Sneakers (trainers) are not usually accepted, but black sneakers may be as long as it is not a special occasion. endobj 0Z.%Y`( 'Qwj\8ZeS\*uYU);Q%;*c-/ XA8e\ | endobj 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! This means offering up ones life. Poise. Attentiveness. Martin Panlaque, an altar server of San Roque Cathedral Parish, serves not just at liturgical celebrations but also to those who are in need. s> \]9P 6 xrK7oE?q) The Eucharistic Prayer states This is my body which will be given up for you This is my blood which will be shed for you These words are meant to be translated into action by serving beyond the liturgical celebrations. When walking or sitting, hands should be held in one of two positions, locked together either at the chest or waist. news, news about Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Catholic prayers, Catholic Mass Times and a church directory for 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. 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. Our website provides Catholic <> #/Ffr GN This simply means that when an altar server serves, he must have the proper haircut, not necessarily the fad or, The Holy Eucharist calls us to love like Jesus. Body Language Speaks Loudly As you set up for Mass move a bit more slowly. Even if you do something wrong, nobody in the congregation notices so basically its always a winning situation! Are you an Altar Server? The Altar Server is a boy or girl, a woman or man who is trained to help at the Mass so that it can be celebrated with grace and reverence. God saunters. Far and away the best reason to do altar serving is that it helps you discern your vocation better. The Altar Servers therefore carry out various tasks in the context of the Mass, and are named after them, to distinguish themselves from each other. Altar service contributes to a servers maturity as they learn lessons and put their knowledge into practice. endobj Wearing smart clothes is not imperative as the congregation cannot see what you are wearing. My parish priest then at Sacred Heart of Jesus Morning Breeze, Caloocan City was Fr. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Msgr. Altar service is an important step in a young persons contribution to the work of the liturgy, Dawson says. 11 0 obj They carry the candlesticks with the candles in their hands, and, having reached the end of the procession, place them on the sides of the altar. SENIOR SERVERS:Senior Servers are recommended by the Altar Server Coordinator and appointed by the Pastor. *XAY|xvg*/s}Uoo!V(C4,!lTuhNO*iN/) D|3tE[f H#X94. They are movements of prayer. 0000040363 00000 n The Altar Server retains a genuine and vital role in the liturgical assembly. Nowadays, the Servers mainly use it at the time the bread and wine is consecrated, or during processions to announce the blessing is imminent. Once you arrive at the sanctuary, genuflect if you are not carrying anything. They wait for signs and even words from the prayers or songs to do this and that. endobj 0000002125 00000 n The formation should include instruction on the Mass and its parts and their meaning, the various objects used in the liturgy (their names and use), and the various functions of the server during the Mass and other liturgical celebrations. 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. 6 0 obj Servers respond to the prayers and dialogues of the priest along with the congregation. <> It can be found at usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/the-mass/frequently-asked-questions/guidelines-for-altar-servers.cfm. Turn and process to the back of the church by walking up the main aisle. The priest and deacon will usually stop at the entry of the church to talk to the congregation as they leave. (. You dont have to wear dressy clothes because your cassock will cover that, but what people can see should look good. After the Collect (opening prayer) you will sit down, as will the congregation. And many more forms of serving beyond the altar. By becoming an altar server youll be meeting up with many of the same people every time you serve at Mass. You Are Un-necessary - Whoa! This article has been viewed 198,811 times. n|x]'j VMntVE"_I m"c~^fs!]+>U@"; J5Q^s!?kT >uKzsmdx9{ 9 0 obj That is why in the ministry of altar servers there are meetings, practices, and formations. 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. 0000001624 00000 n These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Wild tattoos and piercings? %PDF-1.5 % 1 0 obj <> endobj 3 0 obj <> endobj 4 0 obj [/Indexed/DeviceRGB 255 5 0 R] endobj 6 0 obj <> stream wikiHow is a wiki, similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. 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. Come on. 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. Subsequently, the Ceroferari must accompany the priest during the proclamation of the Gospel, always standing on both sides. If young, the server is commonly called an altar boy or altar girl. 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. Try to wear it at around the same length as the other servers, but if you are unsure, again, ask a member of the clergy. endobj 4. In addition to giving the celebration the necessary solemnity, the passage of the Crociferi also serves a very strong symbolic function, particularly during funeral processions: in fact, the passage of the cross symbolises the passage from death to life, which involves all the faithful who are supporters. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. The altar servers help the Priest throughout the liturgy. They have to support the book whilst its being read, where this is necessary, and bring the lectionary and place it on the altar during the entrance procession. Hes in it for the long run. We explore seven of them and look at why becoming one might be one of the best things you could do. Poise. 0000001287 00000 n Maverick De Vera is also an altar server who desires to translate the Holy Eucharist in his life through social action activities. Servers are required to arrive early to each Mass in order to determine their roles, prepare items and dress in their albs. Its use is nonetheless optional, and occurs at different times of the Mass, usually at the beginning, on the entrance of the priest and his assistants, when the Gospel is being preached or before the consecration. % of people told us that this article helped them. Martin is the founder of Padyak Klasrum, a youth group whose mission is to teach children and aid the poorest of the poor. Any customer will appreciate eye contact. Ruskin Matthew Tan, an altar server of San Roque Cathedral Parish, serves beyond the altar of liturgy. Home Religion The roles of Altar Servers. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Fourth, a good altar server is willing to serve beyond the liturgical celebrations. By taking up a responsibility at Mass you start to recognise more and more people in the church in general. Always go to the bathroom before mass. 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. The ministers serving the altar also have to prepare the water and purificator with which the celebrant washes his hands. A good altar server must be sensitive to the necessities of their parish, wherever there is a need. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. sik\-J;%QrKh\q{ rPVe@E@P8R>0P!qM)} ~[{sev\| &Rr )EpJg=i Cz~JtQ)]X\-L_qRJ Distorted Devotions Do Catholics Honor Mary Too Much? This article has been viewed 198,811 times. 2023 United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Although institution into the ministry of acolyte is reserved to lay men, the diocesan bishop may permit the liturgical functions of the instituted acolyte to be carried out by altar servers, men and women, boys and girls. " TDVuO S mile. Actions Speak Louder Than Words You should should look good for Mass. 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. Orange County Catholic Newspaper, E-updates and alerts from Orange County Catholic, 2022 orange county catholic-allrightsreserved orange county catholic is the officialnewssource of the romancatholicdioceseoforange, ALTAR SERVER ISAIAH KOSS, 10, HOLDS A COMMUNION PATEN AS FATHER JOHN GIROTTI DISTRIBUTES COMMUNION DURING MASS AT THE SHRINE OF OUR LADY OF GOOD HELP IN CHAMPION, WIS., AUG. 15, 2015, THE FEAST OF THE ASSUMPTION. The procession should therefore be done at a stately pace with solemnity and dignity. a mature Christian - qualities that transcend chronological age. 100 (with the exception of the distribution of Holy Communion) and nos. Altar servers must memorize the Mass and commit to a regular schedule of service. These are fruits of my reflections as an alumnus of the Ministry of Altar Servers of our Parish, a former pontifical server of San Carlos Seminary, and now, an ordained priest presiding the liturgy at the altar. 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? 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. That doesnt sound like a great place to start, but its true Father can do all the stuff you do at Mass. A movement in harmony is not just through our unified steps, a movement in harmony is a grace from the Holy Spirit. HWr6}W`RNo$4M 3 0 obj Not only during services, but also throughout everyday life, Altar Servers must live by following His example of love, generosity, commitment and precision. Day Glo running shoes? 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 . Join with us in offering this prayer, written by Deacon Keith Fournier, seeking his intercession: We use cookies to make wikiHow great. 10 0 obj His face should at least be presentable not appearing bagong gising or beautified by facial cosmetics (Simbang Gabi weakness of Altar Servers). You may know it all but you are not good if you are not willing to learn. To create this article, 57 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. They know to step in when an item is misplaced and smooth out any rough edges during the Mass. Incense has always been used during religious ceremonies, to give them solemnity and sacredness. The altar servers are lay assistant to a member of the clergy during a Christian liturgy. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Hang up your vestments after using them. Reply to Steve Hays' Caricatures of the Papacy. The Diocese of Westminster is a registered charity No.233699. Ofomah Stephen. My parish priest then at . Acolytes, altar servers, readers, and other lay ministers may wear the alb or other suitable vesture or other appropriate or dignified clothing. Id like to share four marks of a good altar server. Benefits of being an altar server. Boys comb or brush your hairand will you please wash that bit of breakfast off your face? He is a member of Team Saint Pedro Calungsod, a group of young people whose mission is to serve the poorest of the poor in the urban and rural areas. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Once an Altar Server puts on the Cassock and Surplice, their conduct always must be professional and reverent. Here are ten things you should tell your altar servers: 1. Hb```f`` @1pq L . 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. Here are seven reasons why becoming an altar server might be one of the best things you could choose to do. Walk forward past the altar, giving enough room for the other servers and clergy to stand behind you before turning to face the altar. The place next to the priest is normally reserved for the deacon. Sometimes they dont seem to take pride in their job because maybe no one has told them why theyre so important. (. They should not be serving if they are not present in these events. 0000002614 00000 n Their name comes from the Latin word ministrare which means to serve. A sakristan must stand dignified while he is serving. 8 0 obj As you process into church you are leading everyone into the presence of God. endobj ? Its important to prepare for Mass reverently. Servers may not distribute holy communion unless they have been mandated for this function by the bishop. Thats why sometimes they show up late or dont show up at all. Sure, swinging the censer (the smelly incense thing) is kind of fun but why is it that we do it? However, you can consent to just necessary cookies by clicking "Necessary Cookies Only". wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Put on your alb correctly by buttoning it up or zipping it up all the way. That draws attention to yourself. So do what you do reverently and carefully. One needs to appear clean because as the saying goes, cleanliness is next to godliness. stream Your commitment to the altar is not only a duty but a great honor, a true holy service. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. <> Perhaps God is calling you to serve at the Altar. Senior Servers have usually completed the seventh grade and shown extraordinary service. TRAINING MANUAL . 187 - 190 and no. Your role, through your actions and conduct, is to bring the assembly to a fuller understanding of the liturgy and a greater love for God. In the history of the Church there have been many characters who could represent the ideal model for Altar Servers, like Saint Tarcisius, who lived in the era of the first Christian communities in Rome and was killed by his pagan peers because he had made himself available to carry the Blessed Sacrament to Christians prisoners, or Saint Dominic Savio, who had Saint John Bosco as a teacher and guide, and devoted his (unfortunately short) life to his brothers and the community. Contact your parish priest. Candidates should know how to genuflect correctly. 13280 Chapman Ave. If they are capable, a good altar server first studies it and volunteers later in such endeavors. The best preparation is to pray. 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. stream 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. However, be sure to wear smart, presentable shoes that you can easily walk in without tripping, as the congregation probably will see these. 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. 12 0 obj Regarding this service, I would like to suggest some points for your reflection. Brown boots? My vocation to become a priest was enriched when I became an altar server at St. Marys Academy of Caloocan City. We constantly hear that there are too many demands on us. Stephen Doktorczyk, Subscribe Attentiveness. The custom of carrying the cross in a procession is very ancient. Therefore, an altar server should be active in his ongoing formation on the Catholic Faith and Liturgy. Remember to get a good night's sleep first - there's nothing worse for a congregation to look at than a tired server! Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. They also join in singing the hymns and other chants of the liturgy. 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. Experienced or past sacristans, or even priests or deacons are willing and happy to train a new sacristan. \TI\Y@*;*- >WB *yt mmf^o2 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. The customer must be approached as early as possible and should receive their food as soon as possible. I became a loyal altar server following the server schedule printed in the bulletin when it was my turn. Catholic churches and information about Catholic schools within the London and Hertfordshire area and in the When should I get the book for the priest to read? You're supported by all your fellow servers, you have quite a large responsibly and rules to guide you. [1] Latin Church [ edit] Youre better than that! 2. In addition to contributing their support to the liturgical celebration, altar servers develop certain qualities through their service, Dawson notes. The following is a list of specific responsibilities that the altar . It would be distracting and disrespectful to be chewing or eating something before or during the Mass. Qualities of an altar server 1:- Altar server are humble and obedient 2:- Altar servers are always neat and smart 3:- Altar severs are faithful Christians 4:- Altar servers pray without ceasing 5:- Altar servers are peace maker 6:- Altar server possess a forgiving spirit 5050 20 Comments 16 Shares Share If you will be serving, you should be prepared in knowing what to do.". fDvmp$8f4@f4:$G4K ^>DI,G4K ($D# %rPwKgRf3BghL$ %#[D2A$ADs#/=^EH|gW'%b]"\({>aXoRc.G!y>j:(HaG2\ m6: Jy| This means they are called to serve as prayer leaders within their families. Serving at the . In the past it was the Altar Servers who had to support the train of the high priests during solemn celebrations. The reason of an altar server why he serves should not be the following: to be famous with his peers and to look more holy than them, and. wikiHow is a wiki, similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. 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. <> When you first arrive at the church, be sure to remove any gum or candy you have in your mouth. Servers must spring into action when mistakes are made. Altar Servers are not the only assistants of the officiant during Mass: generally readers, choristers, acolytes move alongside them. There are lots of reasons for becoming an Altar Server. Pope Benedict XVI 1927-2022 tribute page and access to resources here. One needs not to be extravagant in attaining this. YD=D: This slowly changes your experience of the church community, from a group of random people you stand next to atMass, to a large and diverse family who you can meet and chat with every time you go and make you feel truly at home in your church. Its important to take time and take care. Remember, everything you do people are watching. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. <> the altar, you should learn all matters concerning liturgical worship and strive to grasp their inner spiritual meaning. 6 Ask to be trained. An altar server assists the priest preparing for Mass and at the altar. Being an altar server instructs children in order, care and poise. So if you help with altar servers, or you have kids who are altar servers, or you think the altar servers in your parish could use some spit and polish why not learn these ten things to tell your altar servers. If you would like to find out more information on how to altar serve correctly. Everyone in the procession will genuflect (except if you are holding something in your hands. 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 . Their role is recognized by the Conciliar Constitution as an integral part of the liturgic office, and as such demands conduct and behaviour from those who serve that is in keeping with it. As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). Anyone who has received their First Holy Communion and is trained can be an altar server. When there are only two Altar Servers, there will be no candles in the opening and closing procession. They recall a Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Your role, through your actions and conduct, is to bring the assembly to a fuller understanding of the liturgy and a greater love of God. His cassock and surplice must be washed well and ironed well. `7.C-seF+;.ysuZ4-KSyF9L@z/uBm+5`#Cb(AcIlc 'GAg\3 endobj bWOmL@? 7 0 obj Never rush. .pL28, UL_$w\bQatf5Ez_Z~(>IilPs"P[wzw6I~i\MMl_G`\uqn}@!G9] 2LgJ|LIOh,4ntp_ PJgy^rx7 JyoVr1[uS'dp;n rG%g2\O}80-R0TSbJap>-9T!qK2U!`M2U*| 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. The function of the Ceremonieri and Caudatario, How to become a deacon: duties and education, 10 liturgical lectern covers for your church, Ecclesiastic hierarchy within the Catholic Church, Saint Matthew, apostle, evangelist and martyr, Mind-Blowing Statistics About Christianity You Need to Know, Way of the Cross for children: how to tell your child about the 14 stations, The apparitions of Our Lady of Guadaloupe. |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 Punctuality. 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":"