Holy week is the pinnacle of the liturgical year when we celebrate the Paschal Mystery of the saving death and Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. The ceremonies are rich, full of symbolism, and involved for the servers. Only more senior, experienced (minimum 3 years experience) servers may serve at these ceremonies and of those only the most mature and capable.

There are four major ceremonies, all of which will have an M.C. to direct everyone. You must arrive earlier than usual (an hour prior) and there will be rehearsals for all servers and ministers a few days prior. You MUST make the rehearsals. If you cannot make the rehearsals please don't serve. These ceremonies are: (1) Palm Sunday (aka Passion Sunday), (2) Holy Thursday (aka Maundy Thursday), (3) Good Friday (aka The Celebration of the Lord's Passion), (4) Easter Vigil.

Palm Sunday

1. There are 3 different forms: (1) The Procession, (2) the Solemn Entrance, (3) the Simple entrance
   • The Procession or Solemn Entrance is celebrated at the principal mass of the day which is the Vigil Mass for Palm Sunday.
2. Red vestments
3. Thurifer required (see procession with a thurifer)
4. Blessing of the Palms
   • Gather at the place of blessing. Follow the M.C's directions. This is usually at the baptismal font prior to the processional.
   • Thurifer and holy water bearer stand near the deacon (the deacon may be the holy water bearer).
   • Cross bearer and candle bearers stand in line behind the celebrant where the M.C. directs.
   • The book bearer (if required) will hold the book open where directed by the M.C. and celebrant.
   • Palm bearers may form two lines at each side waiting to process.
   • The celebrant greets the people, explains, says the prayer of blessing. The book bearer attending.
   • The holy water bearer approaches (will be directed by the M.C.) and the celebrant sprinkles the palms.
   • The thurifer approaches the celebrant who will then place incense in the thurible. The deacon and/or M.C. will assist.
   • Process as usual and as directed by the M.C.
5. The Passion Reading
   • During Palm Sunday there is a long reading of the passion using several lectors as voices. Pay attention to the M.C. to see if servers are needed for anything.
   • No Gospel Procession as this will be very long to stand and hold the candles.
6. Otherwise everything proceeds as with a usual Mass with a Thurifer.

Holy Thursday of the Lord's Supper

1. This begins the Holy Triduum which is the shortest liturgical season and the most holy days of the liturgical year.  Holy Thursday celebrates the institution of the Holy Eucharist and includes the Washing of the Feet and the Procession of the Blessed Sacrament after the ceremony.
2. NEED 6 SERVERS!
3. Around the church will be twelve chairs for the washing of the feet. Note where they are.
4. Thurifer required (see procession with a thurifer)
5. Process as usual.
6. BELLS ARE TO BE RUNG JOYOUSLY AND LOUDLY DURING THE GLORIA. This is the first time since Ash Wednesday that the Gloria has been sung in church. Let them ring!!
7. The Washing of the Feet
   • This will happen after the homily.
   • Follow the instructions of the M.C. 
   • Two Servers will be assigned to each priest and hold the bowl and ewer (pitcher), and retrieve the towel after it's used. You will assist the priests as necessary in holding the bowl and pouring the water. You may be needed to move chairs into position. 
   • Those whose feet will be washed come forward and sit in the chairs. They remove their right shoe assisted by servers if necessary. Servers may be needed to assist them to their chairs. Pay attention to the M.C.'s directions.
   • Typically the priest kneels and the servers assist standing on either side of the priest, slightly to his front so he doesn't have to reach back. The first server gives the ewer and the second server kneels to the celebrant's left with the bowl. The priest pours water over the feet and gives the ewer back. The priest dries their feet and hands back the towel. 
   • When done, rise and move to the next person to wash their feet, making sure to get new towels. There's usually a hamper or basket to place the used towels.
   • When done, take the ewer, bowl, and used towels and place where directed.
8. Procession to the Altar of Repose
   • During Communion the Thurifer and another server will be directed back to the sacristy by the M.C.
   • There is a lot happening here - PAY ATTENTION TO THE M.C.!!
   • Communion ends > everything is cleaned up > a ciborium is left veiled on the altar for the procession. Everything else is taken back to the sacristy which may require the help of a server or two.
   • Prayer after communion is said as usual. There is no Blessing or Dismissal
   • The celebrant and deacons process to the center of the sanctuary. The thurifer and other servers join them in the recessional positions. Go where directed and how you rehearsed. (Cues and marks here are according to the local church because every church is different.)
   • The celebrant will incense the Blessed Sacrament.
     • The thurible may or may not be returned to the stand (as directed by the M.C.)
   • A server may be directed to bring the humeral veil by the M.C. This could be done by a deacon or the priest himself. Follow the directions of the M.C.
   • Thurifer, Crucifer, and candle bearers will lead the procession. Other servers will follow as prayer hands.
   • A very slow, reverent procession out, around the baptismal font (as directed by the M.C.), out the front door of the narthex, bearing left and around the left side of the courtyard singing the "Pange lingua." (Follow the tiki torches)
   • At the arrival at the place of reposition in the Parish Hall, cross and candle bearers move to one side and remain standing facing across. Celebrant, deacons, torch bearers pass through the line. 
   • Thurifer (if used) will be available to incense the Blessed Sacrament.
   • Now proceeds as at a Benediction.
   • At the direction of the M.C. the servers extinguish the candles and are dismissed.
   • Before leaving you should return to the place of reposition and engage in prayer and adoration.

The Celebration of the Lord's Passion (Good Friday)

1. This is not a Mass. It's a liturgy consisting of 3 parts:
   1. Liturgy of the Word,
   2. Adoration of the Holy Cross,
   3. Holy Communion
2. SIX SERVERS are preferred for this. A thurifer is not used.
3. Note the Tabernacle is empty.
4. Red vestments
5. If there is a procession it has no candles or cross typically, unless otherwise directed by the M.C.
6. Process to the altar and go as directed by the M.C.
7. The clergy will prostrate themselves in front of the altar.
8. Book bearer attends as directed by M.C. for the Liturgy of the Word.
9. Adoration of the Holy Cross
   • There are two forms of the procession of the cross. St. Laurence uses the second form, typically.
   • The cross is carried usually by several people from the community.
   • Two candle bearers accompany the cross as directed.
   • The cross makes three stops: (a) near the entrance, (b) in the middle of the church, (c) at the entrance to the sanctuary. Each time the cross is lifted and we sing "behold the wood of the cross...."
   • When a stop is made the torch bearers turn and face the cross or as directed.
   • The cross is placed into the base and adoration begins. Candle bearers may be placed up on the stairs.
   • Servers adore first with the clergy and then assist as directed.

Easter Vigil

Needs SIX SENIOR SERVERS
Part 1: The Liturgy of Light

1. When directed proceed out to the courtyard where the firepit is.
2. Need a book holder and candles. Go as directed by the M.C.
3. Candles escort the deacon with the Paschal Candle into the church. 
4. Servers may be needed to assist the deacon with placing the candle. Go as directed by the M.C.
5. Thurifer needed for the Exsultet. Proceed behind the altar, reverencing the altar, to meet the deacon. (M.C. will direct you as needed).

Part 2: Liturgy of the Word

1. Server needed to hold the book for the reader and a server is needed to hold the book for the presider.
2. Prior to the reading of the epistle all the lights will be brought up. We have gone from the darkness before Christ to the Light of Christ shining in the darkness!
   • All 6 altar servers will be needed in 3 teams of 2 to light the altar candles, St. Laurence candles, St. Joseph candles, and the Blessed Virgin Mary candles.
3. Gospel procession
   • Thurifer waits by the Deacon's chair while the Alleluia is sung by the presider. Three sets of three alleluias. This is the first time we have said Allelulia since the beginning of Lent!
   • Thurifer proceeds to the presider
   • Thurifer and candle holders go as usual for the Gospel procession.

Part 3: Baptismal Liturgy

1. Need a book holder for the priest. Go as directed by the M.C. and as rehearsed. You will go back to the font during the Litany of the Saints.
2. There may be a need for additional servers to assist - the M.C. will direct you if more are needed.
3. After the baptism you will process behind the deacon with the Paschal Candle. A server may be needed to help place the candle. 
4. For confirmations a book holder is needed.
5. After confirmations the congregation will renew their baptismal vows. The deacons will sprinkle water using the aspergillium. A server per deacon is needed to hold the bowl of Holy Water. When done replace the bowls on the back credence table as directed.

Part 4: Liturgy of the Eucharist

1. This is as usual with a thurifer.