Believe it or not, what you do with your hands is very important! When you’re standing or sitting and your hands are busy, or if you can’t seem to sit or stand still, you will be a source for distraction for your friends and family in the pews, the other Altar Servers, and most surely, the Priest and Deacon.

Your hands are to be “folded” during most parts of the Mass. What this means is to put your open hands together, palms facing each other, and fold your thumbs one over the other. Point your fingers up, not straight up, but at a slight angle that is comfortable. Also, you need not apply pressure on your palms and wrists. Just keep them together, comfortably. Placing your hands in this way is supposed to be a sign of prayer, not of tension.

Remember, as Altar Servers, you are leading others to pray!

• Review of a few things that are NOT reverent (please avoid doing any of these!!)
• No leaning on the Altar table or the chairs
• No running anytime in Church, even when you’re not serving.
• No chewing gum in church, even when you’re not serving.
• No sitting in a slumped position. Always do your best to sit up straight and to stand straight.
• When seated, refrain from swinging your legs.
• If you need to sneeze, cough or yawn, please be sure to cover your mouth
• Remember, it is ok to SMILE, this is a joyous celebration!