Altar Servers

Altar servers are a vital part of the liturgical ministry.

They are vital because altar servers perform not just a functional role but a symbolic role and symbolism is the language of worship.

Their actions in the Mass are symbolic of much more than you think and the way they serve can lead people closer to God.

Altar servers are a vital part of the liturgical ministry.

They are vital because altar servers perform not just a functional role but a symbolic role and symbolism is the language of worship. Their actions in the Mass are symbolic of much more than you think and the way they serve can lead people closer to God.

The role of the Altar Server is to assist the Priest in the celebration of the liturgy during Mass.

Some of the Altar Server responsibilities include:

• Caring for the altar candles

• Bearing the cross and candles in the entrance procession

• Assisting with holy water, water, wine and offertory gifts at Mass

• Assist the priest celebrant and deacon as necessary.

All children grades 4-12 are welcome to train as altar servers. An altar server must attend a minimum of 3 hours of training before being allowed to serve Mass. Adult servers may schedule training by appointment with the altar server coordinator. After servers have completed training they are presented with a set of instructions covering the fundamentals of serving Mass.

All servers, including adult servers, should vest in alb and cincture. Altar servers are expected to conduct themselves in a reverent and respectful fashion.

For most Masses, servers should be in the sacristy and vested at least 10 minutes before Mass. Duties after Mass require another 10 minutes.