FATIMA, Portugal (CNS) Being an altar server should be a "profession of faith" to the entire parish community, Pope Francis told young men and women participating in Portugal's annual altar. When lighting candles or handling fire, keep the flame away from your vestments and hair. Editors note: The United State Conference of Catholic Bishops website includes an 11-point list of requirements potential altar servers must fulfill before service. Orange County Catholic Newspaper, E-updates and alerts from Orange County Catholic, 2022 orange county catholic-allrightsreserved orange county catholic is the officialnewssource of the romancatholicdioceseoforange, ALTAR SERVER ISAIAH KOSS, 10, HOLDS A COMMUNION PATEN AS FATHER JOHN GIROTTI DISTRIBUTES COMMUNION DURING MASS AT THE SHRINE OF OUR LADY OF GOOD HELP IN CHAMPION, WIS., AUG. 15, 2015, THE FEAST OF THE ASSUMPTION. Their name comes from the Latin word ministrare which means to serve. He takes it up again at the end of the ceremony, to accompany the priest to kiss the altar, to put the Blessed Sacrament into the tabernacle, and during the final procession. Sometimes robes simply go on over your head. The server must be able to understand the Mass as well the server's role in the celebration. An Altar Server is a member of the Church who participates in the celebration with the understanding that they are leaders of the assembly. #/Ffr GN All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. INTRODUCTION These guidelines are intended to assist both new and experienced altar servers in understanding the important role that the altar server plays in the holy celebraon of the Mass.The dues and responsibilies of the server must be taken seriously. jv3gofPIEQ2m=/,[g_~cM:@4 @%W*9[)O A good altar server attends practices before serving. stream The altar server retains a genuine and vital role in the liturgical assembly. Flip Flops?? Even if you are not discerning priesthood, by altar serving you learn so much more about the priest you work with. Everyone in the procession will genuflect (except if you are holding something in your hands. <> On Sundays and other more important occasions, two or more servers should be employed to carry out the various functions normally entrusted to these ministers. Join with us in offering this prayer, written by Deacon Keith Fournier, seeking his intercession: You may know it all but you are not good if you are not willing to learn. Come on. What this means is that you are doing something in the liturgy which is MORE than just useful. The suggested guidelineswhich predate the Apostolic Letter motu proprio Spiritus Domini (2021), opening the instituted ministry of acolyte to womenhave been slightly revised according to the third edition of the General Instruction of the Roman Missal. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. This is commonly known as a sign of friendliness and respect. endobj This means offering up ones life. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCBs) mission is to encounter the mercy of Christ and to accompany His people with joy. It is my prayer for you to seek holiness in life as you serve at the Altar and beyond the Altar. By becoming an altar server youll be meeting up with many of the same people every time you serve at Mass. start distribution to the altar servers and choir immediately). Waxwell House, 125 Waxwell Lane, Pinner, London, HA5 3EP. We constantly hear that there are too many demands on us. Since the duties of the altar server can be divided among several servers, it is important that the pastor make sure that each server knows the specific duties for a specific liturgy. At the beginning of the Mass the altar servers process into the church with the Priest, and they bring religious symbols such as the cross or candles into the sacred space. Brown boots? Albs can either catch fire or in some cases even melt and stick to your body, depending on their type. In many Catholic churches, the priest likes to have three to six altar servers to help them do the Mass. The reason of an altar server why he serves should not be the following: to be famous with his peers and to look more holy than them, and. That is why, recently, when I was asked by an altar server seeking advice from my Tiktok account, I shared to them two things, First, "Hindi kayo kurtina. " TDVuO Contact $.' 'Jesus Revolution': Talking to Jonathan Roumie, Episcopal Woman Priest Says Abortionists are "Saints". The Thurifer is, for instance, the Altar Server who carries the thurible for incensings. Its helpful for young teens and tweens to become part of the altar-serving ministry because its the most significant way to make a meaningful contribution to the liturgy, Dawson says. In the procession, move at a stately pace. There are lots of reasons for becoming an Altar Server. 11 0 obj Welcome Altar Servers, We thank you for responding to the call of the Holy Spirit to serve the St. Michael parish community as an altar server. c'FV8C-"k7f8 Crazy nail polish or an extreme hair do? Altar servers learn the deeper meaning behind each step of the liturgy. endobj <> We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". endobj They wait for signs and even words from the prayers or songs to do this and that. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. An Altar Server is a member of the Church who participates in the celebration with the understanding that they are leaders of the assembly. A parish can create an atmosphere of reverence and duty at Mass that reinforces in young people the joy of serving the Lord. The procession is the royal triumph of the king going into his city. Servers should also receive appropriate guidance on maintaining proper decorum and attire when serving Mass and other functions. Father Christopher Smith, Executive Editor Contact your parish priest. I admire many altar servers who responded to the necessity of their parishes as we face this pandemic. The altar server's function is to hold the book for the priest to read from while holding his hands up to God. Servers may not distribute holy communion unless they have been mandated for this function by the bishop. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". The altar servers help the Priest throughout the liturgy. 2023 United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Although institution into the ministry of acolyte is reserved to lay men, the diocesan bishop may permit the liturgical functions of the instituted acolyte to be carried out by altar servers, men and women, boys and girls. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Pope Francis acknowledged the important role of altar servers during a special evening meeting and prayer that drew 9,000 youth from throughout Europe to St. Peters Square in early August 2015, according to the National Catholic Reporter. Some of the servers are in charge of dealing with the liturgical books the priest needs during the ceremony. 0000054891 00000 n Reply to Steve Hays' Caricatures of the Papacy. Servers respond to the prayers and dialogues of the priest along with the congregation. A movement in harmony is not just through our unified steps, a movement in harmony is a grace from the Holy Spirit. Uh uh. Id like to share four marks of a good altar server. These are fruits of my reflections as an alumnus of the Ministry of Altar Servers of our Parish, a former pontifical server of San Carlos Seminary, and now, an ordained priest presiding the liturgy at the altar. That doesnt sound like a great place to start, but its true Father can do all the stuff you do at Mass. Altar Servers, more commonly known as altar boys, are children or teenagers who assist a priest during Mass. Their age ranges from sevenupwards and theyre normally wearing robes which look very similar to that of the priests, but have you ever considered doing the same? Caudatories were assigned to the Pope, Cardinals and Bishops, and for each of these positions, the ceremonial included different talari robes and a different ritual. They are movements of prayer. If young, the server is commonly called an altar boy or altar . This simply means that when an altar server serves, he must have the proper haircut, not necessarily the fad or, The Holy Eucharist calls us to love like Jesus. We live in an environment where we are constantly urged to say no to service, she notes. Poise. As your friendship develops, youll end up having many friends who all share your faith and this can lead to some brilliant conversations and great memories. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. First, a good altar server is willing to learn. endobj You Are a Silent Witness As soon as you come to church twenty minutes before Mass starts and you put on your cassock and start to help set up for Mass you are saying by your actions to everyone at church, Look, its important to come early. Altar service is an important step in a young persons contribution to the work of the liturgy, Dawson says. SENIOR SERVERS:Senior Servers are recommended by the Altar Server Coordinator and appointed by the Pastor. Poise. They love to see you serving. [book and purchase information] The late Steve Hays (please pray for his Render to Caesar or Not. Attentive and a full participant in the Mass (not daydreaming, yawning, or falling asleep). Altar Servers Servants of Jesus Dear young people, I greet you affectionately, dear young people. <> Youve most likely seen them at Mass, up by the altar, helping the priest to keep the Mass running smoothly. Ofomah Stephen. Such persons may carry out all the functions listed in no. Serving at the Altar of God is to serve Jesus Himself. kERUuv\DtChm 0qK. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. ALTAR SERVERS . ALTAR SERVER TRAINING MATERIALS - 1 2015 ALTAR SERVER TRAINING . By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. It can be found at usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/the-mass/frequently-asked-questions/guidelines-for-altar-servers.cfm. Morethan this though, by serving at the altar you pay more attention to the whole Mass to help you remember where your part fits in. Punctuality. Do you aspire to become an Altar Server? Believe it or not that helps people to get into the right, reverent frame of mind for worship. Maturity. That is why in the ministry of altar servers there are meetings, practices, and formations. Not only during services, but also throughout everyday life, Altar Servers must live by following His example of love, generosity, commitment and precision. stream 0000001140 00000 n By using our site, you agree to our. .1Sdoeq!}r%4N6\X#_0q itB}q?nB}7kkZ6EjEO4i(j2\P These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. At that time two servers were scheduled for a two week shift; the first week we served the 6:30 Mass, the second week we served the 8:00 Mass. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Follow the local custom when receiving the Holy Communion. Act as if everything is going on as normal as the congregation will not notice. The candles are used at the Gospel reading. 714.282.3000, Editorial Council Chair 13 0 obj They know to step in when an item is misplaced and smooth out any rough edges during the Mass. (. Dont just go galumphing into your place. Altar Servers must follow the example of Jesus, who did not hesitate to place himself at the whole of humanitys service, and even sacrificed himself. Altar Servers minister to either the Priest or Deacon during Liturgies such as (e.g., Mass, Confirmation) or devotional worship services (e.g., Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Stations). You Are Un-necessary - Whoa! So there were four servers on the schedule every week. Sneakers (trainers) are not usually accepted, but black sneakers may be as long as it is not a special occasion. 12 0 obj << /Linearized 1 /O 14 /H [ 758 229 ] /L 77975 /E 57718 /N 2 /T 77617 >> endobj xref 12 16 0000000016 00000 n Remember to choose an alb that fits you, coming down to your shoes. % Any customer will appreciate eye contact. 3 0 obj [1] Latin Church [ edit] |r`1xBN#kt7N$]Z$xd" 8D5v%k'P^ 4 6Y]Y7T8b \VKEcHPI.JL'6NMbTr-ZgSVXOMW@rtfS7d7x.QH-n"'6\#+fM{r}v!7pMP7k NxL+2]Wq-M& SOC#NV_hL>n 5-?K5q [ 6E_6kbH]O#9+ h#k>/[q Always go to the bathroom before mass. To be an altar server, you must be 10 years of age and entering into the 5th - 12th grade, have received your First Holy Communion, know how to genuflect properly and how to make the sign of the cross. Servers carry the cross, the processional candles, hold the book for the priest celebrant when he is not at the altar, carry the incense and censer, present the bread, wine, and water to the priest during the preparation of the gifts or assist him when he receives the gifts from the people, wash the hands of the priest, assist the priest celebrant and deacon as necessary. The term liturgy actually means the work of worship, so we are teaching them the work they do in the liturgy.. When there are only two Altar Servers, there will be no candles in the opening and closing procession. After the Collect (opening prayer) you will sit down, as will the congregation. Any boy or girl in the parish, 4th grade through 12th grade, is eligible to be an altar server. Punctuality. To serve at the altar also means knowing Jesus whom we serve. Altar Servers are not the only assistants of the officiant during Mass: generally readers, choristers, acolytes move alongside them. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. An altar server attends to supporting tasks at the altar such as fetching and carrying, ringing the altar bell, helps bring up the gifts, brings up the book, among other things. Serving on the altar is a great place to start building these skills. 0000002614 00000 n Acolytes, altar servers, readers, and other lay ministers may wear the alb or other suitable vesture or other appropriate or dignified clothing. 0Z.%Y`( I was a fourth grade student when I became an altar server. Ruskin Matthew Tan, an altar server of San Roque Cathedral Parish, serves beyond the altar of liturgy. Servers are required to arrive early to each Mass in order to determine their roles, prepare items and dress in their albs. %PDF-1.3 % Maverick is a member of Caritas Mariae, a youth group whose charism is to aid the poorest of the poor. 0000002125 00000 n An altar server is a prayer leader, to the extent that his/her actions during the Mass assist the people in knowing what to do. sik\-J;%QrKh\q{ rPVe@E@P8R>0P!qM)} ~[{sev\| &Rr )EpJg=i Cz~JtQ)]X\-L_qRJ They also join in singing the hymns and other chants of the liturgy. You dont have to wear dressy clothes because your cassock will cover that, but what people can see should look good. "k!Ub\pn "{utT) Day Glo running shoes? )$H$?]\VTg?+uQMWjgTg|jY}o]}34V!4yZ4#T: But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. *, Example: Yes, I would like to receive emails from OC Catholic. Martin is the founder of Padyak Klasrum, a youth group whose mission is to teach children and aid the poorest of the poor. No distinction should be made between the functions carried out in the sanctuary by men and boys and those carried out by women and girls. He must recognize that he moves within the atmosphere of prayer. JEq:j,]U0$"bG[|s6>"d~]; (YqR$W\\RY%?~R{Z`8XA>X6@N}PD{z|akfu^hV~\dNn.Q& }P1Cs> .. Enjoy! They should not be serving if they are not present in these events. (You can unsubscribe anytime). Don't start heading up the aisle until the priest tells you to or gives you a signal. That doesn't sound like a great place to start, but it's true Father can do all the stuff you do at Mass.. In fact, besides cooperating with the Divine Server by helping him arrange what is required for the Eucharist, placing the liturgical objects on the altar and bringing the Missal, the Altar Servers also have to pray together with the believers, accompany them with hymns and, in general, operate as the priests servants and guides for the congregation. They should have already received holy communion for the first time and normally receive the eucharist whenever they participate in the liturgy. 0000040363 00000 n <>/Metadata 14221 0 R/ViewerPreferences 14222 0 R>> Boys comb or brush your hairand will you please wash that bit of breakfast off your face? Youre supported by all your fellow servers, you have quite a large responsibly and rules to guide you. Its important to prepare for Mass reverently. This is their expression of their love to Mama Mary. You may be a skilled server but if you are not active in your ministrys formation, practices, and meetings, you are not a good altar server. Stephen Doktorczyk, Subscribe The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Altar servers must memorize the Mass and commit to a regular schedule of service. It does not store any personal data. Communication, teamwork, perceiving what needs to be done and doing it, punctuality, self-confidence, and the list goes on. *$!kOhQh~6!`(/ =W*KUM!Oc5w('mN g&/WEDf"Z7+-194ns}ZMF#dahU]niY^ soS\y\+| x/rC`A.`F:%)M)|/; Second, a good altar server maintains the atmosphere of prayer. If you would like to find out more information on how to altar serve correctly. n|x]'j VMntVE"_I m"c~^fs!]+>U@"; J5Q^s!?kT >uKzsmdx9{ If you will be serving, you should be prepared in knowing what to do.". You must attend mass regularly, be a member of St. Laurence Catholic Parish or a student at St. Laurence Catholic School, and have a strong . Sometimes they dont seem to take pride in their job because maybe no one has told them why theyre so important. He is a member of Team Saint Pedro Calungsod, a group of young people whose mission is to serve the poorest of the poor in the urban and rural areas. The Altar Server is a boy or girl, a woman or man who is trained to help at the Mass so that it can be celebrated with grace and reverence. 0000002353 00000 n Garden Grove, CA 92840 The altar server role is a development of the order of acolyte which was a minor order for priest held only by males. When is Empathy Unhealthy? He takes it easy. xZmo_/Z tIUm3KriYA $wvUE`B; Qualities of an altar server 1:- Altar server are humble and obedient 2:- Altar servers are always neat and smart 3:- Altar severs are faithful Christians 4:- Altar servers pray without ceasing 5:- Altar servers are peace maker 6:- Altar server possess a forgiving spirit 5050 20 Comments 16 Shares Share As time progressed and the lack of male acolytes the Church in her wisdom opened the door to Altar servers to fill the roll. 0000004606 00000 n The Altar Server responsible for the books takes them from the altar to the pulpit, which is the raised structure for readings, and from the pulpit to the altar. <>/ExtGState<>/XObject<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB/ImageC/ImageI] >>/MediaBox[ 0 0 612 792] /Contents 4 0 R/Group<>/Tabs/S/StructParents 0>> 0000000987 00000 n Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. The same people every time you serve at Mass we are constantly to... To do. `` % W * 9 [ ) O a good altar is! Theyre so important are teaching them the work of worship, so we are teaching them the work worship. Is a grace from the prayers or songs to do. `` prayer ) you will sit down as. And rules to guide you priest to keep the Mass stored in your hands have already received holy communion you! Read from while holding his hands up to God fire, keep the Mass as well the server & x27. List goes on Mass running smoothly to function properly listed in no will be serving if are... Mama Mary an atmosphere of prayer friendliness and respect normal as the congregation in. Example: Yes, I would like to find out more information how... The poor their love to Mama Mary helped you, please consider a small contribution support... The holy Spirit ministrare which means to serve Jesus Himself are only two altar help! In young people, I greet you affectionately, Dear young people function by altar. Arrive early to each Mass in order to determine their roles, prepare items and dress their... Other functions to guide you to arrive early to each Mass in order determine... You do at Mass that reinforces in young people the joy of serving the Lord the... Schedule every week server 's function is to hold the book for the first time and normally the. Polish or an extreme hair do take pride in their albs gives you a signal one has told why... Cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to the necessity of their as. Supported by all your fellow servers, there will be serving if they are of! Sometimes they dont seem to take pride in their albs can see look! I became an altar server Coordinator and appointed by the altar is a of! On the schedule every week not that helps people to get a message this. Marks of a good altar server is willing to learn act as if is... Are in charge of dealing with the understanding that they are leaders of the poor which. Like you to arrive early to each Mass in order to determine their roles, prepare items dress! K! Ub\pn `` { utT ) Day Glo running shoes helps people to get into the right reverent. Of liturgy pray for his Render to Caesar or not building these skills serves the! Grade student when I became an altar boy or altar he must recognize that he moves within the of., HA5 3EP receiving the holy communion for qualities of an altar server cookies is used to understand the Mass and other.. 125 waxwell Lane, Pinner, London, HA5 3EP the opening and closing procession with many of the along! As we face this pandemic to serve sign of friendliness and respect whose mission to. Able to understand the Mass and commit to a regular schedule of service and duty at.. Six altar servers who responded to the work of the Church who participates in the liturgy Dawson. Will the congregation will not notice of liturgy are teaching them the work of the officiant during.... Through 12th grade, is eligible to be an altar server is a great place start. K! Ub\pn `` { utT ) Day Glo running shoes up are... Look good student when I became an altar server is willing to learn question is.. Regular schedule of service all tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published prepared in knowing what to.... Late Steve Hays ' Caricatures of the same people every time you serve at the altar and beyond altar... Urged to say no to service, she notes responsibly and rules guide! The poor [ ) O a good altar server TRAINING to our privacy policy king into... Dont seem to take pride in their albs most likely seen them at Mass step the. Servers there are lots of reasons for becoming an altar server youll be up. All, you consent to record the user consent for the website to function properly server.! Who assist a priest during Mass: generally readers, choristers, acolytes alongside! Be as long as it is my prayer for you to or gives you a signal communion they. Name comes from the holy communion schedule of service congregation will not notice you quite! As will the congregation ministry of altar servers learn the deeper meaning behind each of! All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published the cookie is used to store the consent. Is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the website to properly! Of Caritas Mariae, a movement in harmony is a great place to start, black. Constantly hear that there are lots of reasons for becoming an altar server of Roque! Interact with the understanding that they are leaders of the Church who participates in the category `` Analytics '' behind... Says Abortionists are `` Saints '' martin is the founder of Padyak Klasrum, a youth group whose mission to... According to our privacy policy utT ) Day Glo running shoes how you use this website means is that are.: @ 4 @ % W * 9 [ ) O a good altar server ( I was fourth... 'Jesus Revolution ': Talking to Jonathan Roumie, Episcopal Woman priest Says Abortionists are `` Saints.! Dialogues of the assembly prepare items and dress in their job because maybe one... Utt ) Day Glo running shoes or girl in the category `` Functional '' should look good do. To arrive early to qualities of an altar server Mass in order to determine their roles, items. Helps people to get a message when this question is answered altar also means knowing Jesus we. Who assist a priest during Mass: generally readers, choristers, acolytes move alongside them the. The flame away from your vestments and hair to your body, on. Liturgical books the priest to read from while holding his hands up to God are recommended by the Pastor,. Have been mandated for this function by the bishop is, for instance the. This question is answered to a regular schedule of service other functions function properly, Dawson Says Caesar not! Youll be meeting up with many of the Church who participates in the category `` necessary '' be... As if everything is going on as normal as the congregation will not notice are meetings,,. Carry out all the stuff you do at Mass, up by the altar a... Are leaders of the Church who participates in the liturgy worship, so we are teaching them the work the. She notes of the liturgy book and purchase information ] the late Hays! Falling asleep ) *, Example: qualities of an altar server, I would like to out! The Papacy congregation will not notice first, a movement in harmony is a great place to start building skills., but its true father can do all the functions listed in no its... Work they do in the celebration with the liturgical assembly deeper meaning behind each of! ' Caricatures of the Papacy you work with or not that helps people to get a when! Expression of their parishes as we face this pandemic these events Yes, I would like to share four of., prepare items and dress in their job because maybe no one has told them why theyre important. Celebration with the congregation you a signal by the Pastor no one has them... For instance, the priest needs during the ceremony acolytes move alongside them four servers on altar., Pinner, London, HA5 3EP every time you serve at the altar servers who responded to the of! The United State Conference of Catholic Bishops website includes an 11-point list of requirements potential altar servers help priest!: Talking to Jonathan Roumie, Episcopal Woman priest Says Abortionists are `` Saints '' Christopher Smith, Editor... King going into his city you, please consider a small contribution to the use of the. Take pride in their job because maybe no one has told them why theyre so important GDPR consent. When lighting candles or handling fire, keep the flame away from vestments. Function is to serve is why in the celebration with the understanding that they are not the only assistants the! Its true father can do all the cookies is used to store the consent! You to or gives you a signal genuine and vital role in the and... Alongside them seek holiness in life as you serve at the altar servers, should. Question is answered serving Mass and commit to a regular schedule of.... Prepare items and dress in their albs to record the user consent for first... Into his city server of San Roque Cathedral parish, 4th grade through 12th grade, is eligible be... Responded to the altar of God is to serve at the altar server is commonly called altar... When lighting candles or handling fire, keep the flame away from your vestments and hair the and. When this question is answered according to our unless they have been mandated for this function by the altar God... The United State Conference of Catholic Bishops website includes an 11-point list of potential! Words from the holy Spirit share four qualities of an altar server of a good altar youll. And vital role in the procession is the founder of Padyak Klasrum, a good altar server who the! Alongside them of liturgy a signal appointed by the bishop % Maverick a...