PREPARING THE SANCTUARY FOR HOLY MASS
Not a Chore, but an Offering of Service to God
“Let all things be done decently and in order.” – 1 Corinthians 14:40, AKJV
Preparing the Sanctuary for Holy Mass is not a chore to be completed before worship begins. It is itself an act of service and an offering to God.
The man entrusted with this responsibility is preparing the place where the People of God will gather to worship Jesus and where the Holy Eucharist will be celebrated. Every action therefore matters—cleaning, arranging, vesting the Lord’s Table, preparing the candles, placing the sacred vessels and making ready the Lavabo.
Nothing should be done casually. There should be no blemish in anything we knowingly do in preparing for worship.
WHAT JESUS READ
The reverence with which we prepare the Sanctuary has its roots in the Scriptures that Jesus Himself read.
God commanded Moses:
“And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them.” – Exodus 25:8, AKJV
The Tabernacle was not prepared carelessly. Its furnishings, vessels, lamps and appointments were prescribed for the worship of God.
The Old Testament therefore establishes a principle that remains important for Christian worship:
That which is set apart for the worship of God should be prepared with care, reverence and order.
The same principle is seen in the preparation of the sacred lamps:
“And thou shalt command the children of Israel, that they bring thee pure oil olive beaten for the light, to cause the lamps to burn always.” – Exodus 27:20, AKJV
This is part of the biblical inheritance that Jesus knew and read.
WHAT JESUS TAUGHT
Jesus did not reject the Scriptures He had received. He declared:
“Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.” – St. Matthew 5:17, AKJV
There is therefore a clear continuum:
WHAT JESUS READ → WHAT JESUS TAUGHT → WHAT WE DO
Jesus also taught:
“He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much.” – St. Luke 16:10, AKJV
What may appear to be a small task—cleaning a surface, folding a linen, polishing a vessel, positioning a candle—is nevertheless an opportunity for faithfulness in the service of God.
And Jesus teaches us the spirit in which such service should be performed:
“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.” – Colossians 3:23, AKJV
PREPARING THE SANCTUARY
The Sanctuary should be prepared quietly, carefully and prayerfully.
It should be clean, orderly and free from anything unnecessary or distracting.
The preparation should include the proper arrangement of:
• the Lord’s Table and its coverings;
• the Altar Cross;
• the six Altar candles;
• the seventh candle when the Diocesan Bishop is present;
• the sacred Eucharistic vessels;
• the Eucharistic linens;
• the Lavabo bowl;
• the water jug or ewer; and
• the Lavabo towel.Every item should be examined before Mass.
Nothing should be knowingly presented in a stained, damaged, dirty or otherwise unworthy condition.
VESTING THE LORD’S TABLE
As part of preparing the Sanctuary, the Lord’s Table is properly vested for the celebration of the Holy Eucharist.
Beginning with the clean marble surface, the protective covering is carefully laid, followed by the white Altar cloth and the fine linen, according to the ceremonial practice of the Church.
Each cloth should be:
• Clean.
• Properly laundered.
• Carefully arranged.
• Free from stains.
• Free from tears.
• Free from visible blemishes.The preparation of the Lord’s Table is therefore not simply arranging cloths upon a table. It is part of preparing the Sanctuary for the worship of Jesus.
THE CROSS
The Altar Cross should be placed prominently and centrally.
The Cross should never become lost among the other appointments of the Sanctuary.
“For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.” – 1 Corinthians 2:2, AKJV
Everything in the Sanctuary should ultimately direct our attention towards Jesus.
THE SIX AND SEVENTH CANDLES
The normal arrangement is six candles—three on either side of the Cross.
Their light recalls the words of Jesus:
“I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” – St. John 8:12, AKJV
When the Diocesan Bishop is present, a seventh candle is added according to the ceremonial custom of the Church as a visible sign of episcopal presence.
The candles should be clean, securely positioned and ready for lighting.
Their purpose is not decoration. Their light points us towards Jesus, the Light of the World.
THE SACRED VESSELS
The sacred vessels required for Holy Mass should be prepared beforehand.
They should be clean, polished, spotless and free from damage or blemish.
They should be handled with care and placed according to the order of the liturgy.
The Old Testament gives us the foundation for this reverence towards things appointed for divine worship:
“And all the vessels of the tabernacle in all the service thereof… shall they bear.” – Numbers 4:32, AKJV
What is appointed for God’s service should never be treated as an ordinary object.
THE LAVABO
The Lavabo bowl, water jug and towel should be prepared and ready at the appointed place.
The biblical foundation is found in Psalm 26:
“I will wash mine hands in innocency: so will I compass thine altar, O LORD.” – Psalm 26:6, AKJV
The washing of the Priest’s hands accompanies the prayer for cleansing and humility before approaching the sacred mysteries.
“Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.” – Psalm 51:2, AKJV
The bowl, jug and towel should therefore be clean, spotless and properly prepared.
THE FINAL INSPECTION
Before the Sanctuary is considered ready for Holy Mass, nothing should be assumed.
The man entrusted with its preparation should make a final inspection:
1. Is the Sanctuary clean?
2. Is the Lord’s Table properly vested?
3. Are the linens spotless?
4. Is the Cross correctly positioned?
5. Are the six candles properly arranged?
6. Is the seventh candle present when the Diocesan Bishop is celebrating?
7. Are the sacred vessels clean and ready?
8. Is the Lavabo bowl, water jug and towel prepared?
9. Is everything in its proper place?
10. Is there anything unnecessary, untidy or distracting?Only when the Sanctuary has been carefully inspected should the preparation be considered complete.
NO BLEMISH IN OUR PREPARATION
The prophet Malachi gives us a searching warning about offering what is defective to God:
“And if ye offer the blind for sacrifice, is it not evil? and if ye offer the lame and sick, is it not evil?” – Malachi 1:8, AKJV
The principle reaches beyond the physical condition of the things we prepare.
There should be no blemish in our attitude, our diligence or our actions when preparing for worship.
This does not mean that human beings can achieve absolute perfection. It means that carelessness, neglect, indifference and “good enough” should never be our standard when we knowingly prepare for the worship of God.
We give our best because we are preparing for Almighty God.
NOT A CHORE — AN OFFERING
The man who prepares the Sanctuary should never think:
“This is merely a job that must be finished before Mass.”
RATHER:
“I am preparing the Sanctuary for the worship of the Omnipotent God.”
The time spent cleaning, arranging, polishing, folding, carrying and preparing may appear insignificant in the eyes of others.
But God sees the heart with which it is done.
“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.” – Colossians 3:23, AKJV
The Old Testament gives us the foundation.
Jesus read those Scriptures.
Jesus taught their fulfilment.
The Church continues that reverence in its worship.
• WHAT JESUS READ.
• WHAT JESUS TAUGHT.
• WHAT WE DO.Therefore, preparing the Sanctuary for Holy Mass is not a chore.
It is a ministry.
It is a privilege.
It is an offering of service to God.
And there should be no blemish in anything we knowingly do in preparing for worship.
“Let all things be done decently and in order.” – 1 Corinthians 14:40, AKJV
Cecil K. Dewars
Parish Communications Convenor
Responsibilities
The Parish Communication Convenor is responsible for ensuring that accurate, timely and appropriate information flows between the Parish, the Clergy, Vestry Committees and Parishioners.
- Parish Communication • Coordinate all official communication issued on behalf of the Parish.
• Ensure that Parishioners receive information about services, programmes, meetings, events and important announcements in good time.
• Maintain consistency and accuracy in all communications.
• Ensure that only authorised information is circulated. - Annual, Monthly, Weekly and Regular Notices • Develop and Publish an Annual Church Calendar
• Prepare and circulate weekly Parish announcements.
• Communicate changes in service timings, special services, feast days and other liturgical occasions.
• Circulate information regarding Bible studies, prayer meetings, Outreach programmes and Parish activities.
• Ensure that important notices are repeated when necessary so that they are not missed.
• Prepare Weekly Pew Slips - Parishioner Communication • Maintain appropriate communication with Parishioners on behalf of the Parish.
• Send greetings and acknowledgements for birthdays, wedding anniversaries and other appropriate occasions.
• Communicate messages of condolence, congratulations and pastoral significance when authorised by the Priest.
• Ensure that such communication is respectful, TIMELY and consistent with Parish practice. - WhatsApp / Digital Communication • Administer or coordinate official Parish WhatsApp and other digital communication channels.
• Ensure that these channels remain focused on Parish matters.
• Avoid forwarding unverified, political, commercial or unrelated material through official Parish channels.
• Maintain appropriate standards of Christian courtesy and discipline. - Coordination with Clergy and Committees • Obtain information from the Priest-in-charge and relevant Parish office-bearers before issuing official announcements.
• Coordinate with the Secretary, Treasurer, Worship/Liturgy, Outreach, Fund Raising and other Parish coordinators.
• Establish a simple system whereby every Parish activity reaches the Parish Communication Convenor sufficiently in advance. - Parish Calendar and Information • Maintain an updated Parish calendar of:
• Sunday and weekday services
• Feasts and festivals
• Parish meetings
• Bible studies and prayer meetings
• Outreach activities
• Fund-raising programmes
• Special Parish events
• Ensure that changes to the calendar are promptly communicated. - Records and Information Management • Maintain an archive of important Parish announcements and communications.
• Keep approved Parish notices, photographs and other appropriate communication material systematically.
• Ensure that confidential or sensitive Parish information is not circulated without authority. - Communication Standards
The Parish Communication Convenor should ensure that every official communication is:
Accurate → Authorised → Clear → Timely → Respectful → Relevant
- Accountability
The Parish Communication Convenor should report to the Priest-in-charge / Vicar and the Vestry Committee, as applicable, and should not independently issue communications involving doctrine, finance, pastoral matters, disciplinary matters or official Parish policy without the appropriate authority.
Core Purpose
The Parish Parish Communication Convenor is the communication bridge of the Parish — ensuring that the right information reaches the right people, at the right time, through the right channel, with the authority and dignity appropriate to the Church.
Cecil K. Dewars
THE CHURCH BELL, IT’S IMPORTANCE.
The Bells Before Holy Mass
The ringing of the church bells before Holy Mass is an ancient Christian custom by which the Church calls her people to assemble for the worship of Almighty God. While Holy Scripture does not prescribe a particular sequence of bell-ringing, it gives us the clear biblical principle of calling the people together by an appointed signal.
- THE CALL BELL
The first bell is the Call Bell. It calls the faithful to prepare themselves and make their way to the House of God.
“And when they shall blow with them, all the assembly shall assemble themselves to thee at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.”
Numbers 10:3 — AKJV
- THE GATHERING BELL
The second bell is the Gathering Bell. It reminds the faithful that the time of worship is drawing near and calls the congregation to assemble.
“O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker.”
Psalm 95:6 — AKJV
“I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.”
Psalm 122:1 — AKJV
- THE MASS BELL
The final bell is the Mass Bell. It announces that the Holy Mass is about to begin and calls the assembled congregation to turn its attention wholly to the worship of God.
“Gather my saints together unto me; those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice.”
Psalm 50:5 — AKJV
The New Testament likewise reminds Christians:
“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together…”
Hebrews 10:25 — AKJV
THE MEANING OF THE THREE BELLS
CALL BELL — Prepare yourself.
GATHERING BELL — Come together.
MASS BELL — Let us worship the Lord.
The bells are therefore more than a signal of time. They are a public summons to the People of God: to leave the ordinary affairs of the world, enter the House of God, assemble with the Church, and prepare to worship Almighty God.
And when the Holy Mass begins, our earthly worship joins the worship of Heaven — “with Angels and Archangels, and with all the company of Heaven” — as we laud and magnify the glorious Name of Almighty God.
This heavenly dimension is beautifully expressed in Hebrews 12:22–24, where the faithful are described as coming to:
“an innumerable company of angels”
and to
“the general assembly and church of the firstborn.”
Thus, when the bells call us to Mass, they remind us that we do not worship alone. We gather as the Church on earth, in communion with the Church triumphant, with Angels and Archangels and the whole company of Heaven, to offer our worship and praise to Almighty God.
Cecil K. Dewars
Responsibilities of The Controller of Audio & Sound
The Controller of Audio & Sound should be responsible for ensuring that all audio requirements of the Parish are properly planned, maintained and operated, particularly during the Holy Mass and other Church services.
Key Responsibilities
- Audio System Management
- Ensure the sound system is functioning properly before every service.
- Check microphones, amplifiers, speakers, mixers and related equipment.
- Maintain appropriate sound levels throughout the service.
- Holy Mass & Services
- Be present sufficiently early to conduct a complete sound check.
- Ensure the Priest, Deacon, Lectors, Choir, Organist and other participants can be heard clearly.
- Avoid excessive volume, distortion, feedback and unnecessary background noise.
- Sound the First Bell (Call to Gather) – 15 minutes before Worship begins
- Sound the Second Bell (Call to Worship) – announcing the start of Worship
- Microphone Management
- Allocate and position microphones appropriately.
- Ensure batteries and wireless microphones are ready for use.
- Keep spare batteries and essential accessories available.
- Liturgical Audio Cues & Inputs
- Maintain and operate all pre-arranged audio cues required during the Holy Mass and other Church services.
- Sound the Mass Announcement Bell at the prescribed times, including the required two bells prior to beginning of Worship.
- Operate approved recorded sounds, such as a bugle call, where these form part of a particular service or Parish programme.
- Ensure all recorded audio inputs that are appropriate, correctly timed and played at suitable volume levels.
- Maintain a master schedule or cue sheet identifying when each audio input is required.
- Test all such audio inputs before the service to ensure they are ready and functioning correctly.
- Coordinate these cues with the Priest, Lector Coordinator, Choir Master/Organist and other service coordinators so that they do not interrupt or conflict with the liturgy.
- Coordination
- Work closely with the Lector Coordinator, Choir Master/Organist and Sacristan.
- Understand the order of each service and anticipate audio requirements.
- Coordinate with visiting clergy or special service participants when required.
- Equipment & Inventory
- Maintain an updated inventory of all audio equipment.
- Ensure equipment is securely stored after use.
- Report damaged, missing or malfunctioning equipment promptly.
- Recommend repairs, replacements or upgrades when necessary.
- Recording & Streaming
- Where authorised, oversee recording or live streaming of services.
- Ensure recordings are clear and properly managed.
- Protect Church equipment and recordings from unauthorised use.
- Maintenance & Contingency
- Arrange periodic testing and servicing of the audio system.
- Maintain essential backup equipment.
- Have a contingency arrangement for microphone or power failure during services.
- Financial Responsibility
- Prepare requirements and estimates for audio-related expenditure.
- Obtain approval before purchases or major repairs.
- Maintain records of equipment purchases and servicing.
Overall Responsibility
The Controller of Audio & Sound is the Parish’s custodian of its audio system and is responsible for ensuring that the spoken Word, prayers, readings, music and other elements of worship are heard clearly, reverently and without any technical interruption. This ministry is the very foundation on which the worship rests when executed to perfection – they have the power to ruin a worship too.
Cecil K. Dewars
Responsibilities of the Lector Coordinator
The Lector Coordinator is responsible for ensuring that the Word of God is proclaimed reverently, accurately, clearly and consistently during every Holy Mass or liturgical service.
- Planning & Scheduling
- Prepare the Lector Roster for Sundays, Feast Days and other services.
- Ensure that every Mass has the required number of competent lectors.
- Coordinate with the Parish Priest, Sacristan and Liturgy Coordinator regarding the readings.
- Arrange substitutes in advance for lectors who are unavailable.
- Avoid last-minute gaps in the roster.
- Preparation of Lectors
- Ensure that lectors receive their readings well in advance.
- Encourage every lector to study and understand the passage before proclaiming it.
- Organise periodic training in:
- Pronunciation
- Pace and diction
- Microphone technique
- Pausing and emphasis
- Liturgical posture and reverence
- Proper handling of the Lectionary
- Help new lectors become familiar with the sanctuary and lectern.
- Liturgical Discipline
The Coordinator should ensure that lectors:
- Arrive at least 15–20 minutes before Mass.
- Dress appropriately and reverently.
- Know which reading they are proclaiming.
- Check the Lectionary and microphone before Mass.
- Approach and leave the lectern with dignity.
- Do not improvise, paraphrase or alter the appointed reading.
- Proclaim the Word slowly, audibly and intelligibly, without theatrical delivery.
- Coordination During Mass
- Confirm before Mass that each assigned lector is present.
- Ensure that the correct readings are being proclaimed.
- Coordinate the First Reading, Psalm/Response where applicable, Second Reading and Prayers of the Faithful, according to the parish’s liturgical practice.
- Ensure smooth transitions between lectors.
- Deal quietly with unexpected absences or changes.
- Quality & Review
- Periodically observe the proclamation of the readings.
- Provide constructive and private feedback to lectors.
- Identify training needs.
- Maintain a list of trained and approved lectors.
- Encourage continuous improvement rather than merely filling the roster.
- Records & Administration
The Coordinator should maintain:
- Lector master list
- Monthly/quarterly roster
- Substitute list
- Attendance/reliability record
- Training record
- Contact details of lectors
- Record of special liturgies requiring additional lectors
- Special Liturgies
Coordinate lector requirements for:
- Christmas
- Holy Week and Easter
- Patronal Feast
- Confirmations
- Weddings and funerals, where applicable
- Parish celebrations
- Other major liturgical occasions
The Coordinator’s central accountability
The Lector Coordinator should ultimately be able to answer “Yes” to five questions:
- Is every Mass properly covered?
- Does every lector know what he or she is proclaiming?
- Has each lector prepared the reading properly?
- Is the Word of God being proclaimed clearly and reverently?
- Is there always a trained substitute available?
In other words, the Lector Coordinator is not merely a person who prepares a roster. The role is responsible for the readiness, formation, discipline and quality of the entire Lector Ministry.
Cecil K. Dewars