Instructions for Subdeacons

Church of the Apostles Instructions for Subdeacons

Goal: to serve God through serving the Eucharist to God’s people.

Objective: to assist the priest(s) in having a smoothly run service so that the congregation will have has a meaningful worship experience.

Specific Instructions:

If you know of travel plans, let the scheduler for your ministry know about your inability to serve on those dates BEFORE you receive your schedule.
When you receive your schedule, highlight your name and the dates and post it somewhere visible, and/or put the information on your calendar where you will remember.
If you have a conflict and cannot serve AFTER you have received your schedule, call another Subdeacon on the schedule. Once you have found a replacement, call the church office so that the office volunteers can change the information on the website.
If you switch places with someone, don’t forget to show up as scheduled!
If you lose your schedule, or never received it in the mail, check the parish website www.ApostlesChurch.net under the Sunday Morning Ministries Schedules to see when you are scheduled. DO NOT wait until Sunday morning to see if you are on!
On the Sunday you are scheduled, be in the vesting area at least 15 minutes before the service so that you can find out about any changes in the service from the clergy.
Immediately put on your alb, and then light the candles on the altar. Remember: the RIGHT candle (Epistle side) is always lighted first, unless the Paschal candle is out (at funerals, baptisms, and Easter season). The Paschal candle is always lighted first.
If there is no youth acolyte, you will carry the cross in procession. Get your cross and gather in the sacristy with the other ministers two minutes before the service for prayer.
When the SINGING begins (not just the music) carry the cross as high as you can walk naturally, and begin walking start walking. When you reach the altar steps, walk straight up and continue walking toward the holder for the cross. Do not stop or reverence the altar.
After you have put the cross in the holder, go to the seat closest to the cross and pick up the Eucharistic Minister Worship Notebook. Find your place and actively participate in the service.
After the priest says the Offertory Sentence, go to the credence table and get the stack (the chalice draped with the purificator and pall. Take it to the altar and either set it on the altar or give it to the deacon. Then go to the front of the altar and receive the bread and wine from the ushers. Turn around and give them to the Deacon or Priest setting the altar.
After the table has been set, go back to the Credence Table, put the Lavabo Towel on your left arm, pick up the Lavabo (bowl) in your left hand and the cruet of water (with no ribbon) in your right hand. Go toward the Celebrant (the priest who will lead the Eucharist) and give the cruet of water to the deacon, with the handle held out so s/he can pour water into the wine.
When the deacon hands the water back to you, take it by the handle and hold out the bowl for the celebrant (the priest who will celebrate communion). When the priest holds his/her hands over the bowl, pour water over his/her fingers until s/he pulls her/his hands away. Offer your arm with the towel, until s/he dries his/her hands. If the priest bows, bow back as a sign of mutual respect. Do the same thing for the second priest, if there is one. Take the water and lavabo back to the credence table.
When the ushers bring up the offering, go around to the front of the altar and receive the offering baskets. Turn around and give them to the priest, and then go around to the side of the altar for worship. You may place your Worship Notebook on the altar so you can follow the service. Continue to participate actively.
When it is time to receive Communion, remain in place until the priest gives you bread and then the wine. The priest will hand you the chalice and purificator after you have been communed. Wait until one of the priests goes down to the floor level on the Gospel side (the side on which you have been sitting) and follow him/her, carrying the chalice and purificator. Stand about three feet to the side.
As people come to you to receive, offer them the chalice. If they have bread to intinct (dip), lower the chalice to their waist level, holding the purificator in front to catch any drips, and raise the chalice as they eat the bread. If they reach for the chalice instead, raise the cup to their mouths and tilt it toward them. They will usually assist, but if not, just do the best you can. Say the words, “The Blood of Christ; the Cup of Life”. Then wipe the cup, using the purificator, and turn the chalice slightly. Some will cross their arms arms signifying they do not wish to receive the wine. However, they still like to receive a blessing. Whatever feels approriate to you is all right. With children, “Jesus loves you,” is good!
When all have received, check to see if the priest is going towards a parishioner sitting in the congregation, and follow him/her, offering the chalice in the way outlined above.
Then return to the altar area, put your chalice and purificator on the Credence table, and help the other ministers as they put away all of the vessels, linens, and remaining bread and wine.
When all is put away, return to your seat and continue your participation in the liturgy, until it is time for the procession out into the world. (Note that it is NOT a “recession,” which is only an economic term) Get the cross, carry it straight and tall, and walk straight out and down the aisle.
Put the cross in the corner of the soundbooth and wall, and then take the stoles from the priests. If he is taking off his alb, take that, too, and hang it in the appropriate place along with your own alb.
Assist the altar guild volunteer(s) in any way they need.

Just remember what our goal is, with love in your heart, and you will do great!