Tens of thousands of altar boys prior to Vatican II learned how to serve the old Latin Mass with the help of this easy-to-read book. Author Fr. Charles J. Carmody spent many years training Catholic boys in sanctuary and sacristy. Among its many features:

• The censer
• The task is presented as a challenge and privilege
• A typical chapter is 4-5 pages, concise and to the point, ideal for learning
• Latin words are spelled out phonetically to aid in pronunciation
• The lessons are divided into three convenient sections: 1. how an altar boy should act – both in church and outside, 2. Latin lessons, 3. instructions on Mass rubrics
• Listed at the end of each chapter are review questions to know, and things to do which reinforce the lesson
• Cleanliness check, in appearance and speech, of benefit for all boys, servers or no
• Knowledge of the Mass is aided by an outline and brief explanation of the various parts, including the differences in serving High and Low Masses
• A short tour of a church building and a list of sacred vestments, linens, vessels, and furnishings, with major items illustrated
• Handy 20-page appendix includes, among other things, all the prayers and responses (with rubrics) of the Mass an altar boy needs to know
• Reviews and checklists for easier learning
• Simply stated but not puerile, the author expects the boys to learn proper terms, e.g., rite, rubric, breviary, pontifical, etc., and take responsibility This little gem was originally published in 1961, just before the major changes in the Mass set in.

  25 short chapters, among them:

  • A Catholic Boy’s Greatest Honor - Latin Department
  • The Altar Boy Recites His Latin Correctly, Clearly, and With Certainty - Quia tu es Deus - The Church’s Five Colors
  • The Altar Boy Is a Christian Gentleman - Et introibo ad altare Dei - The Server’s Stance
  • The Altar Boy Respects the Holy Name - Confiteor (Part 5) - All About the Cruets
  • The Altar Boy Loves Our Blessed Mother - Four Short Reponses - How to Ring the Bell
  • The Altar Boy Receives Holy Communion Frequently - Kyrie eleison - The Consecration and Elevation
  • The Altar Boy Is Reverent in the Sacristy and Sanctuary - Prayers of the Preface - The Server’s Position at Different Masses - Bows at the Gloria and Credo
  • The Altar Boy Holds Serving as His First Loyalty - Prayers of the Dismissal - All About the Censer and Boat
  • The Altar Boy Knows the Mass - Mass of the Catechumens – Mass of the Faithful - The Church Year – Forms of the Mass
  • The Altar Boy Has a Knowledge of the Altar and Sacred Things - The Church – Altar – Sacred Vessels - Vestments – Linens – Furnishings
  Helpful Sections:
  • Prayers and Responses With Rubrics Added
  • Checklist for the Server Before Mass
  • Some General Rules
  • How to Carry Objects
  • Ringing the Bell
  • The Kiss of Peace (Pax)
  • In Choro
  • Serving Mass at a Side Altar
  • Holy Communion Outside of Mass
  • Asperges

  * 50 illustrations
  * simple steps to learn pronunciation of the Latin for Mass

  Imprimatur 1961, 144 pages, softcover