DO . . . ALWAYS!!
WEAR ALBS (robes) that fit. Albs should touch the top of your feet. HANG UP albs PROPERLY by snapping collar piece firmly. . .
Tie CINCTURE (ropes) securely with a simple slip knot. Wear your CROSS proudly.
Proper shoes ALWAYS. . .School shoes with socks!
Comb your hair, be neat in appearance.
ALWAYS. . .If you cannot serve a Mass, you MUST get a substitute.
Be ON TIME!! At least 10 minutes before Mass time to prepare gifts, light candles.
PARTICIPATE in the Mass!! Answer prayers ALOUD. Join in the songs/hymns when possible. PAY ATTENTION during the readings.
Behave respectfully at all times. Cover your mouth, nose when coughing, sneezing.
Handle CHALICE, CUPS, DECANTERS, altar linens with care and respect. GENTLY place and clear altar at proper times.
Carefully handle matches, tapers when lighting cangels. Use the candle lighter/snuffer to extinguish candles after Mass.
Receive HOLY EUCHARIST respectfully at the time the celebrant receives.
Cross bearers carry cross facing people.
The DO'S and DON'TS of Altar Serving
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3615 Harford Road
Baltimore, MD 21218
Ph. 410-235-5136 Fax 410-467-9503 Email sfabalt@archbalt.org
DO NOT. . . EVER!
Wear ALBS too short, too long. Leave them rumpled on the closet floor.
Let CINCTURES (ropes) drag on floor.
Wear sneakers, tennis, running shoes, flip-flops, etc.
Wear sloppy clothes, uncombed hair.
Think that someone will be in Church to fill in for you.
Be late or not show up for your assigned Mass.
Slouch, fidget, look bored, uninterested during the reading.
Chew gum, laugh, joke, fidget, be disruptive. Wave or gesture to people in pews. Close your eyes. Look bored.
Rudely grab vessels to set altar or remove them. Race to grab the Sacramentary, cruets, etc. Argue about duties while on the altar.
Push out wick to an extreme length. Light candles with matches. Blow out candles with your breath.
Play with sacred host, switching it from hand to hand.
Candle and cross bearers: Run or race down the aisle during processions.
