Altar Servers

Altar Servers are part of a very ancient tradition in the liturgical life of the church. Servers are expected to be appropriately prepared, committed to giving their time and talent to their parish community, and willing to serve God’s people. They should be able to understand the Eucharistic celebration and the other sacred rites.

The server is a member of the assembly who assists the priest and deacon during the Eucharist and other liturgical ceremonies so that the liturgy can be conducted with grace and reverence. Servers should be active and full participants in the celebration with the understanding that they are first and foremost members of the assembly. The server expresses this by singing, praying and keeping silence along with the rest of the assembly.

Responsibilities

Servers carry the cross and the processional candles. They hold the book for the priest celebrant when he is not at the altar. They carry the incense and censer and present the bread and wine along with the water to the priest during the preparation of the gifts or assist him when he receives the gifts from the people. Servers wash the hands of the priest, and assist the priest and deacon as necessary. In the absence of a sacristan, the servers may prepare the altar and sacred vessels before Mass.

Training

As with other ministries, the ministry of server requires individuals to be trained so they can conduct themselves appropriately.

Vesture and Position of the Server

Youth Servers will vest in white albs. At all celebrations, servers should be neat, clean and simply dressed.

Contact Information

For further information or to sign-up as a server, please contact Mrs. Lynda Auer. She can be reached by calling (310) 451-9801 or by sending her an email.