Church of the Incarnation

The procedure on Sunday mornings is as follows:

1. Please arrive at least 15 minutes before the service.
2. Vest in alb and cincture.
3. Double-check that the acolyte has lit the appropriate candles.
4. Double-check that the intercessor and lectors are there.
5. In the procession, you'll walk after the choir and before the priest. When you reach the acolyte, tap him or her on the shoulder so they know to put the cross up. Walk to the sanctuary steps. Reverence before you enter the sanctuary. Turn to your left at the altar and take your spot.
6. You have no specific duties during the Liturgy of the Word.
7. At the Offering, come forward with the acolyte to meet the Greeters. Take the bread and wine from them and place it on the altar.
8. After the acolyte has handed the offering plates to the Greeters, help the acolyte put the final section of altar rail into place. Then return to your place.
9. After the priest says, "The gifts of God for the people of God…," cross to the pulpit side of the altar to receive with the acolyte.
10. After you've received communion, please commune the priest.
11. Follow the priest and distribute the wine beginning at the pulpit end of the altar rail.
1. If the communicant has received and consumed his bread, then tilt the chalice to his lips-never let go of it-and say, "The Blood of Christ; the Cup of Salvation."
2. If the communicant dips his bread into the chalice himself, say, "The Blood of Christ, the Cup of Salvation."
3. If the communicant has bread in his hand and makes no movement to dip it himself, take the bread, dip it in the wine, and place it on the communicant's tongue saying, "The Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ" (you may add, "keep you in everlasting life").
4. If the communicant has not received bread, and the priest has blessed him, move on to the next communicant without pause or words.
5. If the communicant did receive bread, but crosses his arms to as not to receive wine, then pause in front of him, hold the chalice where it can be seen, and say, "The Blood of Christ, the Cup of Salvation." (Often, this communicant has a physical aversion to alcohol. Nevertheless, the words of administration are spoken in order to assure the communicant that the Sacrament is his as well.)
12. After Communion, return your chalice to the altar. If there is a great deal of wine left (or a large number of wafers left), the priest may ask you to help consume or to place some of the consecrated items in the aumbry.
13. Return to your seat for the post-communion prayer.
14. You'll process out after the choir, reverencing as you leave the sanctuary.
15. Remain at the back of the church for the dismissal.
16. Go home knowing you've played a vital role in making worship at Incarnation special for so many people.