How Old Are Altar Servers?

The ministry of altar serving is one of the oldest liturgical roles within the Catholic Church, providing special assistance to priests and deacons during Mass. Additionally, this important ministry serves to inspire vocations into both priesthood and religious life within the Church.

Servers must be taught how to conduct themselves correctly and orderly (Sacrasanctum Concilium). The three ideals of a server are discipline, decorum, and devotion.

They should be ready to serve at the request of either the bishop or priest celebrant. They must know and understand the prayers and dialogues used during Mass, be able to respond appropriately, and join in singing hymns with joy.

Their service at Mass is an essential way of spreading God’s love to those present. It is the duty of an altar server to assist the priest at all times during Mass and ensure they have everything needed.

When serving communion, an altar server should always hold the Communion Paten–a small saucer-shaped plate–level from when it’s taken from its storage place until it is returned to the priest or deacon after everyone has received. This helps prevent fragments of Jesus’ Body from falling on the floor during distribution.

Before being commissioned as an altar server, new altar servers should practice using the patten by helping the priest with it during a practice Mass. They should be taught how to place it on the table and maintain its level during Holy Communion until they feel confident using it.

It is essential that servers genuflect with reverence when they stand before or kneel behind the altar, to signify they are worshiping only Jesus and not anyone else in its place, such as a crucifix or tabernacle.

They should be taught how to properly and correctly make the sign of the cross, representing our Lord Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection. This should begin at an early age and must be reinforced every time they serve at Mass.

Those aspiring to serve as altar servers should attend all scheduled Masses and aim to serve at least once every other week. Doing this will enable them to develop in their vocation as an altar server and become a stronger member of the parish community.

This ministry is an exciting and fulfilling way to serve God. It also helps build self-esteem as you gain knowledge about Catholic faith.

Be a good listener and avoid talking too loudly or using your hands for talking, unless instructed by the priest or deacon. Not only will this keep you safe, but it will also make other servers feel more at ease around you.