The St. Rita Altar Server Ministry is a group of young people who assist the priests and deacons by serving on the altar in a prayerful manner during Holy Mass. It is an extreme privilege to kneel so close to the altar as our loving Savior, Jesus Christ, becomes truly present, body, blood, soul and divinity, at the moment of Consecration. An altar server is uniquely joined in the Heavenly Supper of the Lamb and serves in the company of those eternally singing, “Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!” An altar server has a solemn responsibility to do the assigned duties with attention, dignity and reverence. Serving at Mass is a great way for your child to participate in the life of the church. Prayerfully consider this ministry with your children. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

There are several duties involved with being an altar server; however, the most important is that of prayer leader. As an altar server, you will help those attending Mass listen. Nothing you do will be a distraction to those who are trying so hard to hear. You will help the service flow smoothly so that the congregation can concentrate on all the wonderful sounds surrounding them: the music, the priest’s prayers, and the words of Scripture. With your help, their time of worship will be more meaningful. You will be responding along with everyone else, praying and singing, so when people see you participating so actively in the Mass, they will feel more comfortable about joining in themselves. As you can see, altar servers have an important leadership role in the celebration of Mass.

TRAINING

New Altar Servers must attend an initial training session and participate in ongoing formation. Periodic group training sessions are announced in the bulletin and or individual training sessions can be scheduled. Any boy or girl who has received the sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation and First Communion is eligible to begin training.

TIME COMMITMENT

Servers will be scheduled to serve one to two times per month according to the Mass time preferred. However, it is always appreciated when trained servers check in at the Sacristy before Mass begins to make themselves available, if needed.

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