Assistance at the altar by servers represents a long liturgical tradition. These servers enhance the quality of celebration for the whole gathered assembly, by taking part in processions and by ensuring that all items required for the celebration are available at the appropriate moment. Most children who serve find it an enjoyable and rewarding experience, as it enables them to contibute to the liturgy of the Mass in a very meaningful way. 

Who can be an altar server?
Altar servers are baptized Catholic boys and girls, fifth-grade and up, who are mature enough to understand and carry out their liturgical functions. They should have received their first Holy Communion and normally receive the Eucharist whenever they participate in the liturgy.

What do alter servers do?
Altar Servers are boys and girls, who are designated to assist the priest at Mass. Ordinarily, they are responsible for the cross, the candles, the incense and the censer. They hold the book for the priest, they assist the priest during the preparation of the gifts, and the washing of the hands of the priest. In general, they assist the priest when necessary. Altar servers participate, not only in their distinctive ministerial functions, but also together with the worshiping Assembly.  As you can see, being an altar server is an important leadership role in the celebration of the Mass.

What is altar server formation?
Alter server formation is both technical and spiritual. Altar servers need to know the individual parts of the Mass and their specific meaning, the various objects used in the liturgy and their proper names, and the differing functions of the altar server during Mass and other liturgical celebrations, e.g., baptisms, funerals, weddings, and other devotions. They need to understand their functions as a generous service to God and God's people. Finally, they should be prepared to exercise their functions with reverence and proper decorum.

When is alter server training offered?
Training is offered beginning in late spring, each year. The training focuses on knowing and understanding all the parts of the Mass, the role of reverence in liturgy and the server presentation and responsibilities.

Altar Server Schedule
The schedule is provided to each altar server family.

How can parents help?
We count on parents to encourage and invite their fifth graders and older sons and daughters to consider being altar servers. There is no better way to learn about Jesus and our faith than by participating in the Mass, hearing God's Word and receiving the Bread of Life. Parents are asked to convey to their children the importance of serving God as an altar server

Parents' responsibilities
Parents are asked to be aware of the schedule, make sure that altar servers arrive at Church on time, and help arrange substitutes when they are not available.  Explain to your children the importance of good conduct while serving. The Sanctuary is very sacred, and serving there requires the utmost respect. The altar servers are models to others in the congregation. Children should attend any practice sessions for the special Masses of different liturgical seasons. This is especially important for the younger children.