Our Ceremoniere does his utmost to allot the serving duties evenly amongst the serving Brothers. It can, I know, sometimes seem to each of us as if a great deal is being demanded of us, but serving at the Altar is one of the duties of the Brothers, and is also a tremendous privilege.
If any Brother is unable to fulfil his obligation as published on the list, it falls to him, in the first instance, to arrange cover.
It is not acceptable simply to cross one's name out on the Sacristy list, with or without the legend 'Away' or something similar - replacements do not materialize on their own.
It is equally unacceptable to announce to the Ceremoniere of a particular function, on the day of that function, that one will not be available to fulfil one's obligation later in the day - he himself may well have no time to arrange for cover - without having first taken all reasonable steps to secure a replacement.
