Who are we?
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.
When can I join the altar servers?
An altar server can by anyone who has received First Holy Communion.
Do I need to know all the parts of the Mass?
An Altar Server candidate is required to know the principal prayers of the Mass: the Gloria, Our Father, Nicene Creed, Lamb of God, etc. to demonstrate they have sufficient interest in being a Server.
What else should a Server know?
All Altar Servers will be trained! Eventually you will know the definitions of the liturgical items and their purposes. In addition:
- 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, chalices, mass colours, etc.
- All candidates must be able to demonstrate their ability to genuflect, make the sign of the cross and show an understanding that their genuflecting (bowing) is in reverence to the presence of Jesus Christ.
What else is an Altar Server required to do?
- The Alter Server’s duty is to set up for Mass. You must be willing to get to Church early, usually 15 minutes, to perform the appropriate setup for your parish.
- The Server must also stay after Mass to return the Church to its non service condition.
- Altar Servers are on duty from the time they enter the sanctuary at the start of mass until the priest exits at the end of mass.
Liturgical Colours
White - Symbolizing joy and purity, is worn on the feasts of the Lord, the Blessed Virgin, angels, saints who are martyrs, the Holy Cross, the Apostles and Pentecost.
Red - Symbolizing love, is worn on the feasts of the martyrs, the Holy Cross, the Apostles and Pentecost.
Green - Symbolizing hope, is worn on Sundays after Epiphany.
Purple - Symbolizing penance is worn during Advent, Lent, on the vigils outside of Easter season and on Rogation days.
Black - Symbolizing death or mourning, is worn for Masses of the dead.
Rules and Guidelines
“I will go to the altar of God, for God gives joy to my youth”
FUNCTIONS
- To serve at all assigned Masses, other services and when called upon.
- To attend meetings and training sessions
- To assist the sexton before and after the various liturgical services.
- To keep all the vessels used at mass clean.
APPEARANCE AND ATTENDANCE AT MASS
- Must always be on time for mass; AT LEAST 15 MINUTES BEFORE.
- Gowns must be kept clean and ironed.
- Dress in a manner that is appropriate for Church; males – a shirt, soft dress pants and a pair of dress shoes. Females – tops /dresses must be loose and at a suitable length for church (no skin showing); knees must be covered at all times, a pair of comfortable shoes.
- There must be no wearing of caps/hats or excessive jewelry.
- Appearance is a vital part of being a proper young lady or a proper gentleman. In addition to that, ensure that your hair is well groomed, and your clothes clean and ironed.
DISCIPLINE
- Liming on the Church’s compound before and during Mass is definitely not allowed.
- Silence must be maintained at all times in the sacristy before Mass, on the altar during Mass and especially when the Blessed Sacrament is exposed.
- All unnecessary movement on the altar is not tolerated.
- All Altar Servers are to participate in the Mass (singing hymns, saying the responses etc.)