Liturgy
01-08

The following was passsed onto me by a friend.  When I tried to research its origins I came up with two or three sources claiming ownership so I am just going to leave the author as anonymous.   

Principles of Good Liturgy, esp. for Presiders

1. PRAY: Make sure that YOU are actually praying, personally and with the community; let the liturgy truly be prayer with God. Don’t just go through the motions and say the prescribed words routinely.
 
2. Keep a Pastoral Focus: Presiders and ministers are there to serve the assembly, to help the whole congregation focus on God and on God’s presence in each other; the focus should not be on you! Presiders must set a good example: praying, listening, singing, participating fully in all actions.
 
3. Pay Attention to Feasts and Seasons: Use music, colors, environment, and actions appropriate to the liturgical seasons and/or special feast days on the universal and local liturgical calendars.
 
4. Highlight Scripture: ALL liturgical services include some Scripture readings along with and as preparation for the sacramental action. Highlight the foundational role of the living Word of God.
 
5. Respect the Four-fold Presence of Christ: Be aware that Christ is present in the Word, Eucharist, Presider, and Congregation. Do we reverence Christ’s presence enough in all four ways? Does the Assembly of the baptized truly see itself as the “Body of Christ” gathered in worship and prayer?
 
6. Promote Participation: Vatican II stresses the need for “full, conscious, and active participation” of everyone in the liturgy. No one should perform more than one ministry at a particular liturgy, unless absolutely necessary. Different people for different ministries; only one role per person!
 
7. Promote Reverence: Use appropriate levels of solemnity or formality in language and gestures; don’t be “cutesy”! Provide times of prayerful silence, especially after readings and intercessions.
 
8. Don’t Rush: Ministers should never run (unless there’s a fire!); always move gracefully. Reciting prayers should not be a race! Speak all texts and prayers clearly, reverently, with sufficient pauses.
 
9. Let Music Support the Action: Processions and preparatory actions should be accompanied by music that lasts as long as the action, if not longer. The Gathering Song need not end the moment the presider reaches his chair, but can continue to “gather” the community in prayerful song.
 
10. Let Music Convey the Sense: Singing “Lord, have mercy” and “Praise God, Alleluia!” should not sound the same. Let “penitential” music be more somber and “praise” music be more joyful!
 
11. Don’t Sweat the Mistakes: Small things will often go wrong, so don’t draw attention to them. Do the best to keep the ritual action flowing smoothly, so hardly anyone will notice.
 
12. Be Prepared: Plan all details carefully; train all ministers in advance; read all texts thoroughly; memorize short or repeated texts. Rehearse together with all ministers. Practice, practice, practice!
 
13. Know the Rubrics: Know the instructions (about words, postures, etc.), both their letter and their spirit. Apply them carefully, but not too rigidly; always consider the pastoral needs of the assembly.
 
14. Let Symbols Speak: Don’t talk or explain too much; let liturgical symbols speak boldly and clearly. The size of symbols should be appropriate to the setting; “large symbols” for large liturgical spaces.
 
15. Use Good Body Language: Pay attention to how you use your hands and arms, your eyes and face; use “large gestures” for large worship spaces, but without being overly dramatic.
 
16. Use Liturgical Books Well: Don’t let books or binders get in the way, and never use loose papers. Keep the focus on the people and the liturgical action, not on the books, binders, or worship aides.
 
17. Prepare Good Worship Aides: Consider what will help the congregation participate better? What music, texts, instructions, and artwork would truly “aid” their prayer? Proofread things carefully!
 
18. Let Assistants Assist: Deacons, Acolytes, and MCs should help as needed, anticipating things in advance. Don’t hesitate when it’s your turn to act; but stay out of the way when it’s not.
 
19. Review and Evaluate: Ask for feedback regularly from a variety of different people; don’t take things for granted; seek help in improving the liturgy, in big and small ways alike.
 
20. Give Thanks: Before, during, and after the liturgy, give thanks to God for the great privilege of being able to worship God and to serve the Church as a liturgical minister and presider.

Altar Servers are the ministers who assist the priest constantly throughout the Mass. They are normally junior high age teens but can from time to time be adults. They normally wear long white albs.

ALTAR SERVERS' MANUAL

Introduction:
Thank you for agreeing to be an altar server at St. Mark Parish.  Through this important ministry you will have the opportunity to help make our liturgies,    especially our celebration of Mass, more beautiful and spiritually uplifting. This booklet is meant to be a guide as you prepare for this awesome ministry and a resource as you begin to carry out your duties as an altar server at St. Mark Parish.

Preparation:
1.         Take the time to arrive between 15 minutes to 10 minutes before Mass.  Do not forget to initial the schedule so that we know that you were present or that you were substituting for someone.
2.         Look at the calendar to see what color cincture you are to wear.  For example: if is November 29th you would look for November 29th on the calendar.  If the number that indicates the day is purple then you would wear purple.  Color code is as follows: Black=White, Green=Green, Red=Red, and Purple=Purple.
3.         Keep in mind that as you help set things up for Mass to reverence the altar and tabernacle anytime you cross in front of them.  You reverence the tabernacle before and after Mass by genuflecting towards it.  During Mass you ignore the tabernacle and focus on the altar.  You reverence the altar by taking the time to pause and to reverently bow towards it.
4.         Make sure to light the altar candles before Mass.
5.         When all the servers have arrived decide who will be crucifer (cross-bearer) and who     will ring the bells. 

Entrance Procession & Liturgy of the Word
1.         The crucifer leads the procession down the main aisle with the other two servers walking two to three pews behind him or her.  Remember to enter and walk at a pace that is a little slower than your normal walking pace.
2.         When the servers reach the foot of the sanctuary they stop and spread out.  The crucifer should move to the right with the other two servers flanking the priest so that one is on his right and the other one is on his left.  See the illustration below…

3.         All servers genuflect when the priest does except the crucifer who simply bows his or her head.
4.         The crucifer sits on the chair to the priest’s right (while looking at the priest) and the other two servers sit to the left of the credence table.
5.         The crucifer holds the Sacramentary (“The Book”) for the priest each and every time the priest says the words “Let us pray.”

Liturgy of the Eucharist
1.            After the General Intercessions the priest will say a prayer and he will sit down.  When he sits down the ushers will begin to take up the collection (if there is one) and the servers will begin setting up the altar.
2.            The crucifer will go and take the Book of the Gospel stand off the altar if it was used and place it on the bottom shelf of the credence table.  He or she will then go and place the Sacramentary on the altar and then return and sit back down next to the priest (unless there are only two servers.  If there are only two servers he or she will stay and help the other server set the altar.)
3.            The servers should begin setting the altar by bringing over the chalice with a purificator, the pall and corporal on top to the altar.  Make sure to place the corporal in the center of the altar with the little red cross so that it will be on the edge closest to the priest.  The corporal should always be handled gently and respectfully because it may have small particles of the Blessed Sacrament on it.  Place the pall on the upper left hand corner of the corporal and the chalice and purificator to the right of the corporal.
4.            In addition to the priest’s chalice the servers need to place the extra communion cups on the altar to the right of the priest’s chalice and the cruet of water.  (If Fr. Vitali is having the Mass only place the cruet of water on the altar and not the extra chalices) Please see image below…

5.            Once the altar is prepared correctly then all the servers should return to their chairs until the priest is ready to go down and receive the gifts at the front steps of the sanctuary.
6.            When the priest is ready to get the gifts, the servers go to the front of the sanctuary and stand next to the priest.  It works best if there is a server in on each side of the priest.  The priest will then hand you one of the gifts.  Unless instructed wait for the priest to turn and head back to the altar before you turn and head back to the altar.
7.            Take your gifts and place them on the altar but not on the corporal.
8.            After the priest has said a few short prayers he will walk over to the servers to have his hands washed.  To do this correctly one server should hold the bowl and the water and the other server should hold the towel.  If there is only one server the server should drape the towel over his or her arm in addition to holding the bowl and pouring the water.
9              After everything has been taken care of for this part of the Mass the servers walk to the front of the sanctuary and stand in front of the kneeling pads facing the altar.  When the congregation stands the servers stand and when the congregation kneel the servers kneel.
10.          The server in charge of ringing the bells will do so at the following three times…
A.          When the priest’s puts his hands together and stretches them out over the gifts.
B.            Right after the priest says “this is my body… do this in memory of me.”  The priest will lift the host up for everyone to see.
C.           Right after the priest says “this is my blood… do this in memory of me.”  The priest will lift up the chalice for everyone to see.
11.          At the Sign of Peace the servers will offer each other a sign of peace and then walk up on the left side of the altar and offer the priest a sign of peace.  After this the servers should place the extra purificators on the altar.

Concluding Rite & Post Mass
1.         After communion the priest will say “Let us pray” and the crucifer should bring the Sacramentary to the priest.  After the closing prayer the priest will close the book and the crucifer should go and get the processional cross.
2.         The priest will give everyone a final blessing to end the Mass and the closing song will start.  When the priest goes to kiss the altar the servers should go to the front of the altar and take up their places like when they walked in.
3.            When the priest genuflects then the servers should also genuflect (except crucifer who bows his head).  The crucifer then slowly leads the procession out of the Church.  Remember to genuflect at the same time as the priest and not before.
4.            After Mass make sure that the priest has nothing else for you to do and then take off your alb and cincture.  Make sure to hang them up

Expectations: As an altar server of St. Mark’s parish I agree to the following expectations.
1.            I will be in the sacristy 10 minutes before the beginning of Mass.
2.            I will find a substitute for the times that I am scheduled and cannot make it.  I will also be willing to substitute at the last minute if the priest is in need of a server at Mass.
3.            I will wear appropriate shoes to Mass (i.e. tennis shoes) and for safety reason will avoid wearing flip-flops on days that I am supposed to serve.
4.            I will do my best to pay attention during Mass and I will not serve as a distraction to others during Mass by my behavior.
5.            I will sign-in every time I serve and I am aware that my attendance will go a long way in deciding on whether or not I will be server at weddings or funerals. I also understand that the primary reason for serving is to praise God and to help the parish community worship better.

Photo by Josh Applegate on Unsplash

Lectors are the people who proclaim the Word of God within the context of the Liturgy or prayer service.

The lector does what any good minister does: comforts us in our suffering, rouses us from our lethargy, confirms us in our faith, encourages us in our discouragement. All ministry is the noble and unselfish impulse to tell the good news of God’s love for the world in Jesus Christ…”When the scriptures are read in the church, it is Christ himself who speaks” So says the church in teaching us about liturgical prayer. All Christians are, by definition, proclaimers of the good news. Because we were baptized into Christ’s life, mission, death, resurrection and ascension, we announce to the world by our very existence that “Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again.”…Each time the Eucharist is celebrated, we hear Jesus say, “Do this in memory of me.” At Mass we are doing something – not talking about something, not simply remembering something, not merely speaking words. We are speaking deeds – deeds that are accomplished at the moment they are spoken. God’s word is an event, a happening, an accomplishment, a fulfilled promise, an act of love. And at its fullest expression, God’s word is a person – Jesus, Word made flesh. So it is with the proclamation of the word. It is far more than a telling, a relating, a recounting; it is God’s Word becoming flesh in our midst in order to achieve the purpose for which it was sent – to redeem us in love. Can there be any more compelling reason to proclaim the word effectively? (Excerpts from the “Guide for Lectors – Aelred Rosser, OSB)
 

Guidelines for Being a Lector

The following are suggestions to help Lectors better fulfill their role at Mass
1.            As a proclaimer of the Word of God, one should first be aware of the honor and the gift it is to be able to proclaim the Sacred Scriptures to the faithful at Mass or other prayer service.  He or she should therefore always approach the task with the utmost reverence and humility.

2.            As a lector one must realize that he or she is a leader of the Christian community and therefore must lead by example.  He or she should not lector at Sunday Mass for example if he or she plans to give his or her faith no thought the rest of the week.  As a lector one should make a constant commitment to improving one’s spiritual life and should frequently celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation. 

3.            On days that a person is schedule to be a lector he or she should make sure that they are well prepared.  They should have read over the reading, and proclaimed the reading once or twice out loud in order to make sure he or she will be able to pronounce all the words and accent the right points.  Remember proclaiming is more than just reading out loud it is an art form that requires practice.

4.            If a person is assigned to lector at a particular Mass it is important that he or she arrives 10 to 15 minutes before Mass even if it is not required by the parish itself.  After signing-in if necessary the lector should look over the Prayers of the Faithful (petitions) if he or she may be called to proclaim that at Mass as well.   It is also a good time to make sure the Scripture readings are clearly marked. 

5.            Once Mass has begun, one should participate in the Mass as much as possible by responding to the prayers and singing.  It should be evident to all who look at you that the whole Mass is important to you and not just your part.

6.            Your attire should demonstrate your appreciation of how your role fits within the worship experience. Dress should express respect and reverence for the sacred mysteries that are being celebrated.

Women
• Professional/modest attire
• Dress pants, no jeans or shorts
• No halter or tube tops
• No sleeveless, low-cut or spaghetti straps –it is suggested that a sweater or jacket is worn over sleeveless blouses while ministering the Eucharist

Men
• Collared shirt, jacket or sweater, tie is preferred
• Dress pants, no jeans or shorts
• Closed shoes and socks, no athletic shoes or sandals

ALL
• Please no athletic shoes, flip flops, etc.
• No jeans, shorts or sweat pants
• No sweatshirts, t-shirts or tank-tops

Extraordinary Ministers (a.k.a. Eucharistic Ministers) are the people who help the priest and deacon distribute communion during Mass.

Guidelines for Being A Eucharistic (Extraordinary Minister)

The following are suggestions to help Eucharistic ministers better fulfill their roles at Mass.
1.            As a minister of the Body and Blood of Christ, one should always be aware of the honor and gift it is to be able to minister in this way.  No one has a right to be a Eucharistic Minister it is rather a calling from God to fulfill a specific need in the liturgy.  Therefore we should always approach this ministry humbly and with an attitude of cooperation with the priest and deacon at the Mass. 

2.            In the role of Eucharistic Minister, you automatically become a leader in the Christian community and therefore you must lead by example.  It is not appropriate or right to distribute Communion on Sunday Morning and then the rest of the week live as if you have no idea who Jesus is.  A Eucharistic Minister should constantly strive hard to improve his or her spiritual life and should frequent the Sacrament of Reconciliation. 

3.            If you are schedule to be a Eucharistic minister you should demonstrate the importance of the Mass in your life by attending and fully and actively participating at the Mass in which you are assigned to help with communion.   A Eucharistic minister should never give Communion out at a Mass that he or she has not attended. 

4.            It is also important (if not required by the parish itself) that any one ministering at a particular Mass should arrive at least 10 to 15 minutes early so that they may sign-in, get any last minute instructions, and have time to pray before Mass begins. 

5.            Once Mass has begun, one should participate in the Mass as much as possible by responding to the prayers and singing.  It should be evident to all who look at you that the whole Mass is important to you and not just your part.

6.            After the priest has received the Consecrated Host and the Precious Blood, Eucharistic Minister should approach the altar (note that this time may vary depending up on each parish).  Once one has respectfully received the Eucharist him or herself then they are to distribute the Blessed Sacrament to each person who comes forward.
                A.            The Eucharistic Minister declares “The Body or Christ” or “The Blood of Christ” depending on whether they have the Consecrated Host or the Precious Blood and the person should respond “Amen.”  If the person does not respond correctly you may prompt them a little. 
                B.            Eucharistic Ministers need to keep an eye out during communion of people who might walk away without consuming the Host or might try intinction (dipping the Host into the Precious Blood).  If one witnesses this he or she should ask the person to consume the Host right away and if need be get a priest or deacon.
                C.            From time to time as a Eucharistic Minister is distributing the Body of Christ he or she may encounter someone who is seeking a blessing (normally indicated by the person crossing his or her hands across his or her chest).  If one does encounter such a person it is alright to simple say a quick prayer asking God to bless that person.

7.            When a Eucharistic Minister is finished with the distribution of Communion he or she should make sure that the extra Consecrated Hosts is given to the priest or deacon so that the priest or deacon can place it in the tabernacle.  If there is extra of the Precious Blood one should consume it (with the help of the other ministers if necessary).  At no time should a Eucharistic minister simply walk away from a chalice or ciborium containing the Blessed Sacrament. 
               
8.            Your attire should demonstrate your appreciation of how your role fits within the worship experience. Dress should express respect and reverence for the sacred mysteries that are being celebrated.

Women
• Professional/modest attire
• Dress pants, no jeans or shorts
• No halter or tube tops
• No sleeveless, low-cut or spaghetti straps –it is suggested that a sweater or jacket is worn over sleeveless blouses while ministering the Eucharist

Men
• Collared shirt, jacket or sweater, tie is preferred
• Dress pants, no jeans or shorts
• Closed shoes and socks, no athletic shoes or sandals

ALL
• Please no athletic shoes, flip flops, etc.
• No jeans, shorts or sweat pants
• No sweatshirts, t-shirts or tank-tops

Photo by Thays Orrico on Unsplash

Ushers or Greeters are men and women who practice the virtue of hospitality in a special way at Church. It is there ministry to try to help people feel warm and welcome when they come to Church. They also normally help out with some logistical matters of the liturgy like for example the collection.
 

Guidelines For Being An Usher/Greeter

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you ill receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." Col 3:23-24

1.            Prepare yourself spiritually. Pray. You are not involved in a job or a task but a ministry and it must be undertaken with that understanding.

2.            Prepare yourself physically. Be well groomed. Watch bad breath. No heavy perfume or aftershave. Don't slouch.

3.            Be on Time. Gather and be in position at the appropriate time.

4.            Be friendly. It takes 72 muscles to frown and only 14 to smile. Pay attention by keeping eye contact, and wear a name tag. Refrain from hugging.

5.            Follow the approved guidelines. Discover the guidelines used in your congregation and follow them. (If you don't have any guidelines, be sure to develop some.)

6.            Stay at your post. Visitors--and regular attendees--often arrive early or late, so be ready to serve them.

7.            Always be positive. Don't say: "You're late! You can't go in now!" Do say: "I am happy to see you in just a moment."

8.            Pay attention, to the people (someone may be ill), and to the bulletin (it may contain changes in the usual order of worship). Keep your eyes open for people standing or sitting alone and speak to them. If you have a fellowship time after worship get to know those who are new to your congregation.

9.            Follow up after worship. Go back to your position as worship ends and thank people for coming. Assist any who require it.

10.          Clean up. Straighten up hymn books/bibles, remove old programs, close windows, etc. Make sure there are sufficient visitor cards/envelopes in pew, as well as sharp pencils.

11.          Receive the offering. The Head Usher will review procedures with you. Do this with dignity. These gifts are being brought to the Lord by His people.

Photo by Kristina Paparo on Unsplash

The Church's liturgical year is actually three calendars on top of each other. The first calendar celebrates events in the life of Christ like Christmas and Easter. The second calendar celebrates events from the life of the Blessed Virgin Mary for example the feast of the Assumption. The last calendar celebrates the many different saints. Here is a rough outline of the Church's liturgical year.

Advent Season
The Advent Season is the beginning of the Church's liturgical year. The First Sunday of Advent begins four Sundays before Christmas.

Immaculate Conception
Each year on December 8th, the Church celebrates this feast which honors the fact that Mary was conceived without original sin through the grace of God so that she may be a fitting home for our savior.

Christmas
Each year on December 25th, the Church celebrates the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ in history.

Christmas Season
The Christmas Season runs from Christmas day to the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord.

Holy Family
On the Sunday between Christmas and New Years the Church celebrates the feast of the Holy Family.

Mary, Mother of God
8 days after Christmas (which happens to be de New Years Day) the Church celebrates the feast of Mary, Mother of God.

Epiphany
On January 6th or the Sunday after Mary Mother of God the Church celebrates the Magi finding the Baby Jesus in Bethlehem

Baptism of the Lord
On the last day of the Christmas season we celebrate the beginning of Jesus' public ministry by celebrating His baptism in the Jordan.

Ordinary Time
Between the Baptism of the Lord and Ash Wednesday the Church celebrates Ordinary Time. A time in which we in a special way celebrate the life of Christ.

Chair of Peter
On February 22nd each year the Church celebrates the fact that she can trace her roots through the papacy back to Christ giving St. Peter the Keys to the Kingdom.

Ash Wednesday
It is the first day of Lent and Christians will gather to have blessed ashes placed on their forehead as a reminder of their sins and their need to repent.

Lent
The 40 days before Easter not including Sundays in which the Church prepares to celebrate Easter through prayer, fasting and penance.

Annunciation
On March 25th each year the Church celebrates the day that the angel told Mary that she would be the Mother of God. Everyone is now 9 months away from Christmas.

Palm Sunday
The Sunday before Easter we celebrate Christ's triumphant entry into Jerusalem.

Holy Thursday
The Thursday before Easter the Church celebrates the Last Supper and the gift of the Eucharist.

Good Friday
The Friday before Easter is the only day of the year in which Mass is not celebrated anywhere in the world because the Church is remembering the day that Jesus died upon the Cross for us.

Holy Saturday
It is the day between Good Friday and Easter Sunday. It is a day of waiting as the Church waits to celebrate the Easter Vigil after sundown.

Easter
The Church in a special way celebrates the day that Jesus rose from the grave.

Divine Mercy
The Sunday after Easter is a special day in which people celebrate God's mercy. It is not an official feast but rather a personal devotion that was fostered by Pope John Paul II.

Ascension
Either on the 40th day after Easter (which would place it on a Thursday) or the following Sunday depending upon which diocese a person is in, the Church celebrates Jesus ascending into heaven.

Pentecost
50 Days after Easter the Church celebrates the gift of the Holy Spirit. Pentecost is also referred to as the Church's birthday.

Ordinary Time
Following Pentecost and until Advent the Church finds herself in Ordinary Time.

Trinity Sunday
The Sunday following Pentecost the Church celebrates the doctrine of the Holy Trinity where the Church proclaims that our God is three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Corpus Christi
The Sunday following the feast of the Holy Trinity the Church celebrates the gift of the Eucharist in a special way.

Sacred Heart
The Friday after the feast of Corpus Christi the Church celebrates the feast of the Sacred Heart.

Immaculate Heart
The Saturday following the feast of the Sacred Heart the Church celebrates the feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

Birth of John the Baptist
On June 24th the Church celebrates the birth of John the Baptist

Peter & Paul
On June 29th the Church celebrates the feast of two very important apostles - Peter and Paul who were both martyred in Rome

Assumption
On August 15th the Church celebrates the fact that Mary was assumed body and soul into heaven.

Death of John the Baptist
On August 29th the Church celebrates the martyrdom of John the Baptist

Triumph of the Cross
On September 14th the Church celebrates the fact that Jesus has transformed the cross into His sign of victory over death.

All Saints Day
On November 1st the Church celebrates all those who have gone before us into our heavenly Father's house.

All Souls Day
On November 2nd the Church prays for everyone's soul in the hopes that everyone will be allowed to experience salvation.

Christ the King
The last Sunday of the liturgical year is the feast of Christ the King. It is a reminder to us that our Lord Jesus will come again to judge the living and the dead and His kingdom will have no end.