Are you interested in becoming an altar server at St. Mary?
What are the requirements?
- Grades 3rd-12th.
- You must be Baptized and have received First Holy Communion.
- You must be attending St. Mary Church on a regular basis
- You must be trained before serving. We provide the training!
- Fill out the permission form above.
What is an altar server and what is their purpose?
"Dear Altar Servers, you are, in fact, already apostles of Jesus! When you take part in the Liturgy by carrying out your altar service, you offer a witness to all. Your absorption, the devotion that wells up from your heart and is expressed in gestures, in song, in the responses: if you do it correctly and not absent-mindedly, then in a certain way your witness is one that moves people. The Eucharist is the source and summit of the bond of friendship with Jesus. You are very close to Jesus in the Eucharist, and this is the most important sign of his friendship for each one of us. Do not forget it." -excerpt from Pope Benedict XVI, Address to Altar Servers, August 2, 2006
The Altar Server's Ministry is a unique one in the Catholic Church. Other than priests and deacons, no one else is allowed to so closely play a part in the preparation of the Eucharist. Your participation as an Altar Server is special. When you serve the priests and deacons, you serve the people of God, and above all, you serve Christ.
Altar servers are assistants to the clergy (priests, deacons) during the celebration of the Holy Mass. Altar 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.
Altar servers respond to the prayers and dialogues of the priest along with the congregation. They also join in singing the hymns and other chants of the liturgy.
Their purpose is to use their God given talent to serve God during the Most Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. It is a privilege and an honor.
