About Altar Servers
From apostolic times, altar servers have always had a
place in the celebration of the Mass, as well as other liturgical rites.
Surely from the very beginning of the celebration of the Breaking of Bread,
there were those who prepared for the celebration, assisted at the table,
and put things back in order afterwards. Both men and women have been a part
of the ancient tradition of service at the liturgical experience of the
Church.
Even today, serving at the altar could once again be a
source of inspiration for a young man to begin thinking about the
priesthood, or a young woman to develop an interest and love for the vowed
religious life.
First and foremost, the server, like all other liturgical
ministers, is a participating member of the assembly who assists the priest
and/or deacon during the Eucharist and other liturgical rites so that the
liturgy can be conducted with grace and reverence. Servers should be active
and full participants in the celebration with the understanding that they
facilitate leadership within the liturgical assembly. The server models the
activity of the assembly, and by singing, praying and keeping silence, can
enhance the worship of the gathered community.
Ideally, servers should be fully initiated Catholics.
Altar servers must have received the Sacraments of Baptism and Eucharist;
however, youths who have not been confirmed may participate as servers. The
recommended minimum age for young people is about the fifth grade.
Servers should be committed to giving their time and
talents to their parish community, and demonstrate their willingness to
serve God's people in this ministry through appropriate preparation and
dignified participation. Appropriate, neat clothes and grooming on the part
of servers adds to the solemn and dignified character of Mass. Servers
should give evidence of an appreciation and understanding of the celebration
of the Eucharist and the other sacred rites, and their role in these rituals
as altar servers.
The role of server has often been divided into the
jobs/functions of cross bearer, incense bearer, book bearer, and candle
bearer. The number of servers at any particular Mass varies according to the
solemnity of the celebration.
Note well that the tasks of the server can vary depending
upon local circumstances (including the differing styles of individual
priests).
