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Altar Server Application Print Option
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Altar Server Schedule Coordinator:
Laurie McCarthy
716-373-7407
lauriemccarthy@ymail.com
Don’t forget to sign in the sacristy.
If you cannot serve, please get a sub.
Please call if there are any changes in address or phone numbers.
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About Altar Serving
The ministry of altar serving has a beautiful history. Altar servers perform most of the functions of the former "minor order" of ordained clerics known as acolytes from the Greek word akolouthos or 'attendant'. Church writings from the second and third centuries discuss the role of acolytes, giving the office great importance and honor in the history of the Church. Specifically, in the mid 1900s, Archbishop of Westminster, Bernard Cardinal Griffen stated, "To serve at the altar, as to sing in the choir, is next to the priesthood the highest privilege which a human can enjoy. He represents the faithful and takes a most intimate part in the rich treasures of the church's liturgy and ceremonial. Those sacred ceremonies should be carried out with devotion, dignity and attention to detail." Cardinal Griffen was known for helping to rebuild the Catholic schools in England after World War II. Altar servers today, although not ordained as Deacons or installed as Extraordinary Eucharistic Ministers to serve on the altar, are 'commissioned' by their parish priest.
The primary role of the altar server is to assist the priest and the Deacon in the celebration of the liturgy during Mass. And, since we believe in the real presence of Jesus on the altar, as the priest transforms the bread and wine into the Body and Blood of our Lord, altar servers serve Our Lord on the altar. They are to set an example of reverence and holiness to the rest of the congregation on the altar while they perform their functions and duties during the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.
As Catholics, we believe that the Mass is not just a remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice but a living sacrifice. On the altar, which is the center of the church, the sacrifice of the Cross is made present under sacramental signs (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1182). The Mass is also a holy meal, a sacred banquet where we partake of the Body and Blood of Our Lord, Jesus Christ. As altar servers, you are important helpers at this heavenly meal. Therefore, all altar servers must display the utmost respect and reverence as they are key figures in serving Our Lord during this most precious time.
Altar servers represent the most mature young people of their age group. They must be responsible and caring individuals.
Some of this material is adapted from the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Libreria Editrice Vaticana, Washington, DC: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 2019.
I wish to especially thank parents and grandparents for your support and encouragement given to your children and youth in their ministry of Altar Serving and in other ways of participating more fully in parish life. Please do not hesitate to contact me or Fr. Peter to discuss how your family can participate in fostering our young parish members to more fully grow in and experience their Catholic faith. I wish to thank our leaders in the ministry of altar serving such as Laurie McCarthy and Abe Wenke for their help and their efforts in support of the development of opportunities to serve God at His altar.
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If you are interested in becoming an Altar Server, we need you to have your parent or guardian fill out this form (if ages 9 and 16) or complete it yourself if ages 18 to 21 and return it in the collection basket during Mass or return it to the parish office.
** Training and practice will be available and convenient to all interested**
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