Dear Altar Servers, you are, in fact, already apostles of Jesus! When you take part in the Liturgy by carrying out your altar service, you offer a witness to all. Your absorption, the devotion that wells up from your heart and is expressed in gestures, in song, in the responses: if you do it correctly and not absent-mindedly, then in a certain way your witness is one that moves people. The Eucharist is the source and summit of the bond of friendship with Jesus. You are very close to Jesus in the Eucharist, and this is the most important sign of his friendship for each one of us. Do not forget it.

-excerpt from Pope Benedict XVI, Address to Altar Servers, August 2, 2006

The Altar Server Ministry is a unique one in the Catholic Church. Other than priests and deacons, no one else is allowed to so closely play a part in the preparation of the Eucharist. Your participation as an Altar Server is special. When you serve the priests and deacons, you serve the people of God, and above all, you serve Christ.

Altar Servers must remember that everything that they do is for the Glory of God. They do it out of love for His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. St. Ignatius of Loyola called this attitude "AD MAJOREM DEI GLORIAM". This means "All for the Honor and Glory of God". It is the motto of a heart of service.

Sometimes, we don't feel like doing our best. Sometimes, we just want to sleep another 5 minutes later; or we want to not have to carry the candles today; or maybe we even want to just call in sick and let someone else serve. When we feel that way, we should ask ourselves,

• Would I do it if Jesus Himself asked me?
• Would I substitute for a sick server if Jesus Himself asked me?
• Would I let the new server take my favorite part if Jesus Himself asked me?
• Would I wear my best Sunday clothes if Jesus Himself asked me?
• Would I put aside my daily worries and worldly concerns and instead come serve at Mass if Jesus Himself asked me?

He did ask. And you answered. Now you have been chosen to be a special minister of the Mass. As an Altar Server, you will do things that others will never do. You will learn things that others will never know. You will see the Mass in ways that others may never see it. You will do it all for the Honor and Glory of God. Thank you for saying yes to Him, and welcome to Altar Service!

Who can serve at St. Mary?

Catholic male, fourth grade and older who has been trained in the ministry.  Training takes place annually or by request as available.  If you are interested in learning to be a server, please contact the parish office at 715-223-3048.