Constitution and By-Laws

Article I: NATURE OF THE MINISTRY

They are Altar Servers. They are ministers both a male altar server and a female
altar server. Altar Servers are young people who volunteer themselves for the
service of God. Volunteers do not expect anything in return; they find joy in serving
the Lord by assisting in the Parish liturgy- by assisting the Priest and or Deacon in
the Holy Mass. They dedicate their selves to be committed to the Service of God.

Sec. 1. Name
The name of the ministry shall be known as “Ministry of Altar Servers” shortened
to “MOAS”. Its members shall be known as “altar servers”.

Sec. 2. Definition
A group of lay persons commissioned to serve the parish community in
celebrating the sacred liturgy mainly through assisting the clergy in leading the
people of God in prayer and helping the faithful to pray and worship God.

Sec. 3. Functions
The Ministry of Altar Servers facilitates the formation of qualified lay faithful who
wish to assist in liturgical celebrations. This ministry is mandated by the local
ordinary under the Commission on Worship and Liturgy, in the direct authority of
the Parish Priest.

Sec. 4. The Vision and Mission

Mission Statement
‘To serve God within their capacity as Altar Servers’
Vision Statement
‘To work together as a community of volunteers serving God by assisting in the
Parish’s liturgical celebrations.’

Sec. 5. The Insignia of the Ministry

Sec. 6. The Motto of the Ministry
The motto of the Altar Server’s Ministry is ‘Born to serve, Not to be served.’
 Article II: MEMBERSHIP
Sec. 1. Qualifications
 A baptized Roman Catholic;
 has received First Communion;
 10 years of age and above; and willing to serve God.
 is prepared to comply with the duties and responsibilities of an altar server.

Sec. 2. Acquiring Membership

a) The respective ministry of each parish shall be given liberty to formulate
their policies and procedures duly approved by the Parish Priest for the
admission of its members.
b) The ministry shall conduct a seminar/orientation to determine the
qualifications of an applicant. An admitted applicant shall be called an
aspirant.
c) An aspirant is required to undergo the proper formation as mandated by
the ministry and will undergo a probation period of three (3) months.
d) Upon completing the required formation, an aspirant shall be entitled to the
Rite of Commissioning as endorsed by the coordinator and approved by
the parish priest.

Sec. 3. Commissioning and Renewal

a) The Rite of Commissioning is the conferral of the privileges and obligations
of an altar server. It grants the status of the regular membership to an
aspirant.
b) The commissioning conferred on altar servers is temporary and must be
renewed on the Annual Diocesan Renewal. 
c) The Annual Diocesan Renewal is an endeavor to cater to the – going
formation of altar servers in deepening their knowledge of the faith and
commitment to serving the Lord.
d) The members of the ministry hold their membership until the next
Diocesan Renewal.
e) For the case of the members who are commissioned after the recently
concluded diocesan renewal, they may exercise their ministry until the next
diocesan renewal.
Sec. 4. Rite of Solemn Investiture
a) A newly commissioned altar server is given the privilege of wearing the
vestment proper to his ministry during the Rite of Solemn Investiture which
takes place after the commissioning at the diocesan level.
b) The ordinary minister for the Rite of Solemn Investiture is the parish priest
or parochial vicar.
c) The ministry must adopt the prescribed liturgy provided by the Diocesan
Commission on Worship and Liturgy.

Sec. 5. Classification of Membership

a) The Ministry is divided into 2 classifications of membership:
a. Juniors
b. Seniors
b) Juniors - Members who have rendered lower than 5 consecutive years of
service shall be classified as Juniors. They are expected to grow deeper
into the spiritual life and values through formations.
c) Senior - Junior members who have rendered at least 5 consecutive years
of service shall be classified as Seniors. They are expected to show
holistic leadership to junior members through their examples and attitudes.

Sec. 6. Alumni
a. A member shall be considered an alumnus/alumnae if:
a. he/she has entered into a marital commitment
b. he/she has born a child
c. he/she has been burdened with work-related issues.
d. he/she has been incapacitated due to serious illness and injuries.

Sec. 7. Transferring from Another Parish

a. An altar server who wishes to transfer to another parish must present an
endorsement letter signed and noted by the coordinator and parish priest
respectively.
b. Acceptance of the applicant will depend upon the screening of the
coordinator and the approval of the parish priest.
 Article III: LITURGICAL FUNCTIONS OF AN ALTAR
SERVER
Sec. 1. An altar server assumes the functions stipulated in the
Church’s directives for the celebration of the sacred liturgy. A
commissioned member of the ministry fulfills these functions by
assisting the following:
a. parish and street Masses;
b. solemn processions;
c. administration of the sacraments;
d. solemn divine office;
e. other celebrations aligned with his functions as directed by the parish
priest.

Sec. 2. A server must not assume the functions of other liturgical

ministers unless commissioned to do so. The following are not
within the ordinary functions of altar servers: 
a. distribution of Holy Communion;
b. purification of liturgical vessels;
c. handling ciborium and the chalice with consecrated Eucharistic species;
and
d. other functions reserved to other ministers and ordained clerics.

Sec. 3. The proper vestment of an altar server is the alb

(specified by the Diocesan Commission on Worship and Liturgy)
which represents the baptismal garment worn by Christians.
However, male altar servers may also wear a white surplice, the
shortened variation of an alb, over a cassock.
a. a surplice must not be worn over an alb for it is a duplication of the
vestment
b. cassocks may vary in the colors of white, black, or red only
Sec. 4. Servers must not wear vestments that are not proper to
their commissioned function. Such vestments are the following:
a. the clerical rabat which is reserved only for duly admitted seminarians and
ordained ministers
b. the amaranth cassock reserved only for ordained Master of Ceremonies of
the bishop
c. inculturated barong
d. other vestments reserved for ordained ministers

Sec. 5. Altar servers who have undergone proper training

facilitated and recognized by the Diocesan Commission on
Worship and Liturgy may function as liturgical Master of
Ceremonies. He must be:
a. at least sixteen years of age
b. physically and mentally fit to carry out the duties and responsibilities
c. of commendable character
d. capable of understanding the norms of the sacred liturgy

Sec. 6. Once recognized by the Diocese, he shall function as a

liturgical Master of Ceremonies whose duties involve the
following:
a. directly assisting the main celebrant at Mass
b. preparation of liturgical texts
c. coordination with other liturgical ministers

Sec. 7. The Master of Ceremonies must not assume the function

and the position of deacons and Extraordinary Ministers of Holy
Communion.
 Article IV: ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
Sec. 1. The Ministry of Altar Servers shall be composed of the
following officers:
a. Coordinator
b. Assistant Coordinator
c. Administrative Officers
i. Secretary
ii. Treasurer
iii. Auditor
iv. Public Relations Officer
d. Pastoral Officers
i. Head, Committee on Worship and Liturgy
ii. Head, Committee on Education and Formation
iii. Head, Committee on Service and Apostolate
iv. Head, Committee on Fellowship and Solidarity

Sec. 2. Qualifications:
A. Coordinator and Assistant Coordinator: 
 Must have completed at least four years of service in the ministry
 Must exhibit sound character
 Must be capable of animating the ministry
 Must possess outstanding servant - leadership ability and capability
 Must have no administrative obligations to other ministries/organization
B. Administrative Officers:
 Must have completed a year of service in the ministry
 Must manifest an interest to become servant – leader
 Must be a good example to his peers
 Must be capable of balancing academics and personal commitments with
his responsibilities in the ministry
 Must have no administrative obligations to other ministries/organization
C. Pastoral Officers:
 Must have completed 2 consecutive years of service in the ministry
 Must have no administrative obligations to other ministries/organization
Sec. 3. The Coordinator must fulfill the following functions:
a) implements rules, regulations, policies, projects, programs, and activities of
the ministry;
b) supervises all the affairs and presides assemblies of the ministry;
c) represents the ministry in regular meetings of the Parish Commission on
Worship and Liturgy, Parish Pastoral Council, and in vicariate and
diocesan meetings of the Ministry of Altar Servers
d) performs other duties which may be given by the Chairman of Parish
Commission on Worship and Liturgy and Parish Priest

Sec. 4. The Assistant Coordinator must fulfill the following

functions:
a) assists the Coordinator in performing his duties;
b) facilitates the evaluation of major events in coordination with the
committee heads;
c) perform all the duties of the Coordinator in case of his absence,
suspension, or removal from office;
d) performs other duties may be given by the Coordinator, Chairman of
Parish Commission on Worship and Liturgy and the Parish Priest.

Sec. 5. The Secretary must fulfill the following functions:

a) keeps all the documents of the ministry;
b) prepares the calendar of activities of the ministry monthly;
c) prepares the agenda and/or minutes of the meetings regularly;
d) prepares letters, memoranda, suspension and other forms of
communications of the ministry;
e) if deemed necessary, an assistant secretary may be appointed by the
Coordinator; and
f) performs other duties which may be given by the Coordinator.

Sec. 6. The Treasurer must fulfill the following functions: 

a) facilitates the acquisition and the safeguarding of the funds of the ministry;
b) prepares the financial reports of the ministry;
c) an assistant treasurer may be appointed by the Coordinator, if deemed
necessary.
d) performs other duties which may be given by the Coordinator.
Sec. 7. The Auditor must fulfill the following functions: 
a) updates the book of financial accounts of the ministry;
b) keeps all the receipts and other monetary documents of the ministry; and
c) performs other duties which may be given by the Coordinator.

Sec. 8. The Public Relations Officer must fulfill the following

functions: 
a) updates the official directory;
b) manages the official social media account of the ministry;
c) disseminates announcements, memoranda, letters, and other
communications of the ministry; and
d) performs other duties which may be given by the Coordinator.

Sec. 9. The Committee Head on Worship and Liturgy must fulfill

the following functions:
a) updates the ministry on the emerging liturgical practices;
b) promotes proper liturgical practices and orderly assignments;
c) initiates and facilitates devotional worship and the necessary sacraments;
d) performs other duties which may be given by the Coordinator.

Sec. 10. The Committee Head on Education and Formation must

fulfill the following functions:
a) monitors the different formations of the ministry;
b) initiates seminars and formations for the holistic development of the
members;
c) performs other duties which may be given by the Coordinator.

Sec. 11. The Committee Head on Services and Apostolate must

fulfill the following functions:
a) supervises the cleanliness and orderliness of the sacristy;
b) facilitates the inventory of sacred vessels and other properties of the
ministry;
c) initiates social action opportunities to promote the Church of the poor;
d) performs other duties which may be given by the Coordinator.
Sec. 12. The Committee Head on Fellowship and Solidarity must
fulfill the following functions: 
a) promotes harmonious relationship among members of the ministry;
b) initiates team – building activities;
c) organizes special events significant for the ministry;
d) performs other duties which may be given by the Coordinator.

Sec. 13. The Lay – Adult Adviser is an honorary position granted

by the ministry by succession. 
a) In the event that the previous coordinator is unable to function
for the position, the elected coordinator shall submit a list of
nominees from the previous coordinators or former officers of
the ministry.
b) He must fulfill the following functions: 
 mediates in issues involving the officers, particularly the
Coordinator if deemed necessary;
 coordinates with the alumni members regarding the development
in the ministry;
 promotes life of prayer, formation, apostleship, and kinship among
the officers; and
 performs other duties which may be given by the Parish Priest.

Article V: ELECTION AND OFFICERSHIP

Sec. 1. The process of election for Coordinator and Assistant
Coordinator is determined by the Parish Priest. He may
subscribe to the following:
a) appointed by the Parish Priest by way of nomination of at least three
names by the members
b) election by way of majority vote among the members
c) appointment by way of succession among the elders of the ministry
d) direct appointment by the Parish Priest
Sec. 2. The process of election for the other officers is
determined by the elected Coordinator, Assistant Coordinator,
and the Parish Priest.

Sec. 3. Formation of Parish Officers

a) The parish officers are required to attend the on – going formation for
incumbent officers of the ministry provided in the diocese.

Sec. 4. Term of Office

a) The Coordinator serve for an absolute maximum of three (3) years with re-
election of 2 terms.
b) The other officers are co – terminus with the Coordinator.

Sec. 5. Removal from Office

a) The Coordinator and/or Assistant Coordinator may resign from the office
upon the approval of the parish priest. A resignation letter must be
submitted to the Parish Priest at least one month before the desired
effectivity.
b) For other officers, they may resign from the office upon the approval of the
Coordinator. A resignation letter must be submitted to the Coordinator at
least one month before the desired effectivity.
c) An officer may be terminated due to the following grounds:
 violation of the rules set by the ministry resulting to grave matters
as stated on Article XI of this constitution.
 gross negligence of the duties and responsibilities as officer
d) Process of Taking Complaints 
 The complainant must submit a formal letter addressed to the
chairperson of the Parish Commission on Worship and Liturgy
 The process of entertaining complaints subscribes to the
guidelines to the parish pastoral council
e) Response of the ministry during the vacancy of the office
 If the office of the coordinator is vacant, the Assistant Coordinator shall
immediately take over as stated in Article IV – Section 4c until a process
of election for coordinator, as stated in Article V – Section 1, takes place.
 if other offices are vacant, an election or appointment can be made with
the discretion of the parish priest.
 Article VI: GENERAL POLICIES AND
REGULATIONS
Sec. 1. Inter-Parochial Relations
a. Serving in other Parishes
b. Use of Sacred Objects from Oher Parish
c. Communications
Sec. 2. Financial Concerns

Sec. 3. Quasi-Parishes and Mission Stations

a. Relations to its Mother Parish
b. Limitations and Restrictions

Sec. 4. Chaplains
a. Membership
b. Jurisdictions

Sec. 5. School-Related Issues

Sec. 6. Role of Vicariate Level

Sec. 7. Role of Diocesan Level

Sec. 8. Involvement with the Youth Ministries

[1] cf. GIRM 100; SC 29
[2] cf. GIRM 100; RDPP 2017?
[3] GIRM 100; cf GIRM 187 – 190, 193
[4] GIRM 100. excluding the functions of Extraordinary Ministers of Holy
Communion
[5] GIRM 106
[6] In accordance with the Parish Pastoral Council Guidelines. I,3 
[7] cf. Parish Pastoral Guidelines
 Coordinator

Assistant Coordinator

Administrative Officers Pastoral Officers

(Head)
Secretary

Treasurer Committee on Worship

and Liturgy
Auditor
Committee on
Education and
Formation
Public Relations Officer
Committee on Service
and Apostolate

Committee on
Fellowship and
Solidarity