Requirements

 

Altar Servers must comply with all the following rules to serve at Mass.

• Attend Holy Mass on every Sunday and Holy Day of Obligation when physically possible.

• Cultivate a personal prayer life within the Church. The acts of faith, hope, and charity enjoined by the first commandment are accomplished in prayer. Lifting up the mind toward God is an expression  of  our  adoration  of  God:  prayer  of  praise  and  thanksgiving,  intercession  and petition. Prayer is an indispensable condition of being able to obey God's commandments.

• Altar Servers are not to leave the sanctuary after the start of the Mass for any reason except bathroom emergencies, illness, or when directed to do so by the deacon or priest. There are no other exceptions. If you think that there is another good reason, ask the priest or deacon before leaving the sanctuary.

• Attend all Altar Server meetings as announced. Serve at every Mass to which they are scheduled.

• Make your own arrangements for another Altar Server to take your place when you will miss a Mass for which you are scheduled to attend. This requirement is not in effect in the case of sudden illness or family emergencies but is to be adhered to for sporting events, family scheduled events, and school events.  Call the Coordinator whenever you cannot make a

       scheduled mass or server meeting due to sudden illnesses or family emergencies.

• Arrive at the Mass to be served at least twenty (20) minutes before the starting time to prepare for the Celebration of the Most Holy Eucharist.

• Perform the duties assigned during the Mass in the prescribed orderly manner. Maintain a prayerful posture at all times in the Sacristy.

• Stay for at least ten minutes after the Mass to return the Sanctuary, Sacristy, and preparation areas to a neat and orderly appearance.

• Sign-in upon arrival to masses at which you serve.