Nature of the Position

To prepare the altar and worship space for worship and to clean up afterwards.

Outline of Responsibilities

Before the Service

· arrive at church a ½ hour before the service begins

· refer to the church calendar in the Sacristy to determine the church season and the appropriate colour. Also check the bulletin to determine if a baptism is scheduled.

· dress the altar, the credence table and the offertory table with the white linens. Overdrape with colours appropriate for the season (in the case of a baptism, the colour is white)

· from cabinet marked “Wine” fill the wine carafe with wine. Place this carafe on the Offertory table along with one large plate with the bread. If no one brings in bread, alert the Greeter or the Warden so that someone may find an alternate source. On the offertory table, also place the large wire basket, and the small one under the table, each with a napkin and the sign “Offertory”.

· on the credence table place the following:

· second large plate without bread.

· two small candles sitting in small pottery plates (to catch wax drips).

· ceremonial candle lighter (make sure the wick works)

· matches or mechanical lighter.

· pitcher with water (get the water from the tap in the Sacristy).

· candle extinguisher

· two empty chalices with purificators on each one

· on the altar place the following:

· corporal

· bible

· bulletin

· check the wicks of all the candles and trim if necessary before lighting.

· light the small candles on the credence table, the candles located behind the altar, and the candles in the alcove by the cross and baptismal font. Do not light the candles on the altar, on either side of the altar or the lectern (the celebrant or server lights these during eucharistic prayer).

· check with the celebrant & server to see if they require any assistance and that the set up is fine

After the service:

· extinguish all candles

· leave the small basket on the offertory table for anyone who may have missed leaving a donation (if you find any donations, take them to the counters in the office or give to a warden)

· any leftover bread, crumbs or wine can be consumed or thrown outside onto the ground.

· remove all the holy hardware to the sacristy.

· wash and dry the chalices, carafes, pitcher and plates and replace in the cupboard.

· replace all candle lighters and matches and small candles from the credence table to the cupboard

· remove linens and examine to see if any need laundering (if so, find the linen person and include them with the purificators and corporal for cleaning, or take them home and do them yourself)

· store the clean ones in the sacristy on the appropriate rod.

· check to see wine supply, candles and other linens are sufficient and alert the Altar Prep Leader, if not

Skills & Experience

· enjoys working with the priest/celebrant

· enjoys jobs requiring attention to detail, careful, gentle work

Boundaries and Limitations

· uphold the statement regarding the creation of a safe environment

Support, Supervision & Training

· under the direct supervision of the Altar Prep Leader with support from the priest

· a willingness to attend training sessions

Participation Group

· primarily adults with the possibility of older teens

Screening Requirements

· None

Length of Term

· One year, renewable

Benefits to the Volunteer

· a feeling of involvement in the holy sacrament

· satisfaction that the worship space and sacramental and ceremonial objects are properly and attractively placed.

· An opportunity to work with the priest.

· gain knowledge of seasons, colours and special days of the church calendar

May 10, 2002 Hit Counter