Search results
Jul 31, 2018 · Altar Servers, more commonly known as altar boys, are children or teenagers who assist a priest during Mass. Their name comes from the Latin word “ministrare” which means ‘’to serve’’. Their role is recognized by the Conciliar Constitution as an integral part of the liturgic office, and as such demands conduct and behaviour from ...
People also ask
What is the role of altar servers in the Catholic Church?
How many altar servers can a Catholic priest have?
What happens if there is only one altar server?
Can a female altar server serve?
Jan 15, 2024 · Altar servers play a crucial role in the sacred rituals of the Catholic Church, assisting priests during Mass and other religious services. In this article, we will delve into the importance of their duties, the significance of their roles, and the skills required to serve effectively at the altar.
- 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.
- No distinction should be made between the functions carried out in the sanctuary by men and boys and those carried out by women and girls. The term "altar boys" should be replaced by "servers".
- Servers should be mature enough to understand their responsibilities and to carry them out well and with appropriate reverence. They should have already received holy communion for the first time and normally receive the eucharist whenever they participate in the liturgy.
- Servers should receive proper formation before they begin to function. 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.
Jul 15, 2024 · In many Catholic churches, the priest likes to have three to six altar servers to help them do the Mass. Although once prohibited in the Catholic Church, female altar servers are now allowed to serve provided that the diocesan bishop and the parish priest allow the practice.
- 1. Prepare for the task. Before you arrive at your church, be sure to wear good clothes, such as a collared shirt and pants. However, in some albs,...
- 2. Arrive at church at the very latest at least 20 minutes before the Mass begins (Make a visit to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament in the Chapel). T...
- 3. Go to the Sacristy in your church that holds the altar serving albs or cassocks and cottas/surplices. Try not to talk loud, but whisper. Put on...
- 4. Decide who will be doing which jobs. Usually the Master of Ceremonies or deacon will decide this, but often the choice will fall on the most sen...
- 5. Wait for the priest or deacon and, on some occasions, the bishop to join you at the entry to the church. And once you process into Mass, please-...
- 6. Stand at your seats singing during the opening hymn, which will have been sung during your procession up the aisle. After the hymn has concluded...
- 7. During the homily, listen attentively to what the priest has to say. It usually relates to the scripture readings of the day, and carries import...
- 8. At the preparation of the gifts, sometimes called Offertory, bread and wine are brought to the altar. Sometimes a cross bearer goes down the cen...
- 9. If bells are used, ring once at the epiclesis (when the priest calls down the Holy Spirit by extending his hands over the gifts), and three time...
- 10. Follow the local custom when receiving the Holy Communion. After receiving communion, servers will return to their seats.
An altar server is a lay assistant to a member of the clergy during a Christian liturgy. An altar server attends to supporting tasks at the altar such as fetching and carrying, ringing the altar bell, helping bring up the gifts, and bringing up the liturgical books
Once the Priest approaches the altar, an Altar Server gets the water cruet and then the Altar Server pours the water into the Chalice held by the Priest. When the Priest is done, the server will bow his head and take the cruet back and place the top on it.
Aug 14, 2024 · What Does An Altar Server Do? Altar servers lead the way for the priest to go up to the altar to begin Mass. They hold the Bible and lectionary open so that the priest can recite the daily prayers out loud.
