Altar Serving

If you miss a training orientation and are still interested in serving you can contact the Youth Ministry Office to become trained.

 
Who is eligible to become a Altar Server?

While any young person who has completed the fourth grade and received their First Holy Communion is eligible to serve, it is vital that any young person hoping to become an Altar Server have a genuine interest in serving.  Before choosing to attend orientation and enter the training process a young person should have a general knowledge of the Mass, should actively participate in the Mass, have the ability to commit to being a server and the family should have regular Mass attendance.  All of these qualities help to ensure that a server will feel confident and be successful at serving on the altar. 

 
What level of commitment is involved?

We understand that families have challenging schedules, but we do not want that to be a deterrent from your child choosing to serve.   We do ask that servers be available to serve one weekend Mass a month, however, you have the opportunity to choose your Mass preference.  Our scheduling program offers you the capability of sending in conflicts, so your child will not be scheduled as well as requesting subs or swaps for those last minute conflicts.  

 
Can high school students serve?

We very much encourage Altar Servers to continue serving when they enter high school.  In fact, high school servers wear special cassocks (red) in order to denote their continued commitment and advanced skill level.   We do realize that high school activities can be especially demanding on a students time, so we do offer high school students more scheduling options, such as only serving on special liturgical days (Holy Days, Holidays, etc.) and serving every other month. 

Are there any special opportunities for servers?

For those servers who demonstrate commitment, responsibility and regular attendance, the opportunity to become a server for funerals, weddings and other sacramental liturgies (Frist Communion, Confirmation, etc.).  Servers that fulfill this role typically are also chosen for Holy Days, Holidays and special liturgical events, such as when Bishop Malooly visits.

 
Is there a place where I can find the exact duties that a server is responsible for during the Mass?

Yes, St Mary Magdalen actually has its own Altar Server Handbook, which outlines the Mass and the responsibilities of the servers.  We encourage parents to receive the handbook with their server, as they are training and learning to become a server.  This handbook can be found on the Forms Page.

How can I access the monthly schedule?

Each month you should receive an e-mail that lists all of your scheduled Masses, as well as your login information so you can view the entire schedule, ask for subs, and post conflicts to your profile.