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1 Archdiocesan Shrine and Parish of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Poblacion, Ward III, Minglanilla, Cebu...

1 Archdiocesan Shrine and Parish of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Poblacion, Ward III, Minglanilla, Cebu Ministry of Altar Servers Pre-Investiture Modules – Review Materials Pre-Module: Basic Catechism Four Pillars of Catholic Faith (4 Principal parts of Catechism) 1. Creed (Kredo) 2. Ten Commandments (Napulo ka kasugoan) 3. 7 Sacraments (Pito ka Sakremento) 4. Prayer (Pag-ampo) THE CREED I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried; he descended into hell; on the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty; from there he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen The 10 Commandments 1. I am the Lord your God, you shall have no other gods besides me; 2. You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain; 3. Remember to keep holy Sabath Day (Lord’s Day) 4. Honor your Mother and Father 5. You shall not kill 6. You shall not commit adultery; 7. You shall not steal; 8. You shalt not bear false witness against your neighbor; 9. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife; 10. You shall not covet your neighbor’s goods/belonging The 7 Sacraments The Prayer 1. Baptism Holy Scriptures 2. Holy Eucharist o Salvation History 3. Confirmation Traditional Prayers 4. Holy Orders o Lord’s Prayer (Our Father) 5. Matrimony o Hail Mary o Glory Be 6. Penance Personal Prayers 7. Anointing of the Sick o Adoration o Contrition o Thanksgiving o Supplication  2 Module 1: Introduction to the Ministry of Altar Servers In the early Church, Acolytes were adult men who were preparing to become Deacons and Priests. As a shortage of Acolytes became apparent the Altar Server Ministry was created to aid parish communities in the celebration of the Sacred Liturgy. Until the Second Vatican Council, only boys could be servers, because only men could be priests. Today, only men can be priests, but now servers do not need to be studying for the priesthood in order to serve in this ministry. In 1994, an indult was granted allowing girls to assist the Priest at Mass where there was a need. To be an Altar Server is both an honor and a privilege. Pope St. John Paul II once said to Altar Servers: “Your commitment to the altar is not only a duty, but a great honor, a genuine holy service… The Altar Server occupies a privileged place in the liturgical celebration… Therefore, in the liturgy, you are much more than simple ‘helpers of the parish priest.’ Above all, you are servers of Jesus Christ, of the eternal High Priest. Thus, you, Altar Servers, are called in particular to be young friends of Jesus.” (General Audience, August 1, 2001). Being an Altar Server, you are called a minister, a person who serves the parish community. As a minister, you should assist the community to celebrate the sacred liturgy, which is to serve God. You are mainly serving the priest to lead the community to God in prayer which is the work of the priests. You appear in public, but you are never a performer. By your faithful duty, you remain always a servant of God in your Parish. Blessed John Paul II said “you are far more than ‘helpers of the priest’. Above all, you are servants of Jesus the Eternal high Priest.” What is an Altar Server? Identity: In the same manner as the Ministries of Lectors & Holy Communion, the Ministry of Altar Servers are appointed on a temporary basis, thus they are commissioned, rather than instituted. Altar Servers are not to be confused with the instituted acolytes. In the Dioceses of the Philippines, these ministers are to be referred as Altar Servers. (i.e., not sacristans, acolytes, or knights of the altar) The primary role of the Altar Servers is to assist the priest in the celebration of the liturgy, especially during Mass. This is done through specific actions and by setting an example to the congregation by active participation. Ideals of an Altar Server: 1. Reverence – Reverence for God and for sacred objects is most important when they serve. Reverent actions, peaceful and dignified behavior and gestures should be seen by the people when you stand at the sanctuary, for this adds solemnity to the celebration of the liturgy and contribute to the active participation of all. 2. Discipline – With good training and proper discipline, the rituals and ceremonies of the liturgy can be carried out in an orderly and solemn manner. But, as always, training involves discipline. Discipline among Altar Servers is expected in the following: During the celebration of the liturgy, especially the mass As they avoid unnecessary movements that may cause distraction to others; As they avoid loitering and congregating in the sacristy or other places around the church; In their care and concern, respect and reverence for the materials they use for the celebration of the liturgy, as well as the church and its other areas (e.g. sacristy); As they actively participate in the celebration;  3 As they pay attention to every part of the Mass, at the same time being aware of the responsibilities and tasks; As they work diligently with other lay liturgical ministers and even with priests 3. Decorum – decorum means “what is proper.” Decorum requires a sense of dignity. Servers should not only do their work well, they should not just train well, they should, likewise, have a neat and tidy appearance since this adds to the dignity and beauty of the liturgical celebrations. This is shown in the following ways: By keeping their uniforms neat and clean at all times, especially as they wear it during liturgical celebrations; By being groomed; By moving in dignified manner, with confidence and reverence for the liturgical celebration. 4. Piety – Piety does not mean they look holy whenever they serve at the altar. It means that they carry within themselves a great love for God and his people, even if they are not serving in the Church. Piety involves: A good prayer life A special love for Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament; A devotion to the Blessed Mother; A deep love for the Eucharist and other Sacraments; Reading the Bible and learning from it 5. Brotherhood – An Altar Server has an attitude of team-work, in serving you should understand that you are a part of a larger group. Always remember that in serving you should be united in the service of God. Brotherhood involves: Witnessing – a life of witnessing that involves: a. Doing good to others at all times; b. Being faithful to their responsibilities, not only in the church, but in their families, in School, in other places; c. By avoiding bad habits and vices; d. By being good example to others. Teamwork – Serving at the altar is never a solo task. It is always done as a team of brothers. This is shown in the following ways: a. By being aware of their own responsibility and the responsibility of other ministers as well; b. By helping each other, being friendly and kind, not proud, boastful or competitive. c. By welcoming newcomers and teaching them patiently; d. By praying together with other ministers before and after liturgical celebrations; e. By being a brother to their fellow servers.  4 Module 2: The Liturgy The word “LITURGY” came from a Greek word which means “public duty”, a service, and a public organization. Its original meaning was some public action. When the word was adopted by the Church to describe her public “services” of worship its meaning changed. In Christian liturgy we are not talking about what we do but what God does. The Vatican council points out so clearly, the liturgy is the action of Jesus Christ, an action of eternal worship in which he involves us, the members of his mystical body, the church. Kinds of liturgical observance: Solemnity – the days of great importance to the Church, including all Sundays, this begin in the evening of the preceding day, which has a special vigil Mass for some solemnities. Feast – celebrated within the limits of a calendar day. Memorial – a feast within the limits of the day which are either obligatory (M), or optional (m) Ferial – a day where there is an optional memorial and the priest may select a mass of his choice, unless otherwise directed by the calendar. The Liturgical Seasons: Advent – The beginning of the church’s calendar. This celebrates the two-fold coming of Christ (Incarnation and Final Judgment). With Christian joy we celebrate his first coming. In Christian hope we await his second coming. This season lasts for four weeks, including the 9 days of Simbang Gabi. The season starts from the Sunday after Christ the King and ends the eve of Christ’s birth. Christmas – the season which celebrates the birth of Christ, The Incarnation, and God became man. This season has 2 focal points: 1) The Christmas Day until the solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. 2) The Solemnity of the epiphany until the feast of the Baptism of the lord. Lent – A 40 days giving of ourselves to prayer and penance, to hearing the word of God and to acts of charity. In this season we prepare for the Easter and recall the grace of our Baptism. It runs from Ash Wednesday until the Mass of the Lord’s Last Supper. Easter Triduum – the three days of the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Christ. This is the highest point of the year. This begins on the Mass of the Lord’s Supper and reaches until the Easter vigil. Easter – This season has 50 days celebration of the rising of Christ from the dead. Starting from the Easter vigil until Pentecost. These days are called as feast days but Easter Octave for the 8 days after Easter Sunday. Ordinary Time – A season of growth in our faith. This season has 2 parts: 1) the Sunday of the baptism of the Lord until Ash Wednesday. 2) and the Pentecost Sunday until the Feast of Christ the King. The Liturgical Colors: White – The color of Joy, and Glory of God. Used during the seasons of Christmas and Easter and the feasts of the Lord, Blessed Virgin Mary, Saints who are not Martyrs, and the angels. Violet – The sign penance and for mourning. Used during the seasons of Advent and Lent, and for the Masses for the Dead. Red – The sign of the blood of Christ or the fire of the Holy Spirit. Used for the Palm Sunday, Good Friday, Pentecost, and the Martyred saints. Green – The symbol of Good Harvest and Growth in our Faith. Used for the Ordinary Time Rose – The symbol of rejoicing for a great feast coming. Used during the 3rd Sunday of Advent and 4th Sunday of Lent. Gold – The Symbol of Kingship of Christ to the World. Used during the feast of Christ the King and other Special Feast. Blue – The Symbol of the humbleness of Mary. Used for the significant Feast of Mary  5 Module 3: The Mass As an Altar Server, it is important for each server to know the structure of the Mass. It is not merely a matter of knowing “what comes next” but of understanding the meaning of each part of the Holy Mass. The Mass itself is an action moving steadily forward to its supreme moments, when Heaven and Earth meet in the great mystery of the Altar. Parts of the Mass: 1. INTRODUCTORY RITES Entrance Hymn – a hymn which opens the celebration and accompanies the procession of the priest and the ministers to the Altar. It is sung, to deepen our unity together and to introduce us to the mystery of the season or feast. Veneration of the Altar – It is done by the clergy after the Entrance Hymn. As the sign of Christ, center of the Church and of the Eucharistic body the altar is shown reverence by the 3 traditional gestures: the bow or the customary reverence , the kiss, and the incensation(when incense is used) Greeting – The presider greets the assembly which is a reminder of the unity of the Church in God’s grace. Penitential Rite – It invites us to be sorry for all our sins, and takes away all our venial sins which do not need absolution in private confession. We come to God in a spirit of contrition, so that we may be worthy in celebrating the Eucharist. Gloria – An ancient hymn of praise sung or recited in solemnities (except Advent and Lent) and appropriate feasts. Opening Prayer (Collect) – An invitation to prayer and a time of silent prayer. On behalf of the people the priest offers the prayer to God and thus the people respond “AMEN” 2. INTRODUCTORY RITES First Reading – A reading coming from either the Old or New Testament which expresses the mood of the celebration Responsorial Psalm – A responsory that continues the mood of the 1st The Responsory is made by the people as their prayer and the Cantor makes the psalm the main prayer. Second Reading – A Reading taken from the New Testament which is not the Gospel and said only during Solemnities. Alleluia/Gospel Proclamation – A joyous welcome to the Holy Gospel Homily – An explanation, Proclamation of the readings of the Liturgy Creed – The profession of Faith as a follower to the teachings of Christ in the Church Prayers of the Faithful – The offertory of the petitions of the community before God. 3. LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST: Offertory – The people offers the works of their hands to God. Prayer over the Gifts – The priest raises up the offerings to God. Sanctus – The people praises the Holy Trinity, “Holy, holy” Acclamation and Anamnesis – The faithful proclaims the mystery of faith and remember the death and resurrection of Christ made present through the Eucharist. Lord’s Prayer – The people recites the prayer Jesus taught the Church. Rite of Peace – The people beg for the peace and unity of the Church Agnus Dei – The people asks God to take away the sins of the world. Communion – The priest and other Ministers distributes the Eucharist to the people. Prayer after Communion – On behalf of the people the priest offers a Thanksgiving prayer to God and thus the people respond “AMEN”  6 4. CONCLUDING RITE: Final Blessing – A blessing that the presider gives to the people, which concludes the Mass in the power of the Holy Trinity, by making the Sign of the Cross which is the sign of Faith. Dismissal – The presider or the Deacon sends the people to serve love to others. Module 4: The Church An Altar Server must know and understand every part of the church he is moving in and treat it with utmost respect, this also extends until the home. A church is a building that was constructed to allow people to meet to worship together The Narthex Baptismal Font – a fixture used for the baptism of children and adults. The Nave: Pew – a long bench seat or enclosed box, used for seating members of the congregation of the Church. The Sanctuary: Altar – The large, high table located at the center of the sanctuary where most of the actions of the Liturgy of the Eucharist take place. Lectern – The small, high table located at either side of the sanctuary, where the readings from the Liturgy of the Word is read. Tabernacle – A small box, in which the Body or the Blood of Christ may be kept when the Mass is not said. Tabernacle Lamp – The lamp that lights the tabernacle, this signifies that there is a Eucharist inside the Tabernacle. Presider’s chair – The chair in which only the Priest or the bishop may sit whether during the Mass or outside the Mass. Credence Table – A small table on which is placed the vessels for the Liturgy of the Eucharist. Altar Candles – Two candles lit during the mass, it signifies that Christ is the light of the world Paschal Candle – A very large candle placed beside the Lectern during the Easter Season and below the Sanctuary during Baptisms and Funerals. Holy Icons – The Pictures or statues of Jesus Christ, the Blessed Virgin Mary or other Saints. Sanctuary Bell – The bell located near the altar, it may be in the Sanctuary or inside the Sacristy.  7 Module 5: The Holy Vessels Ciborium – The cup-like vessel with a lid, this Chalice – The cup contains the hosts that will used to hold the wine X which will become be used for the Holy the blood of Christ Communion. It can also be during the Mass used for the reserved hosts to be put in the Tabernacle. Pall – The stiff, square, Patten – The saucer-like white cover that is placed dish which usually matches over the Patten when it is the Chalice. It holds the on the Chalice and over bread which will become the Chalice during the the body of Christ Mass. Corporal – A white, linen napkin on which the Purificator – A triple- Eucharistic Vessels is folded rectangular, placed during the Mass. It white cloth used to is folded into small cleanse the chalice after squares about the size of the Communion. the Pall. Finger Towel – A small cloth Cruets – The two used by the Priests and the small pitchers which Eucharistic Ministers in contains the water distributing the Communion and wine offered and by the bishops in during the Mass administering the Sacraments of Confirmation and Holy Orders. Sanctus Bell – A Communion Plate – A hand bell which is plate with a handle rung during the used by an Altar Server Mass. in catching a Eucharistic Crumbs.  8 Sacramentary – A Lectionary – A book on which the Liturgical book that volume of Presidential holds the readings prayers and the order used during the liturgy of the rites connected of the Word in the with the mass are Mass. located. Gospel Book – A Pitcher and Basin book that holds – Used to hold and the Sunday and catch the water for the Solemnity Gospels washing of the hands of the presider. Pyx – A pocket watch- shaped case in which it Oil Stocks – A metal holds the Holy cylinder, with Communion to be given to compartments for the sick in the Community sacramental oils. outside the celebration of the Mass. Processional Cross – The crucifix Aspergillum – The bush mounted on a tall pole which is form or hollow bulb carried during processions sprinkler which contains Processional Candles – The two a sponge, and has an candles mounted on a tall pole which openings to sprinkle is carried during processions drops of Holy Water to the people. Monstrance – A large ornate Lunette – A thin, circular vessel used to hold the receptacle which holds the Blessed Sacrament during Blessed Sacrament when Its Public Exposition. exposed in the Monstrance. Thurible – A metal container with a lid which is extended from chains, in which charcoal and incense is burned. It is also called censer. Incense Boat – A small metal container which holds the incense to be put into the Thurible.  9 Module 6: The Basic Postures and Gestures An Altar Server must know and understand every posture appropriate for the ceremony. And he should also know all the actions that should be done in every part of the Mass. As a Server you should know when to move, walk and to bow. The Hands Your hands must always be clean, with clean fingernails. Wash them before you serve for you will handle things which are holy. As a general rule, when holding items use your dominant hand (your right hand if you are righthanded, or left hand if left-handed). There is a simple rule you will always follow during the Mass: When your hands aren’t in use, they should be folded in prayer – except when you are seated. Folded hands should point straight-up with no gaps between fingers. Standing: An altar Server’s head should be kept straight. The body is relaxed but erect, shoulders back. The feet are together. The hands are together before the breast at 45 degrees, palms together, fingers extended, thumbs crossed, right over left. An altar Server’s head should be kept straight. The body is relaxed but erect, shoulders back. The feet are together. The hands are together before the breast at 45 degrees, palms together, fingers extended, thumbs crossed, right over left. Walking: While walking, walk solemnly, dignified and deliberately. Know where to go and walk there with head straight, shoulders back, and hand held properly. Sitting: When sitting, keep back straight and tall. The hand should be placed at the lap. The feet should be flat on the ground. Kneeling: When kneeling, allow the body weight be equally distributed on both knees. Leave the feet uncrossed and keep the hands in praying position. Genuflecting: Single Genuflecting – One goes down on their right knee, keeping the left one upright, from a standing position. The server gets back up, but not like a spring, that is, quickly. Nor slowly (with exception to medical issues). Double Genuflect – starts from the single genuflection position. This genuflection involved both knees planted on the ground, the servers’ hands still in the orans position (unless carrying an object) and a moderate bow is made.  10 Bowing: Simple Bow - The simple bow is a slow nod of the head. It is made when the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are named together, as well as at the name of Jesus, Mary, Pope, or the saint in whose honor the Mass is celebrated. Bows of the head are made whenever the Server approaches or leaves the Celebrant. For example, when he brings the wine and water, the Server approaches the minister, stops when he reaches him, bows his head, and the proceeds with the action. The Celebrant also uses a head bow as a cue for some action to begin. Shoulder Bow – both the head and the shoulders move as one action. Bow only slightly forward Profound Bow - The profound bow is a bow of the body, made from the waist with your hands folded. Your shoulders and head should bend forward at about a 30o angle in a movement that is both slow and reverent. Body bows are used: · Before the Altar if the Blessed Sacrament is not present. · At the elevations of the consecration. · In the Profession of Faith (Creed) at the words “by the power of the Holy Spirit. Special Topic: “Team of Pastors” Rev. Fr. Joselito E. Danao, E.V. – Parish Team Moderator, MOAS Spiritual Director and the Episcopal Vicar of District 2 – Metro Cebu South Team Members: Rev. Fr. Roy Bucag – Parish Finance, PYCC Spiritual Director Rev. Msgr. Marnell S. Mejia, P.C. – EMHC Spiritual Director Rev. Fr. Loreto Jumao-as – Parish Marian Spiritual Director Rev. Fr. Eric Jecong – Parish Catechist Spiritual Director Sources: https://philippineministryofaltarservers.wordpress.com/model-constitution/ Ministry on Spirituality and Liturgy of San Carlos Seminary College – Cebu  11 The Vestments Cassock – A long outer Alb – A long, white, dress-like garment worn by the vestment which is used by the Clergy and by Altar Clergy and the Seminarians. Servers. Stole – A long colored cloth Cincture – A long cord used ornately decorated worn by the to fasten the Alb at the priest around his neck, letting it waist to hold it in place and hang down in front, and worn by adjust it to proper length the deacon over his right shoulder and fastened on his left side like a sash. Its Color varies according to the season or feast. Chasuble – The outer Dalmatic – A loose fitting vestment worn over robe with open sides and the stole and alb. Its wide sleeves worn by Color varies according deacons. to the season or feast. Cope – A large semi- Humeral Veil – A large circular cloak, held at shawl, worn around the the front by a clasp or shoulders while carrying band of fabric. It is used the Blessed Sacrament during benediction of during the benediction the Blessed Sacrament. and Eucharistic Procession. Surplice – A wide- Mitre – A double-pointed sleeved garment, head-dress, with two slipped over the head, lappets hanging at the covering the shoulders, back. It is used by the and coming down Bishops. below the Knees. It is worn over the Cassock.  12 Crozier – A staff with a Pectoral Cross – The shepherd’s crook at the Bishop’s cross necklace. It top, this is a sign of his is worn under his pastoral office. chasuble and the dalmatic, under the cope but above the mozeta. Bishop’s Ring – The ring Zucchetto – The Violet worn by the Bishop at cap worn by the Bishop, all times as a sign that Purple cap for the Arch he is wedded to Christ Bishop, Red cap for the in the service of the Cardinals and white for Church. the Pope. Pallium – A vestment given by the pope to a residential Arch Bishop. They wear it above their chasuble in their jurisdictional territory.  13 Module 7: The Patron, Pledge and About the Parish PATRON SAINT OF ALTAR SERVERS: St. Tarcisius (General Patron Saint) Feast Day: August 15 Tarcisius was a twelve-year-old acolyte during one of the fierce Roman persecutions of the third century, probably during that of Valerian. Each day, from a secret meeting place in the catacombs where Christians gathered for Mass, a deacon would be sent to the prisons to carry the Eucharist to those Christians condemned to die. At one point, there was no deacon to send and so St. Tarcisius, an acolyte, was sent carrying the "Holy Mysteries" to those in prison. Saint Michael the Archangel Feast Day: September 29 On the Earlier years in the Parish Saint Michael the Archangel was known to be celebrated as the Patron of the Altar Servers. Saint Pedro Calungsod Feast Day: October 21 is the second Filipino declared saint by the Roman Catholic Church. Filipino Roman Catholic martyr who was killed while doing missionary work in Guam in 1672. He was designated as the patron of Filipino youth. Altar Server’s Pledge: LORD, Here I am, all yours, ready to serve you, I shall strive hard to be faithful to my duty of serving at the Mass and of helping the Church. I shall strive to be a good example to all and to help my fellow Christians respect your home. May I be your loyal Servant as an Altar Server with the Help of Mary, Our Lady of Beautiful Love, my mother and my model. ABOUT THE PARISH: Parish Patronal Feast: - Main Patroness of the Parish is the Immaculate Heart of Mary celebrated every August 22. - Secondary Patron is Snr. San Roque celebrated every August 21. Parish Founding Anniversary: Celebrated every October 30 Founded on October 30, 1857. Founded by: Rev. Fr. Fernando Sanchez, OSA – the first Parish Priest On August 23, 2007, the parish was elevated to an Archdiocesan Shrine, by Most Rev. Ricardo “Cardinal” Vidal, D.D., so far the lone Shrine dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary in the Philippines.