Altar Servers . . . Ministers of Service
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What is an Altar Server ?An Altar Server assists the presider (priest or bishop) at worship services, especially at the Sunday Masses. They may also assist at weddings, funerals, stations of the cross and other gatherings at the church.Why is theirs a Ministry of Service?Altar Servers “serve” God and His people at the Altar whenever we gather to worship. A Server assists the priest, deacon or bishop as the need arises. The server stands for the whole Christian community. We can’t all assist at the Altar at Mass, so the Altar Server represents all of us.What are the Responsibilities of an Altar Server at Divine Mercy of our Lord?A server will light candles, carry the cross in procession, hold the book of prayers, help set up the Altar for the Eucharist, assist in receiving the gifts at the Offertory, and many other duties.Is there a Special Training to become an Altar Server ?Altar Server training is held usually once a year, at the end of August or beginning of September. It consists of a Saturday morning or Sunday afternoon where you learn the various duties of the server and practice them until you are comfortable and understand the Altar Server’s role in the worshipping assembly.
Who may Become an Altar Server at the Divine Mercy of our Lord Parish?Any boy or girl whose family is registered at the Divine Mercy of our Lord Parish, and who has received Baptism and First Communion, is eligible to be an Altar Server as long as they will be available to fulfill their ministry as assigned. Assignments are usually only a couple of Sunday Masses each month. All commissioned ministers at the Divine Mercy of our Lord Parish, including Altar Servers, are asked to act as Ministers of Welcome and Hospitality every time they attend Mass or worship services whether they are specifically assigned to function that time or not. We are all called to offer help and welcome those who gather with us as a community.
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Coordinator, Altar Servers