Liturgical Ministries
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Contact:
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Mike SchwartzAltar Server Coordinator
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Altar Server MinistryTo be an altar server is a special honor and great privilege in the Catholic Church. AltarServers today can trace their roots or genealogy to the order of Acolyte, a ministry that was once reserved only for those who were going to be ordained priests. One can look upon an altar server as a special and unique ministry by which you, a young person, can help to spread the word and the love of Christ through your actions and words.Being an altar server enables our young Catholics to gain a greater appreciation and understanding of their faith and of the liturgy.
Holy Name of Jesus parish is blessed with many children who have been called by God to be a part of this Ministry.
If your child is interested, please contact our Ministry Coordinator to set up a formal training.
The primary role of the Altar Server is to assist the priest in the celebration of the liturgy during Mass.
This is done through specific actions and by setting an example to the congregation by active participation in the liturgy by your actions,
singing of hymns, responses of the people, looking alert and sitting,
standing or kneeling at the appropriate times.
Altar servers are on duty from the time they enter the sanctuary at the start of Mass until they finish clean-up after the end of Mass.General RequirementsThe ministry of Altar Servers invites children who have received their First Holy Communion to assist the priest and deacons in the celebration of the liturgy.
This may include Sunday Mass, daily mass, Weddings, Funerals, and other special celebrations.
Q: What makes my child a good candidate to be an altar server?
A: Knowing the structure of the Mass along with principal prayers of the Mass: The Gloria; Our Father; Nicene Creed; Lamb of God; Holy, Holy, Holy; A good candidate displays discipline, decorum and piety along with the ability to work well in a team.
Q: What "tools of the trade" will an altar server be trained on?
A: matches; candle lighter; proper carrying of lit/unlit processional candles; proper carrying of processional cross; preparation of cruets and credence table; Presenting the bread, wine and water to the priest; wash the priest's hands;
A FEW REMINDERS...- Altar Servers must be neat and clean. Clean face, hands, hair, shoes, etc.
- Appropriate attire: dress as you would to go anywhere important.
- Please DO NOT wear flip-flops when you serve.
- Attend Mass on Sundays and holy days.
- Servers should know the responses and say them out loud.
- Serve at every Mass when scheduled.
- FIND A REPLACEMENT if you are unable to serve when you are scheduled, you may do so by logging into Ministry Scheduler Pro and requesting a substitute.
- *Ministry Scheduler Pro also allows an area to indicate when you are not available. Access is made available once your child is trained to serve*