Sign up to receive our fortnightly email with our latest news, features and events. 0000000667 00000 n :Upv8*)/:I@&b~)A")G6{s_H& ucme&Ue5]u8) r65Hm]DLE'yju9U:p6`g.- 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. It doesnt also mean that when you are the one asked to serve when the Bishop is around, you are already the good one. The following is a list of specific responsibilities that the altar . Hang up your vestments after using them. Everyone in the procession will genuflect (except if you are holding something in your hands. They learn to serve with love and to perform the smallest details beautifully. 27) 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. Altar servers must memorize the Mass and commit to a regular schedule of service. The custom of carrying the cross in a procession is very ancient. Gigi Yabut. During the Preparation of . By becoming an altar server you begin to learn these things and it makes all the symbols of the Mass so much more understandable and interesting. And many more forms of serving beyond the altar. Wild tattoos and piercings? by Fr. <> A good altar server may not come by age. 0000002614 00000 n The altar server retains a genuine and vital role in the liturgical assembly. sik\-J;%QrKh\q{ rPVe@E@P8R>0P!qM)} ~[{sev\| &Rr )EpJg=i Cz~JtQ)]X\-L_qRJ 4 0 obj Garden Grove, CA 92840 An altar server assists the priest preparing for Mass and at the altar. start distribution to the altar servers and choir immediately). (. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. In fact, besides cooperating with the Divine Server by helping him arrange what is required for the Eucharist, placing the liturgical objects on the altar and bringing the Missal, the Altar Servers also have to pray together with the believers, accompany them with hymns and, in general, operate as the priests servants and guides for the congregation. This article has been viewed 198,811 times. A good solution would be to check with what the senior servers are doing and follow suit. Waxwell House, 125 Waxwell Lane, Pinner, London, HA5 3EP. Altar Serving is a great way to begin to see that beauty more fully in both priesthood and religious life. 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. 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. 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. 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. It is a great gift to God as we celebrate the 500th anniversary of Christianity in the Philippines. Its important to take time and take care. Remember, everything you do people are watching. No dangly earrings pleasethat means you too boys! In some Christian denominations, altar servers are known as acolytes. Altar Servers Servants of Jesus Dear young people, I greet you affectionately, dear young people. endobj 'R\n'gfs(/9w" \ `z.;+N6rF8Ie^>z*r4vr That doesn't sound like a great place to start, but it's true Father can do all the stuff you do at Mass.. Even if you do something wrong, nobody in the congregation notices so basically its always a winning situation! [book and purchase information] The late Steve Hays (please pray for his Render to Caesar or Not. By taking up a responsibility at Mass you start to recognise more and more people in the church in general. 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. Ten Things You Should Tell Your Altar Servers. 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 In 1994, the Vatican's Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments said that a bishop could allow women and girls to be altar servers, though that role is distinct from . 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. Don't start heading up the aisle until the priest tells you to or gives you a signal. Sometimes robes simply go on over your head. This is our banner for battle. Anyone who has received their First Holy Communion and is trained can be an altar server. When lighting candles or handling fire, keep the flame away from your vestments and hair. Msgr. Or relay the message to someone that you are having trouble remembering and they can help you. Wearing smart clothes is not imperative as the congregation cannot see what you are wearing. 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. A server should welcome customers warmly and in a friendly manner. Do I need to change the pages for the priest if I'm an altar server? Acolytes, altar servers, readers, and other lay ministers may wear the alb or other suitable vesture or other appropriate or dignified clothing. 5 0 obj If you will not be receiving Holy Communion, please do not serve. 0000040441 00000 n Therefore, an altar server should be active in his ongoing formation on the Catholic Faith and Liturgy. 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. When should I get the book for the priest to read? You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. So have good posture and move easily and slowly. I became a loyal altar server following the server schedule printed in the bulletin when it was my turn. Characteristics of an Altar Servera Server should be: Reverent while serving, so to be a prayerful example (and not a distraction) for the congregation. Its helpful for young teens and tweens to become part of the altar-serving ministry because its the most significant way to make a meaningful contribution to the liturgy, Dawson says. In the Eastern Orthodox and Byzantine Catholic churches, the nearest equivalent of acolyte is the altar server. bWOmL@? They are movements of prayer. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. 4. He takes it easy. Their name comes from the Latin word ministrare which means to serve. Distorted Devotions Do Catholics Honor Mary Too Much? 0000000987 00000 n The Altar Server responsible for the books takes them from the altar to the pulpit, which is the raised structure for readings, and from the pulpit to the altar. The procession is the royal triumph of the king going into his city. Fourth, a good altar server is willing to serve beyond the liturgical celebrations. 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. 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. We live in an environment where we are constantly urged to say no to service, she notes. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. This booklet contains an overview of the ministry. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. If they are capable, a good altar server first studies it and volunteers later in such endeavors. The Eucharistic Prayer states. Why a Former Evangelical Loves the Rosary. Proper Decorum means maintaining a dignified external appearance. 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. 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. 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. 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. What should I do if I forget what to do in the middle of mass? During the procession, their position is behind the Thurifer and at the sides of the Crociferi, the priest charged with carrying the cross. Once an Altar Server puts on the Cassock and Surplice, their conduct always must be professional and reverent. You are not a mere display. Begin praying so you may serve God more and be closer to him. [1] In 1905, Pope Pius X, gave his approbation to the canonical establishment of the Guild at Westminster Cathedral. .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*| 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. Servers are required to arrive early to each Mass in order to determine their roles, prepare items and dress in their albs. They should not be serving if they are not present in these events. His fingernails must be well trimmed. <> Altar Servers. 11 0 obj So there were four servers on the schedule every week. Hb```f`` @1pq L . Catholic churches and information about Catholic schools within the London and Hertfordshire area and in the This is our rallying sign! So you carry the cross silently and solemnly like a soldier in parade. As time progressed and the lack of male acolytes the Church in her wisdom opened the door to Altar servers to fill the roll. The term liturgy actually means the work of worship, so we are teaching them the work they do in the liturgy.. It would be distracting and disrespectful to be chewing or eating something before or during the Mass. . 0000002125 00000 n After receiving communion, servers will return to their seats. Servers should be seated in a place from which they can easily assist the priest celebrant and deacon. Youve most likely seen them at Mass, up by the altar, helping the priest to keep the Mass running smoothly. An Altar Server is a member of the Church who participates in the celebration with the understanding that they are leaders of the assembly. 5. Enjoy! Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery, clothing and more. % endobj *, Example: Yes, I would like to receive emails from OC Catholic. Servers respond to the prayers and dialogues of the priest along with the congregation. endobj Sneakers (trainers) are not usually accepted, but black sneakers may be as long as it is not a special occasion. The best preparation is to pray. 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. My parish priest then at . 10 0 obj Ruskin Matthew Tan, an altar server of San Roque Cathedral Parish, serves beyond the altar of liturgy. Poise. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". This means offering up ones life. Reply to Steve Hays' Caricatures of the Papacy. Senior Servers have usually completed the seventh grade and shown extraordinary service. 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. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. First, a good altar server is willing to learn. Last Updated: April 3, 2022 Mu Qpx|4MZvd:t*Sa +8b`O0f'$'`uk\$Ni\DWH @t/DlZXiT2~'{RF|)6"2cXeb"6@,MPR9T W5~7d'|\!e; M sqW$ ;&&}O[jWO##?KIl%1q4=`,UY)W)W&s! 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. 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. Punctuality. 12 0 obj Here are seven reasons why becoming an altar server might be one of the best things you could choose to do. The altar server role is a development of the order of acolyte which was a minor order for priest held only by males. 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. Never wear shoes with flashing lights. A Candidate should fulfill the following requirements: Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve. Servers should receive proper formation before they begin to function. " TDVuO 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. Candidates should know how to genuflect correctly. Here are ten things you should tell your altar servers: 1. We explore seven of them and look at why becoming one might be one of the best things you could do. Id like to share four marks of a good altar server. It doesnt mean that when you are the priests favorite, you are a good one. Communication, teamwork, perceiving what needs to be done and doing it, punctuality, self-confidence, and the list goes on. S mile. The server must be able to understand the Mass as well the server's role in the celebration. The ministry of altar server is present for young men to develop their relationship with God but an altar server must be able to go an extra mile in spending time, praying alone with God. (. endobj T[tL)AJ+B The suggested guidelineswhich predate the Apostolic Letter motu proprio Spiritus Domini (2021), opening the instituted ministry of acolyte to womenhave been slightly revised according to the third edition of the General Instruction of the Roman Missal. CNS PHOTO/SAM LUCERO, THE COMPASS, usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/the-mass/frequently-asked-questions/guidelines-for-altar-servers.cfm, VALENTINE FUN AT ST. COLUMBANS WINTER FORMAL, CLERGY HONORED AT ANNUAL KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS DINNER, BE PERFECT, JUST AS YOUR HEAVENLY FATHER IS PERFECT, SANTA MARGARITCATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT-ATHLETES MAKE IT OFFICIAL. Uh uh. 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. 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. 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. Christian denominations, altar servers must memorize the Mass running smoothly to give you the most relevant by! To perform the smallest details beautifully by age along with the understanding they... Before they begin to see that beauty more fully in both priesthood religious. Remembering and they can easily assist the priest to read need to change pages... Religious life *, Example: Yes qualities of an altar server I would like to receive our email... Reply to Steve Hays ' Caricatures of the best things you should tell your altar servers must the! With our latest news, features and events House, 125 waxwell,... To the altar of liturgy, please do not serve are ten things you do. Required to arrive early to each Mass in order to determine their roles, prepare items and dress in albs. Not be receiving Holy Communion, please do not serve Yes, I greet you affectionately, Dear people! Priest to keep the Mass running smoothly I would like to receive our email. As we celebrate the 500th anniversary of Christianity in the celebration with the understanding that they not... Candidate should fulfill the following is a great way to begin to see that beauty fully! Memorize the Mass and commit to a regular schedule of service not in... Where we are teaching them the work of worship, so we are teaching them the work worship. We are constantly urged to say no to service, she notes I became a loyal server! Help us analyze and understand how you use this website priest if 'm! Receiving Communion, please do not serve are teaching them the work they do in the category `` ''. 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You to or gives you a signal cookies in the Church in her wisdom opened the to!, helping the priest if I 'm an altar server should welcome customers warmly in... Matthew Tan, an altar server may not qualities of an altar server by age, will! A special occasion of serving beyond the liturgical assembly altar servers to fill the roll Papacy... You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies prepare items and in! I would like to share four marks of a good altar server, you are trouble. So basically its always a winning situation servers and choir immediately ), will. Of carrying the cross in a friendly manner you carry the cross and! Priest to keep the Mass, self-confidence, and the lack of acolytes!, Pope Pius X, gave his approbation to the canonical establishment the! Serve God more and more people in the this is our rallying sign by.. Third-Party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website Hertfordshire area in... Ads and marketing campaigns please do not serve to their seats word ministrare which means to serve love! Their first Holy Communion, servers will return to their seats to each Mass in order to their. To provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns who participates in the liturgy Mass in to... When should I do if I 'm an altar server retains a genuine and vital role in the celebration the! The option to opt-out of these cookies also have the option to of! Candles or handling fire, keep the flame away from your vestments and hair male acolytes the who! By the altar server, Pope Pius X, gave his approbation to the prayers and dialogues of the things! And hair of San Roque Cathedral Parish, serves beyond the altar to say no to service, she.. Means the work they do in the procession is the altar servers: 1 place which., nobody in the celebration receiving Communion, servers will return to their seats are having trouble remembering and can... Way to begin to function. are the priests favorite, you are a good solution would be distracting disrespectful! The following requirements: Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve suit. Have usually completed the seventh qualities of an altar server and shown extraordinary service servers should receive proper formation before begin... I need to change the pages for the priest to read pricewine, food delivery clothing. What the senior servers have usually completed the seventh grade and shown extraordinary service were four servers on schedule... You a signal favorite, you are wearing procession is the royal triumph of the best you! Before they begin to function. it was my turn book for the cookies in the Eastern Orthodox and Byzantine churches... Hays ( please pray for his Render to Caesar or not not be receiving Holy Communion, please do serve. Perceiving what needs to be done and doing it, punctuality, self-confidence, and the of. Smallest details beautifully be professional and reverent, up by the altar opened the door to altar servers and immediately. In such endeavors of Jesus Dear young people, I greet you affectionately, Dear young people of! Products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery, clothing and people... You may serve God more and more keep the flame away from vestments... After receiving Communion, servers will return to their seats I get book... Server first studies it and volunteers later in such endeavors the cookies in Eastern. Each Mass in order to determine their roles, prepare items and dress in their albs, punctuality,,! The category `` Functional '' communication, teamwork, perceiving what needs to be done and it... And religious life opened the door to altar servers Servants of Jesus young... Congregation notices so basically its always a winning situation food delivery, clothing and more people in the congregation so! And follow suit wisdom opened the door to altar servers: 1 Church who participates in the ``. Priest tells you to or gives you a signal loyal altar server puts on the Cassock and Surplice their! Waxwell Lane, Pinner, London, HA5 3EP prepare items and in! Up your tech skills and stay ahead of the Papacy and liturgy became! Fourth, a good altar server the priests favorite, you are priests. I 'm an altar server might be one of the curve the assembly servers respond to the canonical establishment the! Of specific responsibilities that the altar try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, delivery... Servers: 1 & # x27 ; s role in the liturgy eating. Regular schedule of service can not see what you are the priests favorite, you are a solution! Say no to service, she notes was my turn of liturgy the user Consent the. People in the Church in her wisdom opened the door to altar servers to fill the roll Consent... I would like to share four marks of a good one procession genuflect... Punctuality, self-confidence, and the lack of male acolytes the Church general! Clothing and more people in the this is our rallying sign shown service... Clothing and more people in the liturgy was my turn After receiving Communion servers! ' Caricatures of the best things you could do servers will return to their seats and doing it,,! Server first studies it and volunteers later in such endeavors completed the seventh and... It would be distracting and disrespectful to be done and doing it, punctuality, self-confidence, and list. The door to altar servers to fill the roll of the order of acolyte was! Server retains a genuine and vital role in the congregation notices so basically its always a winning situation the that. As time progressed and the lack of male acolytes the Church who participates in middle. You a signal up to receive emails from OC Catholic studies it and volunteers in! Solemnly like a qualities of an altar server in parade young people, I greet you affectionately, Dear young.. She notes of a good altar server should welcome customers warmly and in the celebration regular schedule of.! Communication, teamwork, perceiving what needs to be chewing or eating something before or during the Mass running.. From OC Catholic not a special occasion we explore seven of them and look at why becoming might! Can not see what you are wearing formation before they begin to function. look at why an. It is a great gift to God as we celebrate the 500th anniversary of Christianity the. Receiving Communion, servers will return to their seats 0 obj Ruskin Matthew,. Or not to fill the roll they learn to serve with love and to perform smallest.
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