Altar Servers

- "The primary duty of an Altar Server is to assist the priest, as a representative of the people of the parish, in a visible manner, as the mystery of Calvary unfolds on the Altar. All actions of the server are woven from signs and symbols whose meaning is rooted in the works of creation and in human culture, specified by events in the Old Testament and fully revealed in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Therefore, it is imperative that all servers do their assigned tasks in the prescribed form and manner."
  From the Preface of the Altar Server Instruction & Training Manual (c) CEI Publishing
  All young parishioners in grades 5 through 12 are invited to become Altar Servers. Altar Servers assist the clergy in the performance of all Sacred Ceremonies at the Sunday, Holy Day, wedding, and funeral liturgies. Their responsibilities include:
  
  Lighting and extinguishing the altar candles.
  Holding the binder for the priest and deacon.
  Carrying the cross and candles or incense during processions.
  Helping to prepare the Altar during and after Mass.
  Assisting with the offertory gifts
  Responding to prayers and readings during Mass.
  
  All Altar Servers must attend initial training sessions before being scheduled to serve Mass. Servers are expected to show up when scheduled, arrive early (at least 15 minutes before Mass), dress neatly, and serve with the utmost reverence. This important ministry welcomes all who are willing to make this special commitment to serve at the Altar of the Lord.
  
  If you are interested in learning more or volunteering with this ministry, please connect with us at the bottom of the page, and our coordinators will follow up with you.
- Upcoming Events
- Ministry Coordinators
  
  Bridgette & Mike Kunst
  
  Altar Server Coordinators
  
  Dcn. John Italia
  
  Coordinator of Parish Ministry
  
  john_italiabofa.com
- Looking to serve at our Spanish Masses?
  
  Acólitos
Learn More
Requirements
- Requirements to become an Altar Server
  Servers’ families must be registered members of St. Paul Parish.
  Servers must actively practice the Catholic faith and must have received their First Holy Communion.
  Servers must be in grades 5-12.
  Servers should currently be participating in a Faith Formation program, either through Sunday PREP, Summer Academy, attendance at a Catholic school, or structured home study.
  Servers must have completed a full Altar Server training session at St. Paul Parish.
Responsibilities
- You are required to attend scheduled Altar Server meetings as announced.
  You should serve at every Mass for which you are scheduled. The liturgy suffers when there are too few or even no servers. If you cannot serve at a Mass for which you are scheduled (except for sudden illness or family emergencies), request a substitute on the Ministry Schedule website.
  You are expected to arrive at the Mass to be served at least fifteen minutes before the starting time to prepare for the Celebration of the Most Holy Eucharist.
  You must take on this serious responsibility with commitment of devotion, dedication, and discipline.
  You are to always maintain a prayerful posture in the Sacristy. See the Altar Server Commitment & Conduct policy.
Schedules & Training
- Scheduling
  Altar server schedules are set for three-month periods: December-February, March-May, June-August, and September-November.
  Servers will receive their schedule via the online ministry scheduler. Sub requests and spot swaps may be made online. Kindly request a sub as soon as you know you cannot serve your assigned Mass.
  For scheduling of Holy Days of Obligation, Weddings, and Funerals, we will reach out to servers as needed.
  Altar Server Schedule (Rotunda)
  
  Trainings/Meetings
  Multiple trainings for new servers and refresher meetings for current servers will take place throughout the year.
  Please check your email for specific dates and times
Commitment & Conduct
- The Altar Server's Ministry is a unique one in the Catholic Church. Other than priests and deacons, no one else is allowed to play so close a part in the preparation of the Eucharist. Your participation as an Altar Server is special. When you serve the priests and deacons, you serve the people of God, and above all, you serve Christ. Altar Servers must take on this serious responsibility with commitment of devotion, dedication, and discipline.
  
  Please read our Altar Server Commitment & Conduct policy before registering.
  
  Altar Server Commitment & Conduct
- I'd Like more Info
  
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  Have a few questions before you commit? Complete the form below, and our coordinators will follow up with you.
  
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- I want to become an altar server
  
  If you're ready to become an altar server, please click on the button below and fill out the registration form. You will be contacted with further details about training.
  
  Register Here