Altar Servers

We are excited that you are interested in begin an Altar Server at St. Anthony.
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Being on the altar and serving at Mass is one of the most rewarding experiences that you can ​have in your life with Christ and His Church. Please contact the parish office to get started in the process of becoming an altar server.

The following guidelines were prepared by the Committee on the Liturgy and presented to the National Conference of
Catholic Bishops for discussion at the June 1994 Special Assembly on Thursday, June 16, 1994. The suggested
guidelines have been slightly revised according to the third edition of the General Instruction of the Roman Missal.
They may be used as a basis for developing diocesan guidelines.

1. Although institution into the ministry of acolyte is reserved to lay men, the diocesan bishop may permit the
liturgical functions of the instituted acolyte to be carried out by altar servers, men and women, boys and girls.
Such persons may carry out all the functions listed in no. 100 (with the exception of the distribution of Holy
Communion) and nos. 187 - 190 and no. 193 of the General Instruction of the Roman Missal.

The determination that women and girls may function as servers in the liturgy should be made by the bishop on
the diocesan level so that there might be a uniform diocesan policy.

2. No distinction should be made between the functions carried out in the sanctuary by men and boys and those
carried out by women and girls. The term "altar boys" should be replaced by "servers". The term "server" should
be used for those who carry out the functions of the instituted acolyte.

3. Servers should be mature enough to understand their responsibilities and to carry them out well and with
appropriate reverence. They should have already received holy communion for the first time and normally
receive the eucharist whenever they participate in the liturgy.

4. Servers should receive proper formation before they begin to function. The formation should include instruction
on the Mass and its parts and their meaning, the various objects used in the liturgy (their names and use), and
the various functions of the server during the Mass and other liturgical celebrations. Servers should also receive
appropriate guidance on maintaining proper decorum and attire when serving Mass and other functions.

5. Since the role of server is integral to the normal celebration of the Mass, at least one server should assist the
priest. On Sundays and other more important occasions, two or more servers should be employed to carry out
the various functions normally entrusted to these ministers.

6. Acolytes, altar servers, readers, and other lay ministers may wear the alb or other suitable vesture or other
appropriate or dignified clothing. (General Instruction of the Roman Missal, no.339) All servers should wear the
same liturgical vesture.

7. Servers carry the cross, the processional candles, hold the book for the priest celebrant when he is not at the
altar, carry the incense and censer, present the bread, wine, and water to the priest during the preparation of
the gifts or assist him when he receives the gifts from the people, wash the hands of the priest, assist the priest
celebrant and deacon as necessary.

8. Servers respond to the prayers and dialogues of the priest along with the congregation. They also join in singing
the hymns and other chants of the liturgy.

9. Servers should be seated in a place from which they can easily assist the priest celebrant and deacon. The
place next to the priest is normally reserved for the deacon.

10. Servers may not distribute holy communion unless they have been mandated for this function by the bishop.

11. The Order for the Blessing of Altar Servers, Sacristans, Musicians, and Ushers(Book of Blessings, nos. 1847-
1870) may be used before servers first begin to function in this ministry.