Lay Ministers are called to continue the saving mission of Christ for the world and His Church. As we prepare to gather in His name to celebrate mass, we become members of the body of Christ. God calls us to serve one another in His house, as elsewhere. Will you?

If so, make sure you receive the training necessary to conduct this important ministry. We hold classes periodically depending on volunteers and the needs of the parish for Altar Servers, Lay Eucharistic Ministers and Lectors. Please contact the parish office to find out when the next class is being held for the ministry in which you would like to serve.

If you are interested in altar server training, talk to Elizabeth Crail or leave a message at the parish office with your email contact information. Otherwise, consult the parish bulletin and the announcements at Mass for training sessions. Children who have made their First Communion are eligible to train and serve.

What are an altar server’s duties? Altar servers perform most of the functions of the former “minor order” of ordained clerics known as acolytes from the Greek word akolouthos or ‘attendant’. Church writings from the second and third centuries discuss the role of acolytes, giving the office great importance and honor in the history of the Church. Altar servers today are not ordained, but are ‘commissioned’ by their parish priest.

The primary role of the altar server is to assist the priest in the celebration of the liturgy during Mass. This is done through specific actions and by setting an example to the congregation by active participation in the liturgy (hymns, responses, etc.), by looking alert and sitting or standing at the appropriate times.

Servers carry the cross, the processional candle(s), hold the book for the priest celebrant when he is not at the altar, carry the incense and censer, present the bread, wine, and water to the priest during the preparation of the gifts or assist him when he receives the gifts from the people, wash the hands of the priest, assist the priest celebrant and deacon as necessary.

Who can be an altar server? Any child who has made his or her First Holy Communion may attend the training and become an altar server.

• Although the rank "names" are not used much, each server receives his or her own server cross on a colored cord once past the six month "probationary" period when we learn if trainees are going to continue to participate in the program.
• As the servers become more confident and knowledgeable, and learn more skills and become able to assist other servers in their duties, they receive recognition by being "promoted" to a new cord color.
• In addition, we award beads to be placed on the cord, which represent years of service, and participation in special or more complex Masses throughout the year.  It is a great goal to earn one of every possible bead!

(Parents, please consider if your child is mature enough to sit reasonably quietly and pay attention during Mass; if not, perhaps they should wait an extra year before joining in this ministry.)

Additional requirements for adults:
- complete a background check with the diocese
- complete the diocesan child abuse prevention program
- should be dual-certified as an EM (not absolutely required, but preferred)