and pray.

THE MASS

For Catholics, nothing is more important than the Mass. It is the heart and soul of our
worship of God. It is the celebration that gives us the strength we need to live a
Christian life. Because of its importance, the Church places a serious obligation on all of
its members to take part in the Mass each Sunday and Holy Day.

First and foremost, the Mass is a sacrifice. Jesus offered His Father a sacrifice: Himself.
Jesus promised us that “when we eat this bread and drink this cup” He would continue
His great sacrifice until He comes again. The Mass is a sacred meal called the Eucharist
(from Greek meaning “thanksgiving”). In the Mass, we give thanks for all that God has
done for us, and we all eat the same food – “the bread of life and the cup of eternal
salvation.”

The Mass is a memorial of the Last Supper when Jesus instituted the Eucharist and told
His followers “Do this in memory of me.” The way in which the Mass is celebrated has
developed over two thousand years. Despite its development, two elements have
always been the same: the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

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THE SANCTUARY

The Sanctuary is the space at the front of the church within which most of the action of
the Mass takes place. The word means “holy place.” It is often set apart from the rest of
the church by being slightly elevated. There are many things in the sanctuary with which
you should be familiar.

Main Altar
Altar comes from the Latin word Alaus, the altar is the large, high table located in the
middle of our sanctuary. Most of the action of the Liturgy of the Eucharist takes place on
the main altar. In ancient times, the altar was the place where a sacrifice was offered to
God; therefore it is at the Altar where the sacrifice of the Mass takes place.

The Crucifix
This one refers to the big crucifix that hangs above the presider’s chair.

Tabernacle, Tabernacle Key, Vigil Light

The tabernacle is the ornate place where the Eucharist is reserved, and is kept locked
with the tabernacle key. If the entire Church is “God’s House,” then the Tabernacle is
“Jesus’ Room.” Hosts are taken from and returned to the tabernacle at Communion
time. The vigil light is a candle in a red holder that is lit when the Blessed Sacrament is
present within the tabernacle. Proper reverence by genuflection is to be given to the
tabernacle at all times the vigil light is lit.

Ambo (Lectern)

This is the place from which the sacred readings and

homily are given. Most of the action of the Liturgy of the
Word takes place at the Ambo. It is the special place set
aside for Sacred Scripture.

Presider’s Chair

It is the chair from which the priest leading the prayers and rites of
the church sits. The adjacent chairs are for deacons or concelebrants.

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 The Credence Table

This is the side table near the sanctuary where items are kept when
they are needed for mass but are not currently being used.

THE LITURGICAL YEAR

The liturgical year is also called Ecclesiastical year. The liturgical year which is sometimes
called the calendar, is about a fixed annual cycle of holy seasons and feast day
consecrated in a particular way to God’s service. The liturgical year contains two parts.

1. Proper of Saints 2. Proper of Season

THE PROPER OF SEASONS

This is made up of feasts in honour of our Divine Saviour, Jesus Christ.

THE PROPER OF SAINTS

It includes feasts dedicated to our mother Mary and the Saints.

NB: The Liturgical year starts from 1 st Sunday of Advent that is November ending and
early December.

THE LITURGICAL CYCLE

There are three liturgical cycles- these are:

1.Year (A) 2. Year (B) 3. Year (C)

All the Sundays’ reading follows this order, for example; if for year 2005 we used year A,
2006 will be year B, 2007 will be year C, then 2008, we will come back to year A. it
follows the same order. This means that the Sunday readings are repeated after two
years. The weekday readings are in two years;

I. Year One

II. Year Two.

All years with odd numbers use year one and all years with even numbers use year two
for 2005, we used year one. In 2006, we use year two, then in 2007 we come back to
year one. This means that the weekday readings are repeated after every two years.

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THE LITURGICAL SEASONS

There are five (5) liturgical seasons. They are;

1.Advent 2. Christmas 3. Lent 4. Easter 5. Ordinary Time

THE SEASON OF ADVENT

Advent means the coming of Christ at Christmas. Advent is made up of four Sundays.
Advent marks the beginning of the liturgical year. Advent colour is purple or violet.

THE SEASON OF CHRISTMAS

The Christmas season is a season of JOY. Christmas starts from 24th December which is
called Christmas Vigil, or Christmas Eve and ends on 13th January falls on the baptism of
the Lord. Christmas falls on 25th December and 1st January which is also known as the
Octave of Christmas and also the solemnity of Mary, 6th January is the Epiphany which
means appearance or manifestation, after which we celebrate the baptism of the Lord
to the end of the Christmas season.

The baptism of the Lord is also the 1st Sunday in ordinary time. White, Gold or Cream is
used during this season.

THE SEASON OF LENT

This is a season of penance, fasting, and almsgiving. The season of lent which is also
called Lenten season is made up of five Sundays and 40 days. Lent starts from Ash
Wednesday and ends on Holy Saturday which is the Saturday before Easter Sunday.

The Sunday after the fifth Sunday of Lent is called Palm Sunday or Passion Sunday. The
Monday after Palm Sunday through to the Saturday is called Holy Week, so we say Holy
Monday, Holy Tuesday, Holy Wednesday, Holy Thursday and Holy Saturday but the
Friday is called Good Friday. The colour for lent is violet or purple.

THE SEASON OF EASTER

This is a season of victory. The Easter season starts on Easter Sunday and ends on
Pentecost Sunday. It is made up of seven Sundays/fifty days. The Sunday after Easter is
called 2nd Sunday of Easter, this continues up to the seventh Sunday of Easter.

Ascension Day falls on forty days after Easter which is the Thursday before the 7 th
Sunday of Easter. The Sunday after the 7 th Sunday is Pentecost Sunday which falls on the
50th day after Easter. The Sunday after Pentecost Sunday is called the Trinity Sunday

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then the Sunday after Trinity Sunday is called Corpus Christi. Corpus Christi means the
body of Christ. The second part of the Ordinary Time continues after Corpus Christi.

ORDINARY TIME

Ordinary time is a time of hope and trust. It is made up of thirty four (34) Sundays, but
these have been divided into two parts.
The First part of Ordinary Time: The first part of Ordinary Time begins just before Lent.
It normally starts from 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time and then we break for Lent. The
Second part of Ordinary Time: This starts after Easter season until Advent usually
continue from the Sunday to the 34th Sunday is called the Feast of Christ - The - King.
This ends the liturgical year. Green is mostly used during this season.

COLOURS OF THE CHURCH

The liturgical seasons are there to help us change, grow and become more mature as
followers of Jesus Christ. One of the clearest signs of these seasons is the changing
liturgical colours. With each change of seasons, the Church changes the colour of
vestments as a visible sign of our need to change and grow.

WHITE OR GOLD
The symbol of Celebration and triumph, purity and innocence. It is used on all feasts of
the joyful and glorious mysteries of our Lord's life (e.g. Christmas and Easter), on the
feast of our Blessed Mother, on the feasts of angels and of all saints who were not
martyrs. White/Gold can always be worn since every mass is a celebration of Christ’s
Resurrection, and is often worn at funerals to celebrate the life of the deceased and
pray for their triumphal acceptance into heaven.

RED
The symbol of Sacrifice because it is the colour of blood, is used on all feasts of our
Lord's Cross and Passion, on the feasts of the Apostles and of all martyrs. It is also a
symbol of the Holy Spirit when it is used on Pentecost and in Masses of the Holy Spirit,
in memory of the tongues of fire of the First Pentecost.

VIOLET
The symbol of Penance and Waiting, it is used during the penitential seasons of Advent
and Lent, and on days of fast. It reminds us of preparation. It also may be worn during
funerals as an alternative dark colour, to show mourning and the preparation of the
dead.

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GREEN
The symbol of Hope and Growth, Green is the colour of budding and living vegetation. It
is used during Ordinary Time, to show that our common state is one of growing in our
relationship with God, longing and hoping for eternal life.

ROSE
The symbol of Subdued Joy that half a penitential season is over, this is authorized only
on the Third Sunday of Advent (Gaudete Sunday) and on the Fourth Sunday of Lent
(Laetare Sunday) as an alternative to violet.

BLACK
The symbol of Mourning and Death, it may be used in funerals or a day commemorating
the dead or great loss of life, like All Soul’s Day. It is rarely used.

BOOKS USED FOR MASS

LECTIONARY
This book contains all the sacred Scripture readings for
Mass. It is usually at the ambo before mass.

SACRAMENTARY (ROMAN MISSAL)

This is a large book that contains all the words the priest uses during
Mass, except the readings, hymns and homilies.

BOOK OF GOSPEL

This book contains the Gospel readings. It is usually carried in the

entrance procession by the deacon or lector.

SACRED VESTMENTS

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 THE CASSOCK

The Cassock is the principal vestment used

by members of the clergy. It is a robe reaching
down to the feet, and normally has 33 buttons
(representing Christ’s earthly years). For priests it is
black; for bishops, violet; for cardinals, red; and for
the Pope White.

THE ALB

The alb is a long cloth robe reaching to the

feet used to cover the priest’s clothing and body.
It represents Baptism. The vesting prayer is:
“Make me white, O Lord, and cleanse my heart;
that being made white in the Blood of the Lamb I
may deserve an eternal reward.”

History: The alb, or tunic, was worn in ancient

times by all who enjoyed any dignity. It recalls for
us the garment with which Herod clothed Our
Lord, and signifies the purity of conscience
demanded of God’s priests.

THE SURPLICE

The Surplice is a smaller version of the alb, without a

cincture, and is occasionally embroidered at hem and
sleeves. It is a liturgical garment worn by all, clergy to
altar servers, during processions, and when
administering the sacraments. Like the alb it
represents the garment given to each of us at our
baptism.

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THE AMICE

The amice is a rectangular cloth with straps

used to cover the priest’s collar. It represents
being mentally prepared. The priest places it for
a moment on his head, and then allows it to rest
upon his shoulders. As he does so he prays:
“Place, O Lord, on my head the helmet of
salvation, that so I may resist the assaults of the
devil.”

History: Originally
a covering for the
head and neck
worn like a hood,
when indoors, it
was lowered and
thrown over the shoulders. It symbolizes the linen cloth
that the soldiers put over Our Lord’s Sacred Head; when
thus blindfolded, He was mockingly asked who struck Him.
For the priest it is the Helmet of Salvation [cf. Eph. VI, 17].

THE CINCTURE
The cincture, or girdle, is a cord fastened
about the waist to confine the alb and hold
everything in place. It represents Purity. The
vesting prayer is: “Gird me, O Lord, with the
cincture of purity, and quench in my heart
the fire of concupiscence, that the virtue of
continence and chastity may abide in me.”
History:
Walking and
active exertion
made it
necessary for
one to gird up a
long garment like the alb. Hence the cincture was an
essential article of dress. We think of the cord that bound
Our Lord to the pillar when He was being scourged. It
further symbolizes modesty, and also readiness for hard
work in God’s service.

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ALTAR SERVERS MANUAL (Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, Abelenkpe) 16
 THE STOLE

The stole is a long narrow strip in the liturgical colour and is used
to identify the person a bishop, priest or deacon. It represents
the power the priest has by virtue of ordination. It has a cross
sewn in the middle and the priest kisses the middle cross and
places the stole upon his neck. Deacons wear it over one
shoulder. The vesting prayer is: “Restore to me, O Lord, the state
of immortality which I lost through the sin of my first parents
and, although unworthy to approach Thy Sacred Mysteries, may I
deserve nevertheless eternal joy.”

History: A kind of neck-piece or kerchief, the stole was a

part of the dress of the upper classes. The stole is a mark
of sacramental authority and the power of Orders. As
such, it is also used outside the Mass whenever this power
is used (in the sacrament of Penance, when giving
blessings in a more solemn fashion, when handling the
Eucharist, in the administration of other sacraments, etc.).
Worn as it is over the shoulders, it reminds us of the cross
Our Lord carried, and of the yoke of Christ; the priest’s
burden is a heavy one, which Christ nevertheless makes
sweet.

THE CHASUBLE
The chasuble is the outer and chief vestment of the
priest. Its name means, “little house” and it represents
the overshadowing power of Christ. It is exclusively
reserved to the priest. The vesting prayer is: "O Lord,
Who has said, ‘My yoke is sweet and my burden light,’
grant that I may so carry it as to merit Thy grace.”

History: Imagine a large circular cloth with a

hole cut in the center for the head. This will
help one to visualize the ancient chasuble,
which was an immense cloak which went over
the head and completely enveloped the body.
When it was necessary to use the hands, the
garment had to be folded up on each side over
the arms. Because of its inconvenience (for two
assistants were needed to manipulate it), the
vestment was gradually cut and altered until it
now has its present shape. It is usually

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ornamented on the back, and sometimes on the front of the garment. We
occasionally see chasubles made in the Gothic or Mediaeval style. These are more
ample, and drape over the shoulders down to the wrists. The cross on such chasubles
has the shape of the letter ‘Y’, the top arms of which extend over the shoulders
towards the front. It makes us think of the purple cloak worn by Our Lord when He
stood before Pilate. This ample garment is an emblem of charity. The ordaining
bishop gives it to the new priest, saying: “Receive the priestly garment, for the Lord is
Powerful to increase in you love and perfection.”

THE HUMERAL VEIL

The Humeral Veil is a long, wide

rectangular fringed cloth that is often
ornamented in the middle. It is worn by
the priest or deacon when carrying the
Blessed Sacrament in procession or
giving benediction. Its purpose is
to keep people from being
distracted by the hands and
arms of the priest/deacon by
covering them entirely, freeing the
people to just focus on the Eucharist. It
is worn around the shoulders like a shawl.

THE COPE

The cope is a cloak, opened in the front and

fastened at the breast with a band or clasp,
and is used for benediction, processions, and
other occasions outside of Mass. It represents
the Royalty of Christ, and is reserved for the
most special occasions.

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 THE DALMATIC

This is won by Deacons, since they are not priests and

cannot yet wear the Chasuble.

VESTMENTS USED BY ARCH/BISHOPS

ZUCCHETOR (SKULL CAP)

It is the small cap worn by the Bishop inside Mass.

THE MITRE

It is a well designed stiffed lined cloth in

the form of a cap. It is worn by the Bishop
during Mass.

THE BIRETTA

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 It is the small cap which the Bishop wears outside the Holy Mass. It is bigger
than the Zucchetor.

CROZIER

It is a metal staff which the Bishop holds during

pontifical solemn Mass.

SACRED VESSELS
CHALICE

Chalice is Latin meaning “cup.” This is a

consecrated cup made of gold or silver, and if silver, the
interior must be of gold. It holds the wine for the Holy
Sacrifice, and is a striking figure of the Sacred Heart of
Jesus.

CIBORIUM

The ciborium is a vessel which

contains the small Hosts used for the

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 Communion of the faithful. It can look like a chalice with a large top and cover or
a large bowl with a cover.

MONSTRANCE

The monstrance is a metal vessel, usually gold or silver-

plated, with a transparent section in which the Blessed
Sacrament is carried in procession or exposed for
Adoration. The throne is where the monstrance is placed
during adoration, often depicting Angels kneeling in
prayer.

LUNA OR LUNETTE
This is a circular receptacle, usually with glass sides,
inserted into a monstrance to show the Sacred Host.

PATEN

Paten is
Latin meaning “plate.” This is a plate of gold
or silver upon which the large bread for
consecration rests.

CRUETS AND TRAY

This is little vessels that contain the water

and wine at Mass.
V

THE LAVABO BOWL AND TOWEL

This is a bowl in which the priest watches his hands in

before consecration.

PYX

The pyx is a smaller vessel in which the Sacred Host is either

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preserved or carried. A pyx should have a hinged lid and a small carrying pouch called a
“bursa.” It is often used for carrying the Blessed Sacrament to the sick.

THE CENSER, INCENSE BOAT & SPOON (THURIBLE)

The Censer is a metal vessel in the shape of a vase

or cup, with cover suspended by chains. It is used for
burning incense.

The incense boat is a small metal container that holds the incense
to be placed into the thurible. The boat has a cover and a spoon.
Usually shaped like a boat, it is a symbol of the Church, the ark of
Peter. Both the thurible and the incense boat are placed on their
stand.

PROCESSIONAL CROSS

This is the crucifix mounted on a long pole that is carried at the head
of the entrance procession and when bringing up the gifts.

ALTAR CROSS

This is the crucifix that is placed on the altar usually

when there is no crucifix above the presidia’s chair.

ALTAR BELL

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 As the name implies, it is a bell which is rang during mass to draw the
attention of people to some sensitive part of the mass. It is used during
consecration throughout the year, except on Holy Thursday and Good Friday.

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PASCHAL CANDLE

The Paschal Candle, used during mass from the

Easter Vigil through Pentecost, is placed at the left
forefront of the Sanctuary. This candle is to be lit before
Mass to commemorate the Risen Christ among us. After
Pentecost, it remains at the baptismal font, and not lit
during mass.

HOLY WATER VAT AND SPRINKLER (ASPERSORY AND ASPERGILLUM)

The Holy Water Vat (Aspersory) is a

container for holding holy water. The
Aspergillum, the holy water sprinkler,
is a stick-shaped implement with
holes in it to dip into the Aspersory
and catch the holy water for
sprinkling the people and things.

BAPTISMAL FONT

It is a metal container which is used at baptism.

BAPTISMAL SHELL

Used to fetch the water during

baptism.

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COMMINION PLATE

A communion plate has a handle and it is held under the chin

of one receiving the Eucharist so that in case the host is
dropping it won’t fall to the floor.

MISSAL STAND

It is a platform on which the missal is placed. The

missal stand elevates the missal for easy reading.

HOLY WATER STOUP

This is in a form of a vase usually decorated using

the angels or saints. It contains Holy Water and can
mostly be found at the entrance of the chapel hanging
on the wall.

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 THE SACRED/ALTAR LINENS
PURIFICATOR

This is a cloth used for wiping the

chalice, and the fingers and mouth of
the celebrant after Communion. It is
spread over the cup of the chalice and
under the paten at the beginning and
end of Mass.

CORPORAL

The Corporal is a square piece of cloth.

In size and appearance it resembles a small napkin.
It is spread out on the altar, and the chalice is
placed upon it. Its purpose is to ensure that nay
small particles or crumbs from the Sacred Host can
be cleaned easily.

FINGER TOWEL

It is a rectangular piece of white

cloth. Before the priest starts consecration he
washes his hands and uses the finger towel to
clean his hands.

CHALICE VEIL

It is the cloth which covers the chalice until the

Offertory, and again after the Communion. It is the
same liturgical colour as the vestments.

PALL

This is a square pocket-shaped piece of cloth with a

cardboard/plastic inserted in order to stiffen it. It is

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placed over the chalice to prevent dust or other matter falling into it.

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 THE HIERARCHY OF THE CHURCH
The degree of the ecclesiastical power can be divided as follows:

1. POPE: He is the head of the Church on earth that is the Vicar of Christ. He is the Bishop of
Rome. The first Pope is St. Peter, the head of apostles. The Pope is also called the Supreme
Pontiff.

2. CARDINALS: They are principal advisers and helpers of the Pope. They assist the Holy Father
in governing the Church. After the supreme pontiff the Cardinals have the highest dignity in the
Church.

3. APOSTOLIC NUNCIO: He is a Bishop appointed by the Pope to represent him in another

country. He is addressed as His Excellency.

4. ARCHBISHOP: He stands as the head of various dioceses which forms an ecclesiastical

province. An arch diocese is where an Arch bishop of a metropolitan resides. A diocese is where
the Bishop resides. The parish of the Bishop is called the Cathedral. Cathedral is the Latin word
for chain.

5. BISHOP: He is a Priest who rules a diocese under the authority of the Pope.

6. MONSIGNOR: This is a title given to a Priest in recognition of a good work done by the Pope.

7. VICAR GENERAL: He helps in the administration of the diocese and responsible for the
diocese when the Bishop is indisposed and performs certain duties assigned to him by the
Bishop such as enthronement of a Parish Priest.

8. PARISH PRIEST: This is a Priest who has been placed by the Bishop as the head of a parish.

9. DEACON: A cleric ranking just below a priest; one in the Holy Orders The name deacon
(diakonos) means only minister or servant, and is employed in this sense. Deacon puts on stole
to cross their shoulders, they also put on dalmatic instead of chasuble.

HOW TO ADDRESS THE HIERARCHY OF THE CHURCH

1. Pope : His Holiness

2. Cardinal : His Eminence

3. Apostolic Nuncio : His Excellency

4. Archbishop/Bishop : His Grace, Most Reverend

ALTAR SERVERS MANUAL (Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, Abelenkpe) 28

6. Monsignor : Very Reverend Monsignor

7. Vicar General : Very Reverend Father

8. Parish Priest : Reverend Father

9. Deacon : Reverend

10. Reverend Brother/Sister : Reverend Brother/Sister

BASIC DEFINITIONS:
Code of Canon Law: It is a book which contains the law governing the church.

Benediction: Benediction means blessing.

Brevary: It is a prayer for the church recited by the priest.

Martyrology: This is a catalogue or list of martyrs (or, more precisely, of saints

recognised by the church), arranged in the calendar order of their anniversaries or
feasts.
Pontifical: These are ceremonies that belong to the bishop in confirmation, Holy Order
and other rites belonging to the Episcoped official.

Ritual: They are ceremonies used in the administration of Bishop, Holy Eucharist (as
sacrament extreme unction and matrimony).

Laity: These are called the members of the church we do not belong to the clergy
and religious. The Laity are also called the lay faithful.

Sacristy: It is the place where all holy vestments, vessels, linens and everything needed
or used for celebration of the mass are kept. The person in charge of the sacristy is
called the sacristan or sacristy overseer.

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LIST OF ITEMS

Vestments Sacred Linens Sacred Vessels

▪ Cassock ▪ Purificator ▪ Chalice

▪ Alb ▪ Corporal ▪ Ciborium
▪ Cincture ▪ Chalice veil ▪ Cruet
▪ Stole ▪ Pall ▪Paten
▪ Chasuble ▪Finger towel ▪ Aspersory & Aspergillum
▪ Surplice ▪ Burse ▪ Incense boat & Thurible
▪ Cape ▪ Baptisimal Font
▪ Humeral veil ▪ Pyx
▪ Cope ▪ Monstrance
▪ Zucchertor ▪ Luna or Lunette
▪ Mitre ▪ Altar bell
▪ Amice
▪ Skull Cap
▪ Crozier
▪ Cape

Books For Mass Other Items

▪ Sacramentary ▪ Ambo (Lectern)

▪ Book of Gospel ▪ Credence Table
▪ Lectionary ▪ Processional Cross
▪ Acolyte Candles
▪ Presider’s Chair
▪ Paschal candle

ALTAR SERVERS MANUAL (Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, Abelenkpe) 30

REFERENCES

1.www.blessedsacramentcc.org/Ministries/info/Altar%20Servers/BSCC%20Altar%20Serve r%20Training
%20Manual.pdf, May, 2009

2. www.stelizabeth.org/altarmanual.pdf, May, 2009

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 ALTAR SERVERS MANUAL
(Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, Abelenkpe)

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