Friends, How many different methods have you encountered in the service of the Holy Table or Altar, either by experience or observation? Are there widely-divergent ways of preparing all the various vessels, in Anglicanism? On Friday I am assisting at a very small celebration of the holy Eucharist for a retired community. It is my first time serving at an Anglican Holy Communion, and it's a little daunting. Their pyx for holding unconsecrated bread is a small silver box! They probably use a burse, palls, purificators, and other things. Please pray for me, that this sacred moment may do well for the edification of the souls who gather on Friday.
Probably best to get the guidance of the Celebrant, but could include: remove dust cover on the Altar to expose the fair linen cloth set up the Altar book or cards in their proper positions, ribbons in right places for the day check the box of breads, wine and water cruets. lavabo dish and towel, spare Purificator at Credence set corporal on Altar place Chalice in midst of Corporal drape a folder Purificator across the top of Chalice place Patten on top of Chalice, pressing down on Purificator place Priests wafer in Patten cover Patten with Pall drape Veil neatly over Chalice stand Burse upright to the side of Chalice Light candles if used, Epistle side first then Gospel side. (Assuming Anglican two - snuff in reverse order) General checking of Bible/Lectionary used for readings, check ribbons in right place for the day. Check Celebrant has necessary books in stall if celebration not entirely done at Altar. Make sure you have an order of service in the sanctuary for your own use if serving at the Altar. Possibly help Celebrant vest with some preparatory prayers in vestry before service begins. to carry vessels to Altar... put a folded Corporal in Burse place a folded Purificator across top of Chalice place Patten on top of Chalice, pressing down on Purificator (Priests wafer can be put in Patten at this point) cover Patten with Pall drape Veil over Chalice place Burse on top of Chalice. Carry Chalice by the stem and secure all by placing other hand on top of the Burse.
Very in-depth. Interesting ... but this is only a small retirement home with a non-denominational altar. I note that your directions are all pre-liturgy. Is the actual uncovering, setting, and use of the vessels/linens during the Offertory all done by the celebrant himself? For example, in my experience the Corporal remains in the Burse until the Offertory, whereupon it is given to the priest, who opens the burse, removes the corporal, and unfolds it himself on the altar. I'll certainly save this post of yours for future reference. Thank you very much brother.
Customs will vary which is why it's best to check with the Celebrant. We've always set up this way and it's widely done like this in my Diocese.