Our Altar Servers: Engaged In The Faith Like Never Before

St. James parishioner Mikey Kvaal first began altar serving as a middle schooler. At the time, Mikey says he joined simply because it was what his older brother had done before him and was something that would make his mother happy. He had no idea the way altar serving would impact his life, transforming his Mass experience and shaping his understanding of the faith.

“I feel like sitting in a pew just doesn’t feel the same as being up there on the altar,” Mikey says. “I feel so much more engaged being up there, listening to the homily, and being a more active part of the Mass. I feel, too, that I take away a little more each week from the Mass, which I then try to apply to my life during the week.”

Now a freshman at the University of Minnesota Duluth, Mikey continues to serve on the altar whenever possible. He says the ministry has completely changed his understanding of the Mass and the faith in general. Whereas before Mass was something he went to strictly out of obligation, Mikey has now come to appreciate what a great gift the Catholic liturgy and priesthood is.

“Through altar serving, I’ve come to see how much of a gift it is to go church,” Mikey says. “I really felt that during the pandemic when I couldn’t serve or attend Mass at all. There was so much that I missed from going to church — seeing everybody and receiving the Body and Blood of Christ. I would say, too, that altar serving has definitely opened me up to the possibility of the priesthood and just ministry in general.”

Mikey points out that many young people today struggle with the Mass, not understanding the meaning behind the rituals and actions. He says altar serving is a great way to combat this problem because it helps youth understand the “why” behind our actions and beliefs as Catholics.

“Knowing why you are doing something really gives it a whole new meaning,” Mikey says. “You’re not just a kind of zombie, doing what everyone else is doing. You are able to do things more intentionally.”

Altar serving is open to any middle or high school youth interested in taking a more active part in the sacred liturgy. If you would like more information about trainings and ministry requirements, please contact the Area Office at 320-269-5954 or secretary@holyfamilyarea.org.