The Privilege of Being an Altar Server

To serve at the altar of God is a great privilege and a tremendous blessing. When an altar server dons the cassock and surplice, he joins the ranks of many great saints who began their journey of serving God as altar servers and later lived saintly lives in various vocations. Entering the sanctuary, the altar server also joins the ranks of the angels who attend the Holy Sacrifice and adore Almighty God. It is fitting for the server, privileged with this role, to proclaim as he approaches the altar of God that it is God who gives joy to his youth.

Moreover, altar servers must follow the example of Christ, who placed Himself at the service of all humanity and sacrificed Himself for us. This spirit of service should extend beyond liturgical duties to everyday life, exemplifying Christ’s love, generosity, commitment, and precision. Altar servers are Christ’s friends, filled with enthusiasm and a willingness to participate in the Church’s activities through their contributions of love and devotion.

Throughout Church history, many saints serve as ideal models for altar servers. Saint Tarcisius, who lived during the early Christian communities in Rome, was martyred by his pagan peers while carrying the Blessed Sacrament to Christian prisoners. Saint Dominic Savio, guided by Saint John Bosco, devoted his short life to his brothers and the community. By imitating these saints, altar servers deepen their love for serving Christ.

Requirements to Become an Altar Server at the Chaplaincy

Qualifications

• Servers or their families must be registered members or regular attendees of our chaplaincy.
• Servers must actively practice the Catholic faith and regularly receive Holy Communion.
• Servers must be at least 7 years old.
• Servers who are 18 years or older must have a valid Working with Children Check or Working with Vulnerable People card.
• Servers should participate in regular training sessions and gatherings.
• Servers must arrive on time when scheduled to serve.
• Servers must be willing to memorize the responses in Latin.

Intentions

New servers must meet with the priest to discuss their motivations for serving. Altar servers should serve out of a personal calling to service, not due to pressure from parents or others. If a server feels pressured, they should inform the priest, who will help determine the right time for them to start serving. Servers must be prepared to meet the commitments required of them and understand the principles of Devotion, Dedication, and Discipline.

Knowledge

New servers must become familiar with the Mass, understanding its importance and the events that take place. Before serving, they must demonstrate knowledge of the Order of Mass, the prayers, and the postures and responses. Training will cover these aspects, as well as the use of liturgical tools such as matches, candles, candle lighters, books, and setting up vestments.

Attire and Physical Appearance

• Dark dress shoes, dark socks, and dark trousers (not shorts) are required. If time does not permit changing at home, servers should bring trousers to change into at the sacristy.
• Cassocks and surplices should be washed and ironed regularly.
• To protect the surplice, servers handling the Thurible should not wear it while lighting and fanning the coals.
• Servers should present themselves with combed hair and trimmed fingernails.
• Long hair, earrings, or any bodily piercings are not allowed.
• Tatoos cannot be exposed.

Right Attitude

• Serving at the altar is a privilege and not about doing one’s own thing.
• Be prayerfully alert and attentive.
• Be punctual.
• Follow the signals of the MC during Sung Mass.
• Servers must comply with all rules to continue serving at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and maintain their spiritual health.

Personal Responsibility

• Attend all scheduled prayer and scheduling meetings. Failure to attend without sufficient reason will result in removal from the altar server list.
• Arrive at least fifteen minutes before the Mass to prepare.
• Serve at every Mass you are scheduled for. If unable to serve (except for sudden illness or family emergencies), find a substitute or inform the priest beforehand.

Duties Before, During, and After Mass

• Arrive on time and ensure all necessary items are in place.
• Do not leave the sanctuary during Mass except for emergencies or when directed by the priest.
• Perform assigned duties orderly and do not trade positions without permission.
• Maintain a prayerful posture at all times in the sacristy.
• After Mass, help put away items and clean up if necessary.
• Keep your cassock and surplice on until all duties are completed.

Server Manual and Training

Each server will receive a manual outlining their roles and responsibilities, including guidelines for serving at Low Mass, High Mass without MC, and High Mass with MC. The manual will also cover server training, necessary Latin prayers, and expectations for behavior, dress, and responsibilities.