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Altar Server
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The Altar Server
Altar Server Motto: Serviendo Christus Digitur (Through Serving, we Love Christ)
MINISTRY PURPOSE:
- Altar Servers are designated ministers of sacred liturgy, serving at Masses, weddings, funerals, and other liturgical events. Their role is to assist the clergy during the Mass.
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MINISTRY PURPOSE:- Altar Servers are designated ministers of sacred liturgy, serving at Masses, weddings, funerals, and other liturgical events. Their role is to assist the clergy during the Mass.
- ALTAR SERVER MOTTO:
- SERVIENDO CHRISTUS DIGITUR, which means THROUGH SERVING, WE LOVE CHRIST
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:- Carry the cross/candles/incense during the procession into Mass
- Assist the priest by holding the books from which the prayers are read
- Assist the priest in receiving the gifts during the Offertory
- Assist the priest in the ritual washing of his hands
- Carry the cross/candles/incense during the recession out of the Mass
- Extinguish the altar candles after Mass
- Assist in clearing the altar after the Liturgy
- When not assisting the Celebrant, participate in the Mass (e.g., reciting prayers, singing the hymns)
QUALIFICATIONS:- Must be in Grade 3 or above and have received Baptism and First Holy Communion
- Mature enough to understand the responsibilities and to carry them out well and with appropriate reverence
- Willing, interested and committed to participating in this Ministry on your own accord
- Joyfulness
- Neat, presentable, and dressed appropriately
- Punctual and willing to find a substitute if unable to serve
- Reverent, respectful, and humble
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PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE ELEMENTS:
- Before Mass
- Arrive 15 minutes before the start of Mass
- Put on the Altar Server robe that best fits you
- Assist in preparing the altar for liturgy
- Light the altar candles before Mass
- Carry the cross/candles/incense during the procession into Mass
- Join the priest and other Ministers in the prayer before Mass
- During Mass
- Carry the cross/candles/incense during the procession into Mass
- Assist the priest by holding the books from which the prayers are read
- Assist the priest in receiving the gifts during the Offertory
- Assist the priest in the ritual washing of his hands
- Carry the cross/candles/incense during the recession out of the Mass
- After Mass
- Extinguish the altar candles after Mass
- Assist in clearing the altar after the Liturgy
- Return the altar robe to the designated closet in the Church
- Check with the priest or Sacristan to see if there is anything else you can do to assist before leaving
The duties and requirements described above are representative of those encountered during the performance of the essential functions of this ministry. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. - Before Mass
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- How do I sign Up?
- Is altar serving considered a voluntary service?
- Is being an altar server considered a leadership role?
- What is the time commitment?
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There are several ways to let us know you are interested in joining us:
- Submit online form to Join this Ministry
- Tell your Faith Formation teacher
- Tell any member of the clergy
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Yes! As you get older there are several organizations that require volunteer service hours. Altar serving is a wonderful way to support the parishes while also fulfilling these requirements. For example, service hours are required for the Sacrament of Confirmation (grades 9-10), National Honor Society (grades 11-12), and Scouting Rank Advancements (various grades). While not required, volunteer hours can also be highlighted on college and job applications.
The Catholic faith believes strongly in community service, and helping its members. The church also values tradition, and gives a lot of its scholarship money to students who will uphold the Catholic tradition in the future. There are several scholarship opportunities for practicing Catholics, especially those applying to a Catholic middle/high school and/or college. Being an active member of your parish, with a dedicated role, will likely give you a “leg up” over other applicants.
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Although they may not receive a “leadership” title, some of the more senior Altar Servers are considered “leaders” within our ministry. These servers often assist in the recruitment and training of new servers by speaking at Mass, sharing information with prospective newcomers, training the new servers, and/or inviting new servers to shadow them during Mass.
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Altar Servers are expected to arrive 10-15 minutes before the start of the Mass. This allows time to put on a robe, assist with altar set up (lighting candles, filling the water pitcher, etc.), and to say a prayer before the procession.
There is no minimum time commitment, however the more often an Altar Server serves the more comfortable they become.
Altar Servers use a scheduling app/website to indicate what mass times they prefer, how often they want to be scheduled, and can even indicate specific dates/times of year they are not available.
