Fourth, a good altar server is willing to serve beyond the liturgical celebrations. A good altar server should always be ready to lead a prayer. My vocation to become a priest was enriched when I became an altar server at St. Marys Academy of Caloocan City. So there were four servers on the schedule every week. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Martin Panlaque, an altar server of San Roque Cathedral Parish, serves not just at liturgical celebrations but also to those who are in need. Albs can either catch fire or in some cases even melt and stick to your body, depending on their type. Catholic churches and information about Catholic schools within the London and Hertfordshire area and in the endstream They also join in singing the hymns and other chants of the liturgy. S mile. 13280 Chapman Ave. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Altar servers are REALLY important, but too often they dont know why. Proper Decorum means maintaining a dignified external appearance. This is our rallying sign! So you carry the cross silently and solemnly like a soldier in parade. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. <> Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world. 0Z.%Y`( A Candidate should fulfill the following requirements: Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve. Gigi Yabut. Always go to the bathroom before mass. <> How to Select a Saint for Your Confirmation Name, Visit a Catholic Mass: Etiquette for Catholics and Non-Catholics, Catholic Confession: How to Perform the Sacrament of Penance, How to Be an Altar Server in the Catholic Church, https://uploads.weconnect.com/mce/8b583aa0ac7f15508192f2ea1c56b9a07eb48e38/LiturgicalMinisterSchedules/Altar%20Server%20Handbook.pdf, https://www.kencollins.com/glossary/vestment-01.htm, https://www.holyart.com/blog/religious-items/roles-altar-servers/, https://stphilip.org/worship-liturgy/altar-servers/altar-server-guidelines/, http://www.stchrismi.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Altar-Server-Guidelines.pdf, http://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/the-mass/frequently-asked-questions/guidelines-for-altar-servers.cfm, Diventare Ministrante nella Chiesa Cattolica, Ser um Ajudante de Altar na Igreja Catlica. `7.C-seF+;.ysuZ4-KSyF9L@z/uBm+5`#Cb(AcIlc 'GAg\3 [book and purchase information] The late Steve Hays (please pray for his Render to Caesar or Not. Welcome Altar Servers, We thank you for responding to the call of the Holy Spirit to serve the St. Michael parish community as an altar server. When should I get the book for the priest to read? An altar server attends to supporting tasks at the altar such as fetching and carrying, ringing the altar bell, helps bring up the gifts, brings up the book, among other things. 9 0 obj Altar service is an important step in a young persons contribution to the work of the liturgy, Dawson says. One needs not to be extravagant in attaining this. % Punctuality. Some of the servers are in charge of dealing with the liturgical books the priest needs during the ceremony. That doesnt sound like a great place to start, but its true Father can do all the stuff you do at Mass. ALTAR SERVERS . In fact, besides cooperating with the Divine Server by helping him arrange what is required for the Eucharist, placing the liturgical objects on the altar and bringing the Missal, the Altar Servers also have to pray together with the believers, accompany them with hymns and, in general, operate as the priests servants and guides for the congregation. But in reality, these movements are not dance steps. Subsequently, the Ceroferari must accompany the priest during the proclamation of the Gospel, always standing on both sides. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. The altar server must not open the Missal nor turn over its pages. The suggested guidelineswhich predate the Apostolic Letter motu proprio Spiritus Domini (2021), opening the instituted ministry of acolyte to womenhave been slightly revised according to the third edition of the General Instruction of the Roman Missal. " TDVuO Hb```f`` @1pq L . Characteristics of an Altar Servera Server should be: Reverent while serving, so to be a prayerful example (and not a distraction) for the congregation. Servers must spring into action when mistakes are made. Other occasions, like processions, burials and blessings, allow the use of incense. By becoming an altar server you begin to learn these things and it makes all the symbols of the Mass so much more understandable and interesting. 11 0 obj Come properly dressed. Begin praying so you may serve God more and be closer to him. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. During the procession, their position is behind the Thurifer and at the sides of the Crociferi, the priest charged with carrying the cross. xZmo_/Z tIUm3KriYA $wvUE`B; Since the duties of the altar server can be divided among several servers, it is important that the pastor make sure that each server knows the specific duties for a specific liturgy. Such persons may carry out all the functions listed in no. Anyone who has received their First Holy Communion and is trained can be an altar server. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. This pandemic has given our parish, San Roque Cathedral Parish, a chance to start a SERVING AT HOME program for our young altar servers who are not yet permitted to serve within the parish due to quarantine restrictions. Through the cross, God becomes present and manifest amongst the gathered faithful, and once the cross is placed in the church, next to the altar, His presence is perceived more intensely than ever. The altar servers help the Priest throughout the liturgy. Are you an Altar Server? So do what you do reverently and carefully. U rgency. OUR LADY OF MERCY CHURCH . Do you aspire to become an Altar Server? If young, the server is commonly called an altar boy or altar girl. A parish can create an atmosphere of reverence and duty at Mass that reinforces in young people the joy of serving the Lord. ALTAR SERVER TRAINING MATERIALS - 1 2015 ALTAR SERVER TRAINING . They are movements of prayer. xMk@@aRo) CAu; This booklet contains an overview of the ministry. A sakristan must stand dignified while he is serving. The Eucharistic Prayer states. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. 0000040441 00000 n We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. We live in an environment where we are constantly urged to say no to service, she notes. Altar servers learn the deeper meaning behind each step of the liturgy. 0000004606 00000 n Altar Servers. Here are seven reasons why becoming an altar server might be one of the best things you could choose to do. CNS PHOTO/SAM LUCERO, THE COMPASS, usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/the-mass/frequently-asked-questions/guidelines-for-altar-servers.cfm, VALENTINE FUN AT ST. COLUMBANS WINTER FORMAL, CLERGY HONORED AT ANNUAL KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS DINNER, BE PERFECT, JUST AS YOUR HEAVENLY FATHER IS PERFECT, SANTA MARGARITCATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT-ATHLETES MAKE IT OFFICIAL. That is why, recently, when I was asked by an altar server seeking advice from my Tiktok account, I shared to them two things, First, Maintaining the atmosphere of prayer consists in having a proper decorum. Your commitment to the altar is not only a duty but a great honor, a true holy service. Altar Servers are not the only assistants of the officiant during Mass: generally readers, choristers, acolytes move alongside them. Not only during services, but also throughout everyday life, Altar Servers must live by following His example of love, generosity, commitment and precision. Servers should be seated in a place from which they can easily assist the priest celebrant and deacon. Girls tie your hair back neatly. Nothing about your appearance should draw attention to itself. T[tL)AJ+B This slowly changes your experience of the church community, from a group of random people you stand next to atMass, to a large and diverse family who you can meet and chat with every time you go and make you feel truly at home in your church. Theres no specific name for them, its usually a task performed by one acolyte, whos assigned to the missal and the lectionary the book containing passages from Holy Scriptures that are read during liturgical celebrations throughout the year, as well as the prayer books, and books of hymns, etc. (You can unsubscribe anytime). kERUuv\DtChm 0qK. Sneakers? Attentiveness. Thats why sometimes they show up late or dont show up at all. %PDF-1.3 In many Catholic churches, the priest likes to have three to six altar servers to help them do the Mass. s> \]9P 6 xrK7oE?q) 0000001624 00000 n Servers are required to arrive early to each Mass in order to determine their roles, prepare items and dress in their albs. They have to support the book whilst its being read, where this is necessary, and bring the lectionary and place it on the altar during the entrance procession. He must recognize that he moves within the atmosphere of prayer. endobj % of people told us that this article helped them. Servers respond to the prayers and dialogues of the priest along with the congregation. Stephen Doktorczyk, Subscribe The Altar Server is a boy or girl, a woman or man who is trained to help at the Mass so that it can be celebrated with grace and reverence. When you carry the cross solemnly at the head of the procession you are saying to all the faithful, See, we all are called to take up our cross and follow Christ. Read these other ninethings to find out what they are. Msgr. Attentive and a full participant in the Mass (not daydreaming, yawning, or falling asleep). St. Stephen is often depicted with stones, a Gospel Book, a miniature church and a martyr's palm frond. Responsibility. [1] Latin Church [ edit] The procession is you leading the people of God through the wilderness into the promised land. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The term "altar boys" should be replaced by "servers". In addition to giving the celebration the necessary solemnity, the passage of the Crociferi also serves a very strong symbolic function, particularly during funeral processions: in fact, the passage of the cross symbolises the passage from death to life, which involves all the faithful who are supporters. Furthermore, the minister should be comfortable inviting and/or directing others in a welcoming and . It would be distracting and disrespectful to be chewing or eating something before or during the Mass. Altar service contributes to a servers maturity as they learn lessons and put their knowledge into practice. endobj Morethan this though, by serving at the altar you pay more attention to the whole Mass to help you remember where your part fits in. His fingernails must be well trimmed. Follow the local custom when receiving the Holy Communion. The term "server" should be used for those who carry out the functions of the instituted acolyte. That is why in the ministry of altar servers there are meetings, practices, and formations. A good altar server must be sensitive to the necessities of their parish, wherever there is a need. 187 - 190 and no. The Caudatorio, or Train-bearer is the Altar Server charged with supporting the pastoral and the mitre, and to do this he wears the Vimpa, a long robe with pockets. The Altar Servers therefore carry out various tasks in the context of the Mass, and are named after them, to distinguish themselves from each other. Waxwell House, 125 Waxwell Lane, Pinner, London, HA5 3EP. HWr6}W`RNo$4M Serving at the Altar of God is to serve Jesus Himself. Punctuality. Any customer will appreciate eye contact. One needs to appear clean because as the saying goes, cleanliness is next to godliness. Sometimes robes simply go on over your head. If any of the albs are ripped or torn, let the priest or deacon know. The Altar Server retains a genuine and vital role in the liturgical assembly. Requirements for Altar Serving Candidates, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d3\/Be-an-Altar-Server-in-the-Catholic-Church-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Be-an-Altar-Server-in-the-Catholic-Church-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d3\/Be-an-Altar-Server-in-the-Catholic-Church-Step-1.jpg\/aid378464-v4-728px-Be-an-Altar-Server-in-the-Catholic-Church-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"