An Altar Server is a lay assistant to a member of the clergy during a religious service. The primary role of the altar server is to assist the priest in the celebration of the liturgy during Mass. This is done through specific actions and by setting an example to the congregation by active participation in the liturgy (hymns, responses, etc.), by 'looking alert' and by sitting or standing at the appropriate times. An Altar Server usually has no formal training and holds no formal religious position.
Duties of an Altar Server
In the Roman Rite of the celebration of Mass,
altar servers have the following responsibilities during Mass:
In the Roman Rite of the celebration of Mass,
altar servers have the following responsibilities during Mass:
- Gathering: Altar servers carry the processional cross and candles at the front of the gathering procession. Others may carry incense and a thurible.
- Proclamation of the gospel: they carry the candles during procession.
- Preparation of the altar: Altar servers present the cruets of wine and water for the deacon or priest to put in the chalice.
- Lavabo: An altar server administers the water to the priest as he ritually washes his hands.
- Ending procession: When the priest and the servers leave the altar, again the processional cross is carried perhaps with the candles.