Altar Server Terminology

When the members of the Church gather to celebrate Mass, each has different responsibilities. There are Ushers, Lectors, Eucharistic Ministers, Musicians and Altar Servers. Whichever ministry we are involved in, we should know how to carry it out properly. When you assume the responsibility for a particular ministry you are expected to serve when assigned, or get a substitute. Altar servers should be familiar with the following:

• Altar: the table at which the Liturgy of the Eucharist takes place.
• Lectern: where the Lector proclaims the Scriptures.
• Credence Table: table on which are placed the vessels etc., for Mass.
  • (before Mass begins the following should be on this table: chalices (cups), Communion Plate, purificators, mundatory bowl, towel, cruet of water, and Tabernacle key.
• Altar Breads: Non-Consecrated bread for use in the liturgy.
• Host: When the bread is consecrated at Mass we speak of It as the Host, Sacred Host, The Body of Christ, or Sacred Species.
• Altar Wine: Wine for use at Mass.
• Precious Blood: Following the consecration we no longer speak of wine but the Precious Blood, or the Blood of Christ, or the Sacred Species.
• Lectionary:  book from which the Lector proclaims the Scriptures.
• Sacramentary: book which the Priest uses at the altar.
• Book of the Chair: small book used by the Priest when he is at the chair.
• Sacristy: room where Altar Servers and Priest prepare for Mass.
• Processional Cross: Cross carried by an Altar Server on occasion.
• Tabernacle: Container in which the Blessed Sacrament is reserved (located in the Chapel)
• Sanctuary Light: candle burning close to the Tabernacle to remind us of the presence of Christ in the Reserved Sacrament.

Each Mass Server should be familiar with these words, and what they mean.