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The Altar Server Ministry: Faithfully Sharing Talents with Our Lord and Parish
The sacrifice at the altar is the most important part of the Mass, as the Eucharist is at the center of the Catholic Faith. Since the Mass is of the utmost importance, altar servers play a key role. Of course, all of these young servers show reverence and respect for the Mass as they assist on the altar.
James Benes’ son, Joe, is an altar server, and his twin boys, Peter and Andrew, have expressed interest in serving when they are older. James assists at St. Peter Catholic Church by training new altar servers and preparing the school Mass server schedule. Bridget Paseka prepares the weekend Mass server calendar.
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“This ministry is a great childhood and adolescent ministry for youth to grow in their Catholic faith and serve Christ’s Church in a unique way,” James says. “To serve at the altar is a great honor and an important ministry to our parish.”
Fifth-grade CCD and St. Peter students are invited to get involved as altar servers by attending one of two October training sessions. The training covers the role of altar servers, why the Mass is important, how to prepare spiritually to serve, Mass setup and cleanup, and why serving is such an honor and privilege. The youth also learn about Mass attire and find the correct size of the surplice, the long robe servers wear at Mass. Joe takes this privilege seriously and enjoys the opportunity to serve with friends.
“I enjoy being close to Christ in the Eucharist,” Joe says. “I also know I am helping our parish.”
Altar servers also model reverence to the congregation during Mass. James says it’s also a way to foster vocations and for the youth to get to know local priests.
“I am very impressed and humbled by the faithfulness, respect, hard work, and responsibility I have witnessed throughout the years by our altar servers here at St. Peter Catholic Church,” James says.
James wants to thank all the parents who have supported their children as Altar Servers throughout the years.
