INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE SERVER
The server and crucifer should be vested and ready 15 minutes before the service. They should wait in the parish hall or choir room. Do not wait in the sacristy while Father David is vesting for worship.
The server should dress in black cassock (may wear white surplice, also)
Reverence the altar (bow deeply from the waist) then go to chair and stand during the remainder of the song, Collect, etc
Sit / Stand at appropriate times with congregation.
Kneel at communion rail during Prayers of the People.
Exchange the Peace with the Celebrant and Crucifer, but return to appointed place so you are in place when Celebrant begins announcements.
At some time during the songs and readings, get a count of the people. Include organist, Crucifer, and yourself.
During Offertory:
- After Corporal is spread, take Ciborium to Celebrant and whisper to Celebrant how many people are present. Return Ciborium to Credence Table when handed back.
- Remove stoppers from water and wine cruets. Leave the stoppers on the Credence Table and take the cruets to the Celebrant. Present wine cruet first, holding the cruet in the palm of the hand with the handle facing the Celebrant.
- The Celebrant will hand back the wine cruet and take the water cruet (also held in the palm with the handle facing the Celebrant). Server should present with the right hand and receive with the left.
- Take the wine and water cruets back to the Credence Table. Put the lavabo cloth over left arm (close to wrist); hold the lavabo in the left hand and the water cruet in the right hand. Take the water cruet and lavabo to the Celebrant, pour the water over Celebrant's fingers, then turn slightly so the lavabo cloth is easy to reach. The vessels are then returned to the Credence Table.
- When receiving or returning gifts, or after lavabo, Celebrant may acknowledge with a simple bow. If so, bow (head movement) to Celebrant.
During the Great Thanksgiving, stand facing the altar (about mid-way between server's chair and the altar), holding hands prayerfully at waist level.
Receive communion then take Chalice and present to each communicant, saying "the Blood of Christ, the cup of salvation." Hold purificator to catch all drops, being careful not to get in the way of the communicant. Wipe the Chalice with the purificator and turn it slightly if the communicant drinks from it.
After communion, present the water cruet to the Celebrant and stand by altar while Celebrant washes Chalice. Return cruet to Credence Table when finished and replace tops on both water and wine cruet.
You can remain standing or kneel for Blessing and Dismissal.
Reverence altar as leaving.
