The Ministry of Altar Server

The role of altar server provides an opportunity for young people to participate in a ministry of service within the celebration of the Eucharist. Altar servers have many tasks to perform but their focus is on helping the community to pray.

Participation in this ministry, like all liturgical participation, has its foundation in baptism. Servers are baptised members of the community who have received their first communion. Active participation as an altar server supports young people in their understanding of the liturgical rites and in their sense of active belonging to the parish community.

Role of the Altar Server

*  Servers serve God by assisting the community during the celebration of the liturgy and helping people to pray.

*  They set a good example by joining in the prayers and responses. They pray and sing with the worshipping community.

*  They listen carefully to the readings, the homily and the Eucharistic Prayer.

*  Servers show that the liturgy is a sacred event by being reverent and quiet, and by moving slowly. 

* Servers assist the priest during processions, rituals, gestures, at the chair and at the altar.

 * Servers work with the other liturgical ministers to effectively prepare and celebrate the rites of the Church.

 * They lead processions at the beginning and the end of the liturgy, carrying the cross, carrying candles, walking in procession.

 * They sometimes carry the thurible and incense.

 * They hold and carry vessels and sacred objects with skill, reverence and care.

Formation and Training

Proper training and formation for this ministry is extremely important.

The server must be familiar with the various elements of the liturgical event:

* Symbols: altar, ambo, font, water, oil, bread, wine

* Books: Missal, lectionary, gospel book, other books, prayer folder

* Sacred vessels: chalice and cups, paten, ciborium and bread vessels,

* What the server carries: processional cross, candles, thurible and incense, cruets and flasks, holy water bowl, candle, cross

* Altar linen: purifier, pall, corporal, pyx

* Other liturgical objects: holy oils, baptismal jug and towels, humeral veil, monstrance, tabernacle key, bells, tapers

* Vestments: alb, cincture, stole, cope, surplice

* Postures and gestures: kneeling, standing, bowing, genuflecting

* Responses and acclamations: Amen, Thanks be to God

* Processions in the liturgy: Entrance Procession, Gospel Procession, Presentation of the Gifts, Communion Procession

* Liturgical Seasons: Lent, Easter, Advent, Christmas, Ordinary Time.

Servers will need particular formation to learn how to serve at special times of the year like Christmas, Holy Week and Easter.

The Qualities of a Good Altar Server

* Servers are committed and keen to give their best for God and the Church.

* A reverent, unrushed and attentive attitude helps convey the sacredness of the ritual actions being celebrated.

* Servers are prepared to perform the duties assigned to them, thus contributing to the effectiveness of the celebration.

* Other people, particularly the priest, rely on servers. Reliability and punctuality are important.

* Servers should be always ready to learn and take instructions from others.

* A good server is a co-operative team player and works well with others.

* Servers arrive early so that tasks can be assigned and so that there is sufficient time for preparatory tasks.

* They choose a clean alb in the right size, wear appropriate footwear and are neat and tidy.

* They take a few moments before Mass to prepare themselves, to pause and think about what they are about to do and who they are going to serve, and to offer a quiet prayer to God.

The Book of Blessings offers a simple prayer of blessing over altar servers:

Bless our brothers and sisters who have responded to the needs of our parish and wish to commit themselves to your service as servers. Grant that their ministry may be fruitful and our worship pleasing in your sight.