Guidelines for Ushers

Guidelines for Ushers at Jesus, Our Risen Savior

Say a Prayer before Mass Thanking God for the Privilege of being one of His Servants.

When the Church comes together to celebrate Mass, the Ushers are the first to greet the faithful and welcome them . The Ushers are the first to recognize any special need of the person and make sure those needs are met.

The safety and security of the faithful are a major concern of the Ushers during Mass. Any irregularities are to be noted by the Ushers and discussed amongst themselves of the appropriate action to be taken. ( See Addendum for the items available for emergencies.)

Mass requires four (4) Ushers. Check the schedule either in the Parish Bulletin or via the web site for assignments.

Ushers should arrive at least 20 minutes before Mass.

During the Greetings, pick a family to bring up the gifts.

Close the doors after the Procession starts and seat late comers but not during the Gospel reading or consecration.

During the first reading take a count of the faithful by section per Usher and put in the collection basket.

After the intentions of the Mass are read pass the collection baskets.

At the Lamb of God when the Ministers of Communion go to the Altar, the Ushers should go to the front of their assigned section and direct the parishioners in an orderly fashion for communion.

Two Ushers should bring the collection basket from the Altar to the Sacristy after Mass and place in the safe. Those Ushers need to sign the deposit envelope.

The other two Ushers need to hand out Bulletins, as parishioners exit the Church.
Thank you for your service!

Addendum:
For any major emergency, while two or three of the Ushers or administering to the situation, the other Ushers is to call 911. If an ambulance is required, he or she is to go other side awaiting the ambulance and guide the emergency people to the situation.
(Bulletin Information on a permanent basis.)
AED (Automated External Defibrillator )
Orange juice
Wheel Chair
Hear Aids

Guidelines for Sacristans

PROCEDURE FOR SACRISTANS at Jesus, Our Risen Savior

Prior to setting up the Altar and assembling the various Ministers, A Prayer should be said, Thanking God for this opportunity to serve Him in this special way.

The Sacristan is in charge of all things pertinent to the Mass and must be prepared so the Celebrant need only concern himself with the Mass without distractions. The only interaction with the Celebrant other than identifying yourself as the Sacristan is does he need anything special. (For Visiting Priest this interact could take longer than normal. as you have to show him where things are, plus provide any of his special needs.)

  1. Turn on the Audio System if you are serving the first Mass of the day, and turn it off after Mass, if your Mass is the last one for the day.
  2. Make a quick survey of the Altar to determine the amount of Consecrated Hosts that are in the Tabernacle; Leave the Key on the Tabernacle; the status of the Sanctuary Candle; locate the plastic Gospel Holder on the Altar a few inches in front of the Altar microphone; Smooth the Altar cloth and the Corporal; and Check the two Oblation bowls for Holy water, condition of the Purificators, and cleanliness. Any item(s) that require changing then do so.
  3. Determine the number of Minister of Communion stations needed and so indicate on the Sign Up sheet. Place a new Sign Up Sheet on the counter adjacent to the refrigerator.
  4. The Sacristan is in charge of the Mass and should make sure Ministers of Communion, Lectors, Altar Servers, and Ushers are available and ready to do their respective jobs. If not, then find replacements. During Mass, they should position themselves so they are easily found from the Altar in case the Celebrant needs them during Mass.
  5. Fill the Ciboriums with hosts based of the typical number of people normally attending that Mass. ( It is desired that only a few Consecrated Hosts be left in the Tabernacle after Mass.)
  6. Fill Chalices with wine about two thirds full. The Number of Chalices needed are based the typical number of stations for your Mass. (Normally 4 are required for Sunday Mass and 2 for week day Masses)
  7. Fill two matching Cruets 2/3’s full, one with wine and the other with water.
  8. The Ciboriums, Cruet of Wine, and the Priests Paten with a large Host on it are to be placed on the small table at the rear of the Church ready for the Offertory Procession. (Currently the Priest’s Paten matching their Chalice are too small to hold the large Host, so the large Host is placed inside the top Ciborium.)
  9. Assemble a Dressed Chalice, the Chalices filled with wine, the Cruet with the water, a number Purificators matching the number of Chalices plus one for spills, the Lavabo Bowl with a small pitcher of water, and a towel on the large tray. Carry to the Credence Table on the Altar and assemble them on the table. (The previous Sacristan may have left items on the Credence to aid you, this can be determined when you survey the Altar per Item 2 above.)
  10. Place the Lectionary with the ribbon at the first reading on the left side of the Ambo. Place the book with the greeting on the middle of the Ambo ready for the Lector.
  11. Remove the Gospel book in front of the Ambo and bring it to the rear of the Church. If there is a Deacon, identify where the Gospel book is located, as he will it carry back to the Altar in the Procession; if no Deacon , then one of the Lectors will carry the book; and if only one Lector then the Sacristan carries the Gospel Book. The Gospel Book carrier positions themselves directly behind the Altar Servers and raises the Book over their heads as the procession starts. At the Altar they do not stop to bow but proceed directly to the Altar and position the Gospel Book in the clear plastic holder in the middle of the Altar.
  12. If a Deacon or Concelebrant are not at Mass, and after the Celebrate finishes taking Communion, proceed to the area behind the Altar, positioning yourself to the Celebrants right at the edge of the Altar. The Celebrant will give you Body of Christ, and then hand you his Chalice. Take the Chalice and give yourself the Blood of Christ, then give the Blood of Christ to the Ministers on the Altar. When you finish, place the Chalice on the Altar and cover it with the Pall. Either pick up the Ciborium or the Celebrant will hand it to you, and you move to the center aisle and start giving Communion. When finished return the Ciborium to the Altar or give it to the Celebrant. Wash your fingers in the Oblation bowl and position yourself at the right hand of the Celebrant at the edge of the Altar. The Celebrant will give you the Ciboria that contain the Consecrated Hosts, which you are to place in the Tabernacle. After locking the door to the Tabernacle, bow and turn and leave the Altar, bowing again at the foot of the Altar.
  13. After Mass and the sacred vessels have been purified, remove them from the Altar plus any other items to the Sacristy for cleaning. After cleaning, either store the sacred vessels or leave them on the tray for the next Mass. There is a box in the Sacristy to hold the used purificators and towels.
  14. If this is the last Mass of the day, and the sacred vessels have been stored, turn off all the lights except the one that illuminates the Crucifix, and the one that illuminates the Holy Family; and lock up the Church.

The above procedure is for the normal weekly or Sunday Masses. However there are other Masses that require additional items and they are:

Baptism

  • The Pascal Candle is to be lit;
  • Fill the Baptism Font;
  • Have the White Garment ready;
  • Have the Special Candle ready;
  • Have the Sacred Oils (SC & OC) available;
  • Have a sliced lemon and towel for the Celebrant to clean the oil off his fingers; &
  • If the Celebrant is not there yet, obtain the Baptism Rites book from the cabinet and place it on the
  • counter for him.
  • There is a wide drawer in the Sacristy that contains the items mentioned above.

Funeral

  • Lay out the Funeral Pall for the Morticians to cover the casket (Either hanging or in the bottom wide drawer in the cabinet where the sacred vessels are stored;
  • Fill the Holy water bucket partially full, and have the aspergillum available for blessing the casket;
  • Light the charcoal right before Mass in the thurible (censer), and have fresh incense (Check with the Celebrant as to what kind he desires.) in the boat. Place additional charcoal on the shelf under the credence table and instruct the Altar Servers to check the charcoal at the Offertory, adding charcoal if required: &
  • If the Celebrant is not there yet, obtain the Funeral Rites book from the cabinet and place it on the counter for him.

Weddings

  • A small Paten for the ring(s);
  • A Microphone (Portable one from Choir); &
  • If the Celebrant is not there yet, obtain the Marriage Rites book from the cabinet and place it on the counter for him.

Easter Vigil

  • Easter Fire:
  • Fill the Holy water bucket partially full, and have the aspergillum available;
  • Light the charcoal right before Mass in the thurible (censer), and have fresh incense in the boat.
  • Place additional charcoal on the shelf under the credence table and instruct the Altar serves to check the charcoal at the Offertory, adding charcoal if required. Have the Sacred Oils (SC & OC) available; &
  • Have a sliced lemon and towel for the Celebrant to clean the oil off his fingers.

Confirmation

  • Have the Sacred Oils (SC & OC) available; &
  • Have a sliced lemon and towel for the Celebrant to clean the oil off his fingers.

Thank you for your service!

Guidelines for Lectors

Guidelines for Lectors at Jesus, Our Risen Savior

  (The following procedure is for the most of the Church Calendar, Other Duties will be required for Christmas, Palms Sunday and Holy Week) 

Say a Prayer before Mass Thanking God for the Privilege of being one of His Servents 

  1. Check  the on line schedule or pick up a Quarterly  Calendar at the beginning of each quarter in the Sacristy, to determine your assignments. (Ministers of Communion – MC aka Eucharistic Ministers – EM)
  2. Pre-read both Reading in the quietness of your Home several times and include the passages before and after the reading so that the full meanings are internalized. This will allow the reading in Church to come from your Heart and Soul. This is so very important because you will be Proclaiming GOD’s Word, not just old Biblical Accounts! An Excellent time to practice Lectio Divina with the Readings!
  3. Arrive about 20 Minutes before Mass, sign in, and notify the Sacristan of your presence. If not scheduled always let the Sacristan know that you are available.  See that the Lectionary is on the Ambo along with the Prayer of the Faithful book and Announcements book. Pre-read these because, sometimes there are grammatical errors which will cause you to ‘stumble’ on your first reading. When signing in indicate your preference – Lector 1 or Lector 2, assuming both Lectors are there.
  4. Obtain a Silver Cross from the niche in the Sacristy and wear it during Mass.
  5. Assemble about 5 minutes before Mass in the Gathering Space with the Celebrant when he prays.
  6. Since the Announcements are read before Mass, Lector 1 will start reading the Announcements at the starting time for Mass.  The Lector is to approach the Altar per procedure outlined in Item 8 Below.
  7. After the Collect: Lector 1 should approach the center of the Altar; Reverence the Altar with a bow; and proceed to the Left side of the Ambo before stepping up to the Altar/Ambo. (Very Important: Do Not enter the Altar between the Ambo and the Altar) Before starting the Reading Look over the Congregation and smile (Remember we are all Family), then start the Reading.
  8. If there is a Cantor: Leave the Sanctuary as you came and proceed to the center of the Mail Aisle in front of the Altar, the Cantor will follow you to the foot of the Altar and together both of you Reverence the Altar with a Bow. Then return to your seat.
  9. If there is No Cantor: Stay at the Ambo and read the Responsorial Psalm. After you have read the Response raise your Right hand indicating the Congregation should respond, and do this after each verse.
  10. If you are the only Lector and there is a Cantor: After the Responsorial Psalm has been sung, return to the Center of the Altar and wait for the Cantor, then both of you bow reverencing the Altar. Then proceed to the Ambo as described in Item 8 above.
  11. If you are the only Lector and there is no Cantor: Read the Second Reading after the Responsorial Psalm, and leave the Altar as described in Item 8 above
  12. If a Deacon is not Present, and you are Lector 1 or the only Lector and After the Profession of Faith Read the Prayer of the Faithful after the Celebrant reads the lead-in: You should leave your seat about three quarters  through the Profession of Faith following the routine outlined in item 8 above and be at the Ambo ready to read the Prayer of the Faithfull. After reading return to your seat per Item 9 above.
  13. Any Special Announcements are to be Read after Communion by Lector 2 or if there is only one Lector: The Lector should proceed to the Altar the prayer after communion (Father will sit, also the Parishioners) following the procedure in Item 8 above, and read the Announcements then leave the Altar per Item 9 above.

To be a Lector is one of the Great Honors and Gifts that can be bestowed on Parishioners for you are like Christ or one of the Apostles imparting God’s word to the Faithful and/or potential Faithful.

Guidelines for Altar Servers

Guidlines for Altar Servers at Jesus, Our Risen Savior

Say a Prayer before Mass Thanking God for the Privilege of being one of His Servants

  • To be an Altar Server is a Great Honor and Privilege that can come to those young people who serve our God on the Altar. It can be an excellent beginning to your Spiritual Journey.
  • The Altar Servers have two basic responsibilities: (1) to serve and assist the Celebrant, and (2) become as invisible as possible on the Altar. To become invisible you must perform your duties without unnecessary movements but reverently, and when seated remain as motionless as possible, no fidgeting.
  • Arrive at Church at least 15 minutes before Mass starts. (Very Important: You and your family should be coming to church earlier because you need time to Pray and prepare.)
  • If you are scheduled, sign in before you vest and advise the Sacristan that you are there. If you are not scheduled check with the Sacristan, as he may need you.
  • After you have your vestments on, check and see if the Altar candles are lit. If they are not, light them. Put kneeler cushions out for the number of servers serving. It is important that you check each other’s vestments that they are on properly.
  • Get processional (candles and cross) and wait in the vestibule.
  • After the Celebrant is ready, join him with the Deacon, Ministers of Communion, the Lector(s) and/or Sacristan for a prayer.
  • Go to the rear of the church and prepare to lead the procession. Start about 3 rows up and then begin the procession after the bell is rung or wait for the choir to start the song. Procession will start as the choir starts singing.
  • In leading the procession, don’t go too fast or too slow—and be sure you walk together. At the foot of the Sanctuary—Cross Bearer make a left turn and puts the “Processional Cross” in its holder and waits by the Altar Server pew. Candle Bearers stop at the foot of the Sanctuary for a brief moment then go up the 2 steps and put candles in their holders, then immediately go to their pew by way of the front of the Altar.
  • Remain standing – While standing, and at anytime not holding or carrying something, your hands should be together in Prayer form.
  • While the Gloria is sung, one server (before Mass begins, decide among yourselves who will hold the book) will come to the Deacon (If no Deacon come to the Celebrant) and hold the book for the opening prayer. The travel time is during the last few words being sung, so to be ready to hold the book when Father says “Let us pray.”
  • Sit during the first two readings (this comes after opening prayer). Stand for the Alleluia, and Candle Bearers come and get your candles and wait in front of the Altar in the Sanctuary. Your travel path is straight behind the Ambo or Lectern. While seated sit up straight with your hands on your knees. Remember, you are an example.
  • The Celebrant, Concelebrant or Deacon will hold the gospel book high in the air between the two of you. (If there is a Deacon, he will read the Gospel.) When the Gospel verse is completed, the Celebrant, Concelebrant or Deacon will turn to travel to the Ambo. The Candle Servers will process, one in front of the deacon and one behind to the Ambo. They will be on each side of the Ambo for the Gospel reading facing the Book.
  • When the Celebrant, Concelebrant, or Deacon says: “The Gospel of the Lord”, both Candle Bearers process around the Ambo. The deacon will follow the second Altar Server and place the Book of the Gospel on the lectern in front of the Ambo. (NOTE: the Altar Servers will be putting the candles back in the other candle stand). Then after placing candles, walk in a straight line back to your seat and sit down.
  • Sit for the Homily. Stand and recite with the Celebrant the Creed (you should know this prayer). The Prayers of the Faithful follow, then sit.
  • After Prayers of the Faithful, the two servers serving Mass remain standing. The Deacon will take the chalice to the Altar, If no Deacon one of you take the Dressed Chalice to the Altar, then bring the four (4) chalices, (be careful to carry only one chalice at a time because they are filled with wine!), the cruet of water, and the purificators (There should be one purificator for each chalice.)
  • Get the Sacramentary from the Deacon’s chair and place it on the Altar. Cross Bearer now gets the cross with the two (2) servers and goes to the back of the church to lead the offertory procession—no candles at this time.
  • After leading the offertory procession, the two (2) servers serving the Mass stand next to the Celebrant, one on each side to get the cruet of wine and the hosts from him—maybe the collection basket (place this in front of the main altar on the floor.)
  • Put the Ciboriums on the Altar In the middle of the corporal. Take the wine to the side of the Altar and wait. If there is a Deacon, he will put wine and water in the priest’s chalice. If no Deacon, the Celebrant, or if there are two or more Priests on the Altar, then one of the other Priests will perform this task. Then he will give you the cruets to be placed on the credence table. Since there are three servers, the two others will prepare to wash the Celebrant’s hands.
  • Bring the pitcher of water, bowl and towel (opened up). Stand at the edge of the altar. After the Celebrant dries his hands and replaces the towel, both servers give him a head bow and return items to the credence table.
  • Go back down to the side and stand in front of your red cushion kneelers. Stand as reverently as possible with hands together in Prayer form until the Holy, Holy, Holy is sung. Then kneel until the Great Amen, using the cushions (save your knees).
  • Choose one server (before Mass) who will ring the bell one short ring at the epiclesis, before the elevations of the host and chalice. That is when the Deacon kneels. At the elevation of the “Body of Christ” (the large host), ring the bells (one long ring) and again when the chalice is raised, another long ring. Now put the bells back on the pillow. Remain kneeling until after the great Amen.
  • After the Our Father, at the “Let us offer each other the sign of peace”, shake hands with the Celebrant first, then the Deacon, if one is present then the other servers. Then go back down and kneel until after the “Lamb of God.” The Ministers of Communion (MC) will be coming up with you after the Celebrant finishes drinking from the chalice.
  • Join the Ministers of Communion to receive Holy Communion on the rug in the Sanctuary.
  • After receiving Holy Communion, go immediately to sit in the Altar server pew.
  • After Communion has been distributed, stand and face the Tabernacle when the ciborium is being reposed there. When the Celebrant, Concelebrant, Deacon, or Sacristan genuflects, bow your head. When the door is closed on the Tabernacle, help clear the Altar. The Deacon, Concelebrant, or Celebrant will hand you the vessels (DO NOT TAKE ANYTHING OFF THE ALTAR).
  • There is a period of silence when we are all seated. The Deacon, Concelebrant, or Celebrant will motion to the server who holds the book to come over and hold the book for the Celebrant for the prayer after Holy Communion.
  • After the dismissal, “Go in Peace to Love and Serve the Lord,” response “Thanks be to God,” go and get your candles and crucifix, then move to your stations at the end of the aisle.
  • After Mass, be sure you put your candles back in their holders in the Sanctuary (bow to the Cross). Check the Candles for oil and wick. If oil is required, fill the candle. If a wick is require replace it. Please pick up any vestments that may have fallen on the floor. It is very important that you keep the Altar Servers Dressing room clean and neat. The size of the Altar Servers albs are written on the hangers. Please make sure you Alb matches the hanger number when you return your Alb to the closet.
  • If Incenses are used, have extra Charcoal on the shelf under the Credence table with a lighter. Add Charcoal at the Offertory, and re-light if necessary. After Mass dump the charcoal outside, and pour water on it so that the fire is out.

For Vigil or other special Masses, you will be told your additional duties.

If you would like to be an Altar Server, Please call the Parish Office or communicate with the person in charge of Altar Servers.

Guidelines for Ministers of the Sick and Shut-ins

Guidelines for taking Communion to the Sick & Shut-ins

GENERAL COMMENTS

You have volunteered to participate in a very special ministry of taking the Body of Christ to our brothers and sisters, in faith, who are unable to join with us in celebration of the Mass. The priests are appreciative of your time and energies and pledges his support to be sure you are properly instructed, provided with a Pyx & Pyx burse, and that the parishioner assigned to you has been visited by a priest and considered worthy, in the eyes of the Roman Catholic Church, to receive the Body of Christ.

Your visits to the assigned parishioner must be coordinated, by you, with your partner(s) assigned to the same parishioner. The day and/or time will be based upon your personal schedule and the convenience of the parishioner being visited.

On your part, you should be in a state of grace and a person of prayer. You should dress appropriately and make your visit a singular mission. If it is necessary to add a social or shopping stop on your schedule, do them after your communion visit(s). The Body of Christ is reserved in the Tabernacle and reverently placed in a Pyx to be taken to your shut-in. It is never intended to be reserved in your Pyx for any other purpose than to be taken to the parishioner(s). It should never be kept in a Pyx, in your automobile or in your home!
You will be assigned the people that you are to deliver Communion
to by the Church Office.

PROCEDURE ON APPROACHING THE TABERNACLE (Note: Only when a priest or deacon is not available)
Secure the Tabernacle key and go to the altar, make a deep bow to the Altar and then proceed to the Tabernacle, placing your Pyx opened on the Tabernacle table.

1. Place the key into the Tabernacle lock and open the door.
2. Make a genuflection.
3. Remove the lid on the Ciborium and secure the required number of consecrated hosts, placing them into your opened Pyx. Replace the lid on the Ciborium and close your Pyx cover.
4. Make a genuflection.
5. Close, lock, and remove the key from the Tabernacle.
6. Purify the (2) fingers used to secure the consecrated host in the ablution cup beside the Tabernacle and dry with the purificator.
7. Replace the Tabernacle key to its cabinet. Place the Pyx into the burse and with the attached cord, hang the burse around your neck.
8. Go immediately to your shut-in parishioner(s).

OR, IF ATTENDING MASS
Place unconsecrated host(s) in your Pyx and place the Pyx on the Altar to be consecrated during Mass – reclaim the Pyx after Mass or from the priest or deacon.

COMMUNION RITE

Click here to download and print the approved Rite of “Communion of the Sick”. You should follow it as printed, however, you may exercise any options deemed appropriate for the occasion. This would include using the Gospel for the day, instead of the Gospel of John. The parishioner should be able to recite, alone or with you, the penitential prayer and the Our Father. The communion rite should be your first duty upon arriving at the home or room.

1. If you have a Corporal, spread it out on a nearby stand or table and place your Pyx on it – CLOSED.
2. Proceed with the communion rite.
3. After giving the parishioner the Body of Christ, pause for them to swallow the consecrated host, before the closing prayer. (You may desire to have a glass of water available depending of the condition of the Sick or Shut-in.)
4. Purify your Pyx, (with your finger wipe the interior of the Pyx, for any particles, and placed them on your tongue) fold the Corporal and replace them into your burse.

REMINDERS OF YOUR VISIT

Always take with you the following items to assure the parishioner’s contact with the Church.
1. The latest weekly Bulletin.
2. The current month’s calendar of events.
3. Any (free) prayer cards and/or religious book(s).
4. Your personal “ID” card and prayer “FOR YOU”.

CONCLUSIONS

You may want to extend your visit in prayer or conversation. You should always inquire of the condition and the needs of the parishioner. Never make any promises or commitments that you yourself cannot keep, but you can promise to make them known to the priest or deacon.
Return to the Church to record your visit in the “SICK BOOK” and placing any observations or request in the REMARKS column, OR if they are important enough, you should advise the priest, deacon or secretary NOW.

To be a Minister of Communion is one of the Great Honors and Gifts that can be bestowed on Parishioners for you hold Christ in your hand and give Him to the Faithful.

Guidelines for Ministers of Communion

Guidelines for Ministers of Communion at Jesus, Our Risen Savior

Say a Prayer before Mass Thanking God for the Privilege of being one of His Servants 

  1. Check the on line schedule or pick up a Quarterly Calendar at the beginning of each quarter in the Sacristy, to determine your assignments. (Ministers of Communion – MC aka Eucharistic Ministers – EM)
  2. Arrive about 20 Minutes before Mass sign in, and notify the Sacristan of your presence. If not scheduled always let the Sacristan know that you are available.
  3. When signing in indicate your preference – Chalice or Ciborium (Shown on the signup sheet as Host or Cup)
  4. Obtain a Gold Cross from the niche in the Sacristy and wear it during Mass.
  5. Assemble about 5 minutes before Mass in the Gathering Space with the Celebrant when he prays.
  6. Assemble in the center door way behind the Altar Servers and parade in after the bell has been rung. Stop at the first step of the Altar and bow, reverencing the Altar, when the Celebrant does; then return to your seat.
  7. After the Celebrate finishes taking Communion, proceed to the area behind the Altar. The two MC’s of the Ciborium or Host stand just on the edge of the rug on the St. Francis Caracciolo side of the Altar facing the Altar, and the four MC’s of the Chalice or cup stand on the edge of the rug perpendicular to the Altar on the St. Francis Caracciolo side of the Altar. The Deacon or the Sacristan will normally give you communion.
  8. The Celebrant will bring you either the Ciborium or Chalice, with a Purificator.
  9. When He leaves the Altar you follow him to your respective location.
  10. FOR MC’s with the Chalice: To administer  the Chalice; holding the Chalice in your right hand and supporting it from the bottom with your left hand with the Purificator over your left hand.  Looking into the eyes of the recipient and say: ‘The Blood of Christ’. When the recipient replies Amen or an equivalent statement extend your hand for the recipient to take the Chalice. When the Chalice is returned to you, wipe the outer lip and inside of the lip with the Purificator while rotating the Chalice a little. You are now ready for the next person.    (This is one way. You may dispense the Blood of Christ in a way convenient to you, BUT the recipient must respond with an AMEN; and the lip of the cup is to be cleaned with the Purificator and rotated for the next person.)                                                                                                                                                         When Communion is over or your Chalice is empty proceed to the Credence Table with the Purificator covering the Chalice. If there is still wine in your Chalice, consume it, while facing the back wall of the Altar. Place the empty Chalice and the Purificator on the Credence table and leave the Altar. (Don’t forget to bow reverencing the Altar at the bottom of the steps.) If the Celebrant, Deacon, or the Sacristan is taking the Consecrated Host to the Tabernacle, stay on the Altar till the Door is closed, locked, and the person moves away from the Tabernacle, then leave.

FOR MC’s with the Ciborium: To administer  the Host; holding the Ciborium in your left hand and holding a Consecrated Host between your thumb and forefinger with your right hand over the Ciborium, looks into the eyes of the recipient and say: ‘The Body of Christ’. When the recipient replies Amen or an equivalent statement place the Host in the recipient’s hand. Should the recipient desire to receive the Host on their tongue, place the Ciborium under their chin as if were a Paten and place the Host on their tongue.  When Communion is over or your Ciborium is empty proceed to the Altar, with your right thumb and forefinger together over the Ciborium; and place the Ciborium on the Altar. If the Ciborium is empty place it on the Credence Table. Wash your thumb and forefinger in the Ablution bowl (the small bowl of water) on the Credence Table or to the right of the Tabernacle. There is a Purificator adjacent to the bowl for drying. Then leave the Altar. (Don’t forget to bow reverencing the Altar at the bottom of the steps.) If the Celebrant, Deacon, or the Sacristan is taking the Consecrated Host to the Tabernacle, stay on the Altar till the Door is closed, locked, and the person moves away from the Tabernacle then leave.

  1. Your job is done; just do not forget to return the Cross to the Sacristy. Sometimes you can help the Sacristan remove items from the Altar and help him/her clean up the Sacristy.
  2. For Reference: When the Deacon is not there the Sacristan takes his place when distributing Communion.

If There Is a Spill or a Host is dropped on the Floor

For a Spill: Immediately cover the Spill with the Purificator; retrieve the extra Purificator on the Credence Table; and continue to distribute Communion. When Communion is finished return to the Sanctuary, and Notify the Celebrant.

For a Dropped Host: Pick it up; consume it; and continue distributing Communion.
To be a Minister of Communion is one of the Great Honors and Gifts that can be bestowed on Parishioners for you hold Christ in your hand and give Him to the Faithful.