It is an
extreme privilege to kneel and serve so close to the altar as our
loving Savior, Jesus Christ, becomes truly present, body, blood, soul
and divinity, at the moment of the consecration. Altar Servers
are chosen from among the faithful who display a desire to serve in a
more intimate way during the Holy Mass.
An Altar Server at Saint Frances Cabrini can be either a male or female
member of the community who assists the priest and deacon during the
Eucharist and other liturgical ceremonies so that the liturgy can be
conducted with grace and reverence. Altar Servers should be active and
full participants in the celebration with the understanding that they
are leaders in the community. The altar server models the activity of
the community and by singing, praying and keeping silence can enhance
the worship of the community In order to serve at the altar of
Saint Frances, you must have received first confession, Holy Communion
and completed the training class for altar servers.
The primary duty of the altar servers is to assist the priests and
deacons during Mass. An altar server has a solemn responsibility
to do the assigned duties with attention, dignity and reverence.
As an altar server, you are seen by all of the parishioners and the way
you conduct yourself is very important.
During the training class, the altar servers are taught the principal
prayers of the Mass and why they are performing certain actions at
specific times within the service. All of the actions of the
altar server are woven from signs and symbols whose meaning is rooted
in the works of creation and in human culture, specified by events in
the Old Testament and fully revealed in the person and work of Jesus
Christ. Therefore, it is very important that all servers perform
their assigned tasks in the prescribed form and manner.
Expectations for
Altar Servers Come when scheduled. This is by
far the most important thing. If you are unavailable for your
scheduled time, call another of your fellow Altar Servers and ask them
to take your schedule. Remember if you do it for them, they will
also do it for you. Call to make
arrangements with someone else, just as SOON AS YOU KNOW you cannot
make your time. If an emergency occurs just before Mass
starts, please call either the parish hall or the rectory and attempt
to let someone know that you will be unable to attend.
The Altar Server schedule is placed on the Web Site one month in
advance. Take a look at the schedule. If you know in
advance that you have swapped your time with someone else, please let
Secretary or the Cantor know prior to Mass so that the change can be
made to the Altar Servers announced during the greeting at each Mass.
Be prepared. When you awaken on the day you are to serve, pray
that you may serve God well during the day and at the Mass.
Please try to arrive at Mass at least 15 minutes early and ask the
priest if there are any special items for that particular Mass, such as
incense. All Altar Servers should meet in the sacristy prior to
Mass and put on an alb and cincture for the color of the day: The
proper colors are:
Altar Servers also join the other ministers for prayers prior to the
procession. After the recession, be certain to return immediately
to the sanctuary to extinguish the candles and then remove your alb and
cincture.
