Diocese of Reno
Provisional Guidelines for Altar Servers
·
Although
institution into the ministry of acolyte is reserved to lay men, the diocesan
bishop may permit the liturgical functions of the instituted acolyte to be
carried out by the altar servers, men and women, boys and girls.
Such persons may carry out all the functions listed in no. 68, paragraph
2 and nos. 142-147 of the General Instruction of the Roman Missal.
The determination that women and girls may function
as servers in the liturgy should be made be the Bishop on the diocesan level so
that there might be a uniform diocesan policy.
·
No
distinction should be made between the functions carried out in the sanctuary by
men and boys and those carried out by women and girls.
The term “altar boys” should be replaced by “servers.”
The term “serve” should be used for those who carry out the functions
of the instituted acolyte.
·
Servers
should be mature enough to understand their responsibilities and to carry them
out well and with appropriate reverence. They
should have already received Holy Communion for the first time and normally
receive the Eucharist whenever they participate in the liturgy.
·
Since the
role of server is integral to the normal celebration of Mass, at least on server
should assist the priest. On
Sundays and other more important occasions, two or more servers should be
employed to carry out the various functions normally entrusted to these
ministers.
·
Servers
should normally be vested. This is
the tradition of the church and prevents difficulties regarding appropriate
dress for these ministers. All
servers should wear liturgical vesture.
·
Servers
carry the cross, the processional
candles, hold the book for the priest celebrant when he is not at the altar,
carry the incense and censer, present the bread, wine and water to the priest
during the preparation of the gifts or assist him when he receives the gifts
from the people, wash the hands of the priest, and assist the priest celebrant
and deacon as necessary.
· Servers respond to the prayers and dialogues of the priest along with the congregation. They also join in singing the hymns and other chants of the liturgy.
·
Servers
should be seated in a place from which they can easily assist the priest
celebrant and deacon. The place
next to the priest is normally reserved for the deacon.
·
Servers
may not distribute Holy Communion unless they have been mandated for this
function by the Bishop.
·
The Order
for the Blessing of Altar Servers, Sacristans, Musicians, and Ushers is in the
Book of Blessings nos., 1847-1870.