Altar servers help the priest and deacon during the liturgy, especially the Mass. They have several supporting duties to carry out, such as carrying the processional cross and candles, carrying the incense and thurible, holding the missal for the priest celebrant when he is not at the altar, assisting the priest when he receives the gifts during the offertory procession, washing the hands of the priest before the prayer over the gifts, removing items from the altar during communion, and assisting the priest celebrant and the deacon as necessary.