Sanctuary-boys

Front matter

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SANOTUARY-BOYS'

Preface

THE nature and object of this little work are made known by its very name. It is a Manual which treats of the ceremonies usually performed by sanctuary-boys, during the principal pubhc offices of the Church.

Its object is to lighten the labor of the Eev. clergy, by furnishing them with an easy and practical means of instructing those under their charge in the exact and worthy performance of these ceremonies. For this purpose, we have aimed at making the Manual a text-book, which, by the simplicity of its language, the fulness of details, and the number of plates illustrating and explaining the text, may be readily used by the young readers for whom it is intended. We have also appended to each chapter a series of questions, by the aid of which the sanctuary-boys may be examined in the knowledge and theory of the matters treated, before being required to carry them out in practice.

We have endeavored to conform our teaching, on all points, to that of the Roman Ceremonial, and we will most cheerfully correct any inaccuracy into which we may have fallen. We humbly submit our work to the authority of the Sacred Congregation of Rites.

vu

Vlll PREFACE.

SLould this, our first effort, meet witli the approval of tlie Rev. clergy, we will, at some future day, complete the Manual by adding a second volume, or appendix, explaining the ceremonies of Holy Week.

In conclusion, we wish to return our most grateful thanks to the Rt. Rev. and Rev. clergy, both regular and secular, to whom we have submitted our proof-sheets for correction, and by whose suggestions we have greatly profited. We would especially thank his Grace the Most Rev. Archbishop of Baltimore for the very flattering approval he has deigned to bestow upon our labors, and the Rt. Rev. Bishop of Wilmington for his kind letter of recommendation.

Should this little volume help to secure a more exact and worthy performance of the ceremonies of the Church by our sanctuary-boys, we will be well rewarded, since thereby the faithful will be edified, and God's glory promoted.

The Author.

Feast of the Nativity, B.V.M., 1881.

CONTENTS,

Chapter I. General Remarks

Art. I. — General dispositions and conduct of the sanctuary-boys 13

Art. 1 1. — Ceremoniib common to all the sanctuary-boys . 14

Art. III.— Directions for the use of the Manual . . .18

Questions on Chapter 1 21

Chapter II

CEREMONIES SPECIAL TO THE SANCTUARY-BOYS WHO AS- SIST AT THE DIVINE OFFICES VESTED IN CASSOCK AND SURPLICE.

Art. I. — Entering and leaving the sanctuary . . .22

Art. II. — Postures to be observed during the Divine Offices 25

Art. III. — Order to be observed for holy communion . . 28

Art. IV. — Special ceremonies at High Mass for the Dead . 30

Art. V. — Rules for processions 31

Questions on Chapter II 32

Chapter III. Ceremonies Special To The Sanctuary-boys Who Serve At The Altar

Art. I. — Vesting of the celebrant 3S

A kt. II. — Manner of presenting the cap, cruets, incense-boat,

AND censer 35

Art. III. — Manner of carrying the processional-cross, censer,

incense-boat, candlesticks, tobchi':s, and Missal . 37

ix

X CONTENTS.

Art. IV. — Incensing 41

Art. V. — Directions for aiding certain movements op the

CELEBRANT 42

Questions on Chapter III . 44

CHAPTER lY.

LOW MASS.

Art. II. — Manner of answering the prayers at Mass . 45

Art. III. — The server at Low Mass 51

Art. IV. — Communion 65

Art. v.— The server at Low Mass in presence of the

Blessed Sacrament solemnly exposed . . 67

Art. VI. — The server at the Low Mass of a Bishop . . 68

Art. VII. — The server at Low Mass in presence of a Bishop 69

Art. VIII. — The server at Low Mass for the Dead . . 69

Questions on Chapter IV 70

CHAPTER Y.

ASPERGES BEFORE HIGH MASS.

Art. II. — Blessing of water in the sacristy . . . . 71

Art. III. — Functions of the acolytes at the Asperges . . 72

Questions on Chapter V 75

CHAPTER YI.

HIGH MASS.

Art. II. — Functions of the acolytes at High Mass . . 76

Art. III. — Communion during High Mass 91

Art. IV. — High Mass in presence of the Blessed Sacrament

exposed 93

Art. v.— Acolytes at High Mass for the Dead . . . 94

Q[:estions on Chapter VI 94

CONTENTS. XI

CHAPTER YII.

ABSOLUTION FOR THE DEAD AFTER HIGH MASS.

Art. II. — Absolution for the Dead, when the body is present 90

Art. III. — Absolution for the Dead, when the body is not

present 101

Questions on Chapter VII 102

CHAPTER VIII.

VESPERS.

Art. II. — Vespers celebrated by a priest in cope . . . 103

Art. III. — Vespers in presence of the Blessed Sacrament

exposed 113

Art. IV. — Vespers for the Dead 114

Questions on Chapter VIII 115

CHAPTER IX.

BENEDICTION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT.

Art. II. — Benediction without deacon and subdeacon . .116 Questions on Chapter IX 122

CHAPTER X.

ASPERGES BEFORE SOLEMN HIGH MASS.

Art. II. — Functions of the inferior ministers during the

Asperges . . 123

Questions on Chapter X 127

CHAPTER XI.

SOLEMN HIGH MASS.

Art. II. — Ceremonies of Solemn High Mass .... 128 Questions on Chapter XI 149

Xll CONTENTS,

CHAPTER XII.

SOLEMN HIGH MASS BEFORE THE BLESSED SACRAMENT

EXPOSED.

Art. II. — Ceremonies special to Solemn High Mass before

THE Blessed Sacrament exposed .... 150

Questions on Chapter XII 153

CHAPTER XIII.

SOLEMN HIGH MASS IN PRESENCE OF THE BISHOP.

Art. I. — When the Bishop is vested in cope .... 153 Art. II. — When the Bishop is vested in cappa . . . 156 Questions on Chapter XIII , , . . 156

CHAPTER XIY.

CEREMONIES SPECIAL TO SOLEMN HIGH MASS FOR THE

DEAD.

Questions on Chapter XIV .158

CHAPTER XY.

ABSOLUTION FOR THE DEAD AFTER SOLEMN HIGH MASS.

Art. I. — When the body is present 158

Art. II. — When the body is not present 163

Questions on Chapter XV 163

SANCTUAET-BOTS' ILLUSTRATED MANUAL.

Chapter I. Gbnebal Bemabks

This first chapter embraces such observations as are applicable to all the Sanctuary-Boys, both to tLose who merely assist at the Divine Offices of the Church, vested in cassock and surplice, and to those who serve the priest at the altar. These observations may be classed under the following three heads : firsts the Dispositions which should animate all the sanctuary-boys ; secondly, the Ceremonies which all are required to perform ; and, thirdly, Directions for the use of the Manual.

ARTICLE I.

GENERAL DISPOSITIONS AND CONDUCT.

The sanctuary-boys, who are chosen by their Rev. Pastor to assist him in the worthy celebration of the Divine Offices of the Church, should appreciate the honor and privilege thus conferred upon them. Their conduct should be at all times edifying ; but, when engaged in any function about the sacristy, in the sanctuary, and especially near the altar, they must show by their exterior deportment that they realize the holiness of the actions which they perform, and the sanctity required of all those who serve at God's holy altar.

And first with regard to the exterior. The clothes of the 2 13

14 SANCTUAEY-BOYS' MANUAL.

sanctuary-boys should be clean, their shoes polished,^ their hands and faces washed, and their hair combed. This exterior cleanliness is but a mark of the purity and innocence of their souls, which they must ever keep free from mortal sin at least. Their movements about the altar must be slow, but without affectation. They should never gaze about, smile at one another, lounge in their seats, cross their legs, nor manifest, in any other way, levity and irreverence in presence of the Blessed Sacrament.

They will also take a religious care of their cassocks and surplices. They will not throw them carelessly on a chair or bench, nor allow them to remain exposed to the dust during the week, but hang both carefully in the place set apart for them.

AETICLE II.

CEREMONIES COMMON TO ALL THE SANCTTTARY-BOYS.

1, The Sign of the Cross.

To make the sign of the cross properly, the server should place his left hand, open and extended, a little below his breast ; then with the tips of the first three fingers of his right hand he should touch, first, the centre of his forehead, next his breast just above his left hand, then his left shoulder, and finally his right shoulder. When the words accompany the sign of the cross, he says In nomine Fatris, as he touches his forehead ; et Filii, when he touches his breast ; and et Spiritus Sancti, while passing his hand from the left to the right shoulder ; then, joining his hands, (if they are to be joined as at the beginning of Low Mass,) he adds Amen. At the beginning of the first and last Gospel, the server should with the thumb of his right hand make three

* In many churches, the sanctuary-boys have each a light pair of shoes in the sacristy, which they wear while assisting in the sanctuary, or serving at the altar. A lavatory set apart for their use, at which they might wash their hands before Mass, would be a desirable addition to the sacristy. It would be especially useful for the censer-bearer, who almost necessarily soils his hands while preparing the censer. No one should ever use the towel reserved exclusively for the priests who celebrate Mass.

CEREMONIES COMMON TO ALL. 16

small signs of the cross ; the first on his forehead, the second on his lips, the third on his breast above his left hand, which he should hold open and extended a little below the breast. The right hand he should also hold open and turned towards himself.

2. Putting On and Taking Off the Surplice.

To put on the surplice, the server first takes hold of it with one hand at the top, while with the other he opens it from below. Then with both hands in the opening thus made, he passes it over his head upon his shoulders, putting his right arm in the right sleeve, his left arm in the left sleeve, and after adjusting it properly about his person fastens it in front. In taking it off, he first loosens the strings, then withdraws his left arm, and, passing the side of the surplice which hangs at his left over his head, withdraws his right arm from the sleeve.

3. Lighting and Extinguishing the Candles.i

The rule is to light first the candles on the Epistle side beginning with the one nearest the cross, then in the same order those on the Gospel side. In putting out the candles, the order is reversed ; those on the Gospel side are extinguished first, then those on the Epistle side, beginning with the farthest from the cross. If there be several rows of candles, it would be well to light those of the highest row before those of the lowest ; and, in putting them out, to follow the reverse order, that is, to put out those of the lowest row before those of the highest. Whenever two sanctuary-boys are employed in lighting or putting out the candles, the first lights and puts out those on the Gospel side, and the second those on the Epistle side, in the order given above.

4. Joining the Hands.

The hands, when joined, are held against the breast with the palms flat one against the other, the fingers of one hand pressed

* Though the ceremony of lighting and putting out the candles is properly the function of the server or acolytes of Mass, yet it is well for all the sanetuary-boys to be acquainted with the manner of fulfilling this duty when called upon to do so.

against those of the other, and all of them close together and slightly pointing upwards ; finally, the right thumb over the left in the form of a cross. When one hand is employed, the other should be held extended on the breast. The server at Low Mass, and the inferior ministers at High Mass and Yespers, should keep their hands joined whenever they move from one part of the sanctuary to another, and when the priest sings or reads the prayers aloud. At other times, they are permitted to hold the arms folded within the sleeves of the surplice ; but never to assume a posture which would be irreverent or unbecoming.

5. Inclinations.

There are three kinds of inclinations. The first, which is called a simple how, consists in inclining somewhat the head. This inclination is however more or less marked ; at the name of Jesus it is greater than at that of Mary, and greater at that of Mary than at that of the other Saints. The second is a slight inclination of both head and shoulders, and is called a moderate how. The third supposes that the head and body are so bent forward, that the knees may be easily touched with the tips of the fingers>; and this last is called ^.profound bow if made when standing, and a prostration, or double genuflection, if made when kneeling.^

6. Salutations.2

We shall give in their proper place the special salutations which are to be made by the sanctuary-boys, when entering and leaving the sanctuary, or while serving at the altar. We would simply state here, that it is not necessary for them to go to the middle of the sanctuary to make these salutations, unless when the

* In making this profound bow, the sanctuary-boys should avoid bowing their heads too low, resting them or their hands on the steps of the altar or floor, or turning their heads towards their companions at either side. These are serious faults at all times, but especially when they occur during the Elevation at Mass.

' Under this name, we include both genuflections and the various inclinations or bows.

CEREMONIES COMMON TO ALL. 17

rubrics so prescribe. Nor is it necessary to begin always by saluting tLe highest in dignity. Thus, on entering the sanctuary from either side of the altar, they salute first those of the side by which they enter, and then Ihose of the opposite side. But, if they so enter as to be equally distant from both sides, (for instance, when they enter by the front gate of the sanctuary,) they first salute those of the side on which the highest in dignity happens to be, then those of the opposite side. Again, a sanctuary-boy quitting the celebrant to go to the Bishop, salutes first the celebrant, next the altar, and finally the Bishop. In like manner, when quitting the Bishop to return to the celebrant, he salutes first the Bishop, next the altar, and finally the celebrant. The Bishop and the celebrant when at the bench, always receive a salutation distinct from that given to the clergy present in the sanctuary. During the Solemn Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, and from the Veneration of the Cross on Good Friday till the beginning of the Prophecies on Holy Saturday, all salutations, except those made before the altar, are to be omitted ; but, at the other offices of Holy Week,^ and at the office and Mass for the Dead, the usual salutations may be retained.

7. Genuflections.

Of these there are two kinds : the simple, which is made by touching the floor with the right knee, near the heel of the left foot ; and the double, (sometimes called a prostration,) which is made by kneeling on both knees and making a profound bow, as explained above. (5.) If a sanctuary-boy is kneeling where the rubrics prescribe the double genuflection to be made, it is not necessary for him to rise first, and then kneeling make a profound bow. The profound bow alone is in this case sufficient, after which the sanctuary-boy making it may rise and retire. Whenever a single or double genuflection is made by two or more persons at the same time, great uniformity must be observed in every one of the movements.

* At tlie Office of Tenebrce, at the Mass of Holy Thursday, etc. 2* B

8. Movements.

On entering and leaving the church, the sanctuary-boys should avoid unbecoming haste or precipitation in their movements. In moving from one place to another, at the altar or in the sanctuary, they should observe the greatest uniformity in their gait, deportment, and general action. They should never attempt to reach a new position by moving backwards or sideways ; but should first turn their body fully in the direction of the place to which they are to go, and then follow the instructions given above. This uniformity of action is very desirable, especially when several make a genuflection at the same time ; the movements throughout should be perfectly simultaneous.

9. Receiving' Holy Communion.

To receive holy communion in the proper manner, the sanctuary-boys should kneel erect, bending neither head nor body forward. They should hold the communion cloth a little below the chin, with the hands so extended underneath as to present a perfectly level" surface. At the moment of receiving holy communion, they should not throw back the head, nor look at the celebrant; but, keeping the head erect and the eyes modestly cast upon the Sacred Host, they should extend the tongue so as to cover the lower lip, while receiving communion, after which they slowly and reverently withdraw the tongue and close the lips.

AETICLE III.

DIRECTIONS FOR THE USE OF THE MANUAL.

1. Adaptation of the Plates to every Sanctuary.

In nrranging the explanatory letters, signs, etc., in our plates, we have kept in view that changes may be required from the size or situation of the altar, sanctuary, and sacristy of each particular church. When such is the case, it is only necessary to change the positions of the letters in the plates, so as to meet these requirements. Thus, for instance, at Solemn High Mass, the positions assigned the several ministers before the Gospel, which, in Plate I., are marked by the letters arranged in three lines, may,

HOW TO USE THE MANUAL by a few strokes of the pencil, be changed to suit a smaller sanctuary, by placing the same letters in a single line, as shown in Plate II., and so for other changes called for by the requirements of each particular sanctuary.

A". M. S. D. T. A

^ For explanation of the- letters used in this and the following plate, next page.

2. Explanatory Signs and Abbreviations.

For the better understanding of the illustrated plates, we give below a list of the explanatory signs and abbreviations used throughout the Manual. We will repeat, at the beginning of each new series of plates, the special signs and abbreviations therein used.

B.

O.

D.

Bishop,

Celebrant,

Deacon,

C. fB. Cross-Bearer,

S. Server at Low Mass,

Bk.-B. Book-Bearer,

S.

M.

T.

Siibdeacon,^

Master of Ceremonies,

Thurifer,2

3. Sanctuary-Boy, T. Ol. Rev. Clergy,

Exorcist,^ First Acolyte, . Second Acolyte,

2. 3. 4. ,

Torch-Bearers.

In inserting these letters in our plates, we have so arranged them that they may be easily read by directly looking at the page, without the reader being obliged to turn the Manual to one side. We trust that the text will explain sufficiently the direction in which the persons designated by the letters are supposed to be turned, whenever the letters themselves do not do so. To represent an acolyte facing the people, by turning the letter A towards the people, — thus (v) would rather embarrass than help the reader.

3. Rehearsals of Ceremonies.

Before being allowed to assist in the sanctuary, or to serve at the altar during the Divine Offices of the Church, the sanctuary-boys should be required to learn by heart the ceremonies to

* The use of the letter S for subdeacon of Solemn High Mass and server of Low Mass, can cause no confusion nor mistakes, since the subdeacon does not serve at Low Mass, nor the server of Low Mass perform any function at Solemn High Mass.

^ Thurifer, that is, the acolyte who carries the censer.

' Exorcist, that is, the acolyte who carries the holy-water vessel.

HOW TO USE THE MANUAL. 21

which they have been appointed ; and to rehearse the same under the direction of their Rev. Pastor, or of the person appointed by him for the purpose. In case this preparatory training of the sanctuary-boys for the performance of their several functions be confided to a layman, for instance, to the teacher of the parochial school, or to one of the senior sanctuary-boys, we would suggest that he first require the members of his class to answer satisfactorily tRe questions appended to each chapter. He should then proceed to the sanctuary, and, with the Manual in hand, guide and direct the boys in the performance of their respective ceremonies. He should insist on each detail being carried out as prescribed by the Manual, making no changes, (even when the requirements of the sanctuary demand such changes,) without first obtaining the consent of the Rev. Pastor. It would be advisable for the priest himself to superintend a final rehearsal, in order to assure himself that the sanctuary-boys are capable of fulfilling their respective functions.

QUESTIONS ON CHAPTER I.

Under what three heads may the General Eemarks of Chapter I. be placed ?

What ought to be the conduct of the sanctuary -boys, with regard to the cleanliness of the body and the purity of the soul? Should they take a religious care of their cassocks and surplices ?

What is the proper manner of making the sign of the cross ? How many signs of the cross should the sanctuary-boys make at the beginning of the Gospel?

What are the rules for putting on and taking off the surplice ? — for lighting and putting out the candles?— for joining the hands? How many kinds of inclinations are there, and how made ? What faults are to be avoided, when making a profound bow while kneeling during the Elevation of Mass? What are the general rules for salutations ?— genuflections ? — movements? How should the body, head, eyes, and tongue be held, when receiving holy communion ?

How may the Plates of the Manual be adapted to the requirements of each particular sanctuary ?

Why are lists of questions placed at the end of each chapter? What method is suggested to the senior sanctuary-boy, when appointed to give rehearsals of ceremonies to the others ?

sanctuary-boys' manual.

Chapter II. Ceremonies Special To The Sanctuary-boys

WHO ASSIST AT THE DIVINE OFFICES,

VESTED IN CASSOCK AND SURPLICE,

AETICLE I.

ENTERING AND LEAVING THE SANCTUARY.

I. Order of Places in the Sacristy.

The sanctuar j-boys, having said a short prayer in the church before the Blessed Sacrament, enter the sacristy, put on their cassocks and surplices, and arrange themselves in two lines behind the celebrant and acolytes (Plate I.), or in any other part of

the sacristy that may be assigned them. They observe strict silence while in the sacristy, never speaking without necessity, and then in a very low tone of voice.

ENTERING AND LEAVING THE SANCTUARY n. Entering" the Sanctuary.

At a given signal, the sanctuary-boys bow to the cross, and proceed two by two to the sanctuary, the juniors first. (Plate II.) Those who are to occupy seats on the Epistle side of the sanctuary, walk at the right of the line of procession ; those who are to occupy seats on the Gospel side, at the left. If they carry prayer-books or choir-books, they may hold them with both hands before their breast ; otherwise, they keep their hands joined. In

CO GO CO OQ CQ OQ

bd bd bd bd bj W

leaving the sacristy, those nearest the holy-water font will each take holy-water, and present it to his companion. If the Aspergos IS to he given, holy-water should not be presented. On reaching the middle of the sanctuary, they genuflect two by two, rise, salute each other, and retire to opposite sides of the sanctuary to the seats prepared for them. If the Blessed Sacrament be exposed on the altar, they will make a double genuflection, (that is, they will kneel on both knees and make a profound bow,) and, omitting the mutual salutation, will at once retire to their places. No one should advance to the middle of the sanctuary, till those who are there have completed their salutation and retired. At the end of Mass, Yespers, etc., the sanctuary-boys observe, in returning to the sacristy, the same ceremonies as in entering the sanctuary, except the mutual salutation which they omit.

When a sanctuary-boy enters the sanctuary alone, after the others have already reached their places, he kneels near the entrance, and says a short prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, for instance, the Our Father and Hail Mary. He then rises, salutes the sanctuary-boys of the side by which he has entered, then those of the opposite side, and retires to his place. Whenever the entrance is before the altar and not at the side, or whenever to reach his place the sanctuary-boy must pass before the tabernacle, he first says the usual prayer, next makes a genuflection in the middle, then salutes those on each side of the sanctuary, and finally retires to his place.

When he quits the sanctuary during the Mass or other service of the church, he first makes a genuflection, bows to the sanctuary-boys on each side of the altar, as explained in the preceding paragraph, and retires. No one should enter or leave the sanctuary, while the celebrant is reciting the preliminary prayers of Mass called the Confession, nor while he intones the Gloria and Credo, or sings the Prayers, Preface, Pater Noster, etc. ; nor during the Elevation and distribution of holy communion : nor while the choir sing the Gloria Fatri, Sit nomen Domini benedictum, and other words during the singing of which the celebrant is to take off his cap. If it should happen that a sanctuary-boy enter the sanctuary at such times, he will stand ; or, if the others are kneeling, will kneel till the words have been said or sung, and then proceed in the usual manner to his place.

POSTURES TO BE OBSERVED. 25

AETICLE TI.

POSTURES TO BE OBSERVED DURING THE DIVINE OFFICES.^

I. During- the Asperges.

The sanctuary-boys stand during the singing of the Asperges, not even kneeling when the celebrant intones the anthem, if they have already knelt and recited a short prayer before he arrives. If they enter the sanctuary with the celebrant, they should kneel while he intones the anthem, and then remain standing during the rest of the Asperges. They sit down while the celebrant removes the cope at the bench and puts on the chasuble, but rise when he proceeds to the foot of the altar to begin Mass.

II. During High Mass.

The sanctuary-boys who assist at High Mass,

1. Kneel from the beginning of Mass till the celebrant ascends the steps.

2. Stand from the moment the celebrant ascends the steps, till he sits down at the Kyrie.

3. Sit during the Kyrie, till the celebrant rises before going to the altar. Should the celebrant remain at the altar during the singing of the Kyrie, the sanctuary-boys may sit down at the conclusion of the Introit sung by the choir, or, if the Introit be not sung,^ as soon as the celebrant has recited the Kyrie, which he does standing near the book at the Epistle corner, or, before the middle of the altar. They nmy likewise sit down at the end of the Gloria and Credo recited by the celebrant, even should the celebrant remain at the altar.

4. Stand from the end of the Kyrie, which is sung by the choir, till the celebrant sits down at the Gloria.

^ When the sanctuary-boys enter the sanctuary some time before the celebrant, they kneel and say a short prayer, for instance, the Our Father, Hail Mary, and the Creed. They then sit down till the celebrant enters the sanctuary, when they rise. As in most of our churches the celebrant enters with the sanctuary-boys, the rule just given will not be often practical.

^ As in churches in which the Gregorian music has not been introduced. 3

5. Sit while the choir sing the Gloria.

6. Stand from the end of the Gloria till the beginning of the Epistle. During the collect, or prayer, in Mass for the Dead, they kneel.

7. Sit from the beginning of the Epistle till the beginning of the Gospel.^

8. Stand during the singing of the Gospel.^

9. Sit during the sermon.

10. Stand during the intonation and recitation of the Credo.

11. Sit during the Credo, when the celebrant does so.

12. ^neeZ during the Incarnatus Homo /actus est.

13. Sit at the Crucifixus.

14. Stand when the celebrant rises at the end of the Credo.

15. Sit after the celebrant has sung the Oremus of the Offertory. At Solemn High Mass, all rise when the deacon advances to incense them.

16. Stand at the beginning of the Preface, when the celebrant begins Fer omnia ssecula, etc.

IT. Kneel from the beginning of the Canon till the end of the Elevation. During Mass for the Dead, they kneel from the Sanctus till the Agnus Dei exclusively.

18. Stand from the end of the Elevation till the celebrant has received the Precious Blood. If communion be distributed to the people, the sanctuary-boys quit their places near the communion railing, and kneel at each side of the altar till the celebrant has replaced the ciborium in the tabernacle after communion, when they rise, and returning to their usual places sit down. This change is not necessary, when the benches of the sanctuary-boys are arranged at the side of the altar and not along the railing.