prayer desk or a side table or in choir instead of at the altar. If so, the chalice may be put on the credence with the elements. Some churches have the elements brought by laypersons from the back of the church to the sanctuary along with the alms basins. The eucharistic candles are put on the altar and the altar book on its stand on the epistle side. If eucharistic vestments are worn, the chasuble may be laid on the end of the altar, or over the communion rail. In that case, the rest of the eucharistic vesture is laid out in the sacristy in this order: stole, girdle, alb and amice. The celebrant will wear these into the sanctuary, and after the Ministry of the Word will put on the chasuble. The chalice will be brought to the altar from the credence. Other arrangements may be worked out by the priest or as directed by the bishop.
HOLY BAPTISM
Baptism takes place at the font, which is usually near the door of the church. The font must be cleaned and dusted before a baptism is to take place.
As Holy Baptism is a corporate service in which the whole Body of Christ participates and the congregation act as witnesses, it is much preferred that baptism take place at regular church services. Each candidate is to be sponsored by one or more baptized persons.
When there is a baptistry altar with cross and candlesticks, and the baptism takes place at a regular church service, the acolyte may light the candles at the time of the baptism. At a private service prepared for by the Altar Guild, the member on duty should light the candles before the family assembles, if no acolyte is to be present.
Vessels and linen necessary for a baptism:
1. Ewer, containing warm water
2. Baptismal bowl, if used
3. Baptismal shell
4. Baptismal towel
5. Pascal Candle, if used
6. Baptismal Candle, if used
7. The certificate near at hand
8. Prayer Book for priest, marked at Holy Baptism
9. Prayer Books for parents, sponsors and witnesses, also properly marked; or the Holy Baptism booklets, if used.
The ewer may be placed on the baptistry altar, or on a suitable table, or on steps by the font.
Often the font has an outlet with stopper and the water is poured by the officiant into the font itself. Generally the stopper is removed at the end of the service just before leaving the font.
When a baptismal bowl is used, it is put in the font with the shell either in it or beside it, and the towel is laid on the altar or over the edge of the font, whichever seems more convenient.
If the font has no outlet, after the service the water should be carefully taken up and poured upon the ground and the font thoroughly dried. The interior bowl of the font should be kept clean at all times. The font should never be used to hold floral decorations
White is the normal liturgical color for the baptismal rite of initiation.
“Holy Baptism is especially appropriate at the Easter Vigil, on the Day of Pentecost, on All Saints’ Day or the Sunday after All Saints’ Day, and on the Feast of the Baptism of our Lord (the First Sunday after the Epiphany). It is recommended that, as far as possible, Baptisms be reserved for these occasions or when a bishop is present.”
—The Book of Common Prayer
THE ORDER OF CONFIRMATION
The altar setting for the Order of Confirmation depends upon the type of service at which the Confirmation is to take place, that is, whether the service is Holy Communion or Morning or Evening Prayer. Frequently, however, it is a special service and if so, the altar should be covered with the prayer cloth over its standard vestments.
The color for confirmation is red (though white is often used), and if red flowers of a suitable kind are obtainable, these would be most appropriate. White flowers may also be used or a carefully chosen combination of the two colors.
Since confirmation may rightly be thought of as an ordination of the laity, a special candle signifying the presence of the bishop of the diocese may be put upon the retable or altar, gospel side, next to the cross. In some dioceses this is done only at ordinations. If the officiating bishop at confirmation is other than the diocesan, the candle is omitted.
The bishop usually brings his own vestments and equipment. The vestments worn by the attending clergy are those of local custom with the stoles usually red. Each bishop has his own method of procedure and, if necessary, will give instructions to the rector to pass on to the Altar Guild workers.
FIRST COMMUNION
The admission of young children to the Holy Communion will sometimes take place on a special occasion developed within an individual parish's tradition. An early Christmas Eve service has been used in some churches with success.
The Altar Guild responsibilities on this occasion will be the same as for any eucharist. Special directions may be given by the rector for this particular service.
Some parishes are now using the “confirmation veil” as a First Communion veil. These are of white voile or organdy, easily made, cut about thirty to thirty-six inches square with one and one-half inch hem. A yard of white silk ribbon or tape may be stitched for about ten inches at the underside of the top center, to go around the head and tie under the hair in back. It is best to have two sizes of veils. The veils should always be kept clean and be pressed before each use.
Altar Guild members are responsible for putting the veils on the young ladies and for collecting them after the service. Pins should be provided, if needed, to hold the veils at the top of the hair.
All should be veiled and in readiness a half hour before the service to avoid last minute confusion, and the work should be done well out of the way of the vesting clergy.
The Symbol—The IHS, the Sacred Monogram, is made up of the first three letters of the Greek word for Jesus.
The Symbol—Symbol for the Church, the Body of Christ, the redemptive society. The ship, with the cross as mast, carries the faithful over the sea of life to eternity. The fish, ICTHUS, is the early Christian symbol for “Jesus Christ, Son of God, Saviour.” May be used as a symbol for Baptism. One becomes a member of the Church and is cleansed of sins through washing with water.
The Symbol—The Bishop's mitre: symbol of the Episcopacy. Used symbolically to designate any rites or ceremonies at which Episcopal ministrations are required, such as confirmations, ordinations, consecrations, dedications.
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Festivals and Seasons
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ADVENT
The
