Joshua Bennett
Altar servers are chosen from those who show a desire for a more intimate union with God and Jesus Christ. Altar servers have a solemn responsibility to perform their assigned duties with dignity and reverence. To be an altar server in the Catholic Church, candidates should have made their First Communion and know how to genuflect and make the sign of the Cross. They should also wear presentable shoes and refrain from wearing noisy jewellery. Altar servers should arrive at church at least 20 minutes before Mass begins and visit Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament in the Chapel. They should also talk to other altar servers to determine who will carry the candles and be the Crucifix-bearer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of altar servers | Three to six |
| Gender | Any, as long as the church agrees |
| First Communion | Should have been made |
| Knowledge | Genuflecting, making the sign of the Cross |
| Clothing | Smart, presentable shoes, no noisy jewellery, hair tied back |
| Timing | Arrive 20 minutes before Mass |
| Preparation | Visit Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, remove gum or candy from mouth |
| Robes | Alb, cassock, cotta/surplice |
| Duties | Leading the procession, carrying candles, being the Crucifix-bearer |
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What You'll Learn
- Requirements: Candidates should have made their First Communion and know how to genuflect and make the sign of the Cross
- Clothing: Wear smart shoes and presentable, distraction-free clothing. Tie back long hair to avoid candles
- Timing: Arrive 20 minutes before Mass. Visit the Blessed Sacrament and remove gum or candy
- Robing: Put on your alb correctly. Albs should be girdled with a cincture and reach your shoes
- Procession: Altar servers carry candles and one is the Crucifix-bearer
Requirements: Candidates should have made their First Communion and know how to genuflect and make the sign of the Cross
To become an altar server in the Catholic Church, there are a few requirements that candidates should meet. Firstly, candidates should have received their First Communion. This is an important milestone in the Catholic faith, marking a person's first reception of the Eucharist, and it is typically after this that individuals can become altar servers.
In addition to having made their First Communion, candidates should also possess knowledge of certain fundamental practices. Specifically, they ought to know how to genuflect and make the sign of the Cross. Genuflecting is an act of reverence and respect, where one briefly kneels with one knee touching the ground. In the Catholic tradition, this is done before the Eucharist, which is believed to be the body and blood of Christ, as well as before the Cross. The sign of the Cross is another fundamental Catholic practice where one traces a cross on their body, typically using their right hand, often accompanied by the words, "In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit."
These requirements are essential because altar servers play a crucial role in assisting the priest during Mass. They are chosen based on their desire for a closer union with God and are entrusted with solemn responsibilities that must be carried out with dignity and reverence. Therefore, it is important for candidates to have a foundational understanding of these key practices before embarking on their role as altar servers.
It is worth noting that while these are the primary requirements, there are other considerations as well. For instance, altar servers are expected to dress appropriately, with smart and presentable shoes, and their hair tied back if it is long. Additionally, they should arrive early before Mass begins and refrain from chewing gum or eating during the service.
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Clothing: Wear smart shoes and presentable, distraction-free clothing. Tie back long hair to avoid candles
While serving at the altar in a Catholic church, it is important to wear distraction-free clothing and smart, presentable shoes. Altar servers are representatives of the church and are expected to dress modestly and appropriately.
For footwear, smart shoes are recommended. Avoid trainers, high heels, or flip-flops, as these can be noisy and may cause tripping hazards. As an altar server, you may be required to walk up and down aisles or stand for extended periods, so ensure your shoes are comfortable and suitable for walking on different surfaces.
In terms of clothing, presentable and distraction-free attire is key. Avoid wearing noisy jewellery or anything that may distract the congregation or interfere with your duties. If you are a girl, you may wear "appropriate" earrings, and you have the option to wear a skirt or slacks. It is important to check with your parish or diocese for specific clothing guidelines, as some may have different expectations or requirements.
Long hair should be tied back to avoid any potential hazards, especially if you are carrying candles. Loose hair can get caught in objects or, worse, catch fire from lit candles. Tying your hair back helps ensure your safety and reduces distractions during the service.
Remember, the focus should be on serving the altar with dignity and reverence, so dress modestly and appropriately to respect the solemnity of the occasion.
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Timing: Arrive 20 minutes before Mass. Visit the Blessed Sacrament and remove gum or candy
Timing is an important aspect of being an altar server in the Catholic Church. It is recommended that altar servers arrive at church at least 20 minutes before the Mass begins. This allows enough time to prepare and get ready for the service. Arriving early also gives you the opportunity to visit Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament in the Chapel. The earlier you arrive, the more time you will have to get settled and centred before the Mass starts.
As you enter the church, remember to remove any gum or candy from your mouth. Chewing or eating during the Mass can be distracting and disrespectful. It is important to show respect and reverence during the service, and removing gum or candy upon arrival helps to ensure that you are fully present and focused on your duties as an altar server.
Being punctual and well-prepared is key to successfully fulfilling your role as an altar server. By arriving early, you can ensure that you are ready and composed before the start of the Mass. This also allows you to take care of any last-minute preparations, such as checking your attire and ensuring that your hair is neatly tied back, especially if you are handling candles during the service.
Additionally, arriving 20 minutes early gives you the opportunity to connect with other altar servers and members of the clergy. This time can be used to coordinate duties, discuss any last-minute changes, and ensure that everyone is on the same page. Effective communication and teamwork are crucial aspects of altar serving, and arriving early facilitates this collaborative environment.
In summary, arriving 20 minutes before Mass begins allows altar servers to prepare, visit the Blessed Sacrament, and remove any gum or candy from their mouths. This helps to ensure a smooth and respectful service, where altar servers can focus on their duties and fully participate in the Mass with reverence and dedication.
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Robing: Put on your alb correctly. Albs should be girdled with a cincture and reach your shoes
To be an altar server in the Catholic Church, you must know how to robe properly. This includes wearing an alb, a long, white tunic that falls to your shoes. The alb is a basic baptismal garment that may be worn by clergy and laity alike. It is important to wear it correctly, as it is a symbol of purity and resurrection.
Firstly, locate the sacristy in your church, where the altar serving albs are stored. Take an alb that fits you well and ensure it reaches your shoes. Then, put on the alb by buttoning or zipping it up, or simply pulling it over your head. Make sure the alb is securely fastened and will not fall off during the service.
Next, girdle the alb with a cincture. A cincture is a rope or belt that holds the alb together. Choose a cincture that is not too long or too short and that matches the length of the other servers' cinctures. The cincture can be a natural colour or one that corresponds to the church season. For example, a green cincture may be worn for a service after Epiphany or Pentecost.
Finally, check that your alb is neat and tidy. The alb should be free of any rips or tears, and the cincture should be securely tied. If there are any issues with your alb, inform the priest or deacon so that they can provide assistance or arrange for repairs. Remember to remove any gum or candy from your mouth before the service begins, as it would be disrespectful to be chewing during the Mass.
By following these steps, you can ensure that you are properly robed as an altar server in the Catholic Church, demonstrating respect for the sacred rituals and traditions of the faith.
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Procession: Altar servers carry candles and one is the Crucifix-bearer
The number of altar servers in a procession depends on the traditions of the parish. Typically, there are three to six altar servers in a Catholic church. If there are only two altar servers, no candles will be used, and the server will line up behind the Crucifix-bearer. If there are three or more servers, two will be candle bearers and will line up next to each other behind the Crucifix-bearer. Altar servers should always have their hands joined during the procession.
The candle bearers proceed to their position on the left side in front of the pews and remain there until the priest kisses the altar. They then go up the steps to the left of the altar and put the candles on the counter in the room behind it. The candles should remain lit throughout the Mass. The Crucifix-bearer walks to the right of the Baptismal Font, along with the candle bearer on their right.
Once you arrive at the sanctuary, genuflect if you are not carrying anything. If you are carrying a candle, bow your head before the altar, being careful not to tilt the candle forward and spill hot wax. Then proceed to your seat, where you should stand. When going around the altar, ensure that you and your partner go around on alternate sides. One should go around the left of the altar, and the other should go around the right.
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