Altar Servers Ministry: Drawing Closer to God and Growing in Understanding of the Mass

Altar servers often do their job so quietly that they seemingly blend right into the sanctuary during Mass. However, Steve Simmons has been training altar servers for four years and knows how much work and dedication they put into their job — and how much growth comes out of it. Serving on the altar brings young parishioners up close with the Mass and, over time, helps them to develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for the Mass and Christ in the Eucharist.

“It really builds up a lot of confidence in them and gives them a sense of their Catholicity,” Steve says.

Over the years, as he has mentored the servers, Steve has seen that the young men who serve are more likely to be open to discerning the priesthood. In fact, one newly ordained deacon was a regular server when he was a student. Some high schoolers serve every week and Steve can see within them the potential for the priesthood.

“They have that glow,” he says. “Most of our seminarians, I’d say ninety percent of them were altar servers.”

Even for young men who aren’t discerning the priesthood and for young women who serve, Steve hopes that being so close to the Mass and Christ will give them direction. Perhaps hearts will open to the religious life or another kind of ministry within the Church.

When Steve trains new altar servers, they spend an hour going through the mass step-by-step with Fr. Pat. Servers come to understand not only what happens at Mass, but also why it happens that way. In addition, there are many Latin terms that the servers need to learn.

“Some of them know Spanish and English, some of them just know English, and now they’re going to know Latin,” Steve says. “That’s the exciting part — they’re learning.”

After that hour training session, it’s all on the job. It might be a lot to learn, but the servers always have a sacristan to help them through if they get lost.

“I tell them, ‘You’re nervous because you care,’” Steve says.

Servers are most successful when their parents are involved. Parents are critical in making sure servers get to Mass on time and come with proper clothes and shoes. Parents benefit too — they have a child who is more engaged in the Mass and often can bring home what they have learned. Steve loves to see when a whole family is involved — the parents might be lectors or Extraordinary Ministers of the Holy Eucharist while the kids serve on the altar.

Steve believes that altar servers gain such a knowledge and love of the Mass that they will remain faithful down the road — he sees them becoming leaders in the church.

“I love the Mass and I love them to appreciate it,” Steve says. “Instead of sitting in the back, they’re really paying attention.”

Altar servers are needed for weekend Masses, school Masses, and funerals. To get involved in this important ministry, please contact Steve Simmons at 919-861-4613 or ssimmons@ourladyoflourdescc.org.

Steve Simmons