

Tens of thousands of altar servers prior to Vatican II learned how to serve the old Latin Mass with the help of this easy-to-read book. Author Fr. Charles J. Carmody spent many years training Catholic boys in sanctuary and sacristy. Among its many features:
The censer
The task is presented as a challenge and privilege
A typical chapter is 4-5 pages, concise and to the point, ideal for learning
Latin words are spelled out phonetically to aid in pronunciation
The lessons are divided into three convenient sections:
1. how an altar boy should act – both in church and outside,
2. Latin lessons,
3. instructions on Mass rubrics
Listed at the end of each chapter are review questions to know, and things to do which reinforce the lesson
Cleanliness check, in appearance and speech, of benefit for all boys, servers or not
Knowledge of the Mass is aided by an outline and brief explanation of the various parts, including the differences in serving High and Low Masses
A short tour of a church building and a list of sacred vestments, linens, vessels, and furnishings, with major items illustrated
Handy 20-page appendix includes, among other things, all the prayers and responses (with rubrics) of the Mass an altar boy needs to know
Reviews and checklists for easier learning
Simply stated but not puerile, the author expects the boys to learn proper terms, e.g., rite, rubric, breviary, pontifical, etc., and take responsibility
This little gem was originally published in 1961, just before the major changes in the Mass set in.
25 short chapters, among them:
A Catholic Boy’s Greatest Honor - Latin Department
The Altar Boy Recites His Latin Correctly, Clearly, and With Certainty - Quia tu es Deus - The Church’s Five Colors
The Altar Boy Is a Christian Gentleman - Et introibo ad altare Dei - The Server’s Stance
The Altar Boy Respects the Holy Name - Confiteor (Part 5) - All About the Cruets
The Altar Boy Loves Our Blessed Mother - Four Short Reponses - How to Ring the Bell
The Altar Boy Receives Holy Communion Frequently - Kyrie eleison - The Consecration and Elevation
The Altar Boy Is Reverent in the Sacristy and Sanctuary - Prayers of the Preface - The Server’s Position at Different Masses - Bows at the Gloria and Credo
The Altar Boy Holds Serving as His First Loyalty - Prayers of the Dismissal - All About the Censer and Boat
The Altar Boy Knows the Mass - Mass of the Catechumens – Mass of the Faithful - The Church Year – Forms of the Mass
The Altar Boy Has a Knowledge of the Altar and Sacred Things - The Church – Altar – Sacred Vessels - Vestments – Linens – Furnishings
Helpful Sections:
Prayers and Responses With Rubrics Added
Checklist for the Server Before Mass
Some General Rules
How to Carry Objects
Ringing the Bell
The Kiss of Peace (Pax)
In Choro
Serving Mass at a Side Altar
Holy Communion Outside of Mass
Asperges
* 50 illustrations
* simple steps to learn pronunciation of the Latin for Mass
Hardcover
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