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Altar Server and Master of Ceremony Ministry — Faithfully Sharing Talents at the Altar of Our Lord
The sacrifice at the altar is the most important part of the Mass, and the Eucharist is at the center of the Catholic faith. Since the Mass is of the utmost importance, altar servers, lead servers and masters of ceremony play a key role. All ministries are important, but in these ministries, youth assist at the altar. Of course, all these youth show reverence and respect for the Mass.
At St. Jude, we invite youth of fifth-grade age and up to serve as altar servers. Those in eighth grade can fill the lead server role. As young men move to high school, they can serve as a master of ceremony, or MC. Young women are invited to continue a leadership role as a Mass coordinator or sacristan.
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The word “liturgy” originates partly in the Greek word for “work.” Deacon Dave Henn, who coordinates these ministries, agrees with that definition — Mass is work, but it’s good work.
“What is unique to the ministers, from priests and deacons and altar servers and sacristans, is the reward is experiencing communal worship in a specific way,” Deacon Dave says. “Your work directly relates to and impacts the liturgical experience.”
These ministries are also unique in that they are in direct service to the priest and deacon. Servers and MCs set an example to the rest of the congregation with their reverence during Mass.
Each of these ministries has a different set of tasks during the Mass. Altar servers, sometimes called acolytes, assist with the basic and essential liturgical activities, such as serving as cross and candle bearers and book bearers. They help with preparing the altar as the Liturgy of the Eucharist begins and help remove the sacred vessels used during Mass. Altar servers usually ring the bells during the consecration.
Altar servers, lead servers and MCs assist at Mass in 2021.
These ministries are unique in that they are in direct service to the priest and deacon.
Youth in eighth grade who have experience serving in the ministry of altar serving may progress to the role of lead server. Lead servers assist the altar servers in carrying out their duties during liturgies.
“Lead servers truly are the servant’s servant, as part of their role is to see to it that the altar servers perform their functions surely and well,” Deacon Dave says.
Once youth reach high school age, some young men are invited to serve as an MC. This is a chance to delve more deeply into what life as a priest is like.
“High school is the age we are going to start recognizing the difference in vocational calls between men and women in the church,” Deacon Dave says. “MCs work closely with the deacon and priest in liturgical functions. MCs must think two steps ahead of the liturgy in order to anticipate the needs of the priest, deacon, other ministers, and the faithful assembled together.”
Deacon Dave invites all youth in fifth grade to consider stepping forward to serve as an altar server. It’s a rewarding ministry that is so important in the Mass. And anyone with a desire to serve a Mass ministry should consider their gifts and use them for the glory of our Lord.
“A person would find these ministries rewarding if they come into liturgy with a servant’s heart,” Deacon Dave says. “They are all important — from the first person to arrive, to the person who turns the lights out on Sunday evenings.”
