ALTAR SERVERS: Deeply Involved with the Mass, Growing Closer to Christ

Altar serving is a quiet but profound gift of time and talent. Though their service takes place in the background, altar servers ensure that Mass goes smoothly and that the priest has everything he needs to celebrate Mass. It is a rewarding experience that leads to a deeper understanding of the Mass. It’s impossible to be up close with the Eucharist and to be so deeply involved during Mass without being impacted.

Laura Blake is a seasoned altar server. She began serving when she was in fourth grade — the minimum age for altar servers — and has been serving for six years. Her inspiration to try altar serving was her dad.

“When I was little, I saw my dad up on the altar being a Eucharistic Minister,” Laura says. “I knew I eventually wanted to do that, so I thought that becoming an altar server would get me closer to being a Eucharistic Minister.”

Laura was trained with about 10 other new servers. They walked through the Mass step-by-step, learning exactly what they needed to bring to the priest and when, as each small task ensures that the rest of Mass runs smoothly.

“When I started, I was worried that I would mess up the order, or when and what to bring up to the altar,” Laura says. “It took about a year before I felt completely comfortable.”

For a while, servers worked together during Mass, but soon Laura found that her own experience and confidence were needed. When COVID-19 came, only one server was scheduled for each Mass to ensure safety, so Laura had to rely on her own knowledge.

Over the years, Laura has had a chance to serve at special Masses, with Christmas and Easter Masses each having differences that the altar servers must learn. Weddings and funerals are among some of the other unique Masses for which servers are needed. One Mass, in particular, stands out in Laura’s memory.

“I was asked to serve at one of my childhood friend’s grandma’s funeral,” Laura says. “It was sad, but it felt like serving was one of the most beautiful gifts I could give to them.”

Six years of altar serving has certainly changed how Laura experiences the Mass. She is aware of details that most of us would never notice from the pews. Her focus and attention are required throughout the Mass and Fr. Marty relies on her and the other servers to know exactly what needs to be done. That focus extends beyond the small details and heightens Laura’s participation in the Mass.

“By being up on the altar, you have a more personal connection to the Mass,” Laura says. “The message of the whole Mass is better understood because you’re actively participating.”

If you’re interested in being trained as an altar server, please contact the parish office at 308-384-0532.

Laura Blake began serving when she was in fourth grade — the minimum age for altar servers — and has been serving for six years.