Torchbearer
Solemn Mass
Preparation:
- Arrive in the sacristy and be vested in cassock and surplice 15 minutes before Mass.
- Make sure your seats are set up and everything you need is ready (torches, lighter, etc.).
General Guidelines:
- Torchbearers shall follow the Acolytes and Crucifer when at their seats (sitting, standing, etc.).
- When walking side-by-side, the torch should be held on the outside shoulder.
- The torch should be held with two hands when standing or moving, and with one hand when kneeling.
Procession and Ceremony:
- The torchbearers process in behind the Crucifer and Acolytes.
- The must walk shoulder to shoulder and lead with the right foot.
- There should be a distance of 2 pews per pair of servers in the procession.
- Upon arrival into the sanctuary, the torchbearers genuflect 2×2 and go to their seats.
Offertory:
- During the Offertory, the thurifer will incense the torchbearers as a group. Once incensed, the torchbearers proceed to prepare their torches in the thurifer sacristy.
- During the Sanctus, the torchbearers proceed single file into the Sanctuary via the Gospel side, genuflect, fan out, and kneel down.
Communion:
- Once the tabernacle door closes, the torchbearers rise upon the MC’s signal. The torchbearers come to the center, genuflect and go to put their torches away. Once finished, the torchbearers return to their seats.
Recession:
- During the Last Gospel, the torchbearers follow the Acolytes to the center of the sanctuary where they line up in front of the Acolytes for the recession. Torchbearers genuflect during the Last Gospel and again on the MC’s signal.
- In the statio hall, the torchbearers bow to the cross and to the Celebrant (both on the MC’s signal) and follow the Crucifer and Acolytes into the sacristy.