MINISTRY OF ALTAR SERVERS
Module 2:
THE LITURGY
The word “LITURGY” came from a
Greek word that 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 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.
Duties and Responsibilities:
1. To be faithful in attending to their
duties in serving at all liturgical
celebrations;
2. To arrive at least 30 minutes before
their appointed duty. This is meant for
the following purposes:
3. Preparation of all liturgical materials they
use for celebration;
4. Review final instructions especially for
more complicated rites or ceremonies
included in special liturgical celebrations.
5. Personal and group prayers.
6. To be present during practice and training
sessions for special celebrations with more
complicated styles for serving. In this case,
the rule, “No Practice - No Serving”, must
be applied.
7. To assist in other liturgical celebrations,
such as baptisms, weddings, funeral masses or
blessings, etc.;
8. To notify the Ministry Coordinator if they
will not be able to attend to their schedules.
They are also expected to look for their
replacement during the said schedule.
MATAMANG
SALAMAT!