Dom Matthew was a Minnesota-born Benedictine priest from St. John's Abbey in Minnesota who was ordained in 1901 for St. Martin’s Abbey in Lacey, Washington. He was a brilliant author with a liturgical mind, understanding well how to explain the rites in practical language that could be understood by all. Over the years he authored and edited various works, books and pamphlets, all related to the theme of sacred liturgy.
This handbook was his most popular and was a pioneer in the field. First published in the 1930’s, it went through various editions. Today it is recognized as probably the most complete English-language manual for altar boys learning to serve the Traditional Latin Mass. It is an excellent resource not only for altar servers, but also for priests and seminarians. Further, any other lay folk can benefit from reading this gem, learning about the underlying philosophy of order and purpose that is at the foundation of the liturgical arts and rubrics.
In this way the book can be an excellent teaching aid
not only for the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite, but it can also influence
and help form how the Ordinary Form of the Roman Rite is celebrated.
How to Serve takes a practical, comprehensive, and easy to understand approach. It takes care to explain the full ceremonials not only for Low Mass, but also for High Mass, Solemn High Mass, Requiem Mass, and Pontifical Mass. Also included is Vespers and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. Further, there is a bonus final chapter on Low Mass in the Dominican Rite that is rare, indeed.
The book includes various helpful illustrations,
including visual diagram images of sanctuaries with symbols for the various
roles in question.
Pastors who celebrate the Extraordinary Form of the
Roman Rite know how important and helpful it is to have a cadre of well-trained
servers who are reliable and on the same page.
This reference book is the answer – it has been described by many as the
singular best English-language resource on the subject.
Our good friend Fr. Scott Haynes, S.J.C. of the excellent
Canons Regular of St. John Cantius of St. John Cantius parish in Chicago helped with
the publication of the book and kindly facilitated the photos that are included. He gave this kind endorsement
that summarizes well its importance:
“Anyone who instructs altar boys to serve the
Traditional Latin Mass knows the importance of having a reliable reference book
to explain the intricacies of these ancient ceremonies. TAN Books has newly typeset this classic text,
replete with diagrams, drawings and images.
As you read, you will hear the bells ring, see the boys lighting the
altar candles, and smell the incense.
There is no manual as clear as this one.
I have directed several workshops for altar boys since Pope Benedict XVI
issued Summorum Pontificum. I have tried
many different manuals but How to Serve is simply the best.”
For any parish with a formal altar server program this book can be of immense help. Many thanks to TAN Books for keeping this treasure in print, especially during this unfortunate and trammeled time for Traditional Catholics in the life of the Church.
