Altar Server Ministry

Discernment Meetings
Friday, May 16, 6:30 pm, OR Sunday, May 18, 3:30 pm
Ministry Hall

Goal:
To form a group of qualified and trained altar servers who render faithful, reverent, and meaningful service to God by assisting at the celebration of Holy Mass and other liturgical and devotional functions.

Please read these qualifications and then complete the form below to register.

Server Qualifications:
– Registered/Active Parish Family
–Completion of Third Grade
–Recipient of the Sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation, and Eucharist

Server Expectations

  • Attend Holy Mass no less frequently than weekly
  • Receive the Sacrament of Penance & the Eucharist regularly.
  • Be able to recite the prayers of the Mass in a group (after training).
  • Be reliable and punctual.
  • Abide by the Guild’s Code of Conduct and Service Promise.
  • Agree that being admitted to the Guild involves a commitment of both applicant and parental time and energy.
  • Recipient of A/B/C grade in school behavior categories

Program at a Glance:

  • Servers are ranked according to knowledge, experience, and performance.
    1. Rank progression: Apprentice, Novice, Skilled Server, Master Server
    2. Higher ranked servers will have more responsibilities and more opportunities for serving (e.g. Weddings, Funerals)
  • Servers are required to attend Work, Pray, Play gatherings designed to help them:
    1. Grow in spirituality through praying together
    2. Grow as a community by playing together
    3. Improve their knowledge and skills
    4. Prove their abilities as a server
    5. Understand the requirements for their advancement
  • Adult Volunteers are welcome and needed to help with the administration
    1. Mass Coaches will work with servers before/after Mass
    2. Trainers will help teach and evaluate the servers knowledge and skills
    3. Organizers will be needed to help plan and implement Gatherings
  • Parental Support is required for servers to be successful
    1. Read & Share all program communication, i.e. e-mail & training materials
    2. Ensure timely arrival to assignments (20 minutes before Mass)
    3. Obtain qualified substitutes as needed
    4. Support of the program in general

Steps to becoming an Altar Server:

  • Fill out our Apprentice Registration Form below
  • Attend a one-hour parent and child discernment meeting. Both parent and child should attend.
  • Attend one 2-hour “Show and Tell/Demonstration” Training Session this summer (choice of dates TBD)
  • Attend our Commissioning Liturgy/Reception on August 9th (open to family/friends)

To find out more about our next Apprentice Class formation, contact our Altar Server Ministry.

Altar Server Apprentice Class Registration

To begin as an Altar Server apprentice, your child must have completed 3rd grade and have received the Sacrament of First Eucharist.

  • Please provide secondary parent information, if applicable, so both parents can receive important information and have access to our online and mobile app to sign your child up to serve at Mass.
  • Check all that apply

  • Vestment Agreement

    Nearly $5,000 has been invested by Saint Jude the Apostle parish in order to provide our Altar Servers with their own vestments. Being good stewards of this investment is the responsiblity of all involved in our Altar Server Guild. Therefore, Altar Servers and their parents are asked to consent to this agreeement.
  • Clear Signature
  • Clear Signature