Become An Altar Server

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.  Any member of St. Paul Parish, who is in fifth grade, and is enrolled in a religious education program is welcome to join this important ministry.

A main training session is scheduled in the fall each year, with a meeting held during the winter months.
 
Any individual who is interested in becoming an Altar Server, please complete the below registration form and email the Altar Server coordinators to attend an upcoming training.
 

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“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
 © CEI Publishing

All those wishing to join the Altar Server Ministry at St. Paul Parish must meet the following requirements:

• Servers’ family 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 fifth grade.
• Servers should be currently participating in a program of Faith Formation, either through PREP, attendance at a Catholic school, or through structured home study.
• Servers must have completed a full Altar Training session at St. Paul.

Altar Servers play a crucial part in the smooth running of Mass. Some of the main duties include:

• Assisting the priest and deacon during Mass.
• Carrying the cross and candles or incense during processions.
• Helping to prepare the Altar before and after Mass.
• Responding to prayers and readings during Mass.

 
Personal 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.  See the Altar Server Commitment.
• You are to always maintain a prayerful posture in the Sacristy. See the Altar Server Conduct.