a guide for liturgical ministers - Catholic Diocese of Memphis

Church of the Nativity Liturgical Minister Guidebook 

A GUIDE FOR LITURGICAL MINISTERS 

The purpose of this guidebook is to provide useful information for parishioners that serve 

as a liturgical minister at the Church of the Nativity. Duties, responsibilities and before 

Mass preparation for the ministries of master of ceremonies, lector, sacristan, 

extraordinary minister of the eucharist, usher, greeter and altar server are described in 

detail. 

It is certainly recognized and greatly appreciated that you serve a most important ministry 

within the church. Your dedication and devotion to serve the people of Nativity is a 

reflection of our faith as a family and christian community. 

In order to make the liturgical celebration a meaningful and pleasant experience for those 

who serve during the Mass, general guidelines and procedures have been developed 

While there are exceptions to most any guideline or procedure that may be written, it will 

be expected that all liturgical ministers study, review and follow the information 

contained in this guidebook. All procedures and processes must be continually evaluated 

for effectiveness, therefore, all ministers are encouraged to offer ideas/suggestions on any 

area that may need improving. 

Thank you for serving! 

Page 1 of 34


Participants in Celebration of Mass 

INDEX 

Altar Servers 4 

Extraordinary Minister 8 

Lay Minister of the Word (Lector) 13 

Master of Ceremonies 18 

Sacristan Minister 25 

Usher & Greeter 29 

Liturgical Crosses 31 

Glossary 33 

Page 2 of 34 

3


PARTICIPANTS IN CELEBRATING MASS (NOTE SEE ALSO: GLOSSARY) 

Altar Servers—One who assists at the altar in the celebration (i.e., carrying candles, 

carrying procession crosses, carrying items to and from the altar, etc.). 

Assembly—Those present to celebrate the liturgy. Other terms in use: “The 

Community,” “The Church (as people not building),” “The Worshippers,” “The 

Faithful,” or “the congregation.” It is the entire assembly (ordained and nonordained) 

that celebrates the liturgy of the Mass . 

Cantor—One who leads the congregation in singing during the liturgy (e.g., the 

Responsorial Psalm). 

Celebrant—One who presides over the assembly and consecrates the Eucharistic 

Sacrament. The term presider is used. 

Concelebrants—Those priests and bishops who join the celebrant in consecrating the 

eucharist at the Mass. 

Cross bearer—The one who carries the cross in the processions (entrance, presentation 

of the gifts, and recessional). 

Deacon—An ordained minister who assists the celebrant during the Liturgy of the Word 

and at the altar for the Liturgy of the Eucharist. 

Master of Ceremonies—One who assists in the preparation of the liturgy and is present 

to facilitate the movement of the entire celebration. 

Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist—Those lay people who assist in the 

distribution of communion; also called eucharistic ministers. The ordinary ministers 

of communion are ordained priests and deacons. 

Greeter---One who offers welcome and hospitality to people entering the church 

building. 

Lector—One who professes the selected readings from Holy Scripture during the Liturgy 

of the Word prior to the Gospel. 

Usher---One who offers welcome and hospitality to people entering the church building 

as well as assisting in seating people, guiding the communion line, overseeing the 

collection, and distributing the weekly bulletin. The usher will assist at emergencies 

and have responsibility for safe keeping of the church property. 



I. GENERAL 

A GUIDE FOR ALTAR SERVERS 

1) All servers are expected to be at the church 20 minutes before Mass begins 

2) All servers are to sign in when they serve 

3) All servers are expected to find their own replacement for Mass if they cannot make it 

for whatever reason 

4) All servers are expected to wear "Sunday clothes" at the weekend Masses 

II. PREPARATION BEFORE MASS 

1) Put on alb and cross 

a) Make certain the alb is not too short or too long 

b) Alb should be about 2-3 inches off the ground 

2) Light altar candles 

3) MC will determine the servers to perform the tasks of cross bearer and candle bearers 

4) Perform other duties as directed by the MC 

5) 10 minutes before Mass be in the back of the church with the cross and appropriate 

number of candles (torches). 

a) Candles are to be carried only in pairs. 

b) Servers should be in the narthex (south side) standing with: 

(1) the cross 

(2) Candle bearers should be on either side of the cross 

standing silently and reverently. 

III. DURING MASS 

1) The MC will line the servers up for the procession 

2) In general, the order will be: 

a) Incense bearer 

b) Cross bearer 

c) Torches 

(1) Always an even number of paired servers 

(2) Two torches should be on either side of the cross 

d) Any unpaired servers 

e) Lectors 

f) Master of Ceremonies 

g) Deacon 

h) Priest (presider) 

3) Upon the MC’s cue begin the procession. 

4) Walk reverently to the altar 

5) When the sanctuary is reached you should reverence the altar with a low bow unless 

you are: 

a) The Incense bearer 

b) The Cross bearers 



c) The Torch bearers 

d) Carrying any other items 

6) After reverencing the altar proceed to the chairs 

7) The cross bearer should place the cross firmly but gently in the stand and be certain 

that it is oriented to the congregation 

8) Torch bearers should place the torches in the stand by the reconciliation room 

9) Servers should sit in the first row of chairs; MC in the second or third row 

10) Additional notes on the procession 

a) Servers should make a crisp turn at the altar and not “drift” to the right side of the 

church 

b) The cross bearer must hold the cross high and steady. The cross should not be 

swaying side-to-side or back to front. This is not a task to be taken on by the 

youngest servers 

11) During the Gloria or the Penitential Rite (depending on the church season) the MC 

will direct a server to take the sacramentary to the altar. The Gloria is not said during 

Lent or on week days 

a) The server should walk reverently to the presider holding the sacramentary in 

front 

b) Servers stand in front of the presider and hold the sacramentary up so the presider 

can see the text. The book must be held steady 

c) When the presider has concluded the prayer he will close the sacramentary and 

the server will return, walking reverently with the book in front. The MC will 

take the sacramentary from him/her 

12) After the second reading has been read and the lector has returned to his or her seat the 

presider will rise and go to the altar to get the Book of the Gospels. When the presider 

rises the MC will rise as should all of the altar servers and the congregation 

13) Preparation of the altar 

a) The MC will direct 1 or 2 servers to carry items to the altar for preparation. These 

items will include: 

(1) Sacramentary with the book stand 

(2) Chalice 

(3) Purificator (linen towel) 

(4) Additional items may be required. The MC will direct servers regarding any 

additional items needed 

b) The above items will be handed to the servers and they should follow the MC to 

the altar 

c) Each item is handed to the MC in turn and the MC places them on the altar. If a 

deacon is present at the Mass the deacon has the responsibility of setting the altar 

(1) The servers are NOT to place any of the items on the altar 

(2) Only the MC or the deacon (if present) should place the items on the altar 

d) If there are not enough servers to carry these items: 

(1) Make multiple trips as needed 

(2) The MC can carry some of the items to assist the servers 

(3) All items are to be handled with reverence (no stacking of items) 

14) Receiving the gifts 



a) The MC will direct the cross bearer at an appropriate time to proceed down the 

main aisle of the church to lead the procession of the gifts 

b) When the presider rises to receive the gifts: 

(1) Two servers should proceed to the front of the altar. These servers should be 

on either side of the presider 

(2) The servers should not walk in front of the presider when going to receive the 

gifts 

c) The presider will hand the bread and wine to each of the servers 

d) The servers will proceed to the altar when the presider turns to return to the altar 

e) If there is no deacon: 

(1) The servers will proceed to the altar when the presider turns to return to the 

altar (St. Joseph side of Church) with the bread preceding the wine 

(2) The presider will take the bread and wine from each server in turn 

(3) The MC will direct a server to take the cruet of water to the altar at the 

appropriate time 

f) If there is a deacon: 

(1) The servers should proceed to the left hand side of the altar (Holy Mary’s side 

of Church) with the bread preceding the wine 

(2) The bread will be handed to the Deacon first and then the wine 

(3) The Deacon will then hand the bread and wine to the presider in turn 


appropriate time 

g) Both servers should proceed to the altar by the path outlined below (Figure I) 

i) 

Presider 

Presider 

Chair 

Altar 

Congregation 

Figure 1: Procession to altar after receiving gifts. 


Server with Bread 

Path to Altar 

Server with Wine 

15) Washing of hands 

a) After the mingling of water and wine the presider will wash his hands 

b) The pitcher of water, the towel, and the bowl should be at the altar. The MC will 

direct two servers to take these items to the altar at an appropriate time 

(1) This is a two-person task: one to pour the water and one to hold the bowl 

c) The pitcher, bowl, and towel are returned immediately from the altar 

16) Consecration - 

Ambo


a) The hand bells should be run three times using a strong wrist movement during 

the elevation of the host and the elevation of the chalice. 

b) An altar server should open the door to the Eucharistic chapel for the presider or 

deacon or MC to obtain the ciborium. Carry extra patens to the altar if needed. 

17) Receiving communion and after communion 

a) The MC and servers line up to receive communion in front of the kneelers outside 

the Eucharistic chapel 

b) After the MC and servers have received communion they need to remove the 

following items from the altar 

(1) Chalice 

(2) Purificator 

(3) Paten (that originally held the gift of bread) 

(4) Sacramentary and bookstand 

c) The MC will direct the servers at the appropriate time 

(1) The chalice, paten and purificator should be placed in the reconciliation room 

(2) The sacramentary remains on the side table by the servers 

d) The MC may direct a server to open the door to the eucharistic chapel for the 

presider or deacon. 

e) After the final blessing, the MC will direct a server to take the sacramentary to the 

altar 

(1) After the communion song and before any announcements and the final 

blessing the MC will direct a server to take the sacramentary to the altar. 

(2) The server stands in front of the presider and holds the sacramentary up so the 

presider can see the text. The book must be held steady. 

(3) When the presider has concluded the prayer he will close the sacramentary 

and the server will return, walking reverently with the book in front. The MC 

will take the sacramentary from him/her. 

f) After the final prayer and as the presider steps from the chair platform. 

(1) The cross bearer and servers go down the aisle and turn to face the altar. 

(2) The lectors follow, then the MC. The presider is in front of the altar. 

(3) Bow in reverence to the altar when the presider bows unless you are carrying 

something. Turn to the left and face the narthex. 

(4) Process down the aisle of the church into the narthex, away from the doors. 

IV. AFTER MASS 

1) Make certain all candles are extinguished including ones on the altar. 

2) Hang up your alb and return your ministry cross. 

V. OTHER NOTES 

1) Always be reverent and when in motion, walk slowly. 

2) All servers are expected to pay attention to the priest during Mass 

3) All servers are expected to know and say the appropriate responses throughout the 

Mass. 



GUIDE FOR EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF 

COMMUNION 

Extraordinary Ministers of Communion—are the lay people who have been called to 

assist at Mass in the distribution of communion and in bringing communion to those 

members of the community who are prevented by illness from attending Mass. The 

Ordinary Ministers of Communion are ordained bishops, priests and deacons. The 

approval for the laity to assist at communion was made in 1973 by Pope Paul VI in a 

document called Immensae Caritatis (Latin for “in boundless charity”). Ministers of 

Communion are encouraged to deepen their understanding and love of the sacrament by 

study, prayer, scripture reading, and meditation. The Guide for Ministers of Communion 

(Liturgy Training Publication) gives four other qualities: humility, hospitality, gratitude, 

and reverence. During Jesus’ ministry he shared meals (“broke bread”) with many 

different types of people. In a sense, the eucharist foreshadows that heavenly banquet 

where all are welcomed. Our task as ministers of communion is to communicate that 

welcome to all who approach the table of the Lord. 

I. PREPARATION BEFORE MASS 

1) Ministers of communion need to arrive at church 20 minutes before the start of Mass. 

Go to the work sacristy, check off your name on the schedule, and put on a ministry 

cross. 

2) If you are substituting for another minister, please cross off their name and write in 

your own name so that the sacristan will know there is a substitute. 

3) If you are unable to attend a Mass where you have been scheduled or if illness makes 

you unable to serve, please try to find a substitute yourself. Please inform the church 

office or the sacristan scheduled for the Mass. 

a) If you cannot find a substitute, please call the sacristan. This allows the 

sacristan to begin early to locate a substitute from the congregation. 

b) At 10 minutes before the start of Mass, the sacristan will begin to look for 

substitutes for ministers who are not present. 

II. RESPONSIBILITIES DURING MASS 

1) During Mass ministers of communion should go to the altar when the presider finishes 

his own communion. 

2) Walk slowly and with reverence. Reverence the altar with a simple bow at the waist 

when entering the sanctuary space. 



Extraordinary 

Ministers 

Presider 

Chair 

Altar 

Figure 2. Position of Extraordinary Ministers at Altar 

3) Line up on the left side of the altar in a single line (Figure 2). 

4) The presider will distribute communion to the ministers. 

5) The presider will then distribute the communion cups 

a) If you are given a communion cup, take communion, wipe the cup and give 

communion to the minister who is on your right. 

b) After all the communion cups are given out, the celebrant will give the 

remaining ministers a paten containing hosts. 

6) One minister with a communion cup and the presider or a minister of the bread will go 

down the ramp at the right of the altar and give communion to the altar servers and the 

MC. 

7) They will then move to the first pew and give communion to any members of the 

congregation that are physically unable to come up for communion. 

8) The usher should hold the communion line until all the sick are given communion 

Altar 

Cup Host Cup Cup Host Cup 

Figure 3. Position of Extraordinary Ministers at Sat. 5:00 pm & Sun. 7:30 am Mass 


Ambo


Altar 

Cup Host-Host Cup-Cup Host-Host Cup 

2-3 feet apart 2-3 feet apart 2-3 feet apart 

This minister should be in front of the choir area 

This minister should be in front of the server area 

Figure 4. Position of Extraordinary Ministers at 10:30 am Mass 

10) Once the minister of communion is in place, he or she should give full attention to 

each person who comes forward (Figures 3 & 4). 

11) At the Church of the Nativity parents are encouraged to bring children forward for a 

blessing. 

a) Place your hand over the child’s head and say “God bless you”. Sometimes an 

adult will approach with arms folded over their chest; ask God to bless them 

in the same manner. 

b) Keep your actions reverent but at the same time extend hospitality by greeting 

each communicant with a direct gaze and a pleasant expression. 

12) In 2004, new directives on receiving the eucharist instructed the faithful to give the 

physical sign of reverence by bowing their heads. 

a) The minister of communion should wait for the person to finish this sign of 

reverence, then looking into the eyes of the communicant, say clearly, “The 

body of Christ”. 

b) Wait until the person responds, “Amen,” and then place the host firmly in the 

palm of the person’s hand. 

c) If the person indicates that they wish to receive the host directly in their 

mouth, place the host so that it rests on the tongue. You will have more 

control if you hold the host with two fingers and your thumb, with the thumb 

down and fingers on top. 

13) Ministers of the blood of Christ also wait for the communicant to give a sign of 

reverence before looking into the eyes of the communicant, extending the communion 

cup, and saying “The blood of Christ”. 

14) The minister waits until the person responds, “Amen,” and then hands the cup to the 

communicant. The minister then receives the cup back from the person with both 

hands. Use the purificator to wipe the rim of the cup both inside and out, and then turn 

the cup a quarter turn before offering it to another person. 



15) The purificator is folded so that it is a long narrow piece of fabric. Think of it as a 

ladder and move down the ladder with each wipe of the cup so that a clean part of the 

purificator is used each time. 

16) The purificator can be turned so that a second side can be used. In fact, a purificator 

has six sides. Have the sacristan or another minister show you how to use all six sides 

of the purificator. 

17) If you are in doubt about a child being able to receive communion, simply ask the 

parent. If you observe a person taking a host to their seat or any other thing that alarms 

you, make a mental note of it, and advise the presider after Mass. 

18) Do not for any reason question a communicant or refuse communion to anyone. 

19) Remain at your communion station until all persons have received communion. If you 

have served communion to everyone in your station, you can move quietly to another 

station if it can be done without distraction. 

20) After communion, the minister of the bread should give his paten to the presider. If 

the presider needs assistance, accompany him to the tabernacle. 

21) The ministers of the cup should return their vessels to the Reconciliation Room to the 

left of the sanctuary. Place the purificator over the top of the cup before walking. 

Cover the purificator with your hand. This will prevent splatters or spills and appears 

more reverent than allowing one arm to swing at your side. 

22) All remaining amounts of the blood of Christ should be consumed by the ministers in 

a reverent and unobtrusive manner in the Reconciliation Room. 

23) If you are unable to consume this wine, ask another minister to help. 

24) Place your communion cup on the plate with the purificator over the top. 

a) Do not allow the purificator to soak up the consecrated wine as it makes the 

task of washing the purificator more difficult. 

b) Likewise, do not stack one paten on top of another or one cup inside another. 

25) The sacristan will finish purifying the communion vessels after Mass in the sacristy. 

26) Return to your seat; reverence the altar if you walk in front of it. 

27) If you exit from the Reconciliation Room and feel that returning to your seat would 

create a distraction, sit in the chairs outside the Reconciliation Room or in the first 

pew until Mass is finished. 

III. SPECIAL PROBLEMS 

1) Every minister of communion fears that they will drop a host or spill some wine. 

Please be advised that the sacristan and MC are trained to assist in this situation. 

2) Often a host can be retrieved by stooping down and picking up the host. 

3) This host should be tucked in the hand that is holding the paten so it will not be 

offered to another communicant. After communion this host can be consumed by one 

of the ministers or left on a purificator for the sacristan. 

4) If a small amount of wine spills, you can take a step forward so you protect the spill 

from someone stepping into it. 

5) After communion, place your purificator over the spill. 

6) For large spills you will have to get the help of the MC, sacristan or altar servers. Stay 

calm and reassure any communicant that was involved. Accidents happen. 



IV. GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS 

1) It is a natural development of the calling of Extraordinary Minister of Communion to 

become a minister to the sick and homebound, to become a sacristan, or to be trained to 

conduct a communion service in the absence of a priest. Please consider this 

enhancement of your ministry. 

2) Ministers should dress in such a way that they convey the seriousness and respect that 

they bring to the Mass. 

3) Please find your own substitute if you cannot be present or if you are ill. Phone lists 

of ministers are available from the church office or on the church’s web site. 

4) People wishing to become an Extraordinary Ministers of Communion must be 

approved by the pastor and take the diocese training offered by the Institute for Liturgy 

and Spirituality. 

5) Addition training will by given by the Church of the Nativity. 



A GUIDE FOR LAY MINISTRY OF THE WORD (LECTOR) 

Lay Minister of the Word (Lector)—The Lay Minister of the Word is most sacred 

and most serious. In this ministry the lector enables Jesus Christ, the WORD of God 

to come alive in the midst of the community. In this ministry the lector helps the 

community to come alive in the Word of God, Jesus Christ. To do this, the lector 

does not read scripture aloud, the lector PROCLAIMS the Word of God. 

Proclamation requires dedication to scripture, study of scripture, and practice of the 

art of oral proclamation. 

I. PREPARATION BEFORE FOR MASS 

1) Prepare: Study the readings during the week prior to your assignment. A copy of the 

Workbook for Lectors and Gospel Readers is given to every lector each year prior to 

the Advent season, the beginning of the Church Year. This handbook will give you 

access to the translation used for the readings at Mass before the Gospel. Pray and 

meditate over the readings. The Lector’s Handbook contains comments on the 

meaning and significance of the readings. It is often helpful to read the full passage 

from which the selected reading is taken in your personal bible. Make sure your 

pronunciation of names is correct. The Lector’s Handbook contains a Pronunciation 

Guide in the appendix. If you are assigned the Saturday evening or the Vigil Mass 

before a Holy Day, be sure there is not a separate reading for the Vigil Mass. 

Consider doing this much preparation for every Sunday’s Mass, even if you are not the 

assigned lector. 

2) Practice: Oral practice is essential for a smooth and effective proclamation of the 

scriptural readings. Various methods: practice before family members, practice 

before a mirror, and practice using an audio recorder, digital camera or VCR can be 

useful. The goal is to become comfortable with the readings so that your voice 

conveys a conviction and your eye contact enforces that conviction. The oral tradition 

is older that the written scripture, so your role as lector involves you in the life of the 

early church. Remember you are proclaiming for people who are listening to you as 

well as for people who are reading along with you. Our ears are not as fast as our 

eyes, so read slowly enough so that the listener can understand and savor the text. Do 

you remember the pleasure listening to a beloved bedtime story? The words of the 

story may have been familiar, but you had renewed enjoyment when the reader read 

with conviction and drama. In a like manner, read scripture with the conviction and 

drama of man’s encounter with the Living God. It may help during preparation to look 

for a central sentence that sums up the most important idea of the reading. Give 

special emphasis to that sentence by pausing before and after proclaiming it. Make 

certain the listener will take away at least this central idea. 

II. ARRIVAL AT CHURCH 

1) Arrive at least 20 minutes before Mass. Check off your name on the schedule. Put on 

a Lector Cross. (see page 30 of the guidebook) Inform the sacristan and the MC that 

you are present. If there is not an MC, inform the celebrant that you are present. 



2) The readings and General Intercessions are available for review in the sacristy. Please 

review the General Intercessions for correct pronunciations of names listed. If the 

deacon is present, he will read the Intercessions. Go to the south side of the narthex 

and gather with the altar servers and presider for the procession. 

3) Mass with music: Check with the music director to see if music will substitute for the 

Entrance Antiphon, the Responsorial Psalm, or the Communion Antiphon. If the choir 

is singing an Entrance Hymn, you will process in with the celebrant and the altar 

servers. You will carry the Book of the Gospels if the deacon is not present. If the 

cantor or choir does not sing the Responsorial Psalm, the first lector will recite it. If 

the alleluia is not sung, it is not used. The Alleluia is never recited 

4) Mass without music: The lector will read the Entrance Antiphon, the Responsorial 

Psalm and the Communion Antiphon. The Alleluia is never spoken; if it is not sung, it 

is not used. If there are two lectors, process down the aisle with one lector putting the 

Book of the Gospels on the altar and the other lector going to the ambo to read the 

Entrance Antiphon. Do not rush into the Entrance Antiphon; it is often short and the 

congregation will need time to find their place in the missal. The Entrance Antiphon is 

used to gather the congregation together for the communal purpose of liturgy. 


1) Processional - Your place in the procession is between the altar servers and the MC / 

deacon / or the celebrant. If the deacon is not present, one of the lectors will carry the 

Book of the Gospels. Carry the Book of the Gospels before you in both hands with 

the top of the book no higher than shoulder height. Upon reaching the end of the aisle, 

pause while the second lector reverences the altar, and then proceed directly to the 

front of the altar. Ministers carrying objects do not bow or genuflect. This rule 

applies to a lector carrying the Book of the Gospels. Upon reaching the altar, slowly 

and with dignity, let your hands go forward so that the Book of the Gospels is placed 

flat, in the center of the altar, with the top facing up. This will make it easy for the 

deacon or the celebrant to bring the book up off the altar so that it faces the 

congregation. Place the book to the side of the microphone in the center of the altar 

under the linen altar cloth. 

2) EXCEPTIONS: If the deacon is present, the lector will process in before the deacon, 

but the deacon will carry the Book of the Gospels. If there is a special occasion such 

as a Baptism, other significant people may be in the procession. These people will 

follow the altar servers and precede the lector. On solemn occasions, the celebrant 

may ask that the Book of the Gospels be carried at a raised height or give other 

instructions. 

IV. READINGS 

1) The first reading follows the Opening Prayer. Wait until the prayer is finished before 

going to the sanctuary. Make a reverent bow to the altar before going up to the ambo. 

Wait until the congregation has settled in their seats before beginning the reading. 

This is especially important if the reading is short. Introduce the reading with: 



“A Reading From The Book Of ________” 

Conclude the reading with: 

“The Word Of The Lord” 

The congregation will respond with “Thanks be to God.” 

2) If the Responsorial Psalm is to be sung, return to your seat unless you are proclaiming 

the second reading. If you are remaining at the ambo for the second reading, turn to 

the cantor or choir, and give them your full attention. If you are reading the 

Responsorial Psalm, there is only a small pause between the first reading and the 

psalm, because the psalm is a response to the first reading. However, do not rush. Say 

the response clearly, and then allow the congregation to repeat the response after you. 

Feel free to repeat the response with the congregation, although you may want to do it 

at a lower volume. Recite the verse of the psalm and then look up to indicate to the 

congregation that it is time for the response. 

3) If there are two lectors, the second lector will do the second reading. Wait until the 

first lector has reached their seat before starting to the altar. Introduce the second 

reading with: 

“A Reading From The Letter Of _____ To The _______” 

Conclude the reading with: 

“The Word Of The Lord.” 

4) The congregation responds with “Thanks be to God.” Close the lectionary and place 

the lectionary on the shelf of the ambo. Go down the altar steps, reverence the altar 

and walk to your seat. If you forget to move the lectionary, the MC will do this for 

you. 

5) During the reading of the Gospel and the homily, your example of an attentive listener 

is important. Do not bring the book containing the General Intercessions back to your 

seat for review. This review is done before the start of Mass 

V. THE GENERAL INTERCESSIONS 

1) If the deacon is present, he will read the General Intercessions. If the deacon is not 

present, come to the ambo as the community nears the end of the Creed. In this way 

there will be a minimal pause between the celebrant’s introductory prayer and your 

starting the intercessions. As the celebrant introduces the intercessions with a brief 

prayer, open the book containing the intercessions. Announce each intercession and 

end with: 

“We Pray To The Lord” 

The community answers “Lord, hear our prayer.” 



2) After you finish reading the General Intercessions, step back from the ambo or turn 

and face the presider. The presider will conclude the intercessions with a prayer. This 

is part of the intercessions. Do not close the book or move back towards your seat 

until this prayer is finished. 

VI. COMMUNION 

1) If there is music, the communion hymn will replace the reading of the Communion 

Antiphon. 

2) If the Communion Antiphon is used, it is read after the celebrant finishes the receiving 

the Body and Blood of Christ 

a) As the celebrant gives communion to the ministers, move slowly to the ambo and 

read the Communion Antiphon slowly. 

b) This is a time when the congregation may be distracted by the number of people 

on the altar. Your respectful reading of the antiphon will focus their attention back 

on the sacrament. 

VII. RECESSIONAL 

1) When the Celebrant moves in front of the altar, take your place in the recessional 

directly after the altar servers. 

2) The order of the recessional is the reverse order of the processional. 

3) The Book of The Gospels will remained enthroned in the sanctuary. 

4) When the celebrant reverences the altar you should bow at the waist. 

5) Process out in a reverent manner. Remember to return your cross to the sacristy after 

Mass. Do not be in a rush. Members of the community may want to greet you and 

will in turn, welcome your greeting to them. 

VIII. GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS 

1) Above all, do not be a distraction to the community, not in your dress, not in your 

change of position, not in your speech. 

2) If you make a mistake, the decision whether to go back and correct it or to continue on 

can often be decided on the basis of making the least distraction. 

3) If you don’t remember how to pronounce a word, at least be consistent. 

4) Slow movement to and from the ambo is less distracting than hurried movement. Use 

the appropriate steps and do not step off the side edge of the altar platform. The ramp 

may be used if needed. 

5) Dress so that you reflect the dignity due the reading of sacred scripture. The dress 

should be appropriate to the Mass. Casual clothing may be appropriate for an outside 

Mass, but casual clothes should not include T-shirts with business logos or 

advertisement. Don’t wear distracting things around your waist like pagers or keys. 

6) You are responsible for arranging your own substitute. If the substitute is arranged 

ahead of time, please report the change to church office (382-2504) so that the 

substitute’s name may be listed in the bulletin and on the assignment sheet. If there is 



a last minute change, please call the sacristan or the MC. Do not presume that the 

other lector will do your reading. Every lector deserves preparation time. 

IX. REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS 

1) A candidate for lector must be approved by the pastor. A candidate must complete a 

course of training offered by the Diocese of Memphis through the Institute for Liturgy 

and Spirituality. This training will include a period of discernment so that the 

candidate may evaluate their desire and fitness. Training at the Church of the Nativity 

will be scheduled during the year to update the lectors on changes in procedures. 

2) A candidate for lector should feel called to the ministry for spiritual reasons. The 

ministry of lector should encompass a love of scripture and a willingness to continue 

the study of scripture through courses, reading and personal prayer. 

3) Lectors will be asked to renew their commitment to the ministry on an annual basis 

prior to the beginning of the Church Year. 



A GUIDE FOR THE MASTER OF CEREMONIES 

Master of Ceremonies—A person who directs and supervises liturgical ceremonies in 

conformity with the rubrics of appropriate liturgical books. The master of ceremonies 

guides all ministers and supervises those persons involved with carrying out the 

sacred rite. 

I. PREPARATION BEFORE FOR MASS 

1) Make certain the altar servers are available. 

2) Make sure sufficient eucharistic ministers available. (Officially, this is the role of the 

sacristan, but the MC should double check to make sure adequate ministers are 

available.) 

3) Make certain the lectors are available. Notify the lectors if the deacon is present or is 

not present. Notify the lector if there is music and if the Responsorial Psalm is to be 

sung or recited. 

4) The following are the responsibilities of the sacristan assisted by altar servers but 

should be checked by the MC: 

a) Altar candle lit 

b) Gift table at back of church should have: 

(1) Bread with one large host 

(2) Wine in carafe 

c) Credenza table by servers should have 

(1) Sacramentary 

(2) Chalice 

(3) Purificators 

(a) one for each communion cup 

(b) one for the chalice 

(c) one extra 

d) Patens for communion 

(1) Mass will require one large paten, possibly the ciborium from the tabernacle 

and from 1 to 3 patens so that there are: 

(a) a total of 4 communion vessels for 10:30 am Mass 

(b) a total of 2 communion vessels for other Masses 

e) Cups for communion 

(1) 4 (four) needed for all Sunday Masses 

(2) Holy days, funerals and weddings: 2 or 4 cups. 

f) Cruet (small container) of water 

g) Pitcher with water for hand washing 

h) Bowl for hand washing 

i) Towel for hand washing 

j) Finger bowl and purificator for use during communion 

5) Set up sacramentary: 

a) Ribbon on opening prayers for the appropriate day of celebration (e.g., First 

Sunday in Ordinary Time, Fifth Sunday of Lent) 

b) Ribbon set on the appropriate preface 



c) Appropriate preface is determined from information in (a) above 

d) Ask the presider which Eucharistic Prayer is to be used. 

e) Place a ribbon at the start of the Liturgy of the Eucharist (“Blessed are you, Lord, 

God…). 

II. BEFORE MASS 

1) Servers should be in the narthex (south side) standing with: 

a) The cross bearer 

b) Candle bearers should be on either side of the cross. 

c) Servers should be standing silently and reverently. 


1) Line up for procession in the following order 

a) Incense bearer 

b) Cross bearer 

c) Torches, each carried by a server. 

(1) Always an even number of paired servers 

(2) Two torches should be on either side of the cross, if torches are used 

d) Any unpaired servers 

e) Any special guests such as Baptismal parents with child 

f) Lectors 

g) Master of ceremonies 

h) Deacon 

i) Priest (presider) 

2) Procession 

a) If music is available: 

(1) Signal the musicians to begin by raising your hand. 

(2) Start the procession after 1 st verse. 

(3) If the church bells are ringing, the MC should wait for the bells to stop before 

signaling the musicians to begin. 

b) If music is not available: 

(1) Once the presider is ready the MC should ring the entrance bells. 

(2) If the church bells are ringing, the MC should wait for the bells to stop before 

ringing the entrance bells. 

c) All members of the procession should reverence the altar with a low bow 

with the exception that ministers carrying objects do not reverence the altar: 

(1) Incense bearer 

(2) Cross bearers 

(3) Torch bearers 

(4) The individual carrying the Book of the Gospels 

d) All other ministers reverence the altar with a low bow 

e) Make certain the cross bearer has placed cross firmly in the stand and that it is 

oriented correctly. 



f) Lectors and deacons should orient the Book of the Gospels such that the top of the 

book is closest to the presider. 

g) The individual carrying the Book of the Gospels should reverence the altar with a 

simple bow after the Book of the Gospels is placed on the altar. 

h) If there is no music, one of the lectors should lead the congregation in praying the 

Entrance Antiphon. The MC should remind the lectors before the procession 

begins that there will be no music and that the Entrance Antiphon will be recited. 

i) Servers should sit in the first row to the right of the altar; the MC should sit in the 

second or third row. 

j) Additional notes on the procession: 

(1) Individuals in the procession should be spaced such that the procession does 

not stop while an individual is reverencing (bowing) to the altar. 

(2) Servers should make a crisp turn at the altar and not “drift” to the right side of 

the church. 

(3) The cross bearer must hold the cross high and steady. The cross should not be 

swaying side-to-side or back to front. This is not a task to be taken on by the 

youngest servers. 

(4) The MC should remind servers of the above items. 

3) During the Gloria: 

a) Prepare server to take the sacramentary to the presider. 

(1) Sacramentary should be on the page with the appropriate Opening Prayer. 

(2) Make sure it is oriented so the presider can read it (e.g., not upside down). 

b) Send the server up to the presider: 

(1) during the “Amen” portion if the Gloria is sung or 

(2) if the Gloria is not sung, when the congregation starts “For you alone are the 

Holy One,…”. 

(3) Note that during some Masses the Gloria is not prayed (during Lent). The 

MC needs to be alert to this and send the server to the presider after the 

Penitential Rite. The Penitential Rite is either the reciting of the prayer that 

begins “I confess to almighty God” or the “Kyrie” which contains the 

response “Lord, have mercy.” 

c) Receive the sacramentary from the server upon their return. 

d) When the Responsorial Psalm is to be sung, the MC should have made the lectors 

aware that the choir or cantor will be doing this. 

4) After the second reading: 

a) Take notice if the lector has put the lectionary in the lower shelf of the ambo. 

b) If the lector forgets to do this, reverently proceed to the ambo and place the 

lectionary on the lower shelf so that the presider or deacon can place the Book of 

the Gospels easily on the ambo. 

5) After the second reading has been read and the lector has returned to his or her seat the 

presider will rise and go to the altar to get the Book of the Gospels. When the 

presider rises the MC should also rise indicating to the congregation that they should 

stand as well. All will stand until the Gospel is read and the Book of the Gospel is 

enthroned. 

6) Preparation of the Altar: 



a) The MC will direct 1 or 2 servers to carry items to the altar for preparation. These 

items will include: 

(1) Sacamentary with the book stand 

(2) Chalice 

(3) Purificator (cloth towel) 

(4) Communion cups 

(5) Additional items may be required. The MC will direct servers regarding any 

additional items 

b) The above items will be handed to the servers. They should follow the MC to the 

altar. 

c) Each item is handed to the MC in turn and the MC places them on the altar. If a 

deacon is present at the Mass the deacon has the responsibility of setting the altar 

(1) The servers are NOT to place any of the items on the altar 

(2) Only the MC or the deacon (if present) should place the items on the altar. 

d) If there are not enough servers to carry these items: 

(1) Make multiple trips as needed. 

(2) The MC can carry some of the items to assist the servers. 

(3) All items to be handled with reverence (no stacking of items, etc.) 

7) Receiving the gifts 

a) When the collection is about half way from the back of the church, send the cross 

bearer down to the gifts table. 

(1) If there are no servers the MC should act as cross bearer. 

b) When the presider rises to receive the gifts: 

(1) Send two servers to the front of the altar. These servers should be on either 

side of the presider. 

(2) If there are not enough servers then the MC may function as one of the servers 

in receiving the gifts. 

c) The presider will hand the bread and wine to each of the servers 

d) The servers will proceed to the altar when the presider turns to return to the altar 

(Figure 5). 

Presider 


Presider 

Chair 

Altar 

Congregation 

Figure 5: Procession to altar after receiving gifts. 

Server with Bread 

Path to Altar 

Server with Wine 

Ambo


e) If there is no deacon: 

(1) The servers should proceed to the right hand side of the altar (St. Joseph side 

of church) with the bread preceding the wine 

(2) The bread will be handed to the presider first and then the wine. 

(3) The presider will take the bread and wine from each server in turn. 

(4) .The MC will direct a server to take the cruet of water to the altar at the 

appropriate time. 

f) If there is a deacon: 

(1) The servers should proceed to the left hand side of the altar (Mary’s side of 

church) with the bread preceding the wine 

(2) The bread will be handed to the deacon first and then the wine. 

(3) The deacon will then hand the bread and wine to the presider in turn 


appropriate time. 

g) The wine is poured into the chalice and each communion cup by the presider. 

h) A prayer is said. 

i) By the time the prayer over the bread is complete, the cruet of water should be at 

the altar. The presider mixes some water with the wine. A prayer is said. 

The cross bearer, upon his/her return from leading the procession of the gifts, is a 

good individual to select to take up the cruet of water. 

8) Washing of hands: 

a) After the mingling of water and wine the presider will wash his hands. 

b) The pitcher of water, the towel, and the basin should be at the altar. 

(1) This is a two-person task: one to pour the water and one to hold the basin. 

(2) The two servers sent to receive the gifts should have returned from the altar 

and are a good selection as individuals for this task. 

(3) The MC can assist here if there are not enough servers 

c) The pitcher, basin and towel are returned immediately from the altar. 

d) The empty pitcher that contained the wine should be removed from the altar by 

the MC or one of the servers. 

9) The MC should be at the altar on the left side of the presider. 

a) After the offertory prayer the MC turns the page to the preface. 

b) The preface for the eucharistic prayer is said. 

c) The MC turns the page to the tab for the appropriate eucharistic prayer, turning 

the pages appropriately as the prayer is said. 

d) At the end of the eucharistic prayer the MC turns the page to the second “Gold” 

tab. 

10) After the Sign of Peace and the Consecration: 

a) The presider goes to the tabernacle to bring the ciborium back to the altar to use in 

the distribution of communion. If additional communion vessels are needed, the 

patens are carried to the altar at this time. The presider or deacon will take the 

patens from the servers and place them on the altar. 

b) After the presider has taken communion, the extraordinary ministers of 

communion come to the altar and line up on the left side. 

11) Communion 



a) If any one has a special need for a wheat free host, they will have placed their pyx 

containing the special host on the altar before Mass. The finger bowl and 

purification should be brought to the altar so the celebrant can cleanse his fingers 

before giving communion to those members of the community. 

b) The MC and servers line up in front of their chairs to receive communion. 

c) After the MC and servers have received communion they need to remove the 

following items from the altar: 

(1) chalice 

(2) purificators 

(3) any paten still on the altar 

(4) Sacramentary and bookstand 

(5) The chalice, paten and purifciator should be placed in the reconciliation room. 

The chalice with any consecrated wine should be returned to reconciliation 

room; the chalice should be covered with a purificator. 

(6) The clearing of the altar should be done after the communion song has begun 

so as to not draw undo attention to the process. 

(7) The MC should check to be certain the extraordinary ministers of the eucharist 

are in the appropriate places and that the communion lines are flowing 

properly. 

d) As communion completes the MC should do the following: 

(1) Direct the extraordinary ministers of the eucharist with chalices to the 

Reconciliation Room. Any remaining Precious Blood should be consumed in 

the Reconciliation Room and not in open view of the congregation. 

(2) An altar server should open the door to the eucharistic chapel for the presider. 

d) The ciborium and all consecrated hosts will be placed in the tabernacle by the 

presider. The remaining patens will be given to the MC by the presider and should 

be taken to the Reconciliation Room. 

e) After the communion song and before any announcements and the final blessing, 

send a server with the sacramentary to the altar. 

(1) Sacramentary should be set to the appropriate closing prayer 

(2) Make sure it is oriented so the presider can read it (e.g., not upside down) 

f) MC should send the server up to the presider. 

2) After the final blessing and as the presider steps from the chair. 

a) The cross bearer, servers, and MC should begin to line up for the recessional 

b) The order should be the same order as that for the procession with the cross bearer 

closest to the back of the church. 

c) Bow in reverence to the altar when the presider bows unless you are carrying 

something in the procession. 

d) Turn to the left and proceed out of the church into the narthex. 

IV. AFTER MASS 

1) Make certain all candles are extinguished 

2) Make sure the servers have hung up albs in the appropriate order. 

3) Make certain that no communion vessels remains in the reconciliation room. 

4) Make certain all sacred vessels have been returned to the sacristy and purified. 



5) If incense was used, leave the incensor at the altar and allow it to burn out and cool 

before moving. 

V. SPECIAL PROCEDURE 

1) Host falling to the floor: 

a) If a host falls to the floor during communion (or any other time) one of the 

following should be done: 

(1) The host should be consumed or 

(2) The host should be placed on a purificator and left in the Reconciliation Room 

to be given to the sacristan for disposition after Mass. 

b) In no case should the host be placed back in the paten or ciborium with other 

hosts. 

2) If the entire ciborium of hosts falls to the floor: 

a) Collect the hosts and place them back in the ciborium. 

b) Take the ciborium to the work sacristy for further disposition by the priest or 

deacon. 

c) After Mass make certain you notify the priest or deacon that the ciborium is in the 

work sacristy. 

3) Precious Blood Spilled: 

a) If the Precious Blood is spilled during Mass the following procedure should be 

followed: 

(1) The Precious Blood should be wiped from the floor using a purificator. 

(2) A second purificator should be placed over the area of the spill and left until 

after Mass. 

(3) After Mass the second purificator should be picked up and the floor cleaned 

with water. 

(4) Both purificators should be rinsed in the sacrarium (locked sink) in the 

sacristy. 

VI. OTHER NOTES 

1) The MC should be paying close attention to the presider for any special needs that 

may arise. 

2) The MC must be prepared to adapt to situations as they arise making the best 

judgement call possible for a given situation. 

3) The top of the ciborium can be left in the Eucharistic chapel when the ciborium is 

removed from the tabernacle. 

4) When at the tabernacle with the presider or deacon, you should genuflect before the 

tabernacle door is opened and again before leaving the tabernacle chapel. 



A GUIDE FOR THE SACRISTAN MINISTER 

The Role of the Sacristan—“Sacristies are privileged places where the liturgical rites 

are prepared, where the treasured objects that facilitate that prayer are stored.” (The 

Sacristy Manual) As long as the people of God have come together in a meeting place, 

there has been the need to make preparation for the liturgy, so that the liturgy, the very 

action of Christ by Christ’s people, may proceed with care and reverence. To this end, the 

vessels and elements – fragrance and oil, water and ashes, bread and wine – are prepared 

by the ministers who oversee the liturgy. The challenge to the sacristan is to recognize 

their call as being more than that of a caretaker or an event coordinator. Classroom study, 

reading scripture, and personal prayer deepen the life of any Christian, and enable a 

sacristan to recognize that to serve the people of God is to serve Christ himself. 

I. PREPARATION BEFORE MASS 

1) Sacristans need to arrive at the church 30 minutes before the start of Mass to begin 

putting out the vessels, bread, and wine for the Mass. In summary: 

a) The sacristan puts out the chalice, water cruet, communion cups, purificators, 

finger bowl, basin, water pitcher, and hand towel at the credence table. 

b) The candles should be lit if the servers have not done this. 

c) The tabernacle key is taken to the tabernacle and the tabernacle is reverently 

opened to examine the available quantity of hosts. Leave light on during Mass. 

d) The bells that are rung at the Consecration should be in the alter server area. 

e) One purificator is needed for every communion cup, one for the chalice, one for 

the finger bowl, and one extra for spills. 

f) The sacristan should take care that the number of communion cups and patens are 

sufficient for the number of eucharistic ministers. Special care should be taken on 

Holy Days and special Masses like funerals and weddings. 

2) Normally the silver vessels are used. Silver vessels are used for the Lent and Advent 

season. Gold vessels are used for Sundays that have a special name (i.e., they are not 

the ordinal or “Sundays of Ordinary Time”), Christmas and the Octave of Christmas, 

and the Sundays of Easter through Pentecost. 

3) You may check with the MC, the deacon, or the celebrant if you have a question on 

whether to use the gold vessels. 

4) The lectionary on the ambo is opened to the first reading and a ribbon should mark the 

spot so that the minister can find the reading in the event that the book is closed. 

5) The book containing the General Intercessions should be at the ambo. 

6) The sacristan should determine if there is to be music and if the Responsorial Psalm is 

to be sung or recited in order to inform the lectors. 

7) The Sacristan should determine if the deacon is to be present at the Mass and if he is 

to be giving the homily or remaining for the entire Mass. Inform the lector. 

a) This information should be given to the lectors so they will know if they are 

needed to recite the General Intercessions. 

b) This information determines how many Extraordinary Ministers of Communion 

are needed. The deacon always serves as a minister of communion if present. 



8) An appropriate number of hosts should be put on the communion paten in addition to 

one large host. 

9) An appropriate amount of wine should be measured out and poured into the pitcher. 

These two items should be carried back to the gifts table near the doors to the narthex. 

10) The Book of the Gospels should be placed on that table, also, as it is carried in the 

procession at Sunday Masses. Check with the presider for daily Mass, Holy Days, 

Ash Wednesday, funerals and weddings. If the Gospel is not read out of the Book of 

the Gospels, it is not carried in procession and is not placed on the gifts table. 

11) The assigned eucharistic ministers and lectors have been asked to arrive at church by 

15 minutes before Mass. They will check off their names and get a ministry cross. 

12) The sacristan should inform the ministers about any unusual event in the liturgy (i.e. 

whether the deacon is present, if there is to be a Baptism or First Communion, if there 

is to be an event that takes place before Mass such as the lighting of the Advent 

Wreath.) 

13) At 10 minutes before the start of Mass, the sacristan should attempt to find substitutes 

for any minister who has not signed in 

14) The sacristan should remain in communication with the MC if altar servers or ushers 

are not present. 

15) Because the sacristan may be needed to assist with spills at communion, only as a last 

resort should the sacristan serve as a substitute minister. 

16) When enlisting the help of someone to fill in as a substitute minister, please ask 

someone dressed appropriately. If one lector is present, often they can handle the 

responsibility of both readings. This is preferable to asking someone to lector without 

any preparation. 

II. RESPONSIBILITES DURING MASS 

1) The sacristan should remain alert during Mass for any need to provide additional 

vessels or purficators. 

2) The sacristan may be called on to find a book, obtain more incense, assist with a 

flower arrangement that has toppled over, etc. 

3) In addition, the sacristan should be ready to assist with spills during communion 

a) As always, the rule is to make as little distraction as possible. 

b) In the case of large spills, covering the spill until Mass is over and then 

proceeding with the ablution is often the best. 

c) Please see the Master of Ceremonies section for additional information of handing 

spills. The Generals Instruction of the Roman Missal simplifies matters 

considerably: “If the eucharistic bread or any particle of it should fall, it is to be 

picked up reverently. If any of the precious blood spills, the area should be 

washed and the water poured into the sacrarium” (paragraph 239). Water from the 

pitcher at the credence table can be used with purificators from the sacristy. 

d) No sense of alarm or drama should be conveyed. 

III. RESPONSIBILITES AFTER MASS 



4) After the celebrant, lectors and altar servers have processed out of the church and the 

music is finished, the sacristan: 

a) returns the chalice, communion cups, chalice, basin, water pitcher, tabernacle key, 

and all other Mass vessels and linen to the sacristy. 

b) Special care must be taken with vessels which have contained the consecrated 

hosts and wine. 

c) These vessels should not be stacked inside one another when carrying them to the 

sacristy as it makes the task of purifying them more complicated. 

d) Do not turn off the light in the tabernacle chapel if there is another Mass to follow 

or if anyone is in the church praying. 

e) Make your movements reverent and slow so as to attract little notice. 

5) The tabernacle key should be placed on the bottom shelf of the upper cabinet in front 

of the communion cups; place it so it is easily seen. 

6) The basin and pitcher used in the hand washing ritual can be simply rinsed, dried and 

put away. 

7) All used purificators should be unfolded and placed in the plastic basket used for linen 

to be washed. Unfolding the linen allows it to dry. 

8) All consecrated wine must be consumed; another minister can assist you. 

a) In special circumstances consecrated wine and hosts may be put down the 

sacrarium, but you should discuss this with the celebrant first. 

9) The proper method of purifying the vessels is to carefully pour a small amount of 

water in the vessel in such a way as to dissolve any particles. This water should then 

be drunk. This action should be done prayerfully and reverently. 

10) If the wine was placed in the communion cups before the wine was consecrated, the 

pitcher used to carry the wine to the altar does not have to be purified. 

11) Wash all vessels with soap and water, rinse thoroughly, and towel dry. 

12) Place them back in the cabinets in the proper location 

a) The pitcher used to carry the wine and the small water cruet can be placed on the 

drying rack. 

b) Be careful not to immerse the chalice. Many chalices are made in two pieces and 

water can get into the base of the chalice, only to leak out the next time the 

chalice is used during Mass. 

c) 

13) While the sacristy is a busy space with altar servers hanging up albs, ministers 

returning crosses, and music ministers putting away equipment, every effort must be 

made to keep the purification of communion vessels reverent. If the Mass schedule 

permits, the returning of the vessels to the sacristy might be delayed a few minutes to 

allow the activity to diminish. Trained eucharistic ministers can assist the sacristan in 

carrying the vessels and drying the purified and washed vessels, but the task of 

purifying the vessels must be left to a trained sacristan. However, eucharistic 

ministers are invited and encouraged to ask for this training in becoming sacristans. 

HOLY DAYS, ASH WEDNESDAY, FUNERALS, WEDDINGS, AND SPECIAL 

OCCASIONS 



On Holy Days and other special occasions the number of people assembled will 

determine the number of communion ministers actually needed. The sacristan must be 

ready to find more ushers or communion ministers, or to tell some scheduled ministers 

that they will not be needed. Care should be taken that the number of communion cups 

and patens match the number of ministers that will be serving. 

If the assembly is about 50-80 people sitting in the center section of the church, the center 

aisle can be used for communion with the celebrant and deacon (or an extraordinary 

minister) giving the consecrated hosts and two ministers of the consecrated wine. 

The sacristan will need to check with the presider to see if special items are required. For 

example, on Ash Wednesday bowls of ashes are used. Lemon wedges and soft bread 

slices are used to cleanse the fingers after the dispension of ashes. During Holy Week, 

Easter, and Christmas much care must be given to planning the liturgy. The Sacristy 

Manual provides useful check sheets for making sure all supplies are on hand. For these 

Masses more than one sacristan should be scheduled. 

Additional information may be found in The Sacristy Manual, G. Thomas Ryan, Chicago: 

Liturgy Training Publications, 1993. 



A GUIDE FOR USHER AND GREETER 

Ministries of Usher and Greeter—are critical in the sense that when we come to Mass, 

the first person we usually encounter is the usher of greeter. We may form an opinion 

right away if we are a newcomer based on how we were welcomed and how we were 

treated. The hospitality exhibited by these persons serving in these ministries sets the 

tone for parishioners arriving for Mass. We at the Church of the Nativity are proud of the 

fact that newcomers and parishioners sense the warmth and spirit of community 

immediately when walking through the front door of the church. This is the essence of 

these important ministries. 

I. BEFORE MASS 

1) Please plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before the start of Mass 

2) Please inform the MC that you are present 

a) If there is no MC, inform the celebrant that you are present. 

3) Go to the work sacristy and put on a ministry cross (see page 10 of the guidebook). 

Check off your name on the schedule. 

4) Greeters should position themselves in the narthex just outside the glass doors leading 

into the church at least 20 minutes before Mass. 

5) Offer a warm welcome to everyone that enters. Please be alert for visitors or other 

persons that you may not recognize. 

6) All that might be needed is your hospitality and welcome gestures to a visitor who is 

searching for a new church, returning to the church after being away, or just searching. 

Please keep in mind “First Impressions can be Lasting Impressions.” 

7) Ushers can use the same hospitality and welcome when helping someone find a seat. 

8) Your hospitality is a sign of your reverence for the church and Christ’s followers. 

9) The job of usher becomes very critical when parishioners arrive shortly before Mass. 

a) The seating becomes more limited and parishioners will need some assistance 

locating seats especially for large families. 

10) Ushers need to be aware of any reserved seating arrangements before the start of Mass 

a) Baptisms, First Communion, etc. normally will involve reserved seating and 

will most likely involve visitors. 

b) Check with the MC to determine if any special seating arrangements are 

required. If there is no MC check with the celebrant. 

c) In addition, parishioners may arrive just before the processional and may not 

feel comfortable taking a seat until the celebrant has reached the altar. Assist 

those people and the MC by ushering parishioners to seating. 

11) Ushers should select a family to present the gifts during communion. This is an 

opportunity that should be given to as many families or other parishioners as possible. 

a) When selecting a family or parishioners to bring the gifts forward, briefly 

explain the procedure so they will know what to expect during the Mass. 

b) Be sensitive to someone that may decline the request. 

c) Ask another family but do not do so in the immediate area of the persons who 

declined. 



II. DURING MASS 

1) After the General Intercessions are completed, the celebrant will move in front of the 

altar to receive the gifts. 

2) When you see the MC select a cross bearer, proceed to the family designated to bring 

the gifts to the altar and escort them to the gift table. 

3) The cross bearer will proceed from the serving area to the gift table to lead the gift 

bearers to the altar. 

4) The collection is begun immediately after the celebrant returns to the altar after 

receiving the gifts. 

a) This should be done starting with the front rows on either side of the center 

aisle. 

b) Assist parishioners if necessary where seating makes it difficult for the 

collection basket to be passed from one person to another. 

c) If there are two envelopes, there will be a second or special collection. The 

second collection is taken after communion. 

5) The collections are placed in the room located at the back of the church for later 

disposition. 

6) Copies of the bulletin should be placed in the holder at the door in the north narthex 

leading to the foyer for parishioners who need to leave early. It is important that every 

family take home a bulletin. 

III. AFTER MASS and GENERAL COMMENTS 

1) Ushers should begin positioning themselves outside the glass doors to the church at 

the beginning of the recessional hymn or right after final blessing (if no music). Open 

the glass doors so that the ministers and celebrant can move into the narthex easily. 

2) You should have sufficient bulletins to hand out to parishioners as they leave the 

church. Remember, hospitality is what this ministry is all about! 

3) The narthex was built to accommodate parents with young children. Our goal is to 

allow children to have a loving experience at liturgy. 

4) At no time discourage anyone from leaving the sanctuary to go to the rest room. 

Leave rule making on that issue to the parents. 

5) Health emergencies are reasons to call 9-1-1. Elementary First Aid, and knowing the 

signs of heart attack, stroke, and diabetic shock are good planning for every adult. 

An emergency phone is located in the small kitchen off the narthex, in the Baker Hall 

kitchen, and in the nursery. 

6) Ushers should know the locations of emergency exits and be prepared to show the 

way to evacuate if needed. Remember, all people must evacuate the church building in 

the event of a fire alarm ASAP. Ushers are the eyes and ears for parishioners’ safety. 

Be alert at all times. 



Eucharistic Minister 

Lectors 

Ushers 

Greeters 


Altar Servers 

Master of Ceremonies


THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING TO SERVE! 

Prayer of St. Thomas Aquinas 

Almighty and ever-living God, I approach the sacrament of your only-begotten Son, our 

Lord Jesus Christ. I come sick to the doctor of life, unclean to the fountain of mercy, 

blind to the radiance of eternal light, and poor and needy to the Lord of heaven and earth. 

Lord, in your great generosity, heal my sickness, wash away my defilement, enlighten my 

blindness, enrich my poverty, and clothe my nakedness. 

May I receive the bread of angels, the King of kings and Lord of lords, with humble 

reverence, with the purity of faith, the repentance of love, and the determined purpose 

that will help to bring me to salvation. 

May I receive the sacrament of the Lord’s body and blood, and its reality and power. 

Kind God, may I receive the body of your only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, born 

from the womb of the Virgin Mary, and so be received into his mystical body and 

numbered among his members. 

Loving Father, as on my earthly pilgrimage I now receive your beloved Son under the 

veil of a sacrament, may I one day see him face to face in glory, who lives and reigns 

with you for ever. Amen. 



Glossary 

Altar Servers—One who assists in the celebration (i.e., carrying candles, carrying the 

cross, carrying candles or torches etc.). 

Alb—A liturgical vestment consisting of a long white linen robe with tapered sleeves. 

Ambo—A raised platform or pulpit approached by steps. It was placed in the nave of 

early churches from which pronouncements were made or where certain parts of the 

sacred liturgy, as the Epistle and Gospel of High Mass, were, and sometimes still are, 

sung. There may be two, one on each side. 

Assembly—Those present to celebrate the liturgy. Other terms to use: “The 

Community,” “The Church (as people not building),” “The Worshippers,” “The 

Faithful,” or “the congregation.” It is the entire assembly (ordained and nonordained) 

that celebrates the liturgy of the Mass . 

Book of the Gospel—The book which contains the Gospel texts, from which the priest 

or deacon proclaims the Gospel of the day. 

Cantor—One who leads the congregation in singing during the liturgy (e.g., the 

Responsorial Psalm). 

Celebrant—One who presides over the assembly and consecrates the eucharistic 

sacrament. The term presider is used. 

Ciborium—A bowl or chalice-shaped vessel to hold the consecrated hosts for the 

distribution of Holy Communion. After distribution the consecrated hosts are kept in 

a ciborium or ciboria (pl) with a cover in the tabernacle. The early meaning was that 

of a canopy over the altar. 

Concelebrants—Those priests and bishops who join the celebrant in consecrating the 

eucharist at the Mass. 

Credence Table—A small table used for holding the elements of the eucharist. 

Cross bearer—The one who carries the cross in the procession (entrance, presentation of 

the gifts, and recessional). 

Cruet—A small glass bottle for holding liquids. 

Deacon—An ordained minister who assists the celebrant during the Liturgy of the Word 

and at the altar for the Liturgy of the Eucharist. 

Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist—Those who assist in the distribution of 

communion; also called eucharistic ministers. The ordinary ministers of communion 

are priests and deacons 

Lectionary—The ritual book which contains the scripture selections to be read at Mass, 

both weekday and Sunday celebrations, arranged in accordance with the liturgical 



seasons. The Lectionary, as revised by the Second Vatican Council, offers three 

readings for Sundays along with a psalm text. The first reading is usually from the 

Old Testament, the second reading is taken from a non-gospel New Testament text, 

and the third reading is taken from one of the Gospel accounts. A three-year cycle 

apportions out each of the synoptic Gospels over the course of the Sundays of that 

year. John's Gospel is read at Easter, on special feasts and fills in on the year given 

over to Mark. 

Master of Ceremonies—One who assists in the preparation of the liturgy and is present 

to facilitate the movement of the entire celebration. 

Lector—One who professes the selected readings from Holy Scripture during the Liturgy 

of the Word prior to the Gospel. 

Paten—Flat dish to hold the large host (bread) at Mass. 

Procession—A solemn walk for a religious purpose, usually accompanied by prayers and 

hymns. 

Purificator—A cloth for cleaning the chalice after the celebration of the eucharist. 

Recession—The procession of clergy, lectors, and altar servers leaving church at the 

conclusion of Mass. 

Sacramentary—The book used by the priest which contains the order of Mass. 

Sacrarium (sink)— Special sink for washing the sacred vessels used at Mass. The drain 

goes directly into the earth. 

Tabernacle—Literally a tent. In early Hebrew Scriptures there was a specific tabernacle 

or tent in which God resided. A tabernacle in a Catholic church is the place in which 

God resides in the sense that the consecrated hosts are kept within it for the purpose 

of having some to bring to the sick. The consecrated hosts are the Body of Christ, that 

is, God in the form of bread. The tabernacle is usually situated behind the main altar in 

the church or on a special side-altar. 

************************************************************************ 

With permission from St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Pensacola, FL. Definitions are taken 

from web site www.stpaul.ptdiocese.org.

a guide for liturgical ministers - Catholic Diocese of Memphis

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