Home Staff Mass Times Church Locations How to Become a Catholic Calendars Bulletins

From our Pastor
From our Deacons
Ministries & Español
Religious Education
Youth Ministry
Programs
Sacraments
Registration & Forms
Catholic Resources
Email Parish Office

Estancia Valley Parish
Altar Servers

Responding to the call to holiness.

Altar Server Prayer Before Mass

Oh Jesus, my King and Lord, by the grace of the heavenly Father and the power of the Holy Spirit, guide me in all righteousness as I serve You today at the Altar so I may be always worthy of Your presence. If I happen to make an error, may it be a lesson so my service will be perfect tomorrow. Jesus, I love You with all my heart.
Amen.

Altar Servers are a very important part of the Mass.  The position is also the foundation for the development of the youth of the Church in regard to building a spirit of participation, ministry and vocation.
This ministry is a wonderful way for both the youth and their families to develop a better understanding of and devotion to the Mass and their faith.
What does it take to be an Altar Server?

  1. Altar Servers should be mature enough to understand their responsibilities and to carry them out well and with appropriate reverence. They should have already received Holy Communion for the first time and normally receive the Eucharist whenever they participate in the liturgy.
  2. Altar Servers should receive proper training and formation before they begin to function. The training and formation should include instruction on the Mass and its parts and their meaning, the various objects used in the liturgy (their names and use), and the various functions of the server during the Mass and other liturgical celebrations.
  • Since the role of altar server is important to the normal celebration of the Mass, at least one server should assist the priest at any Mass. On Sundays and other more important occasions, two or more servers should be used to carry out the various functions normally entrusted to these ministers.
  • Acolytes, altar servers, readers, and other lay ministers may wear the alb or other suitable vesture or other appropriate or dignified clothing. (General Instruction of the Roman Missal, no.339) All servers should wear the same and proper vestures and liturgical color.
  • What do we do?

  • Altar Servers carry the cross and the processional candles, hold the book for the priest celebrant when he is not at the altar, carry the incense and censer, present the bread, wine, and water to the priest during the preparation of the gifts or assist him when he receives the gifts from the people, wash the hands of the priest, assist the priest celebrant and deacon as necessary.
  • When Altar Servers are serving at the Mass they should still respond with fully with reverence and conviction
    to the prayers and words of the priest along with and as part of the congregation. They also join in singing the hymns and other chants of the liturgy.

  • Altar Servers should be seated in a place from which they can easily assist the priest celebrant and deacon. The place next to the priest is normally reserved for the deacon.
  • While seated or standing, the Altar Servers should be still, quiet and attentive.  They should be ready to respond to the needs of the priest and must not forget that they can and should set an example for others attending the Mass.
    When walking, the Altar Server should display a calm and unhurried attitude so as to display confidence.  They should remain aware of the reverence required by the Altar and the tabernacle as they pass them while carrying out their duties.

  • Altar Servers may not distribute Holy Communion (be Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion) unless they have been mandated for this function by the bishop.
  • The Order for the Blessing of Altar Servers, Sacristans, Musicians, and Ushers (Book of Blessings, nos. 1847-1870) can be used before altar servers first begin to function in this ministry.
  • With training and practice you will grow in confidence and skill.   We welcome you to join those who serve at God’s altar.
    Altar Server Prayer After Mass
    Lord Jesus, thank you for the opportunity to serve You during the Holy Mass. In Your Sacred Presence, my heart is filled with joy and peace. May Your Spirit always guide me so I may grow in Your love by the grace of the Heavenly Father.
    Amen.

     

    P.O. Box 129
    1400 Third St. S
    Moriarty, New Mexico 87035
    Phone: 505.832.6655
    Fax: 505.832.6057