How to Serve: In Simple, Solemn and Pontifical Functions by Dom Matthew Britt, OSB

How to Serve: In Simple, Solemn and Pontifical Functions

By Dom Matthew Britt · Published by TAN Books

Overview

As interest in the Church’s liturgical traditions continues to grow, the need for well-trained altar servers becomes increasingly urgent. How to Serve meets that need by resurrecting a classic manual that formed generations of boys in the discipline, precision, and reverence required for the sacred liturgy. First published in 1934, Dom Matthew Britt’s renowned handbook remains one of the clearest and most practical guides ever written for altar service.

Though written with instructors in mind, this manual is equally valuable for home study, schools, and sacristies. Dom Britt begins with careful instruction in foundational ceremonial actions: how to make the proper bow, light candles, carry the Missal, and execute the small details that cultivate dignity at the altar. He then leads servers step-by-step through Low Mass with one or two servers, High Mass, Solemn High Mass, Nuptial and Requiem Masses, Vespers, and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.

With more than 24 diagrams depicting the movements and positions of the acolytes, thurifer, master of ceremonies, subdeacon, and deacon, How to Serve provides the clarity that training requires. It also includes servers’ responses for the 1962 Latin Mass. Brief, organized, and unmistakably practical, this is the standard reference young servers need to learn and preserve reverent Catholic ceremonies.

• Train altar servers from beginner to advanced with a proven classic manual
• Learn step-by-step rubrics for Low Mass, High Mass, and Solemn High Mass
• Use 24+ diagrams to master positions, movements, and ceremonial actions
• Follow servers’ responses for the 1962 Latin Mass with clarity and confidence

From the Book

Reverence is learned in the details: the bow, the candle, the Missal, and the disciplined service of the altar.

Intended Audience

This handbook is ideal for altar boys and instructors, masters of ceremonies, sacristans, and clergy seeking a clear training resource for traditional liturgy. It is also well suited for Catholic schools, homeschool families, and parishes building a strong server program.

It is not a general introduction to the Mass, but a practical training manual focused on concrete actions, rubrics, and ceremonial execution.

Practical use cases include parish server training, MC formation, sacristy reference, and home study for young servers preparing to serve more reverently.

FAQs

Is this book only for instructors?
No. While written for instructors, it is also excellent for altar servers themselves and can be used for home study or in schools and sacristies.

Does it cover different forms of the traditional liturgy?
Yes. It walks through Low Mass (with one or two servers), High Mass, Solemn High Mass, Nuptial and Requiem Masses, Vespers, and Benediction.

Does it include responses for the Latin Mass?
Yes. It includes servers’ responses for the 1962 Latin Mass.

Key Themes

• Altar server training and discipline
• Traditional liturgical ceremonies
• Reverence and precision at the altar
• 1962 Latin Mass responses
• Diagrams for movement and roles