Introduction To Altar Serving

Everybody has a part to play. We are all called upon to make the responses, join in the prayers, and make gestures like the sign of the cross, kneeling, or sitting.

A few people have special tasks; among these are the altar servers.

Server is a good word because it really tells us what the job is - to serve, to help, to assist.

In fact, everyone in the church is a server. We all serve each other. No matter who we are, we should help each other.

The name ‘altar server’ means that most of our serving happens at, or near the altar. We help the priest and the deacon by holding the Missal for them, carrying the water and wine when they are needed, and many other actions like that.

Though the altar is the place around which we serve, there are times when we leave the altar altogether. For example, at the beginning of Mass we may walk all round the church in procession. On Palm Sunday, we may start the service in another building apart from the church.

Altar servers have a lot of interesting and exciting jobs to do. Most of these are ceremonies; they give the Mass greater solemnity and through them we are all helped to pray.

Downloads

The following downloadable resources are provided to assist MCs and clergy in growing and managing the Guild in their parish. Where applicable they are provided in Microsoft Word format so that they can be easily adapted to local needs.

Holy Week Planners

  • Maundy Thursday

    HOLY WEEK PLANNER

    The following is a template for MCs and organisers to adapt as they see fit to help plan an Ordinary Form celebration of the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Maundy Thursday.

    Download

  • Good Friday

    HOLY WEEK PLANNER

    The following is a template for MCs and organisers to adapt as they see fit to help 
plan an Ordinary Form celebration of the Good Friday Passion of the Lord service.

    Download

  • Easter Vigil

    HOLY WEEK PLANNER

    The following is a template for MCs and organisers to adapt as they see fit to help 
plan an Ordinary Form celebration of the Easter Vigil.

    Download

Prayers

O God, you accept our ministry and allow us to serve at your altar; grant that while serving you we follow the example of our Patron, St Stephen, the first martyr, and that we may, like him, come to see Jesus standing at your right hand in the Kingdom of Heaven. We ask this through Jesus Christ, your Son. Amen.

Help us, we pray you Lord, to imitate St Stephen, your deacon, whom we venerate as the patron of our Guild. May we serve the Church with the same dedication and learn to love our enemies just as he prayed for those who persecuted him. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Printable prayers can be downloaded above.

God, to whom every heart is open, every desire known and from whom no secrets are hidden; cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the help of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, faithfully serve you, and worthily praise your Holy Name. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen

Lord, I have many interesting things that I would to do today, but please help me to remember that I am assisting at this Mass. Help me to understand that if I serve with dignity and reverence it will help the people to pray. Help me to serve well in the name of Jesus our Lord. Amen.