Who is an Altar Server?

Our Lord said to his disciples that He came “not to be served, but TO SERVE” (Matthew 20:28) and He calls all Christians to follow His example. He didn’t say “some should be servants, others masters!”  We’re all called to be brothers and sisters of our Lord and of one another, all serving each other as He served all people when He came to tell us about His Father’s love and compassion. Altar Servers are simply doing some of their ‘serving’ in church, in a particular very useful way.

Who are you serving?

First of all, you are serving God and his Son Jesus. And you are serving the celebrant (the priest) too, by getting everything ready beforehand, by bringing to him what he needs during the Mass and putting things away afterwards, making it easier for him to carry out his particular form of ‘serving’ as the ‘celebrant,’ both before and during Mass and afterwards, when people may want to speak to him. And you are serving the whole congregation by enabling the Mass to go smoothly, so that everyone can take part in their various ways prayerfully, without any ‘hiccups’ or distractions.

 What’s next?

St. Paul writes, “There is one body, but it has many parts” and that not every part can be a hand or an eye (1 Cor 12:12). He stresses that we are all members of the body of Christ and that we each have a unique mission (vocation). Thus, not everyone is called to be an Altar Server. Therefore, we need to discern if the Lord is calling you to serve at the altar.

Discernment and Training

Training takes place on selected Saturdays at 10:30am. Those who display the appropriate qualities will be assigned to serve at the Saturday 9:15am Mass in order to further discern your suitability in this ministry.

It is important to note that serving at the altar is a great privilege and honour; it requires proper diligence and behaviour during the Mass. If it is discerned based on your training and serving that you are called to serve at the altar then you will be placed on the rota to serve at Mass on Sundays.

However, if we do not think you are called to serve at the altar then please do not feel rejected. It simply means that you may need to mature more in the qualities necessary to serve or that the Lord has other plans for you which you need to discern with your parents.

Three Promises of the Archconfraternity of Saint Stephen

1. To serve regularly at the times when I am asked.
2. To serve with care and reverence.
3. To serve with understanding.

Qualities looked for in an Altar Server

• Responsible in arriving 10 minutes before Mass to help with preparations; remembering to sign-in on the rota in the sacristy.
• Serious in performing assigned duties without complaining or fidgeting.
• Dedicated in serving well and when asked (i.e., not forgetting when you are on the rota); adhering to the dress code.
• Attentive during Mass (i.e., not looking downward or at parents) so that you know when you are needed.

Dress Code

• Black shoes only
• No jewellery or excessive make up
• Long hair must be tied back

Would you like to be an Altar Server?

If so then please speak to your parents about it, then downloaded the application via the button above (top of page). Once completed, please return it to the Parish Priest. You will be contacted regarding training, acceptance and other information. For more information, or should you have any questions, please contact us. Thank you for offering to serve!

May the Lord bless you and give you peace!