“Server” is a good word because it really tells us what the job is – to serve, to help, to assist. In a sense, everyone in the church is a server, since we all serve each other. No matter who we are, we should help each other.

However, the name ‘altar server’ means that most of our serving happens at, or near the altar. We help the priest and the deacon by holding the Missal for them, carrying the water and wine when they are needed, and many other actions like that.

It is a great privilege to stand at the altar and assist the priest at Mass. It is, after all, the central act of prayer and worship that we offer to God as a church family. It is the way in which Jesus himself comes to us, both when we hear the readings from Scripture and when we receive Holy Communion. It is the moment in which we are closest to Jesus who gave his life for us on the Cross and comes to us risen again. Like the very first disciples, we “recognise him in the breaking of bread” (Luke 24:35).

Our parish is blessed to have a team of dedicated servers – both our weekday adult servers and our younger Sunday Mass teams.

Currently we are hoping to link up with the Guild of St Stephen, a group in the Church who work to support the ministry and prayer life of those who serve at the altar. Most of our servers will be enrolled as “bronze” members (serving for at least 6 months) with the more senior ones, who have been serving for over five years, receiving the additional Certificate of Service. We have one who will soon qualify for the “silver medal”, achieved after 10 years serving at the altar.

---

A Prayer for Altar Servers:

“Lord Jesus,

Thank You for the gift of serving at Your altar.

Help me to serve with reverence, joy, and love.

Make me attentive, respectful, and faithful in all I do.

May my service lead others closer to You.

Amen.”