Fourth, a good altar server is willing to serve beyond the liturgical celebrations. U rgency. 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. 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. On these occasions in particular, the role of the Thurifers becomes extremely important. When lighting candles or handling fire, keep the flame away from your vestments and hair. The server must be able to understand the Mass as well the server's role in the celebration. 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. Once an Altar Server puts on the Cassock and Surplice, their conduct always must be professional and reverent. They count to attain the perfect movement. Pope Francis acknowledged the important role of altar servers during a special evening meeting and prayer that drew 9,000 youth from throughout Europe to St. Peters Square in early August 2015, according to the National Catholic Reporter. 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. Servers should receive proper formation before they begin to function. Candidates should have made their First Communion. 5. One needs to appear clean because as the saying goes, cleanliness is next to godliness. 0000002353 00000 n The term liturgy actually means the work of worship, so we are teaching them the work they do in the liturgy.. ALTAR SERVER TRAINING MATERIALS - 1 2015 ALTAR SERVER TRAINING . Attentive and a full participant in the Mass (not daydreaming, yawning, or falling asleep). This is great because it allows you to both fully appreciate his human side while also appreciating much more the sacramental grace hes been given in holy orders! Home Religion The roles of Altar Servers. Wearing smart clothes is not imperative as the congregation cannot see what you are wearing. As your friendship develops, youll end up having many friends who all share your faith and this can lead to some brilliant conversations and great memories. n|x]'j VMntVE"_I m"c~^fs!]+>U@"; J5Q^s!?kT >uKzsmdx9{ When walking or sitting, hands should be held in one of two positions, locked together either at the chest or waist. <> He is the patron saint of Altar Servers, bricklayers, casket makers and deacons and his feast day is celebrated on December 26. They also join in singing the hymns and other chants of the liturgy. Their role is recognized by the Conciliar Constitution as an integral part of the liturgic office, and as such demands conduct and behaviour from those who serve that is in keeping with it. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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. |zeG`zWz(+!Ju8CR4 G{@rwByiT. 0000001140 00000 n By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Servers are required to arrive early to each Mass in order to determine their roles, prepare items and dress in their albs. Gigi Yabut. 'Jesus Revolution': Talking to Jonathan Roumie, Episcopal Woman Priest Says Abortionists are "Saints". Once you arrive at the sanctuary, genuflect if you are not carrying anything. the altar, you should learn all matters concerning liturgical worship and strive to grasp their inner spiritual meaning. Qualities of Senior Servers include: A demonstrated knowledge of all the gestures and actions proper to their function as Altar Servers. Altar Servers minister to either the Priest or Deacon during Liturgies such as (e.g., Mass, Confirmation) or devotional worship services (e.g., Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Stations). The following guidelines were prepared by the Committee on the Liturgy and presented to the National Conference of Catholic Bishops for discussion at the June 1994 Special Assembly on Thursday, June 16, 1994. Albs can either catch fire or in some cases even melt and stick to your body, depending on their type. The altar server retains a genuine and vital role in the liturgical assembly. Day Glo running shoes? Senior Servers have usually completed the seventh grade and shown extraordinary service. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. They carry the candlesticks with the candles in their hands, and, having reached the end of the procession, place them on the sides of the altar. Participating as altar servers allows boys and girls the satisfaction of functioning as part of the liturgical team, explains Katie Dawson, director of faith formation for the Diocese of Orange. Although once prohibited in the Catholic Church, female altar servers are now allowed to serve provided that the diocesan bishop and the parish priest allow the practice. "k!Ub\pn "{utT) stream I became a loyal altar server following the server schedule printed in the bulletin when it was my turn. Maintaining the atmosphere of prayer consists in having a proper decorum. T[tL)AJ+B You may be a skilled server but if you are not active in your ministrys formation, practices, and meetings, you are not a good altar server. If something goes wrong, don't show it! If young, the server is commonly called an altar boy or altar . i,BZDL ;R h`=sp rs!MZV#nl@>yn's:T4?5v1S A national survey of men being ordained priests found that three-quarters of new priests were at one time altar servers. news, news about Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Catholic prayers, Catholic Mass Times and a church directory for Its important to take time and take care. Remember, everything you do people are watching. endobj 2023 United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Although institution into the ministry of acolyte is reserved to lay men, the diocesan bishop may permit the liturgical functions of the instituted acolyte to be carried out by altar servers, men and women, boys and girls. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Acolytes, altar servers, readers, and other lay ministers may wear the alb or other suitable vesture or other appropriate or dignified clothing. 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. My parish priest then at Sacred Heart of Jesus Morning Breeze, Caloocan City was Fr. Some heeded the call to volunteer for the Social Communications Ministry to livestream our liturgical celebrations. 5 0 obj We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Particularly solemn ceremonies, such as on the occasion of important religious feasts, will require a bigger number of Altar Servers. Its important to prepare for Mass reverently. Some turned out to be frontliners of the Church in distributing ayuda to the poor and helping out in the Social Action Initiatives of their respective parishes. During processions, the Navicularius walks alongside the Thurifer, so much so that sometimes both roles can be merged into a single Altar Server. a mature Christian - qualities that transcend chronological age. A good altar server may not come by age. Benefits of being an altar server. Always go to the bathroom before mass. When is Empathy Unhealthy? When there are only two Altar Servers, there will be no candles in the opening and closing procession. Characteristics of an Altar Servera Server should be: Reverent while serving, so to be a prayerful example (and not a distraction) for the congregation. Even if you are not discerning priesthood, by altar serving you learn so much more about the priest you work with. The place of the Altar Server in liturgical celebrations remains one of prominence and distinction. 0000004606 00000 n % of people told us that this article helped them. This is proper etiquette that is required. Since the role of server is integral to the normal celebration of the Mass, at least one server should assist the priest. JEq:j,]U0$"bG[|s6>"d~]; (YqR$W\\RY%?~R{Z`8XA>X6@N}PD{z|akfu^hV~\dNn.Q& }P1Cs> .. Far and away the best reason to do altar serving is that it helps you discern your vocation better. You're supported by all your fellow servers, you have quite a large responsibly and rules to guide you. My vocation to become a priest was enriched when I became an altar server at St. Marys Academy of Caloocan City. Such persons may carry out all the functions listed in no. by Fr. All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Altar Serving is a great way to begin to see that beauty more fully in both priesthood and religious life. <>/ExtGState<>/XObject<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB/ImageC/ImageI] >>/MediaBox[ 0 0 612 792] /Contents 4 0 R/Group<>/Tabs/S/StructParents 0>> LMYWx~8X=5o_? 9cMo6]#5aE3k{V. 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. <>/Metadata 14221 0 R/ViewerPreferences 14222 0 R>> If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. Serving at the Altar of God is to serve Jesus Himself. My parish priest then at . Serving at the altar, the pope told the young people, is a privileged way to draw closer to Jesus, which in turn enables you to open yourselves to others, to journey together, to set demanding goals and to find the strength to achieve them.. Servers respond to the prayers and dialogues of the priest along with the congregation. %PDF-1.3 0000001624 00000 n .pL28, UL_$w\bQatf5Ez_Z~(>IilPs"P[wzw6I~i\MMl_G`\uqn}@!G9] 2LgJ|LIOh,4ntp_ PJgy^rx7 JyoVr1[uS'dp;n rG%g2\O}80-R0TSbJap>-9T!qK2U!`M2U*| Altar servers must memorize the Mass and commit to a regular schedule of service. Ofomah Stephen. A parish can create an atmosphere of reverence and duty at Mass that reinforces in young people the joy of serving the Lord. It is not enough to serve at the altar, a good altar server must also encounter God through his prayers. It is a concrete way of participating in the community of faith.. And many more forms of serving beyond the altar. Don't start heading up the aisle until the priest tells you to or gives you a signal. At the beginning of the Mass the altar servers process into the church with the Priest, and they bring religious symbols such as the cross or candles into the sacred space. Martin Panlaque, an altar server of San Roque Cathedral Parish, serves not just at liturgical celebrations but also to those who are in need. Often the Thurifer accompanies a Navicularius, the Altar Server assigned to the incense boat. 0000054891 00000 n Girls tie your hair back neatly. I admire many altar servers who responded to the necessity of their parishes as we face this pandemic. Try to wear it at around the same length as the other servers, but if you are unsure, again, ask a member of the clergy. 0000040363 00000 n An Altar Server is a member of the Church who participates in the celebration with the understanding that they are leaders of the assembly. After receiving communion, servers will return to their seats. This is our rallying sign! So you carry the cross silently and solemnly like a soldier in parade. Maverick is a member of Caritas Mariae, a youth group whose charism is to aid the poorest of the poor. You Are a Silent Witness As soon as you come to church twenty minutes before Mass starts and you put on your cassock and start to help set up for Mass you are saying by your actions to everyone at church, Look, its important to come early. Some of the servers are in charge of dealing with the liturgical books the priest needs during the ceremony. Altar servers must memorize the Mass and commit to a regular schedule of service. Poise. It is a privilege to be called and a responsibility to be present and ready to serve! Your role, through your actions and conduct, is to bring the assembly to a fuller understanding of the liturgy and a greater love for God. After the Collect (opening prayer) you will sit down, as will the congregation. Enjoy! St. Stephen is often depicted with stones, a Gospel Book, a miniature church and a martyr's palm frond. This goes back to the Old Testament when they used to go into procession up the hill to Jerusalem and into the temple of God. These are fruits of my reflections as an alumnus of the Ministry of Altar Servers of our Parish, a former pontifical server of San Carlos Seminary, and now, an ordained priest presiding the liturgy at the altar. stream 0000000667 00000 n This is commonly known as a sign of friendliness and respect. The altar server's function is to hold the book for the priest to read from while holding his hands up to God. One needs to appear clean because as the saying goes, cleanliness is next to godliness. 12 0 obj << /Linearized 1 /O 14 /H [ 758 229 ] /L 77975 /E 57718 /N 2 /T 77617 >> endobj xref 12 16 0000000016 00000 n The function of the Ceremonieri and Caudatario, How to become a deacon: duties and education, 10 liturgical lectern covers for your church, Ecclesiastic hierarchy within the Catholic Church, Saint Matthew, apostle, evangelist and martyr, Mind-Blowing Statistics About Christianity You Need to Know, Way of the Cross for children: how to tell your child about the 14 stations, The apparitions of Our Lady of Guadaloupe. The place next to the priest is normally reserved for the deacon. Believe it or not that helps people to get into the right, reverent frame of mind for worship. 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. The ministry of altar server is present for young men to develop their relationship with God but an altar server must be able to go an extra mile in spending time, praying alone with God. Not only during services, but also throughout everyday life, Altar Servers must live by following His example of love, generosity, commitment and precision. Since my mom serves as the Worship Commission head at our parish, she volunteered myself to become an altar server of our parish to which my parish priest accepted. Perhaps God is calling you to serve at the Altar. Sure, swinging the censer (the smelly incense thing) is kind of fun but why is it that we do it? Editors note: The United State Conference of Catholic Bishops website includes an 11-point list of requirements potential altar servers must fulfill before service. In the history of the Church there have been many characters who could represent the ideal model for Altar Servers, like Saint Tarcisius, who lived in the era of the first Christian communities in Rome and was killed by his pagan peers because he had made himself available to carry the Blessed Sacrament to Christians prisoners, or Saint Dominic Savio, who had Saint John Bosco as a teacher and guide, and devoted his (unfortunately short) life to his brothers and the community. As we mentioned when we were talking about the Ceroferari, the Crosifero or cruciferi is/are the minister charged with carrying a processional cross, or a cross mounted on top of a long pole, which usually leads religious processions. They should not be serving if they are not present in these events. S mile. You may bow your head, however). >Kl gd}fC]~]#yP!h'hHA7rf4 (. They know to step in when an item is misplaced and smooth out any rough edges during the Mass. Characteristics of a Server . Waxwell House, 125 Waxwell Lane, Pinner, London, HA5 3EP. Stephen Doktorczyk, Subscribe Subsequently, the Ceroferari must accompany the priest during the proclamation of the Gospel, always standing on both sides. Even if you do something wrong, nobody in the congregation notices so basically its always a winning situation! Follow the local custom when receiving the Holy Communion. Phillippe Angelo Garcia My vocation to become a priest was enriched when I became an altar server at St. Mary's Academy of Caloocan City. The altar server role is a development of the order of acolyte which was a minor order for priest held only by males. They learn to serve with love and to perform the smallest details beautifully. A movement in harmony is not just through our unified steps, a movement in harmony is a grace from the Holy Spirit. 4. Remember to get a good night's sleep first - there's nothing worse for a congregation to look at than a tired server! Their age ranges from sevenupwards and theyre normally wearing robes which look very similar to that of the priests, but have you ever considered doing the same? His fingernails must be well trimmed. He must recognize that he moves within the atmosphere of prayer. To serve at the altar also means knowing Jesus whom we serve. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. In 1994, the Vatican's Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments said that a bishop could allow women and girls to be altar servers, though that role is distinct from . This means they are called to serve as prayer leaders within their families. endobj Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Contact If you are carrying a candle, bow your head before the altar. Usually the priest will open the book and change the pages. You Are Un-necessary - Whoa! However, you can consent to just necessary cookies by clicking "Necessary Cookies Only". You dont have to wear dressy clothes because your cassock will cover that, but what people can see should look good. 0Z.%Y`( This is their expression of their love to Mama Mary. Thats why sometimes they show up late or dont show up at all. *$!kOhQh~6!`(/ =W*KUM!Oc5w('mN g&/WEDf"Z7+-194ns}ZMF#dahU]niY^ soS\y\+| x/rC`A.`F:%)M)|/; Here are ten things you should tell your altar servers: 1. These are the candle holders who bear the candles. There are lots of reasons for becoming an Altar Server. Youre better than that! In certain cases the roles are interchangeable, but, as a rule, each of the participants keeps up his / her role, carries out his / her duties and actively participates in the celebration. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. E ye contact. endobj Qualities of an altar server 1:- Altar server are humble and obedient 2:- Altar servers are always neat and smart 3:- Altar severs are faithful Christians 4:- Altar servers pray without ceasing 5:- Altar servers are peace maker 6:- Altar server possess a forgiving spirit 5050 20 Comments 16 Shares Share Begin praying so you may serve God more and be closer to him. 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. 1 0 obj I was a fourth grade student when I became an altar server. 12 0 obj 3 0 obj We live in an environment where we are constantly urged to say no to service, she notes. They are movements of prayer. c'FV8C-"k7f8 The Eucharistic Prayer states This is my body which will be given up for you This is my blood which will be shed for you These words are meant to be translated into action by serving beyond the liturgical celebrations. The term "server" should be used for those who carry out the functions of the instituted acolyte. kERUuv\DtChm 0qK. So have good posture and move easily and slowly. What this means is that you are doing something in the liturgy which is MORE than just useful. After the priest or deacon sings or says the dismissal, all of the servers will move to the entrance to the sanctuary in their pairs, usually in the same order that they processed up in. It is my prayer for you to seek holiness in life as you serve at the Altar and beyond the Altar. 3. That is why in the ministry of altar servers there are meetings, practices, and formations. Turn and process to the back of the church by walking up the main aisle. No distinction should be made between the functions carried out in the sanctuary by men and boys and those carried out by women and girls. Every vocation (whether marriage, consecrated singlehood, religious life or priesthood) is awesome and leads us to a greater and deeper understanding and relationship with God. stream The formation should include instruction on the Mass and its parts and their meaning, the various objects used in the liturgy (their names and use), and the various functions of the server during the Mass and other liturgical celebrations. To be an altar server, you must be 10 years of age and entering into the 5th - 12th grade, have received your First Holy Communion, know how to genuflect properly and how to make the sign of the cross. Other occasions, like processions, burials and blessings, allow the use of incense. The procession should therefore be done at a stately pace with solemnity and dignity. Its helpful for young teens and tweens to become part of the altar-serving ministry because its the most significant way to make a meaningful contribution to the liturgy, Dawson says. They wait for signs and even words from the prayers or songs to do this and that. |r`1xBN#kt7N$]Z$xd" 8D5v%k'P^ 4 6Y]Y7T8b \VKEcHPI.JL'6NMbTr-ZgSVXOMW@rtfS7d7x.QH-n"'6\#+fM{r}v!7pMP7k NxL+2]Wq-M& SOC#NV_hL>n 5-?K5q [ 6E_6kbH]O#9+ h#k>/[q %PDF-1.3 % If you don't know the words, sing the title or main verse over and over, or stand quietly. HWr6}W`RNo$4M During the procession, their position is behind the Thurifer and at the sides of the Crociferi, the priest charged with carrying the cross. The altar servers help the Priest throughout the liturgy. Do not dump them on the floor of the cupboard, which is disrespectful to your church custodians. A good altar server must recognize that the Holy Mass should be translated into action as a way of offering up our lives in real life. By taking up a responsibility at Mass you start to recognise more and more people in the church in general. YD=D: But in reality, these movements are not dance steps. Come properly dressed. Most priests' first memories of serving the Lord are as altar servers. Careers Workplace and Religion Columnists, Recreation Outdoors and Religion Columnists, Religious Music and Entertainment Columnists, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Biblical Support for the Authority of the Pope, Explaining Mary Redemptrix to an Evangelical. The custom of carrying the cross in a procession is very ancient. Incense has always been used during religious ceremonies, to give them solemnity and sacredness. 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. Are you an Altar Server? Read these other ninethings to find out what they are. The ministers serving the altar also have to prepare the water and purificator with which the celebrant washes his hands. A good solution would be to check with what the senior servers are doing and follow suit. He takes it easy. 0000000758 00000 n Sign-Up to receive updated stories from OC Catholic. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. :Upv8*)/:I@&b~)A")G6{s_H& ucme&Ue5]u8) r65Hm]DLE'yju9U:p6`g.- One needs not to be extravagant in attaining this. Sometimes robes simply go on over your head. " TDVuO Candidates should know how to make the sign of the Cross. <> Being an altar server instructs children in order, care and poise. #/Ffr GN An altar server assists the priest preparing for Mass and at the altar. fDvmp$8f4@f4:$G4K ^>DI,G4K ($D# %rPwKgRf3BghL$ %#[D2A$ADs#/=^EH|gW'%b]"\({>aXoRc.G!y>j:(HaG2\ m6: Jy| 13 0 obj A Critique of Unfettered Do you care about the feelings of others? (. At that time two servers were scheduled for a two week shift; the first week we served the 6:30 Mass, the second week we served the 8:00 Mass. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. <> 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. Actions Speak Louder Than Words You should should look good for Mass. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. The Priest will open it and the server will stand holding the book in the proper position. Brown boots? That draws attention to yourself. Sometimes they dont seem to take pride in their job because maybe no one has told them why theyre so important. <> The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCBs) mission is to encounter the mercy of Christ and to accompany His people with joy. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". <> Remember to choose an alb that fits you, coming down to your shoes. *, Example: Yes, I would like to receive emails from OC Catholic. 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. 6 Ask to be trained. This means offering up ones life. You Are Un-necessary Whoa! \TI\Y@*;*- >WB *yt mmf^o2 'R\n'gfs(/9w" \ `z.;+N6rF8Ie^>z*r4vr The procession is you leading the people of God through the wilderness into the promised land. FATIMA, Portugal (CNS) Being an altar server should be a "profession of faith" to the entire parish community, Pope Francis told young men and women participating in Portugal's annual altar. So this is a counter-cultural message: If God gives you a chance to make a contribution, its a good thing to say yes.. The procession is more than just walking into church The procession is an ancient religious ceremony in itself. Here are ten things you should tell your altar servers: 1. 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. As Pope Paul VI would say, they are invited to be little priests in their families. He is a member of Team Saint Pedro Calungsod, a group of young people whose mission is to serve the poorest of the poor in the urban and rural areas. Perhaps most important, Dawson notes, altar service encourages youngsters to consider others needs before their own and encourages their contributions to the greater good. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. The best preparation is to pray. Once they arrive at the altar, the Crocifero lays the cross next to him and sits down. On Sundays and other more important occasions, two or more servers should be employed to carry out the various functions normally entrusted to these ministers. Responsibility. If young, the server is commonly called an altar boy or altar girl. 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":"