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Serving the Bishop

- Parish Life

1. Ceremonies over which a bishop presides are called "pontifical."
  - Pontifical Mass
  - Confirmation (most common at St. Laurence)
  - Holy Orders
  - Religious Profession
  - Chrism Mass
  - Institution of Readers and Acolytes
2. Serving the bishop requires a server to hold the shepherds staff (the crozier) and the bishops hat (the miter). Additionally there is a thurifer. Frequently we only have one server available for both crozier and miter.
3. There will always be a bishop's assistant (M.C.) to direct everyone during a pontifical mass or service. Arrive an hour ahead of time to be instructed by him.
  - He will usually give a signal for the crozier or miter or both using a "1" finger for one, and "2" fingers for another, and "3" fingers for both. He will tell you his signals.
4. Address the bishop as "Your Excellency," "My Lord," or "Bishop"
5. Address the cardinal as "Your Eminence," or "Cardinal."
  - (If at the time of this reading Cardinal DiNardo has retired and is replaced by an Archbishop (but not a cardinal), then the proper address is "Your Excellency," "Your Grace," or "Archbishop.")
6. The bishop expects to have someone there to hold his crozier and miter and will often just let it go. Pay attention and be prepared. The motto of servers for every pontifical mass is BE PREPARED and BE FLEXIBLE. Always keep your eye on the director.
7. Processional
  - Thurifer leads
  - Crucifer follows
  - Candle bearers after crucifer as usual
  - Prayer hands follow candle bearers as usual at St. Laurence.
  - Followed by Lectors, then Deacons and then the priests. There could be a long train.
  - The Bishop comes last with the crozier and miter bearers following him. The M.C will likely be between the bearers or just behind.
8. Miter Bearer - these are general guidelines as to when the bishop wears the miter and not always going to happen. BE PREPARED and PAY ATTENTION to the M.C.
  - Always have the point of the miter pointing towards you. It's an arrow that points towards you when handing it to the bishop.
  - The M.C or deacon may take it and place it on the bishop's head. Pay attention.
  - You may wear a vimpa (it's like a stole similar to a humeral veil) to handle the miter. Pay attention to the M.C's lead.
  - Know your signals. The M.C. will tell you prior to Mass.
  - The bishop wears the miter:
    
    in procession
    
    He will typically remove it before ascending the stairs
    
    when moving from place to place if the distance isn't too far
    
    when seated (not always)
    
    Usually removes it after the collect.
    
    during the homily
    
    when receiving the offertory gifts
    
    when confirming, baptizing, marrying, laying on hands, or anointing the sick
    
    when giving a blessing.
9. Crozier bearer
  - Have the crook part turned in towards you when handing it to the bishop
  - You may wear a vimpa (it's like a stole similar to a humeral veil) to handle the crozier. Pay attention to the M.C's lead
  - Know your signal.
  - There will be a base to place the crozier when it's not in use.
  - The bishop uses the crozier:
    
    in procession, carried in his left hand, so the crozier bearer is usually position back left of the bishop in procession.
    
    when moving from place to place.
    
    during the Gospel proclamation.
    
    while giving the homily.
    
    during the final blessing.
    
    while confirming.
10. Typically the M.C. is the book bearer, but could want an altar server to bear the book. Pay attention to the M.C.
11. You will usually bring the crozier and/or miter to the bishop when he is seated or standing at the presider's chair. Stand on the congregation side by the chair. The M.C. will direct you where to stand and where to go.
12. Confirmation Mass is the most common pontifical mass celebrated at St. Laurence. Confirmation Masses have the following special occurrences:
  - Presentation of the Candidates (no role for the servers usually)
  - Homily (thurifer, crozier, and miter required)
  - Renewal of Baptismal Promises (no role for the servers usually)
  - Laying on of Hands (miter and crozier required)
  - Anointing with Chrism (miter, crozier, and assistants required)