Overview

Altar servers have a rich heritage, going back to Jesus himself. In preparation for the Last Supper, Jesus sent two of his disciples to prepare the Passover for Himself and the Twelve. Over the centuries, as ceremonies became more complex, specially trained assistants called Acolytes (learners) became common. Eventually this evolved into today's altar servers.

Serving on the altar is a great source of honor and grace. The server has the priviledge of standing near where the bread and wine are consecrated into the actual body and blood of Christ.

In addition to assisting the Priest and Deacon, the altar server is serving the people of God and Christ himself. It is important to perform all duties with reverence and dignity.

Some of the roles of the server include: carry the cross and 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 and assist him when he receives the gifts from the people, wash the hands of the priest, and assist the priest celebrant and deacon in other ways as necessary. 

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