It’s important that everyone who serves at a Mass take some responsibility for ensuring that the church is set up properly before Mass. The instruction below is a list of what needs to be done. In case you are unfamiliar with some of the terms, refer to the glossary.

Preparing the Eucharist

• The tabernacle should be checked to see how many ciboria are there and how filled they are. Combine the ciboria such that any ciboria remaining in the tabernacle are at least half full. Close, but do not lock, the tabernacle door.
  
  
• If you take an empty ciboria from the tabernacle then purify it before reusing it. Basically, this means to clean out any remaining particles by rinsing the ciboria and either consuming the contents or pouring them down the special sink in the back of the sacristy. Never pour the contents down any other sink.
  
  
• Depending upon how many ciboria are left in the tabernacle, please refill more ciboria with unconsecrated hosts to ensure that there will be three for Mass. The re-filled ciboria go on the credence table.
  
  
• The priest’s chalice should be prepared and placed on the credence table. This consists of partially filling the paten with unconsecrated hosts topped off  by a large host. Place the paten on top of the chalice and place a purificator on top of that.
  
  
• Please note: Ciboria containing consecrated hosts should never be removed from the tabernacle except during communion time. Ciboria containing unconsecrated hosts should never be put in the tabernacle. Unconsecrated and consecrated hosts should never be mixed in the same ciborium.

Preparing the Credence Table

• In addition to the Eucharist items mentioned above, the following should also be placed on the credence table before Mass: Cruets containing the water and wine; the pitcher, dish and towel for the washing of hands.
  
  
• At any Mass where the choir will be present, be sure to put the small ciborium on the credence table with about 20 unconsecrated hosts.
  
  
• At special Masses, other items may need to be placed on the credence table, as may be required for that Mass.

Preparing the Ambo

• Lectors should be sure that the lectionary is placed on the ambo (podium) before mass, opened to the readings of the day.
  
  
• Check for any announcements that must be made before Mass begins.
  
  
• Check to see if there is a Mass intention.
  
  
• Be sure that the Prayer of the Faithful is easily available on the ambo.

Other Items

• Turn on the church lights at least 15 minutes before Mass
  
  
• Light the altar candles and the Easter candle during Easter season.

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