UACC Diocese of the Mid-Eastern States

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For Use in The UACC Diocese of the Mid-eastern States

A Lay Project of the Diocese of the Mid-eastern States

 

 

If you are reading this Altar Guild Manual, I would like to thank you for your willingness to serve our Lord by assisting the clergy in preparing for the

worship of Almighty God. I cannot thank enough all of the faithful Altar Guild members who have helped me throughout the years!!! Their faithful service has eased my load as a priest and blessed countless lives with their behind-the-scenes service of the Lord. May your service do the same.
This Altar Guild Manual is meant to guide and help those seeking to properly prepare the Altar and Altar Table for various aspects of worship. It is not all-inclusive, and care should be taken to follow the guidance of your own clergy in these
areas. We are not liturgical legalists, so please use what is appropriate in your setting and in your congregational tradition.

Bishop David Davis

September 2023

Prayer for Altar Guild Members
Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, you have desired to be worshipped in spirit andtruth, and in the beauty of holiness: I humbly ask you to fill me with yo

ur bountiful
Spirit and bless the

work of my hands and the thou

ghts of my heart; that I may serve
you in holiness as I prepare

your Altar for worship; that the congregation may knowyou through your Word and Sacraments; and may your Name be exalted in this place;
through Jesus Christ, my Savior and Lord. Amen

 

 

The Altar Table

The Altar Table is placed in the center of the Sanctuary and is where Holy Communion is celebrated. This Table is taller than an ordinary table and should be freestanding. The height should be between 36 and 40 inches and deep and long enough to allow the celebrant(s) to officiate.

The top of the Table is called the mensa and often has 5 crosses etched in it, one on each corner and one in the center.

These crosses symbolize the 5 wounds in the body of Christ. The Altar Table, whether stone or wood, should be of the finest workmanship the parish can provide. As always, a simple table will suffice for temporary spaces and emergencies.

Preparing the Altar Table for the Holy Eucharist

 

    • Do your service reverently and when the Nave is empty. Complete your service at least 30 minutes before the worship service begins.

    • Make sure the Sanctuary is clean.

    • Place the Fair Linen on the Altar Table.

    • Pay attention to the liturgical color of the Altar Frontal, lectern, and pulpit hangings. Change them if they are not the proper color for the service. Refer to the Ordo Calendar and/or the “Seasons and Liturgical Colors”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vesting the Chalice

 

This is the Altar Guide for the MID-EASTERN DIOCESE OF THE UACC