Wearing of Surplice etc
|
30/8/10 Is the correct practice for a server to only wear the surplice or cotta during the office, that is, should they not be worn during the preparation of or ‘clean-up’ after the office? Should the surplice/cotta be worn to light/extinguish the candles? The same questions also for the wearing of the amice and scapular. |
|
|
Roger Emery - 31/8/10 |
|
At both churches where I have served, St
Barnabas Jericho Oxford and St Mary de Castro Leicester for some years
at some time Cotta's/Surplices or Alb's ( when introduced) were only
worn for The Service, all preparations and clearing away was done in
Cassock only.
My personal view is that today this
standard like so many others has been lost, mainly I suspect as not
enough time has been allowed for proper preparation, and lack of
discipline on the part of many M.C.'s or Head Servers who may not have
had the proper level of training.
Councillor Roger Emery. |
|
Robert Vague - 31/8/10 |
|
Once mass has ended, I believe that good practice dictates the
removal of cotta or alb or surplice and clear the altar area still
wearing your cassock. However if you are wearing a cassock alb then
you should continue wearing it whilst performing your end of service
duties.
Robert Vague, St Stephens Prenton: |
|
31/8/10 |
|
This may be "out-of-date" now but I
was always taught that any pre-service duties whether in the
sanctuary or not should be performed in cassock only. Vesting in
cotta/surplice or alb to occur prior to the entry/procession.
|
|
Martyn Frayn - 31/8/10 |
|
I agree with the previous replies. In my Church the servers wear
their cassocks when preparing the sanctuary and altar, then
retire to the vestry and don their cottas prior to processing in
for the service itself. Afterwards, we process out, remove
cottas, and return in cassocks to extinguish the altar candles
and clear away. To appear in cassock and cotta together at any
other time except for the actual service is frowned upon.
Martin Frayn. (St. Wystan's Chapter, Burton-on-Trent). |
|
31/8/10 |
|
At my church the Servers wear albs, and they are always worn for
preparation and for clearing up afterwards including lighting
and extinguishing candles.
|
|
31/8/10 |
|
Cottas should be worn for the preparation of the office and
should not be removed until all clearing up has finished. One of
the only times cottas are not worn is during an office rehearsal
|
|
Andrew Mays 10/10/10 |
|
Many years ago an altar server explained this to me quite
simply. I was told "before service regardless of whether it is
mass or office, you prepare the altar and sanctuary in your
"church overalls" (cassock) and in the service you cover the
"overalls" in the white of a cotta to mark the purity of the
service and then clear up in your "overalls". Andrew R Mays
(Member of The Chapter of St Werburgh Stockport)
|