Altar Servers
Wanted:
St. Mary's needs some more Boatgirls/boys to help at our Sung Masses. This is a good way of introducing young children ages 5 - 10 to being Servers & Acolytes and helping the Priests at the altar and it is greatly appreciated. Please see Penny Reading ' 411361 for further details.
To ALL SERVERS
Please check the attached copy of the servers’ rota which covers the next 6 months.
If there is a date that you cannot make, then please contact another server to do a swap with – but if all else fails, then contact me on R.353346, not later than the day before. The worst thing to do is not to turn up when you are expected to, as this makes it difficult for everyone!!
WELCOME TO OUR NEW SERVERS. It is good to see so many of our young (and not quite so young) people joining us, the only problem is to arrange the necessary training and this will take time. We do hope that you will be happy helping us to assist with the smooth-running of the services -if you have any problems, do not hesitate to contact me or one of the other senior servers.
It would be good if all servers to be able to be thurifers as well as acolytes-the problem being that with the large number of acolytes that we have means that they only serve about once in every 7 weeks whereas thurifers serve every 4 weeks. We do understand that “swinging the pot” is not for everyone.
However when you feel that would like to try then please let me know.
Please make a special effort to ensure that your robes are clean and in good condition –please make an effort to find a cassock and alb that fits you well, then mark it in some way so that you will be able to recognise it next time. Please wear Black shoes, and for ladies Flat shoes are preferable.
PLEASE DO NOT take away albs, cottas, amices unless they have been bought by you personally, except for washing – we seem to be very short of some items .I am going through our stock of robes and arranging for replacements and I need to know exactly what we need.
Here are some notes for your guidance.
BEFORE THE SERVICE
Please remember that your job is to serve the priest and do your best to be un-obtrusive as much as possible.
It is important that you arrive early,( about 20 minutes) fully prepared spiritually and mentally, before the service, so that you can become part of the service
Please robe carefully and if you have any problems, ask one of the senior servers for their help. Please make sure that there is a service-book available near your seat.
ACOLYTES
Check Apparels on amices match colours of priest’s vestments.
Check with MC. about lighting of candles or any other help needed.
THURIFER
Light charcoal about 5 minutes before service is due to begin, also that incense boat is filled up + one extra block of charcoal. Check with MC. about any special arrangements for service, e.g. baptisms, processions etc.
And - AFTER THE SERVICE-
Please assist the MC, with any clearing-up needed
Once again, a big “Thank You” to all servers for their valuable work.
