Requirements for Altar Servers Candidates

A Candidate should fulfill the following requirements:

• A strong desire to serve at the Altar of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

• Be an active member of the parish community and believe in the teachings of The Holy Catholic Church.

• Have already made their First Holy Communion.

• Know all the prayers of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass from memory.

• Know how to properly genuflect.

• Know how to make the sign of the Cross.

• Know how to receive Holy Communion in the approved manner.

Characteristics of a Server

A Server should posses the following characteristics:

• Naturalness and discretion of movement - don't fumble and stumble.

• Naturally alert and attentive - don't daydream, yawn or fall asleep.

• Natural Foresight - anticipate what might happen next.

• Can mould into the background and thus become invisible to the congregation.

• Be able to work together in a team.

• Be able to facilitate the public expression of shared prayer.

Some Basic Rules

Before you come to Church.

• Make sure you get a good night sleep. It is very off putting for the congregation to watch a server keep yawning.

• Make sure your shoes are clean.

• Make sure your hands and fingernails are clean.

• Make sure you have been to the Toilet.

• Make sure you have had something to eat and drink.

When you arrive at church

• Make sure you arrive at church 20 before mass starts

• Get things ready according to you allocated job. The MC for the day will tell you what your job is.

• Get changed.

• Make sure your hair is tidy.

• Keep quiet in the sacristy.

• Say a quiet prayer before serving.

After Mass.

• Join in the prayer of thanks.

• Clear away, the vessels etc from the sanctuary

Training. You will receive appropriate training to get you started. During the training you will learn some basic information about the Catholic Church. You will also learn how to carry out specific tasks while serving at the Altar.

Once you have successfully completed this initial training usually about six months you will be enrolled into the Altar Servers Guild. If you are still enjoying serving then after about a year you will receive your medal.

The beginner's stage of your training will last for several years. During this time you will learn more about the church and your place in it. The tasks that you will carry out are detailed in the beginners stage below, and include amongst others being acolyte and boat bearer. When you are ready you will start to do other tasks and move into the intermediate stage. Only after you have been serving many years will you move into the advanced stage.
 

Posture. A server has to carry out a number of different actions at mass, and so there are a number of different postures. Posture is how you are using the parts of your body at a particular time.

Walking. We do a lot of walking everyday and sometimes we get sloppy as we do it. Always walk with your back straight and your head held high.

Bowing. When you bow to someone or something at mass, it should be a smooth forward inclining of your head and shoulders. When you bow to the altar, bow deeply at the waist and bring yourself slowly to your full height. When you bow to the priest, bow your head slowly and gracefully. Never walk and bow at the same time: stop before bowing.

Genuflecting. When you genuflect, keep your hands in front of your chest while you go down on your right knee. Keep your body straight. Do not wobble back and forth, or you may look like a new born lamb trying to walk. Be sure that your alb isn't going to trip you on the way down or up.

Kneeling. When you kneel, your body should be upright and your hands should be in front of your chest, well above your waist. If you lean your body forwards or backwards you will hurt the muscles in your back or the ligaments in your knee.

Standing. Always stand up straight with both feet firmly on the floor six to eight inches apart. This will give you balance and comfort at the same time. Don't lean against the furniture or against the walls.

Sitting. Sit down on your stool or chair carefully and gracefully. Once you are seated, sit tall and don't slouch. Place your hands on your lap or flat on your thighs in a relaxed manner. Watch how the priest holds his hands and do as he does.

Hands. Unless you are sitting down or carrying something (like a candle); your hands should be kept joined in front of your chest; either locked together, or palm to palm, fingers pointing upward. Keep your hands high up on your chest. If you are carrying something in one hand hold the other hand flat on your chest.

Eyes. During Mass, always look towards the place where the action is happening: the celebrants chair, the lectern or the altar. When a reader is reading the scriptures, you should be looking at the reader. When you are talking to someone you expect that person to look at you the same is true at mass. Never look at the people in the congregation, rather look just above their heads. If there is an MC keep an eye on him or her. They might want you to do something at any time.

General Appearance. Know what you are to do while serving, and when you are to do it. Never fidget. Always do things smoothly. If you make a mistake, never get flustered.