Altar Servers
Altar Servers are boys and girls of the parish who assist the priest and or deacon during Mass and other liturgical services. They altar servers join in the processions carrying various objects such as a thurible, (Censer filled with incense) processional cross and candles. They are seated near the priest to assist him with various tasks such as: holding the Sacramentary and preparing the altar. The main task of the server is to model liturgical prayer with grace and reverence and enter whole-heartedly into the public worship of the community. Servers are expected to be familiar with the ebb and flow of liturgy and to anticipate each movement, cue and need.
Those wishing to be altar servers must be in the 5th grade or above and able to attend one initial training session. The servers are expected to dress modestly and appropriately. They arrive 15 minutes before Mass begins and sign in. When they attend Mass and are not scheduled to serve, they are still to alert the sacristan or priest of their presence and availability to serve if they are needed. They are responsible to find a replacement if they cannot serve at an assigned Mass.
Although altar servers are children, this is a serious ministry. The children are scheduled for various Holy Days of Obligation throughout the year. They may be called upon to assist during Stations of the Cross and other liturgical functions. Parents play a key role in ensuring that the Altar Servers arrive in church in time for their assigned liturgy.
If your son or daughter would like to be an altar server, please contact the Parish Office at 410-256-1630.
