:Upv8*)/:I@&b~)A")G6{s_H& ucme&Ue5]u8) r65Hm]DLE'yju9U:p6`g.- 2. Servers should be mature enough to understand their responsibilities and to carry them out well and with appropriate reverence. 0Z.%Y`( These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Through the cross, God becomes present and manifest amongst the gathered faithful, and once the cross is placed in the church, next to the altar, His presence is perceived more intensely than ever. The role of Altar Servers is particularly delicate if we think of them as representing a point of union between those who celebrate the Mass and the believers who have gathered to hear it. Senior Servers have usually completed the seventh grade and shown extraordinary service. In solemn ceremonies, there are also a few Altar Servers whose task is to play the altar bell, whose purpose in the past was to draw the attention of the faithful during the most salient moments of the ceremony. Regarding this service, I would like to suggest some points for your reflection. The Guild of St. Stephen was founded in 1904 by Father Hamilton McDonald when he formed a society of altar servers at the Convent of the Sacred Heart (now Woldingham School) in London. The server must be able to understand the Mass as well the server's role in the celebration. A parish can create an atmosphere of reverence and duty at Mass that reinforces in young people the joy of serving the Lord. Or relay the message to someone that you are having trouble remembering and they can help you. Hes in it for the long run. As we mentioned when we were talking about the Ceroferari, the Crosifero or cruciferi is/are the minister charged with carrying a processional cross, or a cross mounted on top of a long pole, which usually leads religious processions. 0000000987 00000 n To even devout Catholics it appears simple, yet the Mass requires that its youngest participants fix their attention on the smallest details to ensure the ceremony flows seamlessly. They should consider whether they ought to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation ahead of time, and, if needed, make appropriate arrangements. It is a privilege to be called and a responsibility to be present and ready to serve! stream Are you an Altar Server? *$!kOhQh~6!`(/ =W*KUM!Oc5w('mN g&/WEDf"Z7+-194ns}ZMF#dahU]niY^ soS\y\+| x/rC`A.`F:%)M)|/; Everyone in the procession will genuflect (except if you are holding something in your hands. .1Sdoeq!}r%4N6\X#_0q itB}q?nB}7kkZ6EjEO4i(j2\P The Holy Eucharist calls us to love like Jesus. This is their expression of their love to Mama Mary. The procession is more than just walking into church The procession is an ancient religious ceremony in itself. Servers carry the cross, the processional candles, hold the book for the priest celebrant when he is not at the altar, carry the incense and censer, present the bread, wine, and water to the priest during the preparation of the gifts or assist him when he receives the gifts from the people, wash the hands of the priest, assist the priest . 3. By serving, the altar server grows in his/her own faith and devotion. Their age ranges from sevenupwards and theyre normally wearing robes which look very similar to that of the priests, but have you ever considered doing the same? Sneakers? 11. 0000054891 00000 n They know to step in when an item is misplaced and smooth out any rough edges during the Mass. The Altar Server picks up the Missal and presents it to the priest. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. . fDvmp$8f4@f4:$G4K ^>DI,G4K ($D# %rPwKgRf3BghL$ %#[D2A$ADs#/=^EH|gW'%b]"\({>aXoRc.G!y>j:(HaG2\ m6: Jy| Some turned out to be frontliners of the Church in distributing ayuda to the poor and helping out in the Social Action Initiatives of their respective parishes. In the procession, move at a stately pace. A good altar server should always be ready to lead a prayer. A good altar server attends practices before serving. We constantly hear that there are too many demands on us. endobj One needs not to be extravagant in attaining this. Furthermore, the minister should be comfortable inviting and/or directing others in a welcoming and . At the beginning of the Mass the altar servers process into the church with the Priest, and they bring religious symbols such as the cross or candles into the sacred space. Altar Servers minister to either the Priest or Deacon during Liturgies such as (e.g., Mass, Confirmation) or devotional worship services (e.g., Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Stations). Sneakers (trainers) are not usually accepted, but black sneakers may be as long as it is not a special occasion. trailer << /Size 28 /Info 10 0 R /Root 13 0 R /Prev 77607 /ID[<975d1b6e18683eed0aaaa03e77e48706>] >> startxref 0 %%EOF 13 0 obj << /Type /Catalog /Pages 9 0 R /Metadata 11 0 R /PageLabels 8 0 R >> endobj 26 0 obj << /S 64 /L 120 /Filter /FlateDecode /Length 27 0 R >> stream Editors note: The United State Conference of Catholic Bishops website includes an 11-point list of requirements potential altar servers must fulfill before service. One needs to appear clean because as the saying goes, cleanliness is next to godliness. 714.282.3000, Editorial Council Chair These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. They should have already received holy communion for the first time and normally receive the eucharist whenever they participate in the liturgy. <> Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). The reason why he serves must be his relationship with God, his prayer life. How to Select a Saint for Your Confirmation Name, Visit a Catholic Mass: Etiquette for Catholics and Non-Catholics, Catholic Confession: How to Perform the Sacrament of Penance, How to Be an Altar Server in the Catholic Church, https://uploads.weconnect.com/mce/8b583aa0ac7f15508192f2ea1c56b9a07eb48e38/LiturgicalMinisterSchedules/Altar%20Server%20Handbook.pdf, https://www.kencollins.com/glossary/vestment-01.htm, https://www.holyart.com/blog/religious-items/roles-altar-servers/, https://stphilip.org/worship-liturgy/altar-servers/altar-server-guidelines/, http://www.stchrismi.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Altar-Server-Guidelines.pdf, http://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/the-mass/frequently-asked-questions/guidelines-for-altar-servers.cfm, Diventare Ministrante nella Chiesa Cattolica, Ser um Ajudante de Altar na Igreja Catlica. A server should welcome customers warmly and in a friendly manner. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. endobj Even if you do something wrong, nobody in the congregation notices so basically its always a winning situation! You are not a mere display. When there are only two Altar Servers, there will be no candles in the opening and closing procession. With a great range of ages and experiences, youll meet some fantastic people youd probably meet nowhere else. Incense has always been used during religious ceremonies, to give them solemnity and sacredness. news, news about Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Catholic prayers, Catholic Mass Times and a church directory for If they are capable, a good altar server first studies it and volunteers later in such endeavors. I admire many altar servers who responded to the necessity of their parishes as we face this pandemic. If you will not be receiving Holy Communion, please do not serve. An altar server is a prayer leader, to the extent that his/her actions during the Mass assist the people in knowing what to do. He is the patron saint of Altar Servers, bricklayers, casket makers and deacons and his feast day is celebrated on December 26. Altar servers must memorize the Mass and commit to a regular schedule of service. INTRODUCTION These guidelines are intended to assist both new and experienced altar servers in understanding the important role that the altar server plays in the holy celebraon of the Mass.The dues and responsibilies of the server must be taken seriously. That is why, recently, when I was asked by an altar server seeking advice from my Tiktok account, I shared to them two things, First, Maintaining the atmosphere of prayer consists in having a proper decorum. Serving at the Altar of God is to serve Jesus Himself. Everything takes place whilst maintaining a proper attitude, carrying out tasks and repeating gestures that have been codified by centuries of tradition. (You can unsubscribe anytime). This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 0000000758 00000 n Begin praying so you may serve God more and be closer to him. Maintaining the atmosphere of prayer consists in having a proper decorum. Sign-Up to receive updated stories from OC Catholic. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. (. At that time two servers were scheduled for a two week shift; the first week we served the 6:30 Mass, the second week we served the 8:00 Mass. This pandemic has given our parish, San Roque Cathedral Parish, a chance to start a SERVING AT HOME program for our young altar servers who are not yet permitted to serve within the parish due to quarantine restrictions. Even if you are not discerning priesthood, by altar serving you learn so much more about the priest you work with. The Eucharistic Prayer states. 10 0 obj stream If you are carrying a candle, bow your head before the altar. Far and away the best reason to do altar serving is that it helps you discern your vocation better. It is not enough to serve at the altar, a good altar server must also encounter God through his prayers. The Caudatorio, or Train-bearer is the Altar Server charged with supporting the pastoral and the mitre, and to do this he wears the Vimpa, a long robe with pockets. Which I think was a beautiful time where it was tradition to have men serving along side boys and/or . Youd be surprised how the worship changes when the altar servers are top notch. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCBs) mission is to encounter the mercy of Christ and to accompany His people with joy. Altar Servers are not the only assistants of the officiant during Mass: generally readers, choristers, acolytes move alongside them. We live in an environment where we are constantly urged to say no to service, she notes. By focusing and understanding whats going on, the Mass can then lead you into a much deeper relationship with God and you feel the impact of Mass far greater! Its important to take time and take care. Remember, everything you do people are watching. Sometimes they dont seem to take pride in their job because maybe no one has told them why theyre so important. 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