The following guidelines were prepared by the Liturgy Committee and presented to the National Conference of Catholic Bishops for discussion at the Special Assembly in June 1994, on Thursday, June 16, 1994. These guidelines, which predate the Apostolic Letter Motu Proprio Spiritus Domini (2021), which opened the instituted ministry of acolyte to women, have been slightly revised in accordance with the third edition of the General Instruction of the Roman Missal. They may serve as a basis for the development of diocesan guidelines.

1. Although the institution of acolyte is reserved to lay men, the diocesan bishop may permit the liturgical functions of an instituted acolyte to be performed by altar servers, both men and women, boys and girls. These individuals may perform all the functions listed in paragraph 100 (with the exception of the distribution of Holy Communion) and in paragraphs 187-190 and 193 of the General Instruction of the Roman Missal. The decision regarding the use of women and girls as altar servers in the liturgy must be made by the bishop at the diocesan level to ensure a uniform diocesan policy.
2. Those serving must be mature enough to understand their responsibilities and perform them properly and with due reverence. They must have received Holy Communion for the first time and receive the Eucharist regularly whenever they participate in the liturgy.
3. Servers must receive appropriate training before beginning their duties. This training should include instruction on the Mass, its parts and their meaning, the various objects used in the liturgy (their names and uses), and the various roles of the server during Mass and other liturgical celebrations. Servers should also receive appropriate guidance on maintaining decorum and proper attire when serving at Mass and performing other functions.
4. Since the role of the acolyte is essential for the normal celebration of Mass, at least one acolyte must assist the priest. On Sundays and other important occasions, two or more acolytes should be employed to perform the various duties normally entrusted to these ministers.
5. Acolytes, altar servers, lectors, and other lay ministers may wear the alb or other suitable vestments or any other appropriate or dignified clothing. (General Instruction of the Roman Missal, no. 339) All altar servers must wear the same liturgical vestments.
6. The servers carry the cross, the processional candles, hold the book for the celebrant priest when he is not at the altar, carry the incense and the censer, present the bread, wine, and water to the priest during the preparation of the offerings or assist him when he receives the offerings from the people, wash the priest's hands, and assist the celebrant priest and the deacon as needed.
7. The servers respond to the priest's prayers and dialogues along with the congregation. They also participate in singing hymns and other liturgical songs.
8. The servers should sit in a place from which they can easily assist the celebrant priest and the deacon. The place next to the priest is normally reserved for the deacon.
9. Servers may not distribute Holy Communion unless they have been authorized for this function by the bishop.

10. The Order for the Blessing of Altar Servers, Sacristans, Musicians and Ushers may be used (Book of Blessings, Nos. 1847-1870).

before the servers start operating in this ministry.