Grace Thompson
Altar servers are an integral part of Catholic Mass, assisting the priest and deacon. They are chosen from those who show a desire for a more intimate union with God and Jesus Christ. Altar servers are responsible for ensuring that the candles in the sanctuary are lit, carrying the cross, holding the book for the priest, and carrying incense and censers, among other duties. To train an altar server, it is important to first understand the Mass and its parts, the various objects used, and the functions of the server during the Mass and other liturgical celebrations. Servers should be mature enough to understand their responsibilities and carry them out with reverence. They should also be instructed on proper attire, seating arrangements, and the importance of not causing distractions during the service.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of servers | At least one server should assist the priest. Two or more servers are required on Sundays and other important occasions. |
| Clothing | Acolytes, altar servers, readers, and other lay ministers may wear the alb or other "suitable vesture" or "other appropriate or dignified clothing". Girls can choose to wear a skirt or slacks. |
| Jewelry | Nothing that will make noise, distract, or cause problems while serving. Girls may wear "appropriate" earrings. |
| Duties | Carrying the cross, processional candles, holding the book for the priest, carrying incense and the censer, presenting the bread, wine, and water to the priest, washing the priest's hands, assisting the priest and deacon, etc. |
| Obligations | Participating in the liturgy, understanding the Mass and its parts, and the various objects and functions used during the Mass and other liturgical celebrations. |
| Restrictions | Servers may not distribute holy communion unless mandated by the bishop. They should not leave the sanctuary after the start of Mass except in emergencies or when instructed by the priest. |
| Seating | Servers should be seated in a place from which they can easily assist the priest celebrant and deacon. |
| Age | Servers should be mature enough to understand their responsibilities and carry them out well and with appropriate reverence. They should have already received holy communion for the first time. |
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What You'll Learn
- Altar server duties: Holding the book, carrying the cross, lighting candles, presenting bread and wine
- Altar server attire: Alb, vesture, cassocks, surplices, dignified clothing
- Qualifications: Maturity, reverence, received Holy Communion, proper formation
- Conduct: Be attentive, do not distract, sing, pray, say responses
- Prayer: Loving Father, Creator of the universe, you call your people to worship..
Altar server duties: Holding the book, carrying the cross, lighting candles, presenting bread and wine
Holding the book
The altar server holds the book, or the sacramentary, for the priest when he is not at the altar. The book should be held at a position and angle that make it easily readable. The height of the server will determine where they stand and how they hold the book. The server should come forward with the book for the opening prayer. After the prayer, the book is returned to the priest, and the server returns to their seat.
Carrying the cross
The altar server carries the processional cross. If there is only one altar server, they will carry the cross. If there are two, one will carry the cross, and the other will carry a candle. If there are three, one will carry the cross, and two will carry the candles. The cross bearer should take the processional cross to the back of the church and wait for the gifts to be brought forward.
Lighting candles
The altar servers are responsible for ensuring that the candles in the sanctuary are lit. If there are only two servers, no candles will be used, and the server will line up behind the cross bearer. If there are three or more servers, two will be candle bearers and will line up next to each other behind the cross bearer. The candles are lit before the choir begins to sing, and the candle bearers stand on either side of the altar, facing each other. One hand holds the base, and the other holds the stem of the candleholder. Once everyone has sat down, the candles are put back, and the servers return to their seats.
Presenting bread and wine
The altar server presents the bread, wine, and water to the priest during the preparation of the gifts. They may also assist the priest when he receives the gifts from the people.
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Altar server attire: Alb, vesture, cassocks, surplices, dignified clothing
The attire of altar servers is an important aspect of their role and should be dignified and appropriate. Acolytes, altar servers, readers, and other lay ministers may wear the alb, a vesture or other dignified clothing. The alb is a white tunic-like vestment, tied at the waist with a cincture. It is the sacred garment common to ordained and instituted ministers of any rank. If the alb does not cover the minister's ordinary clothing at the neck, an amice should be put on underneath. The alb may not be replaced by a surplice, and it is not to be worn over a cassock when a chasuble or dalmatic is worn or when only a stole is worn.
The alb is the preferred choice for altar servers, and all servers should wear the same liturgical vesture. However, there is flexibility in customs regarding albs or cassocks, and servers may wear other suitable vesture or dignified clothing. For example, in some places, altar servers wear the "Tarcisian", an off-white tunic with red stripes, or a coloured shoulder cape over the cassock. In Northern European countries such as Poland and the Baltic nations, a white surplice worn over street clothes without a cassock is common.
Cassocks and surplices are also worn by altar servers, with the cassock being a long, black garment and the surplice being white. These are typically stored in a closet, along with the other vestments, when not in use.
The specific attire for altar servers may vary depending on local guidelines and traditions, and it is important to refer to the instructions provided by the relevant diocese or parish.
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Qualifications: Maturity, reverence, received Holy Communion, proper formation
Maturity and reverence are essential qualities for an altar server. They should be mature enough to understand their responsibilities and carry them out with reverence and respect. Altar servers should also have already received Holy Communion for the first time and continue to receive the Eucharist whenever they participate in the liturgy.
Proper formation is crucial for altar servers. Before they begin their duties, they should undergo training that covers various aspects of the Mass. This includes instruction on the different parts of the Mass, the meanings of these parts, and the various objects used during the liturgy, such as the processional candles, incense, and censer. They should also be taught the functions they will perform during the Mass and other liturgical celebrations.
The training should equip altar servers with the knowledge and skills necessary to carry out their responsibilities effectively and respectfully. They should understand the importance of maintaining proper decorum and attire when serving Mass. This includes wearing appropriate vestments, such as the alb, or other dignified clothing as instructed.
Altar servers have specific duties during the Mass. They carry the cross, hold the book for the priest when he is not at the altar, present the bread, wine, and water to the priest during the preparation of the gifts, and assist in washing the priest's hands. They respond to the prayers and dialogues of the priest along with the congregation and join in singing the hymns and chants.
Additionally, altar servers should be seated in a position where they can easily assist the priest and the deacon. They may also be instructed on the symmetry of processions, ensuring that candle bearers are of similar height to maintain a visually pleasing arrangement. Overall, altar servers play a crucial role in the Mass and require a combination of maturity, reverence, and proper formation to fulfil their duties effectively.
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Conduct: Be attentive, do not distract, sing, pray, say responses
Altar servers are an important part of the Mass, and their conduct and behaviour should reflect the solemnity and sacredness of the occasion. While the altar server role may vary depending on the specific needs of the priest, there are some general guidelines that can be followed for training altar servers in Catholic churches.
Be attentive
Altar servers should be attentive and alert throughout the Mass. They should listen carefully to the proclamation of the Scriptures and be aware of any cues or signals from the priest or deacon that indicate they are needed. For example, after the Homily, the altar server should bring the chalices, purificators, and water cruet to the altar. During the Eucharistic Prayer, altar servers should kneel with the congregation and ring the bell when the priest elevates the Host and Chalice. At all times, they should be ready to assist the priest and deacon as necessary.
Do not distract
Altar servers should not distract the congregation with their actions or appearance. They should dress appropriately and move with reverence, walking in procession with their hands folded and eyes forward. They should maintain a prayerful posture at all times, with hands folded in their lap during the Sacristy.
Sing, pray, say responses
Altar servers have an active role in the Mass and are expected to participate in the singing, praying, and responses. They should join in singing the hymns and other chants of the liturgy. They should also pray along with the congregation and respond to the prayers and dialogues of the priest. When the choir begins to sing, altar servers carrying candles will go and retrieve their candles and stand on either side of the altar, facing each other. They should know the responses and say them out loud, even if they are the only ones speaking besides the priest.
Altar servers should approach their duties with dignity and reverence, understanding the importance of their role in the Mass. By being attentive, avoiding distractions, and actively participating in the service, altar servers can ensure that the Mass proceeds smoothly and reverently.
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Prayer: Loving Father, Creator of the universe, you call your people to worship..
Prayer: Loving Father, Creator of the universe, you call your people to worship, to be with you and each other at Mass. Help me, for you have called me also. Keep me prayerful and alert. Help me to help others in prayer. Thank you for the trust you’ve placed in me. Keep me true to that trust. I make my prayer in Jesus' name, who is with us in the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Altar servers are chosen from those who show a desire for a closer union with God and Jesus Christ. The altar server's role is a solemn one, requiring them to carry out their duties with dignity and reverence. Altar servers are generally boys and girls who have received their first communion and continue serving as long as they can.
Training for altar servers includes instruction on the Mass, its parts, and their meanings. They must also learn about the various objects used in the liturgy, such as the processional cross, candles, and the book for the priest celebrant. They should know the significance of each object and how to use them. For instance, altar servers are responsible for ensuring that the candles in the sanctuary are lit before Mass begins. If there is only one altar server, they carry the processional cross. If there are two altar servers, one carries the cross, and the other carries a candle, and if there are three, one carries the cross while two carry the candles. The ideal procession has symmetry, with the two candle bearers of roughly the same height.
Altar servers should also be taught about their functions during the Mass and other liturgical celebrations. For example, when the congregation stands for the opening hymn, altar servers move into the center aisle with the processional cross, and when the singing begins, they move forward slowly and with dignity. Upon reaching the altar, they pause, then move to place the cross and candles in their stands before moving to their assigned pews.
Altar servers also have specific roles during the Liturgy of the Eucharist. The "book bearer" comes forward for the opening prayer, holding the sacramentary at a position and angle that can be easily read by the priest. After the "Amen", the book is returned to the priest, and the book bearer returns to their seat. During the Liturgy of the Word, altar servers are to listen attentively to the Scriptures.
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Frequently asked questions
Altar servers are responsible for ensuring that the candles in the sanctuary are lit, carrying the cross, holding the book for the priest, carrying incense and censer, presenting the bread, wine, and water, and washing the priest's hands. They also sing, pray, and respond during the Mass.
Acolytes, altar servers, and other lay ministers may wear the alb or other dignified clothing. Girls can choose to wear a skirt or slacks, while boys should wear slacks. Noisy jewellery should be avoided.
Altar servers usually start after their first communion and continue for as long as they can. They should be mature enough to understand their responsibilities and carry them out with reverence.
