Worship Customary

St Christopher's Episcopal Church

4th edition, 14 Jul 1997

INTRODUCTION

This is a general reference for all lay ministers assisting at the Holy Eucharist. In this context, the term "lay minister" includes all acolytes, lay readers, chalice bearers, lectors, and any other persons participating as part of the liturgical team. This reference does not attempt to address in detail the differences between our early and principle services, or variations that occur in special services such as baptisms or at Christmas and Easter, although some such differences are noted herein.

As used in the text below, the word Celebrant should be interpreted to normally mean the Rector, but also means any celebrant such as when the Bishop or a supply priest is substituting for the Rector.

This should be considered a "living document". It will be updated as often as may be needed. Feel free to recommend changes, additions, deletions or corrections to the Rector or editor.

PREPARATION

Be in the right frame of mind; arrive early (30 minutes prior to the start of the service); start with a prayer.

a. Double check to see that the altar has been properly set for the Eucharist. If you find a problem, let one of the duty altar guild people know if they are available. Otherwise, correct the problem if you can or advise the Celebrant (Rector).

b. Check your own readings for page marking etc.

c. Check bulletin for special intercessions (i.e. sick, departed, birthdays)

d. Get vested in plenty of time to take care of any necessary duties and in order to not delay the service.

e. The lay reader should retrieve the Gospel (which will be carried in procession) from underneath the counter in the parish office, check to ensure that the proper page/reading is marked with a ribbon and copy inserted if necessary. If there is a problem, advise the Celebrant.

f. Light candles on the altar approximately 5 minutes before the service is scheduled to begin. Note the order in which candles are to be lit (and extinguished) on the poster on the wall in the sacristy. At the early service (8:00), only the Eucharistic candles (on the altar) need to be lit. For the principal service (10:15), light the candles on the altar, retable, and torches when present in their stands.

g. Be in the narthex awaiting direction from the Celebrant at least five minutes prior to the scheduled start of the service. Do not make the Celebrant or other ministers wait for you.

THE PROCESSION

After a preparatory prayer, or when instructed by the Celebrant, the assembled ministers line up, as follows, in the nave, next to the choir:

(Banner Bearer, when used)

CRUCIFIER (with cross)

(Torch Bearers, when used, line up on both sides
of and 1/2 step behind the CRUCIFIER)

SERVER

CHALICE BEARER

LAY READER (with Gospel)

CELEBRANT

The crucifier begins the procession when the congregation begins singing the first verse of the procession hymn.

The cross shall be held perfectly vertical at all times in the processions and at other times when being carried from place to place.

Torches, when used, are held straight in front of the torch bearers, with their elbows at their sides, and their forearms straight out, parallel to the floor, in a dignified manner.

During the procession, the lay reader carries the Gospel held high, and forward, with the arms extended, at a 90 degree angle to the floor, so it may be seen by the congregation.

Upon reaching the communion rail, the crucifier, torch bearers (when used), server, chalice bearer, and lay reader step to their respective sides (as shown below) to allow the celebrant to enter the chancel first. Note: do not crowd each other when stepping to the left or right for the celebrant to pass, and do not attempt to crowd into the space between the first pew and the communion rail.

                        CELEBRANT
          (rail)----------      ----------(rail)


             BANNER BEARER
                 CRUCIFIER      TORCH BEARER(R)
           TORCH BEARER(L)      SERVER
            CHALICE BEARER      LAY READER

The banner bearer (when used) or the crucifer leads the rest of the ministers into the sanctuary, with the remaining minister entering in the same order as in the beginning of the procession. Upon stepping up into the sanctuary, the banner bearer and the crucifier makes a momentary pauses (do NOT bow), turn left and place the banner and the cross in their respective holders to the left of the pulpit. When done, proceed directly to stand in front of the furthest chair(s) on the left side of the sanctuary, and remain standing until it is appropriate to be seated just prior to the reading of the first lesson.

                           ALTAR


       CHALICE BEARER    CELEBRANT    LAY READER    SERVER

Reverence towards the altar (bow or genuflect), following the Celebrant's lead; the lay reader lays the Gospel in the middle of the altar, and all immediately take their respective places in front of the remaining seats at both sides of the sanctuary, remaining standing.

Note: all ministers should pick up their hymnals and join in singing the procession hymn as they arrive at their designated places. During the service, use the Book of Common Prayer at appropriate points. Be an active participant.

When the Celebrant finishes the Collect, be seated for the first lesson.

THE LITURGY OF THE WORD

The lay reader leads the congregation in the reading of the Psalm after the first reading, when it is not being sung, while remaining seated.

After the reading of the Epistle (2nd lesson), at the principle service, when there is music, a Gospel hymn will be sung. Stand as soon as the music starts. Normally, at the beginning of the next-to-last verse, or at the discretion of the Celebrant, the Gospel procession begins.

GOSPEL PROCESSION:

a. The crucifier gets the cross at the beginning of the next-to-last verse of the Gospel hymn, or when prompted, and moves to the center in front of the altar, about one foot in front of the steps, facing the altar or the congregation, whichever will allow the crucifier to observe when the celebrant is ready to begin the gospel procession.

b. The Celebrant will move to the center of the sanctuary in front of the altar, or to the altar rail, normally kneel, and offer a prayer, then stand.

c. At the same time, the chalice bearer, or other appointed minister, will move to the center of the sanctuary in front of the altar and pick up the Gospel that is on the altar.

d. If the Celebrant has been praying at the altar, the Celebrant and Gospel bearer will reverence towards the altar together (normally bow) following the Celebrant's lead, turn towards the congregation turning inwards towards each other, and follow the crucifier (see next paragraph) out into the center of the nave. During the Gospel procession, the Gospel bearer holds the Gospel up high and out in front, so it may be seen by the congregation. Note: if the Celebrant has been praying at the sanctuary rail, the minister bearing the gospel may reverence towards the altar prior to retrieving the Gospel, then wait until the celebrant is ready to process into the midst of the congregation, then follow the crucifier as noted below.

e. When the Celebrant and Gospel bearer bow and turn, or when the celebrant rises if praying at the sanctuary rail, the crucifier turns and leads the procession to the center of the nave. When reaching the approximate center of the nave, turn around facing the sanctuary and remain holding the cross during the reading of the Gospel.

f. The Gospel bearer, following the crucifier's lead, stops, turns facing the sanctuary, and offers the Gospel to the Celebrant in order for the Celebrant to open the Gospel to the correct reading. Normally, the Celebrant will not take the Gospel from the Gospel bearer, but will open the Gospel and position the Gospel so that the Gospel bearer may hold the Gospel for the Celebrant during the reading.

g. When the Celebrant finishes reading the Gospel, the Celebrant and Gospel Bearer move to their respective lefts to allow the crucifier to lead the Gospel procession back to the sanctuary.

h. The crucifier takes the cross directly to its holder and returns to his/her place, remaining standing.

i. The Gospel bearer takes the Gospel into the sanctuary, held high until directly in front of the altar, bows, then lays the Gospel on the right side of the altar, then returns to his/her place, remaining standing.


THE SERMON:

When the congregation is invited to be seated by the Celebrant, all ministers may be seated.


THE NICENE CREED:

AS SOON as the Celebrant completes the sermon and steps down from the pulpit, all stand in preparation for the Nicene Creed. Remain standing for the Prayers of the People.


THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE:

Normally, the celebrant introduces the Prayers of the People. The lay reader leads the Prayers of the People appointed for the day, inserting appropriate intercessions and thanksgivings that have been placed in the bulletin or been made known to the lay reader by the Celebrant or the members of the congregation. Significant discretion and tact may be necessary. Refer any questions to the Celebrant. The Prayers of the People may be led from the lectern or from a comfortable location at the front of the sanctuary.


THE CONFESSION OF SIN:

Normally, the ministers remain standing for the Confession. During Lent and at other penitential seasons or services, it is appropriate to kneel (kneelers are located under chairs if desired). Follow the lead or the instructions of the Celebrant. The Celebrant will normally lead the congregation in the Confession, and offer absolution. Immediately following "Amen" at the end of the absolution, STAND for the Sunday School Hymn (when Sunday School is in session) or The Peace. (do not wait to be invited)


SUNDAY SCHOOL HYMN:

A Sunday School hymn will be sung at this point when Sunday School is in session, to allow the students to join the congregation in the nave.


THE PEACE:

All should be standing for the Peace. It is appropriate for ministers and people to share the Peace with one another and the congregation. All ministers should be back in the Sanctuary before the Celebrant. It is not appropriate for the Celebrant to have to wait for the other ministers to return to the Sanctuary.


BETWEEN THE LITURGY OF THE WORD AND THE HOLY COMMUNION:

After the Peace, the Celebrant will invite members of the congregation to come forward for birthday, anniversary, or other special event blessings.

If members of the congregation come forward with Birthday Thank Offerings, the server should go forward to the altar rail with the small basket located under the lectern so they may deposit their offering therein.

The Celebrant will begin the Offertory with an invitation to the congregation.

The chalice bearer will assist the Celebrant don the chasuble and assist with appropriate adjustments so the chasuble is neat and straight. If the Celebrant is wearing a hood, dress the hood on the outside of the chasuble. At this point, all ministers should be STANDING.

THE HOLY EUCHARIST

At the principle service on Sundays, the Eucharistic bread and wine are brought forward by representatives of the congregation at the beginning of the offertory. At other services, the bread and wine will be on the small table to the right of the altar and are offered to the rector by the server (acolyte or lay reader). These are described below in further detail.

At the principle service: Note: It is appropriate for all ministers to remain standing as the celebrant prepares the bread and wine during the anthem.

- After the bread and wine are placed on the altar by a representative of the congregation, the server will stand at the corner of the altar to assist the Celebrant in any preparations for the Eucharist.

-- Any excess bread not needed for the Eucharist is handed to the server, to be placed on the small credence table.

-- If the pitcher or cruet of wine is not to be consecrated, that will be handed to the server to be placed on the small credence table.

-- The pitcher of water will be handed to the server when the Celebrant is finished with it.

--- The server will go to the small credence table with the pitcher of water
--- Put a lavabo towel over his/her left arm if right handed, right arm if left handed
--- Pick up the lavabo bowl with left hand if right handed, right hand if left handed (will be the same hand draped with the lavabo towel)
--- Pick up the pitcher of water with the opposite hand
--- Return to the altar for the ritual cleansing of the Celebrant's hands
--- Pour a very small amount of water over the Celebrant's fingers, into the small basin, then offer the arm with the napkin to the Celebrant for drying

-- Finally, return everything to the small credence table, setting it neatly. At this point, everything not retained on the altar by the Celebrant should be in same place on the credence table as when the service began, or as would be set up by the altar guild.

-- When the anthem is completed, pick up the large offering basin from the shelf under the small credence table and proceed to the front of the sanctuary to receive the financial offerings of the congregation from the ushers. It is appropriate to turn and bow towards the altar when passing in front of the altar at this time. While waiting for the ushers, hold the large offering basin so it faces the congregation. It is also appropriate to bow to the ushers when they have placed the offering in the large basin. It is appropriate for the ushers to bow back in reply.

-- Take the offering around the right side of the altar to the Celebrant, who will temporarily retrieve it, bless it, then return it to the server

-- The server will then place the offering plate on the shelf under the small credence table

-- Return to his/her position next to the lay reader


At other services:

Other services are similar, except that the server must actually serve the Celebrant during the preparation for the Holy Eucharist:

- As soon as the Celebrant has unveiled the chalice, the server offers the celebrant the box of bread with the right hand, holding the cover in the opposite hand. Normally, the Celebrant will return the bread box to the server. Return the bread box and/or cover to the small table.

- The server offers the Celebrant the pitchers/cruets of wine and water, handles first, wine held in the right hand, water held in the left hand, with the covers open or off. The server offers the Celebrant the wine from the right hand. After the Celebrant takes the wine, transfer the water pitcher/cruet to the right hand. The Celebrant will return the wine to the server's left hand and take the water from the server's right hand. Again, the server transfers the wine pitcher/cruet from the left hand to the right in order to receive the water from the celebrant in the left hand.

- From this point, the duties of the server are the same as at the principle service and it is time to wash the Celebrants hands.

EUCHARISTIC PRAYER: Remain standing throughout.


BREAKING OF THE BREAD:

After the Celebrant breaks the bread saying "Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us" and "The Gifts of God for the People of God" there are three duties to perform simultaneously:

- The lay reader offers the second chalice to the Celebrant. (If one is needed it will be on the small credence table with a purificator over it)

- At the same time as above, the chalice bearer opens the aumbry, bows (reverencing the sacraments) removes the sacraments, and places them on the corporeal on the altar.

- At the same time as above, the server and crucifier close the gates that make up the altar rail.

Lay readers and acolytes then stand at both corners of the altar to receive the Holy Eucharist.

After receiving the Holy Eucharist, the acolytes may return to their seats while the congregation receives the Holy Eucharist.

Special note for lay readers and chalice bearers: Handling and cleaning the chalice while offering the cup to the congregation can be a major challenge to your dexterity and discretion. Normally, the most secure way to hold the chalice is with your hand wrapped around the top of the stem. The purificator should be held in such a manner so it partially wraps around forefinger and thumb to make a pocket so both the inside and outside of the rim can be firmly wiped between communicants, giving the chalice a quarter turn between each communicant. Because some communicants will want you to intinct the host for them (the acceptable alternative way of receiving the Eucharist in this diocese), you must be able to transfer either the chalice or purificator to the opposite hand while maintaining control of both (not dropping or spilling) in a dignified manner, and then restoring the chalice and purificator to the necessary positions for a subsequent communicant who wishes to receive from the chalice. This should be practiced at home (or at church at times other than the service) until it is sufficiently mastered.


THE ABLUTION:

This means cleaning up, as in cleaning up after a meal.

- As soon as the Celebrant has offered the host to the last member of the congregation, the server will immediately stand at the corner of the altar to assist as may be required by the Celebrant.

-- Hand the pitcher/cruet of water to the celebrant (one can not clean up after a meal without water).

-- Take whatever is handed to him/her by the Celebrant and place it neatly in its original or proper location on the small credence table.

-- The server will know when the Celebrant is done as the Celebrant will revest the chalice on the altar.

- The crucifier, with the assistance of one of the lay readers, will open the gates to the sanctuary.

THE POST-COMMUNION PROCESSION

If there is a closing hymn, the procession will normally begin with the 3rd from last verse, or as directed by the Celebrant.
- The crucifier will recover the cross from its stowed location and move to the middle of the sanctuary, even with the altar rails, facing the altar.

- Torch bearers retrieve the torches from their stands and take their places in front of the crucifier, facing each other.

- The other ministers will take their respective positions, as in the procession, facing the altar.

- Reverence towards the altar, normally bow, following the lead of the Celebrant.

- After the ministers reverence the altar, they shall turn towards each other as the procession begins.

- The crucifier turns (and is followed by the torch bearers if any are used) and leads the assembled ministers from the sanctuary, to the opposite end of the nave.

- At this point, the acolytes return to the sanctuary, to stow the cross and extinguish the candles. This must be done in an unhurried, dignified manner. Please remember to hold the cross upright.

- The celebrant will return to the sanctuary during the last verse of the hymn to share announcements concerning the parish calendar and other events in the life of the church.

1st edition:  13 May 1995
2nd edition:  10 Dec 1995 (with corrections and editorial improvements)
3rd edition:  11 Aug 1996 (with corrections and changes)
4th edition:  14 Jul 1997 (with updates)