Last updated: 04/11/2006
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Servers of the Sanctuary
Servers and serving in
the Sanctuary are old and venerable institutions in the Christian Church.
To be a server, to assist
the Priest at the Holy Eucharist is a very special privilege, and one that
should be taken seriously. It is most important that the duties performed within
the Sanctuary are done with reverence and sensitivity. This does not mean that
one must look unduly solemn at all times; smiles are not out of place at the
altar. However, it is essential to remember that it is conducted in a holy place
and they are handling holy things.
There are several
different forms of server:
Another server is called the Crucifer and as the name implies, their primary duty is to lead any processions whilst carrying the Processional Cross. Crucifers also assist with the Ablutions, the ritual washing of the Priest's hands before the consecration of the elements of bread and wine, and various other duties including the removal of the cleaned vessels after the Eucharist.
< Rod
- Crucifer
A third server is the Acolyte. This duty originated from times past when the only form of lighting for the Priest was with flaming torches. There are usually two Acolytes serving for the mass, and as with a lot of serving duties, their actions are often symbolic. For instance, when the Gospel is read from the nominal centre of the church, the Acolytes will light the pages with their candles, as well as lighting the Priest’s way. This is again symbolic when moving in procession from place to place.
< Ron
- Acolyte
The fourth server is called the Thurifer, and this name stems from the incense burner, or Thurible that he is responsible for, along with an incense carrier called a Boat. This is called thus after its resemblance with a real boat, but an awful lot smaller! When incense, or smoke, is required during a service, the Thurifer will light two or three small bricks of charcoal and place them in the bowl of the Thurible, which hangs by chains from a button of metal that stops it slipping from the Thurifer’s hands. At the right time, the Priest will charge or load incense into the charcoal to create smoke, and then bless it. The sweet smelling incense is symbolic of prayers rising to heaven, and is used at those points in the service where a very holy event is taking place. For instance, the Gospel will be sensed during the consecration. At times, the Thurifer will be assisted by usually a young person, who carries the boat, and is called a Boat Boy.
Finally, some churches employ Canopy Bearers, rose petal-dispensing children,
additional Acolytes and Thurifers where the occasions demand.
To serve in the sanctuary is a rewarding and spiritual duty, and servers often complete decades of service in this most honourable of duties in the Christian Faith.