Mass Preparation

• The first duty of the altar server is to prepare for the upcoming Mass. They will retrieve and set aside robes for the clergy, set the credence table with water and wine and light the candles around the altar. Communion hosts are also prepared by setting them in the tabernacle for the priest to distribute during Holy Communion.
  
  

Carrying of the Procession Cross

• At the opening of Mass, the priest will line up with the deacons, passage readers and altar servers. One of the servers will carry the procession cross while another will carry the Bible the priest will read from. The mass begins with an opening song as the procession makes its way around the church. The procession will end in front of the altar where the priest will ascend to his place in front of the altar while the servers move to their seats.
  
  

Holding the Sacramentary

• The priest will read a passage from the Sacramentary while standing in front of his seat. He will motion for the altar server to ascend the altar and retrieve the book. The server will approach the priest, who in turn opens the Sacramentary and hands it back to the server. The server will hold the book open while the priest reads from it. After the passage is read, the server will return the Sacramentary to its place and return to his seat.
  
  

Washing of the Priest's Hands

• Before Communion the priest, will wash his hands. The server will approach the altar with a towel and glass decanter filled with water. The priest will say a prayer as the server pours the water over his fingers. The server then hands the priest a towel. After the priests dries his fingers, the server returns the towel and decanter to the credence table.
  
  

Ringing the Bells

• When the priest blesses the communion hosts and wine during consecration, he raises them above his head as an offering to Jesus Christ. The server must ring the bells at the exact moment the priest begins raising the hosts and wine and stop when the priest begins to lower his hands.
  
  

Cleaning Up After Mass

• After mass is finished, the altar server remains behind to clean. The credence table will need to have the decanters and towel removed. The altar will need to be cleared of the chalice and communion holders and all candles around the altar will need to be extinguished.