Q&A for How to Be an Altar Server in the Catholic Church

Return to Full Article

Coming soon

Add New Question

Question

What should I do if I forget what to do in the middle of mass?

Community Answer

A 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.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 40
Question

When should I get the book for the priest to read?

Community Answer

In most churches, the lead server will get it when the priest says "Let us Pray".

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 12 Helpful 70
Question

Do I need to change the pages for the priest if I'm an altar server?

Community Answer

Usually 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.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 7 Helpful 36
Question

Is there an age limit to become an altar server?

Community Answer

Usually, no. But it is very impractical for someone under the age of eight.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 7 Helpful 36
Question

What type of shoes should I wear?

Community Answer

Refrain from wearing any tennis shoes or high heel shoes, as this may be a sign of disrespect. If you are a girl, you should wear a pair of dressy black flats. If you are a boy, you should were a pair of black shoes. Make sure your shoes are shined, and tied securely so you don't trip while walking.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 13 Helpful 52
Question

What are the ranks of an altar server?

Community Answer

Each church is different. However, in most churches, seniority is based on age and experience. Normally, the older altar server has more responsibilities than the others.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 8 Helpful 34
Question

I have medium length hair. Should I still pull it back?

Community Answer

Medium length hair can still catch fire from candles or get in your face during mass, so tying it back would be advisable.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 7 Helpful 35
Question

What do I do during the readings?

Community Answer

Pay attention and don't do anything to draw attention towards yourself. The altar server's job is to be silent and help the priest or deacon. During the readings, sit tight and listen.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 6 Helpful 15
Question

Should I kneel the entire time communion is being prepared?

Community Answer

No, you should be standing attentively so that you can assist your deacon or priest, in case you need to hand him something or put something back on the credence table.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 13 Helpful 37
Question

Can a girl who has had a baby out of wedlock be an altar server?

Community Answer

Once she's confessed, yes.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 16 Helpful 38
Question

I am becoming an alter server, and have ADHD. Are there any tips to help me?

Community Answer

Just make sure that you are being helpful, and as long as you don’t make any distractions, you will be fine.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 7
Question

Can I be an altar server if I am not Catholic? (I've at least received the Holy Communion.)

Community Answer

First off, you should not be receiving Holy Communion if you are not a practicing Catholic in a state of Grace (meaning you have confessed your sins, received absolution and have done penance for your mortal sins in the Sacrament of Reconciliation) who believes in the Doctrine of the Transubstantiation. To receive Holy Communion otherwise is sacrilegious and is grave matter in and of itself (see 1 Cor. 11:27–28). Secondly, if you're not a practicing Catholic, it doesn't make sense for you assist the priest in offering the sacrifice of the Mass. Please talk to your priest for further information and advice regarding confession.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 14 Helpful 30
Question

Where does the altar server put the book holder during a service?

Community Answer

Only some churches have book holders; others tend to use altar servers to bring the book back and forth to the priest. Most of the time, the book holder remains where it usually lies within the church, just to the left of the priest so he can read from it; yet not completely in the way. If it is evident the holder is in the way, it is best to simply just adjust it to a position it is not.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 6 Helpful 10
Question

What is the best age to become an altar server?

Community Answer

Most people start at age 9 (after receiving holy communion for the first time), but you can start anytime.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 3 Helpful 7
Question

What do I take up first and so on in the middle of the Mass?

Rebecca Procter

Community Answer

When setting up the altar, you should take the corporal (large white square), the chalices, the purificatiors (small white cloths) and the missal if it is not already there (it depends on the church). When the offertory is brought to the altar, the bread is taken first, the cruets (water and wine) next. If incense is used, it is needed at this point. The priest will then need the lavabo (bowl, jug and towel) to wash his hands.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 2 Helpful 5
Question

How many altar servers are there?

Community Answer

It depends on the church. Normally there are 3-6.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 5
Question

How do I prepare an alter? What do I bring to the alter?

Community Answer

The priest prepares the altar but you have to bring over the water and wine.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 3 Helpful 7
Question

What is the "Bread of God"?

Community Answer

It's symbolic of the body of God. When Jesus offered bread to the disciples at the last supper, he spoke to them saying, "This is my body..." and telling them to break it in remembrance of him.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 30 Helpful 13
Question

What is the maximum age to become an altar server?

Community Answer

You can be any age to serve, but people are most likely to serve around age 8-9 after receiving the Holy Communion.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 5 Helpful 7
Question

What do altar servers do?

Community Answer

They assist the priest during the holy mass.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 2 Helpful 7
Question

Is it required that we wear shoes while we stand in the altar?

Community Answer

Yes. It would be disrespect not to. Just remember, you are in the house of God.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 6
Question

How old do I have to be to be an alter server?

Community Answer

You can typically start being an alter server after you have made your first communion, which is usually around age 8 or 9.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 3 Helpful 3
Question

When do I bring up the chalice and corporal?

Community Answer

At the end of the money offering when the Priest walks down to accept it.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 2 Helpful 2
Question

What is the appropriate haircut for altar boys?

Community Answer

Altar boys don't need any specific haircut, although a clean-cut look might be preferable.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 2 Helpful 5
Question

Should I say the prayers, especially the Lord's prayer?

Community Answer

Well, the Lord's prayer said by Jesus was just a model for us so that we would know how to pray and what exactly to pray for. The bible at Mathew 6:7 says that when praying we should not say the same things over and over again. Therefore our prayers should be personal, coming from our hearts and should not be repetitive in a sense. I would urge you to speak to God from your heart, let him know how you feel, and you can add points given in the Lord's prayer such as the sanctification of his name, the coming of his Kingdom, your daily bread, etc.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 5 Helpful 3
Question

How many servers are needed to help the priest and bishop during Mass?

Community Answer

To serve a Bishop is rare. But, to answer your question, it depends on the church you serve, and it varies. Please ask your priest to inquire more.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 4
Question

Is the right or left candle considered the gospel candle?

Community Answer

If it's an ad orientem mass/tridentine mass (where the priest is looking east and his back is facing the people), then the gospel side is on the right of the priest, and the epistle is on the left.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 3
Question

Can I wear sandals for mass?

Community Answer

No, because the mass is celebrated in a church not in a home. And the sanctity of the mass should be sacred to all church goers.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 4
Question

Can I be an altar server if I am not Catholic?

Brandon Tran

Community Answer

No. You must have had your first communion if you want to be an altar server.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 4
Question

Should I be kneeling down, or standing up when I ring the bell?

Community Answer

You should be kneeling when it is time to ring the bell during the Epiclesis.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 2 Helpful 3