WHAT IS AN ALTAR SERVER?Altar Servers are part of a very ancient tradition in the liturgical life of the church. The Eucharistic Celebration is a taste of Heaven here on earth. Your children will be given the blessed opportunity to experience what it means to Serve the King of all Kings, Our Lord Jesus Christ front and center. Altar Servers are true examples of what we as parishioners must be like when in Christ's presence.
ALTAR SERVERS RESPONSABILITIES:Servers carry the cross and the processional candles. They hold the book for the priest celebrant when he is not at the altar. They carry the incense and censer and present the bread and wine along with the water to the priest during the preparation of the gifts or assist him when he receives the gifts from the people. Servers assist in the washing of hands by the priest, and assist the priest and deacon as necessary. In the absence of a sacristan, the servers may prepare the altar and sacred vessels before Mass.
On special occasions the number of servers varies according to the nature of the celebration. Altar servers will learn to assist at special liturgical celebrations, as at the Easter Vigil and at Confirmation when the Bishop presides. The primary focus of the altar server is to assist the Priest Celebrant during the Sunday Mass. This assistance by the Altar Servers allows the congregation to concentrate and participate better in the music, the prayers, the proclamation of Scripture, and most especially, the beautiful Liturgy of the Eucharist. IS THERE A FEE?No! There is no fee or membership to enroll your child.
WHO IS ALLOWED TO ALTAR SERVE?The server is a member of the assembly who assists the priest and deacon during the Eucharist and other liturgical ceremonies so that the liturgy can be conducted with grace and reverence. Servers should be active and full participants in the celebration with the understanding that they are first and foremost members of the assembly. The server expresses this by singing, praying and keeping silence along with the rest of the assembly.
Ideally, servers are fully initiated Catholics. Altar servers must have received the Sacraments of Baptism and Eucharist; youths who have not been confirmed may serve. Servers normally receive the Eucharist whenever they participate in the liturgy. The minimum age and scheduling procedures are left to the pastor’s discretion. Servers are expected to be appropriately prepared, committed to giving their time and talent to their parish community, and willing to serve God’s people. They should be able to understand the Eucharistic celebration and the other sacred rites. HOW DO I ENROLL MY CHILD TO SERVE?The process of enrollment is easy. If you are a parent or guardian that would like your child to be an Altar Server then fill out the form below. All Altar Servers along with their parent or guardian must attend an Altar Servers Meeting on the first Sunday of every month.
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Cristina PachecoAltar Server Coordinator
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