Altar servers at the altar during Consecration

[Tracy_Spenst]

We have a great seminarian at our parish for the summer who has done an outstanding job getting things more “in shape” at Mass (with our priest’s approval). However, we’re wondering about one change he has made.

Previously, the altar servers came down from the altar before the Consecration and knelt on the steps (where they would ring the bells). We were told at one time that only the priest and/or deacon was to be at the altar at that time. However, he’s having the boys stay behind the altar (to the sides, not directly behind as the tabernacle is there). Is this correct? I don’t find anything in the GIRM about it.

Thanks,
Tracy

 

[OhMalley]

We have a great seminarian at our parish for the summer who has done an outstanding job getting things more “in shape” at Mass (with our priest’s approval). However, we’re wondering about one change he has made.

Previously, the altar servers came down from the altar before the Consecration and knelt on the steps (where they would ring the bells). We were told at one time that only the priest and/or deacon was to be at the altar at that time. However, he’s having the boys stay behind the altar (to the sides, not directly behind as the tabernacle is there). Is this correct? I don’t find anything in the GIRM about it.

Thanks,
Tracy

The Church does not specify…

There is nothing wrong with the new direction. As servants of the priestly celebrant their new position actually sounds more appropriate to me.

In my parish the exact opposite is happening. If you’re serving and if you stand you can remain in the sanctuary perhaps 5-6 feet behind the altar. If you typically kneel during the consecration (as directed by the Church) you are to leave the sanctuary and kneel in the closest pew. We have decided to ignore the directive and there have been no ramifications yet.

 

[Sr_Sally]

I have seen both. Our altar boys kneel on the bottom step during the consecration and ring the bells from there. The other priests coming in to distribute will do either. A few kneel on the steps and one or 2 regularly come up the steps and stand a bit from the altar. Seems to be their preference or training from before. Since we always have a full house at the rectory (our pastor is Irish and a great host ), we see lots of variations in things like that. I have never once seen a liturgical abuse at this parish though!