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Altar Servers
Altar Servers
Altar servers are lay Catholics who serve at the altar during Mass and other liturgical services, such as weddings, funerals, or sacramental celebrations like Benediction. Historically called "acolytes" (a minor order in the pre-Vatican II Church).
Altar servers are often young boys who have received First Holy Communion and are trained to assist in worship.
- Patron Saint: Common patrons include St. John Berchmans (for youth servers) or St. Tarcisius, a young martyr who died protecting the Eucharist.
- Purpose: To serve God and the community by aiding the clergy, fostering spiritual growth, and encouraging vocations to priesthood or religious life among young servers.
Roles and Responsibilities
Altar servers perform various duties during liturgical services, including:
- Carrying Processional Items: Holding the cross, candles, or thurible (incense) during entrance and recessional processions.
- Assisting with Liturgical Items: Preparing the altar (e.g., placing the chalice, paten, or missal), holding the Roman Missal for prayers, or presenting water and wine for the Eucharistic preparation.
- Supporting the Priest: Ringing bells during the consecration, assisting with incense, or washing the priest’s hands (lavabo).
- Other Services: Helping with baptisms, funerals, or devotions like the Divine Mercy Chaplet.
Servers wear liturgical vestments, such as albs, cassocks, or surplices, often with a cincture.
Structure and Organization
- Membership: Open to children and teens (and sometimes adults) who are baptized, have received First Communion, and are trained in liturgical roles. Altar servers are organized into a parish society with elected officers (e.g., president, secretary) and regular meetings.
- Training: Servers undergo training on liturgical rubrics, reverence, and practical tasks, often led by a senior server.
- Activities: Beyond Mass, they may participate in retreats, prayer groups (e.g., reciting the Divine Mercy Chaplet), or parish events like feasts of St. Tarcisius.
