Are there and particular prayers that altar servers can use as part of their preparation to server at the altar? Is there any particular method or routine that one can go through to prepare for serving at the altar? I try to arrive 25+ minutess before the service and prepare everything but sometimes I feel a bit frazzled and can wind up moving through the service without really hearing it. Any suggestions? 

REPLIES

David Rumsby 7/3/05

There is a 'Before Serving' prayer in the Guild Manual which can be used. At my Church servers that are on duty arrive about 30 minutes before the service to prepare and each has their own particular part of preparation. ie. Crucifer lights the Altar Candles. Thurifer attends to the Thurible by firing the charcoal and checking the level of incense in the Boat. The Acolytes distribute to their positions the Service sheets and hymn books. The M.C. prepares the Credence table and the elements for the Offertory and checks with other servers that all is ready. The MC also checks with the Celebrant for any other matters needed for the service. eg. Banns book. 
David G. Rumsby
Chapter of the Epiphany

7/3/05

The Guild has already produced these prayers and are on the website under merchandise. 

Terry Delaney - 7/3/05

In the old days of serving there was what we called a Preparation for Mass which was said between the celebrant and servers; which started "I will go unto the Altar of God etc" maybe there are some older members whose still have this preparation.

You may be able to obtain a format from "Fortescue O'Connell" which I believe is now the copyright of Ealing Abbey.

Alternatively, there is no reason why one cannot use the Roman Breviary in preparation and as a Daily Office.

Kind regards
Terry Delaney
Suffolk

Andre Epps 14/3/05

There is a form of Preparation for Priest and Server which is printed in a book, An Altar Book for Servers, by T. W. Squires, published by A. R. Mowbray & Co. It was published in 1960 so it might not be available in shops today. If you will let Terry Doughty send me your E-Mail address, I would be pleased to send it in typed form for you.

Andre Epps (Chapter of St. Swithun, Winchester)

Vernon 20/4/05

The preparation that begins "I will go unto the Altar of God", can be found in the English Missal, at the very start of the Mass. Hope this helps. 

Vernon

Holy Trinity, Hoxton, London