Altar Servers
To be an altar server is a special honor and a great privilege in the Catholic Church. Altar servers today can trace their roots or genealogy to the order of Acolyte, a ministry that once was reserved only for those who were going to be ordained priests. One can look upon being an altar server as a specil and unique ministry by which you, a young person, can help to spread the word and the love of Christ through your actions and words. It is not difficult to be an altar server, but there are some things that you must know and remember.
The primary role of the altar server is to assist the priest in the celebration of the liturgy during Mass. This is done through specific actions and by setting an example to the congregation by active participation in the liturgy by their actions, singing of hyms, responses of the people, looking alert and sitting or standing at the appropriate times.
General Requirements
Must be in 4th grade or older.
Servers will be required to vest in alb and cincture as directed.
Close worn under an alb should be such that they so not have patterns, pictures, stripes, checks or any other design, which will show through the alb.
Required Basic Knowledge of the Mass
A server candidate is required to know the principal prayers of the Mass: The Gloria, Our Father, Nicene Creed, Lamb of God, Lord, I am not worthy and Holy, Holy, Holy.
All candidates should be able to recite the basic flow of the mass. They must learn this so as to later perform their tasks at the proper times. They should be taught the use of all the liturgical items they will be handling and the purpose of each item.
All candidates must demonstrate their ability to make use of the "tools of the trade" such as matches, candle lighters, books and candles, processional cross, preparation of credence table, chalice, mass colors, etc.