HERE I AM, LORD
Lesson Notes for Mass Servers
(Revised Edition)
Aaron Makafui Ametorwo
His Holiness Pope Francis
His Excellency Most Rev. Jean Marie Speich,
Apostolic Nuncio to Ghana
Most Rev. Gabriel Charles Palmer-Buckle,
Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
For the revised version of this booklet, I wish to acknowledge the following for their hard work,
encouragement, and other forms of support I received from them during the period when the first edition was in circulation.
To my team of friends who gave their full support before, during, and after the launch of the book:
Damian Avevor, Edem Dzitrie, Mawuli Gardemor, Elikem Dzisam, Teddy Dagadu, Kwabena Oppong,
Susana Ackah, Robert Mawuenyegah, Catherine Glah, Kofi Avevor.
Also, to Rev. Frs. Eugenio Petrogalli, Moses Huruwella, Prosper Abotsi.
Also, to the following Priests who gave me the opportunity to speak to their parishioners about the book: Msgr. Francis Adoboli (then of St. Paul Catholic Church, Kpehe) and Rev. Fr. Paul Hometowu (then of St.
Michael Garrison Catholic Church, 37).
To all who patronised the book – both Mass Servers and other individuals.
In a special way, I am grateful to God for the fol owing whose contributions made the maiden launch a
success: Mrs. Mary Adusei-Appiah, Mr. Tom Dakurah, Mr. & Mrs. Tony Fofie, Mr. Godfried Akpanyah, Mr.
& Mrs. Joseph Agboh, Mr. & Mrs. Raymond Asare-Bediako, Colonel (Rtd.) Emmanuel Mifetu, Dr. & Mrs.
Akpalu, Mrs. Monica Deynoo, Mr. & Mrs. Dzisam, Mr. Nicholas Tawiah, Mr. Yaw Abeberese.
FOREWORD
With wisdom and understanding nothing can be compared. They are better than silver and gold and more
precious than jewels, hence blessed are those who find them (cf. Prov 3,13-15). Though on their own they may not mean much, wisdom and insight provide the basis for any good and acceptable speeches and
actions. If, therefore, experience is the product of constant practice, then wisdom and understanding are their foundation. Therefore anybody said to be experienced is thus knowledgeable in the specific field, and that engendered self confidence which ultimately facilitates efficient performance.
With reference to the sacred Liturgy, the faithful join and share in the official, organised, public and communal ritual action of the Church. The Vatican II Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy ( Sacrosanctum Concilium) identifies it, especially the Eucharist, as a font from which grace is poured forth upon us, and the sanctification of men in Christ and the glorification of God is achieved in the most efficacious way (cf.
SC n.10). The liturgy is thus the source toward which the activity of the Church is directed, and the fount from which al her power flows (ibid). For its value, the liturgy is the action through which the work of redemption is accomplished, most of all in the sacrifice of the Eucharist, and the outstanding means whereby the faithful may express in their lives and manifest to others the mystery of Christ and the real nature of the true Church (cf. SC n. 2).
So the Church requires her Pastors to ensure that the faithful take part in the liturgy fully aware of what they are doing, actively engage in the rite, and enriched by its effects (cf. SC n. 11). Furthermore, since it is the primary and indispensable source from which the faithful derive the true Christian spirit, our participation must be full, conscious and active which is realised by means of the necessary instruction (cf. SC n. 14).
About the Eucharist, the Church earnestly desires that those present should not behave as strangers or
silent spectators, rather through a good understanding of the rites and prayers, they should take part with devotion and ful col aboration (cf. SC n. 48). However, due to its hierarchic and communal nature coupled with proper understanding, each person (cleric or lay) who has a role in the liturgy, should do all of, but only, those parts which pertain to his/her office (cf. SC n. 28).
Those who exercise a genuine liturgical function in the community include the Knights/Servers of the Altar (cf. SC n. 29). They must discharge their office with piety and decorum. They must be deeply imbued with the spirit of the liturgy and must be trained to perform their functions in a correct and orderly manner (ibid).
As an aid to a fruitful ministry at the Altar, HERE I AM, LORD is a very resourceful document. It is a guide to the knowledge and use of Liturgical Materials, Gestures, Postures, Signs, Symbols, Actions and Rules.
The author (Aaron M. Ametorwo) included in this booklet some Individual, Common and Devotional Prayers
as well as materials for Catechesis. A Handbook for Knights of the Altar, and an invitation to the faithful to deepen their faith through knowledge and gain understanding to be wise disciples.
Rev. Fr. Prosper Abotsi
Doctor and Lecturer in Sacred Liturgy
St. Paul’s Major Seminary, SOWUTUOM, Accra.
Copyright © 2019 - Aaron Makafui Ametorwo
PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION
Wherever services are required to be rendered during liturgical and para-liturgical functions, there are certain designated ministers who are called to task. To minister means to serve. Thus the ministry of Knights and Ladies of the Altar (KNOLTA) or Mass Servers, or Altar Servers is one where its members assist the
Priest and other officiating ministers in making celebrations worthy to the honour and glory of God.
Before performing their assigned duties, members of KNOLTA are expected to have an appreciable knowledge of the sacred items (sacred vestments, sacred vessels, sacred linens) – their names, when they are used, and how they are used. Apart from these, members are carefully guided and taught to appreciate the teachings of the faith, and trained to become responsible Catholics at al times, and to transfer the discipline of their training to their homes, schools, workplaces, etc.
This revised edition of the book, especially takes into consideration the new Order of Mass which came into effect on the First Sunday of Advent in the year 2011. Most of the revisions concern the Order of Mass.
Other aspects revised include further explanation of some terms for clearer understanding.
