qualities of an altar server

Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! The Altar Server picks up the Missal and presents it to the priest. Sign up to receive our fortnightly email with our latest news, features and events. Particularly solemn ceremonies, such as on the occasion of important religious feasts, will require a bigger number of Altar Servers. endobj 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. Such persons may carry out all the functions listed in no. [1] In 1905, Pope Pius X, gave his approbation to the canonical establishment of the Guild at Westminster Cathedral. Everything you do should focus attention on the altar not the altar server. The term "server" should be used for those who carry out the functions of the instituted acolyte. An altar server assists the priest preparing for Mass and at the altar. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. 0000054891 00000 n Incense has always been used during religious ceremonies, to give them solemnity and sacredness. One needs not to be extravagant in attaining this. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCBs) mission is to encounter the mercy of Christ and to accompany His people with joy. As your friendship develops, youll end up having many friends who all share your faith and this can lead to some brilliant conversations and great memories. One needs to appear clean because as the saying goes, cleanliness is next to godliness. The duty of the Navicularius is to hand the priest the incense boat, so he can draw the grains of incense, pour them into the thurible and bless them. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. 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. They should not be serving if they are not present in these events. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. c'FV8C-"k7f8 Maverick De Vera is also an altar server who desires to translate the Holy Eucharist in his life through social action activities. So do what you do reverently and carefully. Pope Francis acknowledged the important role of altar servers during a special evening meeting and prayer that drew 9,000 youth from throughout Europe to St. Peters Square in early August 2015, according to the National Catholic Reporter. 0000000987 00000 n Altar Servers are about the same height and in the same grade, decide among yourselves before Mass who will be "Cross/Book" Server and "Candle" Servers. 0000002575 00000 n Do you aspire to become an Altar Server? <> .1Sdoeq!}r%4N6\X#_0q itB}q?nB}7kkZ6EjEO4i(j2\P That draws attention to yourself. He was my mentor as a sakristan, as a seminarian, and until as an ordained minister, a deacon, at the Diocesan Shrine and Parish of San Jose de Navotas. 0000002614 00000 n Anyone who has received their First Holy Communion and is trained can be an altar server. I admire many altar servers who responded to the necessity of their parishes as we face this pandemic. The place of the Altar Server in liturgical celebrations remains one of prominence and distinction. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 198,811 times. Participating as altar servers allows boys and girls the satisfaction of functioning as part of the liturgical team, explains Katie Dawson, director of faith formation for the Diocese of Orange. Since the duties of the altar server can be divided among several servers, it is important that the pastor make sure that each server knows the specific duties for a specific liturgy. Its important to take time and take care. Remember, everything you do people are watching. Why a Former Evangelical Loves the Rosary. Let your true good qualities shine through, and you are sure to be accepted as a decent candidate for the job. During the procession, their position is behind the Thurifer and at the sides of the Crociferi, the priest charged with carrying the cross. You must attend mass regularly, be a member of St. Laurence Catholic Parish or a student at St. Laurence Catholic School, and have a strong . When should I get the book for the priest to read? Altar servers must memorize the Mass and commit to a regular schedule of service. If you will not be receiving Holy Communion, please do not serve. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". As time progressed and the lack of male acolytes the Church in her wisdom opened the door to Altar servers to fill the roll. To create this article, 57 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. Don't start heading up the aisle until the priest tells you to or gives you a signal. <> My parish priest then at Sacred Heart of Jesus Morning Breeze, Caloocan City was Fr. This article has been viewed 198,811 times. At one time there was a rank of minor clergy called the taper-bearer () responsible for bearing lights during processions and liturgical entrances.However, this rank has long ago been subsumed by that of the reader and the service for the tonsure of a reader begins . Contact your parish priest. A movement in harmony is not just through our unified steps, a movement in harmony is a grace from the Holy Spirit. He takes it up again at the end of the ceremony, to accompany the priest to kiss the altar, to put the Blessed Sacrament into the tabernacle, and during the final procession. Turn and process to the back of the church by walking up the main aisle. During processions, the Navicularius walks alongside the Thurifer, so much so that sometimes both roles can be merged into a single Altar Server. Servers should receive proper formation before they begin to function. Therefore, the best preparation is not just to do it with counts and steps. JEq:j,]U0$"bG[|s6>"d~]; (YqR$W\\RY%?~R{Z`8XA>X6@N}PD{z|akfu^hV~\dNn.Q& }P1Cs> .. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. Refrain from wearing trainers, high-heels or flip-flops. Come on. `7.C-seF+;.ysuZ4-KSyF9L@z/uBm+5`#Cb(AcIlc 'GAg\3 Hb```f`` @1pq L . A good altar server must be sensitive to the necessities of their parish, wherever there is a need. Every vocation (whether marriage, consecrated singlehood, religious life or priesthood) is awesome and leads us to a greater and deeper understanding and relationship with God. These are the candle holders who bear the candles. And many more forms of serving beyond the altar. A Critique of Unfettered Do you care about the feelings of others? Catholic churches and information about Catholic schools within the London and Hertfordshire area and in the If young, the server is commonly called an altar boy or altar . Altar servers learn the deeper meaning behind each step of the liturgy. So there were four servers on the schedule every week. LMYWx~8X=5o_? 9cMo6]#5aE3k{V. 4. The best preparation is to pray. Altar Servers are Jesus friends, usually young people full of enthusiasm and willingness to take part in the activities of the Church by offering their contributions of love and devotion. (You can unsubscribe anytime). Our website provides Catholic The altar server retains a genuine and vital role in the liturgical assembly. The following guidelines were prepared by the Committee on the Liturgy and presented to the National Conference of Catholic Bishops for discussion at the June 1994 Special Assembly on Thursday, June 16, 1994. This is commonly known as a sign of friendliness and respect. stream Father Christopher Smith, Executive Editor %PDF-1.3 % A national survey of men being ordained priests found that three-quarters of new priests were at one time altar servers. Sneakers (trainers) are not usually accepted, but black sneakers may be as long as it is not a special occasion. Albs are usually girdled with a cincture, so be sure to put one on that is not too long and not too short. You Are a Silent Witness As soon as you come to church twenty minutes before Mass starts and you put on your cassock and start to help set up for Mass you are saying by your actions to everyone at church, Look, its important to come early. % of people told us that this article helped them. Maverick is a member of Caritas Mariae, a youth group whose charism is to aid the poorest of the poor. Senior Altar servers heeded the call as well to become eucharistic ministers. Ive been an altar server since then and my memories of serving at the altar are treasured within my heart. Maturity. They should consider whether they ought to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation ahead of time, and, if needed, make appropriate arrangements. It does not store any personal data. Welcome Altar Servers, We thank you for responding to the call of the Holy Spirit to serve the St. Michael parish community as an altar server. Proper Decorum means maintaining a dignified external appearance. Particular acolytes, called Ceremonieri, have the task of bringing the sacred items needed to celebrate the Eucharistic from the sacristy to the altar, and vice versa, starting with the chalice, with the corporale (the square cloth used to cover the chalice which is then laid down on the altar during the offertory), and the purificator (the small cloth used by the priest to dry his lips after drinking and cleaning the chalice and paten), and then brings the paten (the plate containing the host) and the ampoules of wine and water. 8 0 obj The Altar Server retains a genuine and vital role in the liturgical assembly. The Holy Eucharist calls us to love like Jesus. 13280 Chapman Ave. 'Jesus Revolution': Talking to Jonathan Roumie, Episcopal Woman Priest Says Abortionists are "Saints". bWOmL@? 8 0 obj Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world. >Kl gd}fC]~]#yP!h'hHA7rf4 Even if you are not discerning priesthood, by altar serving you learn so much more about the priest you work with. Celebration of the Catholic Mass is like an intricate dance, with the priest leading a flawless performance that can have few or many co-celebrants, including deacons, altar servers, liturgical ministers, Eucharistic ministers and more. His cassock and surplice must be washed well and ironed well. Do you have all or some of these marks? Some of the servers are in charge of dealing with the liturgical books the priest needs during the ceremony. Not only during services, but also throughout everyday life, Altar Servers must live by following His example of love, generosity, commitment and precision. Garden Grove, CA 92840 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? After the priest or deacon sings or says the dismissal, all of the servers will move to the entrance to the sanctuary in their pairs, usually in the same order that they processed up in. <>/Metadata 14221 0 R/ViewerPreferences 14222 0 R>> 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. The Priest will open it and the server will stand holding the book in the proper position. 0000040363 00000 n By serving, the altar server grows in his/her own faith and devotion. Believe it or not that helps people to get into the right, reverent frame of mind for worship. After the Collect (opening prayer) you will sit down, as will the congregation. x]qI"* xN*v*U~,Gu8%aUh4I2?\^\&^'}2*UMSu~!K&W:F5:xJ5yoGr]oh>{+*Jo}~}sprpp}oUF( = 7#,zd?&sfY1i#\r{4)Fi>[wTQdvp=F[XYB}f\5Unj?ByZ6}(U^|;_tuQt4a2G~M1r*@|4-?;+BB}+b,z>UZE'o(P\__ |6[# UEM`;QL&tomq([*uYi9[~rP+96@p]QV) Poise. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. To be an altar server, you must be 10 years of age and entering into the 5th - 12th grade, have received your First Holy Communion, know how to genuflect properly and how to make the sign of the cross. Albs can either catch fire or in some cases even melt and stick to your body, depending on their type. He takes it easy. Characteristics of an Altar Servera Server should be: Reverent while serving, so to be a prayerful example (and not a distraction) for the congregation. They count to attain the perfect movement. You Are Un-necessary Whoa! Serving on the altar is a great place to start building these skills. Perhaps God is calling you to serve at the Altar. Wild tattoos and piercings? ALTAR SERVER TRAINING MATERIALS - 1 2015 ALTAR SERVER TRAINING . <> 0000000966 00000 n Serving on the altar is a great place to start building these skills. They wait for signs and even words from the prayers or songs to do this and that. Candidates should know how to genuflect correctly. It is a concrete way of participating in the community of faith.. They also join in singing the hymns and other chants of the liturgy. Or relay the message to someone that you are having trouble remembering and they can help you. A good altar server is willing to learn. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". |r`1xBN#kt7N$]Z$xd" 8D5v%k'P^ 4 6Y]Y7T8b \VKEcHPI.JL'6NMbTr-ZgSVXOMW@rtfS7d7x.QH-n"'6\#+fM{r}v!7pMP7k NxL+2]Wq-M& SOC#NV_hL>n 5-?K5q [ 6E_6kbH]O#9+ h#k>/[q Prior to communion, EM's should notify you of the location of persons in the middle two sections who need This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Everyone in the procession will genuflect (except if you are holding something in your hands. Servers should be mature enough to understand their responsibilities and to carry them out well and with appropriate reverence. The reason why he serves must be his relationship with God, his prayer life. With a great range of ages and experiences, youll meet some fantastic people youd probably meet nowhere else. It's okay if you don't know the words, few servers sing at church, and Jesus and the people you serve with are the only ones who will hear it. Careers Workplace and Religion Columnists, Recreation Outdoors and Religion Columnists, Religious Music and Entertainment Columnists, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Biblical Support for the Authority of the Pope, Explaining Mary Redemptrix to an Evangelical. Crazy nail polish or an extreme hair do? s> \]9P 6 xrK7oE?q) 0000000758 00000 n A good altar server attends practices before serving. That is why in the ministry of altar servers there are meetings, practices, and formations. You dont have to wear dressy clothes because your cassock will cover that, but what people can see should look good. by Fr. He is the patron saint of Altar Servers, bricklayers, casket makers and deacons and his feast day is celebrated on December 26. Do not dump them on the floor of the cupboard, which is disrespectful to your church custodians. When you carry the cross solemnly at the head of the procession you are saying to all the faithful, See, we all are called to take up our cross and follow Christ. A good solution would be to check with what the senior servers are doing and follow suit. Candidates can be of any gender as long as their church agrees with the practice of including altar servers of another gender. An altar server attends to supporting tasks at the altar such as fetching and carrying, ringing the altar bell, helps bring up the gifts, brings up the book, among other things. Here are ten things you should tell your altar servers: 1. <> (How to Serve pg. start distribution to the altar servers and choir immediately). Once an Altar Server puts on the Cassock and Surplice, their conduct always must be professional and reverent. Since my mom serves as the Worship Commission head at our parish, she volunteered myself to become an altar server of our parish to which my parish priest accepted. It is not enough to serve at the altar, a good altar server must also encounter God through his prayers. Ten Things You Should Tell Your Altar Servers. An Altar Server is a member of the Church who participates in the celebration with the understanding that they are leaders of the assembly. On Sundays and other more important occasions, two or more servers should be employed to carry out the various functions normally entrusted to these ministers. The procession is you leading the people of God through the wilderness into the promised land. 'R\n'gfs(/9w" \ `z.;+N6rF8Ie^>z*r4vr The following is a list of specific responsibilities that the altar . I was a fourth grade student when I became an altar server. That doesnt sound like a great place to start, but its true Father can do all the stuff you do at Mass. Ruskin Matthew Tan, an altar server of San Roque Cathedral Parish, serves beyond the altar of liturgy. The candles are used at the Gospel reading. Experienced or past sacristans, or even priests or deacons are willing and happy to train a new sacristan. E ye contact. 0000002125 00000 n Theres no specific name for them, its usually a task performed by one acolyte, whos assigned to the missal and the lectionary the book containing passages from Holy Scriptures that are read during liturgical celebrations throughout the year, as well as the prayer books, and books of hymns, etc. Youd be surprised how the worship changes when the altar servers are top notch. Everything takes place whilst maintaining a proper attitude, carrying out tasks and repeating gestures that have been codified by centuries of tradition. Its important to prepare for Mass reverently. You may bow your head, however). Second, it is because you are there to serve. <> There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Follow the local custom when receiving the Holy Communion. Reply to Steve Hays' Caricatures of the Papacy. 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. ",#(7),01444'9=82. Distorted Devotions Do Catholics Honor Mary Too Much? Another Altar Server who cant be missed out, particularly during the most important processions and celebrations, is the Ceroferario or rather, the Ceroferari, because they usually move in pairs. :/l1d,,5,XJ|TBVRGTV^B@Bk)wj"0n \VMsU{U |_\DbA6.,0G:y\G8lFcD(F1+[ . Altar servers are REALLY important, but too often they dont know why. As Pope Paul VI would say, they are invited to be little priests in their families. OUR LADY OF MERCY CHURCH . Here are seven reasons why becoming an altar server might be one of the best things you could choose to do. The altar servers help the Priest throughout the liturgy. Servers should be seated in a place from which they can easily assist the priest celebrant and deacon. If you will be serving, you should be prepared in knowing what to do.". Put on your alb correctly by buttoning it up or zipping it up all the way. % Thats why sometimes they show up late or dont show up at all. Requirements for Altar Serving Candidates, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d3\/Be-an-Altar-Server-in-the-Catholic-Church-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Be-an-Altar-Server-in-the-Catholic-Church-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d3\/Be-an-Altar-Server-in-the-Catholic-Church-Step-1.jpg\/aid378464-v4-728px-Be-an-Altar-Server-in-the-Catholic-Church-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"