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In many Catholic churches, the priest likes to have three to six altar servers to help them do the Mass. Although once prohibited in the Catholic Church, female altar servers are now allowed to serve provided that the diocesan bishop and the parish priest allow the practice. If you would like to find out more information on how to altar serve correctly.
Requirements for Altar Serving Candidates
A Candidate should fulfill the following requirements:
- Candidates should have made their First Communion.
- Candidates should know how to genuflect correctly.
- Candidates should know how to make the sign of the Cross.
- Candidates can be of any gender as long as their church agrees with the practice of including altar servers of another gender.
Steps
Community Q&A
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QuestionWhat should I do if I forget what to do in the middle of mass?Community AnswerA good solution would be to check with what the senior servers are doing and follow suit. Or relay the message to someone that you are having trouble remembering and they can help you.
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QuestionWhen should I get the book for the priest to read?Community AnswerIn most churches, the lead server will get it when the priest says "Let us Pray".
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QuestionDo I need to change the pages for the priest if I'm an altar server?Community AnswerUsually the priest will open the book and change the pages. The altar server's function is to hold the book for the priest to read from while holding his hands up to God.
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Tips
- Always go to the bathroom before mass. This is proper etiquette that is required.Thanks
- When walking or sitting, hands should be held in one of two positions, locked together either at the chest or waist.Thanks
- Hang up your vestments after using them. Do not dump them on the floor of the cupboard, which is disrespectful to your church custodians.Thanks
Tips from our Readers
The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
- Make sure your server robe fits well! If it's too short it could be distracting and disrespectful, and if it's too long you could trip and fall and hurt yourself or break something.
- Make sure you are serving with someone more experienced your first time. Don't worry if you mess up, nobody will really notice!
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Warnings
- If something goes wrong, don't show it! Act as if everything is going on as normal as the congregation will not notice.Thanks
- Come properly dressed. Sneakers (trainers) are not usually accepted, but black sneakers may be as long as it is not a special occasion. Never wear shoes with flashing lights.Thanks
- Remember to get a good night's sleep first - there's nothing worse for a congregation to look at than a tired server!Thanks
- When lighting candles or handling fire, keep the flame away from your vestments and hair. Albs can either catch fire or in some cases even melt and stick to your body, depending on their type.Thanks
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References
- ↑ https://uploads.weconnect.com/mce/8b583aa0ac7f15508192f2ea1c56b9a07eb48e38/LiturgicalMinisterSchedules/Altar%20Server%20Handbook.pdf
- ↑ https://www.kencollins.com/glossary/vestment-01.htm
- ↑ https://www.holyart.com/blog/religious-items/roles-altar-servers/
- ↑ http://www.stchrismi.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Altar-Server-Guidelines.pdf
- ↑ https://holynamechurch.org/altar-servers
- http://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/the-mass/frequently-asked-questions/guidelines-for-altar-servers.cfm
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