Altar Servers
Serving at the Altar
Altar serving is a beautiful opportunity for the young members of St. Pio of Pietrelcina Parish to grow in faith, develop a deeper understanding of the Mass, and serve God and His Church.
Altar servers assist the priest and deacon during Mass and other liturgical celebrations, helping the liturgy to be celebrated with reverence, dignity, and care.
As one parish family across our churches, we encourage our young parishioners to consider this special opportunity to serve at Mass and become more involved in the life of our parish.
Who Can Become an Altar Server?
Young parishioners who have received their First Holy Communion and have a desire to serve at the altar are welcome to inquire about becoming an altar server.
No previous experience is necessary. New servers will receive instruction and training to help them become comfortable with their responsibilities and understand how to serve during Mass.
Altar servers are asked to approach this ministry with:
- A willingness to learn
- Reverence for the Mass and the Eucharist
- Responsibility and dependability
- Respect for the priest, deacon, and fellow servers
- A commitment to serving when scheduled
- A desire to serve God and the parish community
What Do Altar Servers Do?
Depending on the celebration, altar servers may assist with:
- Carrying the processional cross and candles
- Assisting with the Roman Missal
- Preparing the altar for the Liturgy of the Eucharist
- Assisting the priest and deacon during Mass
- Ringing the bells during the Eucharistic Prayer
- Assisting with incense when used
- Participating in special liturgies throughout the Church year
- Serving during Christmas, Holy Week, Easter, and other parish celebrations
Through these responsibilities, altar servers have the opportunity to learn more about the Mass and the Catholic faith while serving their parish community.
Training
New altar servers will receive instruction before beginning to serve.
Training will introduce new servers to the sanctuary, the various parts of the Mass, proper conduct while serving, and the practical responsibilities involved in assisting the priest and deacon.
As servers gain experience, they may have opportunities to learn additional responsibilities and assist at a wider variety of liturgical celebrations.
Experienced servers are also encouraged to help newer servers learn and become comfortable with their responsibilities.
Growing the Ministry
St. Pio of Pietrelcina Parish is committed to encouraging young people to become involved in the life of the Church and to discover the many ways they can serve.
Altar serving provides a unique opportunity for young parishioners to take an active role in the celebration of Mass while developing a deeper appreciation for the Catholic liturgy.
As one of the veteran servers, Thomas Maynard is helping to encourage interest in altar serving and assist those who would like to learn more about becoming a server.
By welcoming and training new altar servers, we hope to continue building a strong community of young people who are ready and willing to serve at the altar.
A Ministry of Service
Serving at the altar is more than simply having a role during Mass. It is an opportunity to give one’s time and talents in service to God and the parish community.
Through altar serving, young parishioners can grow in reverence, responsibility, confidence, and understanding of the Catholic faith while becoming more actively involved in the life of St. Pio of Pietrelcina Parish.
Altar servers have an important role in helping the parish celebrate the Mass with reverence and dignity. Their service is a visible reminder that young people have an important place in the life of the Church.
Interested in Serving?
If your child is interested in becoming an altar server or you would like more information about serving at Mass, please contact either of the following:
Thomas Maynard
Media Coordinator & Altar Server
tjmaynard321@gmail.com
Jennie Llanos
Director of Religious Education
tempccd29@gmail.com
203-469-0764, Option 4
Serve the Lord with Gladness
We invite the young people of our parish to prayerfully consider this special opportunity to serve Christ and His Church.
Whether you are interested in becoming an altar server for the first time or are already serving and would like to continue growing in this ministry, we welcome your interest.
Serving at the altar is an honor and a privilege, and a wonderful way to become more deeply involved in the life of our parish.