“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 training a new group of children in P5-7 who will begin serving at the Altar very soon. If you wish to join up, speak to Fr Tom or to Vincent O’Donnell, our co-ordinator, about starting training.

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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.”