Altar servers have a rich heritage, going back to Jesus himself. In preparation for the Last Supper, Jesus sent two of his disciples to prepare the Passover for Himself and the Twelve. Over the centuries, as ceremonies became more complex and Latin became the language of the Church, specially trained assistants called Acolytes became common. Eventually this evolved into today’s altar servers who love Jesus, love the Mass, and want to give their time and talents in the service of God and his Church. 

 

An altar server is a lay assistant to the priest during the Mass or to other members of the clergy in other religious functions including Benediction and Eucharistic Adoration. Traditionally, the role of altar server has always been reserved to males. By having males serve at the altar, a young man is better able to discern the priesthood since he is involved with the Liturgy. However, over the years, females have been accepted into the role of altar servers. To serve at the altar as an altar server is one of the greatest sources of graces. The altar server assists the priest at the Sacred Liturgy; he is privileged to walk into the sanctuary. Undoubtedly, altar servers receive countless blessings from Almighty God from serving devoutly at Mass. Even attending Holy Mass is the source of numerous graces. It is certainly more grace-filled for altar servers. 

 

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 and assist him when he receives the gifts from the people, wash the hands of the priest, assist the priest celebrant and deacon as necessary. 

Servers respond to the prayers and dialogues of the priest along with the congregation. They also join in singing the hymns and other chants of the liturgy