Once we have finished with the theory you will be ready to start this next stage. When you show full understanding and are able to put what is required of you into practice you are ready to move on to the intermediate stage. It may take some time to get to the intermediate stage as you need a good basis on which to build for the future.

Time Keeping
Always arrive in good time, at least 20 minutes before the start of Mass and 30 minutes on special occasions. This will allow plenty of time for the Mass preparation required and will avoid rushing at the last minute.

Rota
Make sure you know when it is your turn to serve. If you are unable to serve, it is helpful to let the MC know in advance.

How to Dress
It is important to realise that it is a great privilege to serve the liturgy of the Church and should be reflected in how we dress and behave. Thus it is important that you wear appropriate clothes and footwear for serving at the liturgy. Dress smartly and, if at all possible, wear a pair of smart, dark coloured shoes. No shoes with flashing lights in. No watches that make a noise. No head gear.

Vestments
Respect the vestments you wear; keep them clean and in good condition. Hang them up properly when you have finished serving. Most importantly you should remember that looking after your vestments and the way you dress are your responsibility.

How to Behave
When in the sacristy or in church, show the greatest of respect for where you are and for those around you. Do not distract others by the way you behave. Never talk on the sanctuary, except when participating in the Mass. Sit and kneel in an appropriate manner. When you are not holding something, join your hands together. Never run or cause people to look at you thus distracting them from their prayers. Remember to pay close attention to the things happening so that you are ready to do what you have to when you have to. Take full part in the Mass including the singing of the hymns.

Before Mass
It is important that you pay close attention to what goes on before Mass begins. Become familiar with what is required for each Mass, where things are to be found and where they need to go.

During Mass
It is important that you have a good attitude to serving and that you realise what you are doing, why you are doing it and for whom. You will be expected to maintain a high standard of serving.

Tasks
During the beginners stage of your training you will be expected to carry out the following tasks.

• Be able to carry the candles, and to know when they are used.

• Be able to assist at the preparation of the gifts.

• Be able to move around the sanctuary in a dignified manner to the positions that you are supposed to be in without being prompted to do so.

• Ring the bell at the appropriate times.

• Carry the boat without spilling the incense.

• Be able to maintain the high standards already set.

• You will also be asked to do other tasks like putting out Hymn sheets etc.

It is important that you know what happens at the different parts of the Mass. You should know what the responses are and be able to join in at the appropriate time.

Carrying the Candles During Mass
The carrying of candles is a prominent feature during the Mass. It is important not to spill the wax from the candles as this will damage vestments and carpeted surfaces. Be careful not to burn yourself. Take notice of where the candles are placed and when they are required during the Mass.

• The candles are carried in procession behind the thurifer and in front of the cross bearer.

• They are placed in an appropriate place.

• At the gospel the candles are processed up to and held either side of the lectern.

• After the gospel the candles are returned to their previous location.

• At the end of Mass they are collected and carried in procession out of church behind the cross bearer.

Assisting at the Preparation of the gifts

• The first bit is to lead the procession of gifts into the church.

• Next assist at the altar by removing any wine not needed and supplying the water jug. When finished with the jug and the flagon of wine place them on the credence table.

• After this the incense is needed. Take the boat and follow the Thurifer up to the priest.

• After incensing the altar the priest washes his hands and so you bring forward a bowl containing water and a levabo. He dries his hands on the linen cloth. Return the items to the credence table after use refolding the levabo.

Moving Around the Sanctuary
You should now be able to move around the sanctuary in a dignified manner that does not draw attention to yourself and distract others. Coupled with this you should also be able to move to the correct places for the different parts of the Mass and be able to do this without prompting.

Ringing the Bell
During the Eucharistic Prayer the bell is rung on three separate occasions:

• The first time is when the priest places his hands outstretched over the chalice invoking the Holy Spirit.

• The second time is when the priest shows the host to the congregation at the Consecration.

• The third and final time is when the priest shows the chalice to the congregation at the Consecration.

After Mass

Join the other servers in the Sacristy in a prayer of thanks. Help bring all the items from the sanctuary into the sacristy and put them away neatly. Note where things go. You are not finished till all the things have been cleared from the sanctuary and been put away properly.

Completion of this Stage

This stage will be complete when you can do all of the above well and when you have shown yourself to have the potential to be a good server. Faithful attendance is most important and you must maintain the high standards you have shown.

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