Altar Servers

Other than priests and deacons, no one else is closer to the sacrifice of Christ on the altar than those ministering as altar servers. Serving at Mass is a unique ministry that requires dedication, discipline, and devotion. Not only does a server assist the priest and deacon in the celebration of the Mass, but they themselves encounter Christ in His sacrifice in a particular way. Devoted altar servers play an important role for the entire Prince of Peace faith community, and through their service can help draw others to the Lord. Altar servers, in a very real and visible way, are an extension of the clergy at Mass. In general, our servers should be just that, servants. They model Christ’s words, “I came not to be served, but to serve.”

Questions? Please contact Deacon Justin Reuter and the Altar Server ministry leader at altarserver@popolathe.org for information.

 

Altar Server Ministry Events / Training / Documents:

 

New Server Training

  • For those new to the ministry and interested in serving Sundays and Holy Days of obligation (See Altar Server Role Descriptions and Requirements, posted below, for details on expectations and requirements.)
  • Training is offered 2x per year – in Spring and Fall
    • Spring 2025 - May, TBD
  • One parent required to attend with server, light meal provided

 

Candle-Bearer Training

  • Open to all servers, but direct invite typically aimed at those that might benefit from a refresher of the Candle-Bearer role at Mass.
  • Training is optional and informal.
  • Training held on an ad hoc basis, generally held between the 9AM and 11AM Mass.
    • Next training - Sunday, December 1st, 10:15AM to 10:45AM in Main Church; Let us know you are coming, email us at altarserver@popolathe.org.   

 

Cross-Bearer Training

  • Open to all servers, but direct invite typically aimed at Servers who have served in their role for an extended period of time and have demonstrated a degree of knowledge and reverence that makes them good candidates to accept the role of cross-bearer in the absence of a Lead Server.
  • Training is optional and informal, but is required for those that have interest in consideration to be a Lead Server in the future.
  • Training held on an ad hoc basis, generally held between the 9:00AM and 11:00AM Mass.

 

Lead Server Training

  • Discerning a Lead Server Role? - watch this video from Dcn. Justin
  • For current servers who meet the expectations, have completed cross-bearer training, and have been invited/approved to attend Lead Server training. (See Altar Server Role Descriptions and Requirements, posted below, for details on expectations and requirements.)
  • Training dates are determined on an ad hoc basis between the ministry and individuals considered.
  • Lead Server Guide

 

Fall Server Kickoff

  • Annual event - mandatory attendance for all active servers
  • Fall 2024 – Sunday, August 11, 2:30-4pm (makeup options have been emailed to those who were not able to attend)
  • Fall 2025 - TBD

 

Altar Server Formation Events

  • Optional formation opportunities for our servers to dig deeper into their faith and the liturgy, open to all current servers and their family members
  • Next Event: TBD 

 

Documents

 

Dear Altar Servers, you are, in fact, already apostles of Jesus! When you take part in the Liturgy by carrying out your altar service, you offer a witness to all. Your absorption, the devotion that wells up from your heart and is expressed in gestures, in song, in the responses: if you do it correctly and not absent-mindedly, then in a certain way your witness is one that moves people.

The Eucharist is the source and summit of the bond of friendship with Jesus. You are very close to Jesus in the Eucharist, and this is the most important sign of his friendship for each one of us. Do not forget it.

-excerpt from Pope Benedict XVI, Address to Altar Servers, August 2, 2006

 

Altar Serving Videos

0 – Postures

1 – Arrival & Vesting Before Mass

2 – Lighting Candles Before Mass

3 – Procession & Introductory Rite

4 – Gospel & Prayers of the Faithful

5 – Offertory and Altar Preparation

6 – Eucharistic Prayer & Communion

7 – Clearing the Altar

8 – Concluding Rite & Recession

9 – Extinguishing Candles After Mass

10 – De-vesting After Mass & Care of Albs