Functions and Limitations. During the liturgical celebrations, Altar Servers assist the clergy by presenting the book, assisting in receiving gifts and offerings, preparing the altar, carrying vessels, washing the hands of the presider, ringing the bell or sounding the clapper. In more solemn celebrations and processions, aside from the duties mentioned above, altar servers also carry the processional cross, processional candles, torches, thurible and incense boat. In the absence of a deacon, an altar server presents the thurible to the presider, assists him during the incensation and incenses him, the rest of the clergy and the assembly. (GIRM 187 - 193) Altar Servers shall do all and only the functions proper to their ministry (SC 28). They are not allowed to perform ministerial functions proper to other ministries when these ministers are present and able to perform their ministries. They may not proclaim the readings, distribute communion, nor perform duties of the other liturgical ministries when they are serving as altar servers, except during extreme cases when ministers are lacking and they are temporarily deputed by the presider. They may only assist at blessings presided by ordained ministers. Altar servers are never to take the functions of ordained ministers. Altar Servers may not act beyond their given faculties as stated in the preceding paragraphs. - Altar Servers Diocesan Guidelines, 8.
Posted on: Fri, 21 Jun 2013 03:21:01 +0000
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