Ministry of Altar Servers –
Norms & Guidelines Altar Servers
for Saint Philip of Jesus Parish
   Being an altar server is a sacred privilege and an exceptional responsibility. The Altar Server guidelines outline the policies for altar servers, and the expectations of you and how we serve Mass here at St. Philip of Jesus Parish.

1. Be a baptized member of the Catholic Church.
2. Have received your First Communion and receive communion regularly at Sunday Mass
3. Family needs to be registered members of St. Philip of Jesus Parish
4. Be responsible. That means you need to show up 15 minutes before Mass when you are scheduled to serve with clean hands and wearing conservative shoes.
5. Learn your assigned tasks, such as the cross bearer, candle bearer, book bearer

 
Hints - Prepare for the task.
   When you first arrive at the church, be sure to remove any gum or candy you have in your mouth. It would be distracting and disrespectful to be chewing or eating something before or during the Mass. (Note: You may not receive Holy Communion if you have consumed anything other than water one hour before Mass. If you do eat or drink something before Mass, you may wish to refrain from receiving Communion to avoid a Mortal Sin.)
If you will not be receiving Holy Communion, please do not serve.
  Go to the Sacristy in your church that holds the altar serving Albs or cassocks and cottas/surplices. Try not to talk loud, but whisper.

• Put on your Alb correctly by buttoning it up or zipping it up all the way. Sometimes robes simply go on over your head. Albs are usually girdled with a cincture, so be sure to put one on that is not too long and not too short.
• Try to wear it at around the same length as the other servers, but if you are unsure, again, ask the sacristan, acolyte, deacon, or the priest. If any of the Albs are ripped or torn, let the priest, deacon, sacristan, acolyte know.
• Remember to choose an Alb that fits you, coming down to your shoes.

+ Wait for the priest at the entry to the church. And once you process into Mass, please--NO TALKING DURING MASS. Always have your hands joined.
+  Don't start heading up the aisle until the priest tells you to or gives you a signal. Once you arrive at the sanctuary, genuflect if you are not carrying anything.
+  If you are carrying a candle, bow your head before the altar being very careful not to tilt the candle forward. Next proceed to your seat, where you should stand.
Remember, be responsible.
   First, the priest depends on you. He needs to know that you will be there on time. He needs to know that you are prepared. You help him a great deal to ensure that things go smoothly.
   Second, the congregation counts on you. Without you, an essential part of payer leadership is missing. Without you, things can get sloppy. A good server keeps things going smoothly.
    And be calm. You have been called to serve. St. Philip of Jesus is grateful that you have responded to this call with a real sense of dedication to service.
 
Thank you for all you do for this very important ministry.