Boys and girls 4th grade through high school participate at Mass as acolytes. Like Lectors, acolytes are one of the liturgical ministries extended to the laity by the Second Vatican council. At one time, only boys and men could be acolytes. The ministry was expanded to include girls and women in 1994.

Time Commitment:  To serve at the Masses to which altar servers/acolytes are assigned, approximately once or twice a month.

From the Spring 2007 Edition of Clippings Magazine

Service at the Altar

by: Matt Doherty

Imagine this: the opening notes of the entrance hymn ring through Our Lady Queen of Martyrs. Msgr. Ryan strides up the center aisle – alone – bows and takes his place at the presider’s chair. He continues to go through the Mass, without any help, holding the Sacramentary, washing his own hands, and even ringing the bells during the elevation of the Eucharist.

Weird?

Definitely. The conspicuous absence of one often overlooked element of Sunday Mass – the Altar servers – would completely throw off the balance, timing and formula of the Mass each weekend. Although they are unheralded, altar servers are the glue that holds Mass together – one doesn’t always notice them, but without them there would be chaos in the sanctuary.

As well as being an integral part of the Mass, Altar serving offers other opportunities within the parish as well. Frequently, young adults who are altar servers go on to take more prominent roles in parish life, including becoming Eucharistic Ministers and Lectors.

Kevin and Brian Doherty have been altar servers for six and three years, respectively. "Altar serving is a great way for younger people to get involved in the parish," said Kevin. "It really stresses the community involvement, and it’s a great stepping stone to do other things within the parish." Brian agrees. "I haven’t really been doing it for that long compared to my brother, but I get the same feeling. My older brother is a Eucharistic Minister now [after being an Altar server for eight years] so it really helps you get involved in other things."

Altar serving is also a great way to attract younger members of the parish into their first role of service to the parish. Candidates can start training as early as fourth grade and when they are installed help to continue the tradition of serving. Although Mass can sometimes be boring for children, altar serving can get them to be involved and appreciate the weekly sacrifice.

"It means a lot to me to be able to be involved in the Mass sacrifice, not just to be a spectator," said Brian.

It is clear that altar serving is a great way for younger members of the parish to become involved. Altar Servers are an integral part of the Mass, and through their service, they build the foundation of a strong Catholic upbringing. Finally, Altar servers can gain experience that is vital to furthering their role in parish life.