altarserver

To be an altar server is a special honor and a great privilege in the Catholic Church. Altar servers today can trace their roots to the order of Acolyte, a ministry that once was reserved only for those who were going to be ordained priests. Being an altar server is a special and unique ministry by which you, a young person, can help to spread the word and the love of Christ through your actions and words. Altar servers are not ordained; they are commissioned by their parish priest. The primary role of the altar server is to assist the priest and deacon in the celebration of the liturgy during Mass. This is done through specific actions and by setting an example to the congregation by active participation in the liturgy by your actions, singing of hymns, saying the responses of the people, looking alert and sitting or standing at the appropriate times. It is important to be sure that you, as an altar server, are attentive and sensitive to the presence of God during the Mass, and afterwards. God calls us to respond to his great love and mercy with a sense of reverence, wonderment and gratefulness. We must all help each other remember to show reverence to God at all times, but most especially when you’re serving. By serving Mass, you play a necessary role in the celebration of our most important form of community worship, the Eucharistic Liturgy where our loving Savior becomes present on the Altar, just as He was at the Last Supper and at Calvary. Serving requires your attention, your reverence, and your recognition of the duties that need to be performed. Servers have a solemn responsibility to do their assigned duties with dignity and reverence. Good Shepherd accepts boys and girls as Altar Servers who may start after their first communion and who have completed the third grade. They may continue even through college years. All people of good faith are welcome and those who think they may desire to serve are encouraged to do so. A desire to serve at the Altar of Our Lord is required.

Altar Server Ranks 

NOVICE SERVERS are just starting out

  •  A new server will remain at this rank for at least the first ten times of serving, as these beginners shadow and learn
  •  No Novice Server will be scheduled to serve unless accompanied by at least one other server in the Skilled level or above.

SKILLED SERVERS know the ropes

  •  These servers will remain at this level until they have completed the fifth grade and will be required to pass a written and practical test to move on to the next rank.
  •  Skilled Servers are typically young people who are still in elementary school but who have successfully served at least ten times.

MASTER SERVERS are the more mature and experienced servers

  •  These servers have passed the written and practical test and consistently exhibit competency in serving.
  • Master Servers have typically completed at least the fifth grade (i.e., they are usually in middle or high school).


SERVER ELITES
are handpicked leaders among leaders

  •  Their rank is designated by a simple cross worn around their neck.
  •  All Server Elites are in high school, they are chosen and challenged by the chaplain, and they have agreed to serve, at least until they graduate from high school.

General Requirements 

  •  Altar Servers should be baptized Catholics, who have received their first Holy Communion.
  •  Altar Servers should be individuals who strive to live a moral and faithful life, and they should be persons who regularly receive the sacraments (especially the sacrament of reconciliation)
  •  Altar Servers can be male or female but should be mature enough to understand their responsibilities, and carry them out with appropriate reverence.
  •  Altar Servers should be able bodied individuals, capable of ascending steps and carrying precious vessels, and they should have no visible tattoos.
  •  Altar Servers should be well instructed in what they are called to do, including proper decorum and attire.
  •  They should receive Holy Communion at the Masses at which they serve, so they should go to confession regularly.
  •  They should be able to respond appropriately to the parts of the Mass, as well as sing the songs/chants of the liturgy.

Required Basic Knowledge of the Mass 

  •  An Altar Server is required to know the principal prayers of the Mass: The Gloria, Our Father, Nicene Creed, Lamb of God, Lord, I am not worthy and Holy, Holy, Holy.
  •  Altar Servers should be able to recite the basic flow of the Mass. An Altar Server must learn this so as to later perform his/her tasks at the proper times.
  •  Altar Servers will be taught the use of all the liturgical items they will be handling and the purpose of each item. See the end of this manual for definitions.
  •  Altar Servers must demonstrate the knowledge, and ability to make use, of the “tools of the trade” such as matches, candle lighters, books and candles, processional cross, preparation of credence table, chalice, mass colors, etc.
  •  Altar Servers should know how to make the sign of the Cross and how to genuflect correctly.

Dress Code 

  •  Dark (preferably black or brown) dress shoes for young men; black, brown or white during appropriate seasons for young ladies.
  •  No sandals, high heels, platform shoes or gym/tennis shoes.
  •  Do not wear anything (including jewelry) that will make noise and/or will be distracting or that will cause you to have problems serving. No visible high collars. Girls may wear “appropriate” earrings.
  •  Hair should be neatly cut and trimmed, appropriate for boys and girls. Ladies, kindly pull back long hair so it is not in your face.
  •  Gentlemen, your trousers should be dark. All Altar Servers should be careful of colored shirts, dresses, or garments with bold patterns or logos worn under the alb or cassock and surplice: they should not show through the alb or cassock and surplice.
  •  Servers should wear an appropriately sized alb or cassock which should come to the top of your shoes.

If you are interested in applying to become an Altar Server, please complete the  Altar Server Application Form   and return to the office.