Altar Server

An Altar Server is a member of the assembly who assists the priest and deacon during the Eucharist and other liturgical ceremonies 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 are first and foremost members of the assembly. The server expresses this by singing, praying, and keeping silence along with the rest of the assembly.

Altar Servers are expected to have received the Sacraments of Baptism and Eucharist and have completed fourth grade. Additionally, Altar Servers are expected to be appropriately prepared, committed to giving their time and talent to their parish community, and willing to serve God’s people. They should be able to understand the Eucharistic celebration and the other sacred rites.

As servers give of themselves to help the priest and people worship better, they also receive God's help and blessing. Pope John Paul II once told a group of servers who came to visit him, Serving at the Eucharistic table and at the various liturgical celebrations, you draw directly 'from the wells of salvation' the strength necessary to live well today and then also to face your future more energetically.

Servers, like other ministers at Mass, receive God's help for their important service.