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Altar Server
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Altar Serving Ministry
Altar Servers assist with the Mass processions and assist the clergy during the Mass. It is one of the most helpful services that young people can perform in the parish and is an opportunity to learn more about the church and our worship of God.
Altar Servers are utilized during weekly masses, funerals and weddings.
Who can be an Altar Server in the Reading Catholic Community?
Anyone in Grade 3 or above who has received First Communion can sign up.
What do Altar Servers do during the Mass?- Carry the cross/candles/incense during the procession into Mass
- Assist the priest by holding the books from which prayers are read
- Assist the priest in receiving the gifts during the offertory
- Assist in preparing the altar for Liturgy
- Assist the priest in the ritual washing of his hands
- Assist in clearing the altar after the Liturgy
- Carry the cross/candles/incense during the recession out of Mass
When Altar Servers are not assisting, they are participating in the Mass (e.g. reciting prayers, singing along with hymns, etc.)
Is Altar Serving considered a volunteer service?
Yes! As you get older there are several organizations that require volunteer service hours. Altar serving is a wonderful way to support the parishes while also fulfilling these requirements. For example, service hours are required for the Sacrament of Confirmation (grades 9-10), National Honor Society (grades 11-12), and Scouting Rank Advancements (various grades). While not required, volunteer hours can also be highlighted on college and job applications.
The Catholic faith believes strongly in community service, and helping its members. The church also values tradition, and gives a lot of its scholarship money to students who will uphold the Catholic tradition in the future. There are several scholarship opportunities for practicing Catholics, especially those applying to a Catholic middle/high school and/or college. Being an active member of your parish, with a dedicated role, will likely give you a “leg up” over other applicants.
Is being an Altar Server considered a Leadership role?
Although they may not receive a “leadership” title, some of the more senior Altar Servers are considered “leaders” within our ministry. These servers often assist in the recruitment and training of new servers by speaking at Mass, sharing information with prospective newcomers, training the new servers, and/or inviting new servers to shadow them during Mass.
What is the time commitment?
Altar Servers are expected to arrive 10-15 minutes before the start of the Mass. This allows time to put on a robe, assist with altar set up (lighting candles, filling the water pitcher, etc.), and to say a prayer before the procession.
There is no minimum time commitment, however the more often an Altar Server serves the more comfortable they become.
Altar Servers use a scheduling app/website to indicate what mass times they prefer, how often they want to be scheduled, and can even indicate specific dates/times of year they are not available.
How do I sign up?- There are several ways to let us know you are interested in joining us:
- Contact Michelle Goldner by email or text
- chelle1127@msn.com
- 508-942-9788
- Tell your Religious Education Teacher
- Tell any member of the clergy
- Contact Michelle Goldner by email or text
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