Module 1

– Introduction to the Ministry of Altar Servers

Being an Altar Server you are called a minister, a person who
serves the parish community. As a minister, you should assist the
community to celebrate the sacred liturgy, which is to serve God.
You are mainly serving the priest to lead the community to God in
prayer which is the work of the priests. You appear in public, but
you are never a performer. By your faithful duty, you remain
always a servant of God in your Parish. Blessed John Paul II said
“you are far more than ‘helpers of the priest’. Above all, you are
servants of Jesus the Eternal high Priest.” Basic Prayers
 Lord’s Prayer
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom
come, your will be done, on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this
day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive
those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil. Amen.

 Hail Mary
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you; blessed are you
among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy
Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of
our death. Amen.

 Glory Be
Glory be to the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. As it
was in the beginning is now and ever shall be. Amen.

 Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and
earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was
conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered
under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried; he
descended into hell; on the third day he rose again from the dead;
he ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God
the Father almighty; from there he will come to judge the living
and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic
Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the
resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen What is an
Altar Server? Identity:
 In the same manner as the Ministries of Lectors & Holy
Communion, the Ministry of Altar Servers are appointed on a
 temporary basis, thus they are commissioned, rather than
instituted.
 Altar Servers are not to be confused with the instituted
acolytes. In the Dioceses of the Philippines, these ministers
are to be referred as Altar Servers. (i.e., not sacristans,
acolytes, or knights of the altar)
 The primary role of the Altar Servers is to assist the priest in
the celebration of the liturgy, especially during Mass. This is
done through specific actions and by setting an example to
the congregation by active participation.
 There is nothing that prevents girls from becoming Altar
Servers however, for practical reasons, and as a venue to
attract vocations to the priesthood; it is highly recommended
that boys are appointed for this ministry.
Ideals of an Altar Server:
1. Reverence – Reverence for God and for sacred objects is
most important when they serve. Reverent actions, peaceful
and dignified behavior and gestures should be seen by the
people when you stand at the sanctuary, for this adds
solemnity to the celebration of the liturgy and contribute to
the active participation of all.

2. Discipline – With good training and proper discipline, the

rituals and ceremonies of the liturgy can be carried out in an
orderly and solemn manner. But, as always, training involves
discipline. Discipline among Altar Servers is expected in the
following:
 During the celebration of the liturgy, especially the mass
 As they actively participate in the celebration;
 As they avoid unnecessary movements that may cause
distraction to others;
 As they pay attention to every part of the Mass, at the same
time being aware of the responsibilities and tasks;
 As they avoid loitering and congregating in the sacristy or
other places around the church;
 As they work diligently with other lay liturgical ministers and
even with priests
 Outside of the celebration
 In their relationship with others, especially with their family,
friends, classmates and other persons whom they
encounter;
 In their care and concern, respect and reverence for the
materials they use for the celebration of the liturgy, as well
as the church and its other areas (e.g. sacristy);
 In their respect for their elders;
 In their willingness to undergo on-going formation and
training.

3. Decorum – decorum means “what is proper.” Decorum

requires a sense of dignity. Servers should not only do their
work well, they should not just train well, they should,
likewise, have a neat and tidy appearance since this adds to
the dignity and beauty of the liturgical celebrations. This is
shown in the following ways:
 By keeping their uniforms neat and clean at all times,
especially as they wear it during liturgical celebrations;
 By being groomed;
 By moving in dignified manner, with confidence and
reverence for the liturgical celebration.

4. Piety – Piety does not mean they look holy whenever they
serve at the altar. It means that they carry within themselves
a great love for God and his people, even if they are not
serving in the Church. Piety involves:
 A good prayer life;
 A special love for Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament;
 A devotion to the Blessed Mother;
 A deep love for the Eucharist and other Sacraments;
 Reading the Bible and learning from it

5. Brotherhood – An Altar Server has an attitude of team-work,

in serving you should understand that you are a part of a
larger group. Always remember that in serving you should be
united in the service of God. Brotherhood involves:

 Witnessing – a life of witnessing that involves

 Doing good to others at all times;
 Being faithful to their responsibilities, not only in the church,
but in their families, in School, in other places;
 By avoiding bad habits and vices;
 By being good example to others.
  Teamwork – Serving at the altar is never a solo task. It is
always done as a team of brothers. This is shown in the
following ways.
 By being aware of their own responsibility and the
responsibility of other ministers as well;
 By helping each other, being friendly and kind, not proud,
boastful or competitive.
 By welcoming newcomers and teaching them patiently;
 By praying together with other ministers before and after
liturgical celebrations;
 By being a brother to their fellow servers.
Roles and functions of an Altar Servers
 To assist ministers of higher rank during the liturgical
celebrations, especially the Mass, namely:
 Instituted Acolytes;
 Deacons;
 Priests;
 The Bishop.
 To work together with other lay liturgical ministers in the
preparation and celebration of the liturgy, especially the
Mass, namely:
 Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion;
 Lectors and Commentators;
 Ushers, Greeters, and Collectors;
 Music Ministry

Altar Server Facts:

 Altar Server’s Motto: SERVE THE LORD WITH GLADNESS
 Altar Server’s Patron Saints: Tarcisius – August 15
St. Pedro Calungsod – April 2

 Altar Servers’ Pledge:

LORD, Here I am, all yours, ready to serve you, I shall strive hard
to be faithful to my duty of serving at the Mass and of helping the
Church. I shall strive to be a good example to all and to help my
fellow Christians respect your home. May I be your loyal Servant
as an Altar Server with the Help of Mary, Our Lady of Beautiful
Love, my mother and my model. AMEN.
Duties and Responsibilities:
 To be faithful in attending meetings and formation programs
of the parish, vicariate or diocese.
Module 2 – The Liturgy
The word “LITURGY” came from a Greek word which means “public
duty”, a service, and a public organization. Its original meaning was
some public action. When the word was adopted by the Church to
describe her public “services” of worship its meaning changed. In
Christian liturgy we are not talking about what we do but what God
does. The Vatican council points out so clearly, the liturgy is the action
of Jesus Christ, an action of eternal worship in which he involves us,
the members of his mystical body, the church. Kinds of liturgical
observance:
 Solemnity – the days of great importance to the Church,
including all Sundays, this begin in the evening of the preceding
day, which has a special vigil Mass for some solemnities.
 Feast – celebrated within the limits of a calendar day.
 Memorial – a feast within the limits of the day which are either
obligatory (M), or optional (m)
 Ferial – a day where there is an optional memorial and the priest
may select a mass of his choice, unless otherwise directed by
the calendar.
The Liturgical Seasons:
 Advent – The beginning of the church’s calendar. This
celebrates the two-fold coming of Christ (Incarnation and Final
Judgment). With Christian joy we celebrate his first coming. In
Christian hope we await his second coming. This season lasts
for four weeks, including the 9 days of Simbang Gabi. The
season starts from the Sunday after Christ the King and ends the
eve of Christ’s birth.
 Christmas – the season which celebrates the birth of Christ,
The Incarnation, and God became man. This season has 2 focal
points: 1) The Christmas Day until the solemnity of Mary, Mother
of God. 2) The Solemnity of the epiphany until the feast of the
Baptism of the lord.
 Lent – A 40 days giving of ourselves to prayer and penance, to
hearing the word of God and to acts of charity. In this season we
prepare for the Easter and recall the grace of our Baptism. It
runs from Ash Wednesday until the Mass of the Lord’s Supper.
 Easter Triduum – the three days of the Passion, Death, and
Resurrection of Christ. This is the highest point of the year. This
begins on the Mass of the Lord’s Supper and reaches until the
Easter vigil.
 Easter – This season has 50 days celebration of the rising of
Christ from the dead. Starting from the Easter vigil until
 Pentecost. These days are called as feast days but Easter
Octave for the 8 days after Easter Sunday.
 Ordinary Time – A season of growth in our faith. This season
has 2 parts: 1) the Sunday of the baptism of the Lord until Ash
Wednesday. 2) and the Pentecost Sunday until the Feast of
Christ the King.
The Liturgical Colors:
 White – The color of Joy, and Glory of God. Used during the
seasons of Christmas and Easter and the feasts of the Lord,
Blessed Virgin Mary, Saints who are not Martyrs, and the angels.
 Violet – The sign penance and for mourning. Used during the
seasons of Advent and Lent, and for the Masses for the Dead.
 Red – The sign of the blood of Christ or the fire of the Holy Spirit.
Used for the Palm Sunday, Good Friday, Pentecost, and the
Martyred saints.
 Green – The symbol of Good Harvest and Growth in our Faith.
Used for the Ordinary Time
 Rose – The symbol of rejoicing for a great feast coming. Used
during the 3rd Sunday of Advent and 4th Sunday of Lent.
 Gold – The Symbol of Kingship of Christ to the World. Used
during the feast of Christ the King and other Special Feast.
 Blue – The Symbol of the humbleness of Mary. Used for the
significant Feast of Mary
Duties and Responsibilities
 To be faithful in attending to their duties in serving at all liturgical
celebrations;
 To arrive at least 30 minutes before their appointed duty. This is
meant for the following purposes:
 Preparation of all liturgical materials they use for celebration;
 Review final instructions especially for more complicated rites or
ceremonies included in special liturgical celebrations
 Personal and group prayers
 To be present during practice and training sessions for special
celebrations with more complicated styles for serving. In this
case, the rule, No Practice-No service, must be applied.
 To assist in other liturgical celebrations, such as baptisms,
weddings, funeral masses or blessings, etc.;
 To notify the Ministry coordinator if they will not be able to attend
to their schedules. They are also expected to look for their
replacement during the said schedule.
 Module 3 – The Mass
As an Altar Server, it is important for each server to know the
structure of the Mass. It is not merely a matter of knowing “what
comes next” but of understanding the meaning of each part of the
Holy Mass. The Mass itself is an action moving steadily forward to its
supreme moments, when Heaven and Earth meet in the great mystery
of the Altar. Parts of the Mass:
1. INTRODUCTORY RITES:
 Entrance Hymn – a hymn which opens the celebration and
accompanies the procession of the priest and the ministers to
the Altar. It is sung, to deepen our unity together and to introduce
us to the mystery of the season or feast.
 Veneration of the Altar – It is done by the clergy after the
Entrance Hymn. As the sign of Christ, center of the Church and
of the Eucharistic body the altar is shown reverence by the 3
traditional gestures: the bow or the customary reverence , the
kiss, and the incensation(when incense is used)
 Greeting – The presider greets the assembly which is a
reminder of the unity of the Church in God’s grace.
 Penitential Rite – It invites us to be sorry for all our sins, and
takes away all our venial sins which do not need absolution in
private confession. We come to God in a spirit of contrition, so
that we may be worthy in celebrating the Eucharist.
 Gloria – An ancient hymn of praise sung or recited in solemnities
(except Advent and Lent) and appropriate feasts.
 Opening Prayer – An invitation to prayer and a time of silent
prayer. On behalf of the people the priest offers the prayer to
God and thus the people respond “AMEN”
1. LITURGY OF THE WORD:
 First Reading – A reading coming from either the Old or New
Testament which expresses the mood of the celebration
 Responsorial Psalm – A responsory that continues the mood of
the 1st The Responsory is made by the people as their prayer
and the Cantor makes the psalm the main prayer.
 Second Reading – A Reading taken from the New Testament
which is not the Gospel and said only during Solemnities.
 Alleluia/Gospel Proclamation – A joyous welcome to the Holy
Gospel
 Homily – An explanation, Proclamation of the readings of the
Liturgy
 Creed – The profession of Faith as a follower to the teachings of
Christ in the Church
  Prayers of the Faithful – The offertory of the petitions of the
community before God.
1. LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST:
 Offertory – The people offers the works of their hands to God.
 Prayer over the Gifts – The priest raises up the offerings to
God.
 Sanctus – The people praises the Holy Trinity, “Holy, holy”
 Acclamation and Anamnesis – The faithful proclaims the
mystery of faith and remember the death and resurrection of
Christ made present through the Eucharist.
 Lord’s Prayer – The people recites the prayer Jesus taught the
Church.
 Rite of Peace – The people beg for the peace and unity of the
Church
 Agnus Dei – The people asks God to take away the sins of the
world.
 Communion – The priest and other Ministers distributes the
Eucharist to the people.
 Prayer after Communion – On behalf of the people the priest
offers a Thanksgiving prayer to God and thus the people
respond “AMEN”
1. CONCLUDING RITE:
 Final Blessing – A blessing that the presider gives to the
people, which concludes the Mass in the power of the Holy
Trinity, by making the Sign of the Cross which is the sign of
Faith.
 Dismissal – The presider or the Deacon sends the people to
serve love to others.
Duties and Responsibilities
 To be faithful in attending to their duties in serving at the Mass.
 To arrive at least 30 minutes before their appointed duty.
 To notify their coordinator if they will not be able to attend to their
schedules. They are also expected to look for their replacement
during the said schedule.
 To have a knowledge of the parts of the Mass and the
importance of each, as well as an understanding of their
particular roles and responsibilities
 Module 4 – The Church
An Altar Server must know and understand every part of the
church he is moving in and treat it with utmost respect, this also
extends until the home. A church is a building that was
constructed to allow people to meet to worship together. The
Narthex:
 Baptismal Font – a fixture used for the baptism of children
and adults.
The Nave:
 Pew – a long bench seat or enclosed box, used for seating
members of the congregation of the Church.
The Sanctuary:
 Altar – The large, high table located at the center of the
sanctuary where most of the actions of the Liturgy of the
Eucharist take place.
 Lectern – The small, high table located at either side of the
sanctuary, where the readings from the Liturgy of the Word
is read.
 Tabernacle – A small box, in which the Body or the Blood of
Christ may be kept when the Mass is not said.
 Tabernacle Lamp – The lamp that lights the tabernacle, this
signifies that there is a Eucharist inside the Tabernacle.
 Presider’s chair – The chair in which only the Priest or the
bishop may sit whether during the Mass or outside the Mass.
 Credence Table – A small table on which is placed the
vessels for the Liturgy of the Eucharist.
 Altar Candles – Two candles lit during the mass, it signifies
that Christ is the light of the world
 Paschal Candle – A very large candle placed beside the
Lectern during the Easter Season and below the Sanctuary
during Baptisms and Funerals.
 Holy Icons – The Pictures or statues of Jesus Christ, the
Blessed Virgin Mary or other Saints.
 Sanctuary Bell – The bell located near the altar, it may be in
the Sanctuary or inside the Sacristy.
Duties and Responsibilities:
 To have a knowledge of the parts of the church and know its
functions for the spirituality of the Church.
 To ensure the care and maintenance of the church.
Module 5 – The Holy Vessels and Vestments
An Altar Server must know all the vessels he holds and hold it with
care. He should also know all the vestments he and the clergy is
wearing every Mass. The Vessels:
 Ciborium – The cup-like vessel with a lid, this contains the hosts
that will be used for the Holy Communion. It can also be used for
the reserved hosts to be put in the Tabernacle.
 Chalice – The cup used to hold the wine which will become the
blood of Christ during the Mass
 Patten – The saucer-like dish which usually matches the
Chalice. It holds the bread which will become the body of Christ
 Pall – The stiff, square, white cover that is placed over the
Patten when it is on the Chalice and over the Chalice during the
Mass.
 Corporal – A white, linen napkin on which the Eucharistic
Vessels is placed during the Mass. It is folded into small squares
about the size of the Pall.
 Purificator – A triple-folded rectangular, white cloth used to
cleanse the chalice after the Communion.
 Finger Towel – A small cloth used by the Priests and the
Eucharistic Ministers in distributing the Communion and by the
Bishops in administering the Sacraments of Confirmation and
Holy Orders.
 Cruets – The two small pitchers which contains the water and
wine offered during the Mass
 Communion Plate – A plate with a handle used by an Altar
Server in catching a Eucharistic Crumbs.
 Sanctus Bell – A hand bell which is rung during the Mass.
 Sacramentary – A book on which the volume of Presidential
prayers and the order of the rites connected with the mass are
located.
 Lectionary – A Liturgical book that holds the readings used
during the liturgy of the Word in the Mass.
 Gospel Book – A book that holds the Sunday and Solemnity
Gospels
 Pitcher and Basin – Used to hold and catch the water for the
washing of the hands of the presider.
 Pyx – A pocket watch-shaped case in which it holds the Holy
Communion to be given to the sick in the Community outside the
celebration of the Mass.
 Processional Cross – The crucifix mounted on a tall pole which
is carried during processions
  Processional Candles – The two candles mounted on a tall
pole which is carried during processions
 Monstrance – A large ornate vessel used to hold the Blessed
Sacrament during Its Public Exposition.
 Lunette – A thin, circular receptacle which holds the Blessed
Sacrament when exposed in the Monstrance.
 Oil Stocks – A metal cylinder, with compartments for
sacramental oils.
 Aspergillum – The bush form or hollow bulb sprinkler which
contains a sponge, and has an openings to sprinkle drops of
Holy Water to the people.
 Thurible – A metal container with a lid which is extended from
chains, in which charcoal and incense is burned. It is also called
censer.
 Incense Boat – A small metal container which holds the incense
to be put into the Thurible.
The Vestments:
 Cassock – A long outer garment worn by the Clergy and by Altar
Servers.
 Alb – A long, white, dress-like vestment which is used by the
Clergy and the Seminarians.
 Cincture – A long cord used to fasten the Alb at the waist to hold
it in place and adjust it to proper length
 Stole – A long colored cloth ornately decorated worn by the
priest around his neck, letting it hang down in front, and worn by
the deacon over his right shoulder and fastened on his left side
like a sash. Its Color varies according to the season or feast.
 Chasuble – The outer vestment worn over the stole and alb. Its
Color varies according to the season or feast.
 Dalmatic – A loose fitting robe with open sides and wide sleeves
worn by deacons.
 Cope – A large semi-circular cloak, held at the front by a clasp or
band of fabric. It is used during benediction of the Blessed
Sacrament.
 Humeral Vail – A large shawl, worn around the shoulders while
carrying the Blessed Sacrament during the benediction and
Eucharistic Procession.
 Surplice – A wide- sleeved garment, slipped over the head,
covering the shoulders, and coming down below the Knees. It is
worn over the Cassock.
 Mitre – A double-pointed head-dress, with two lappets hanging
at the back. It is used by the Bishops.
 Crozier – A staff with a shepherd’s crook at the top, this is a sign
of his pastoral office.
  Pectoral Cross – The Bishop’s cross necklace. It is worn under
his chasuble and the dalmatic, under the cope but above the
mozeta.
 Bishop’s Ring – The ring worn by the Bishop at all times as a
sign that he is wedded to Christ in the service of the Church.
 Zucchetto – The Violet cap worn by the Bishop, Purple cap for
the Arch Bishop, Red cap for the Cardinals and white for the
Pope.
 Pallium – A vestment given by the pope to a residential Arch
Bishop. They wear it above their chasuble in their jurisdictional
territory.
Attire and Decorum
 Attire –The recommended uniform for the Ministry of Altar
Servers are the following:
 Cassock and Surplice (cape for special occations)
 Plain white undershirt (when serving should be tucked in);
 Black pants (no denim);
 Black / white socks;
 Black leather shoes;
 Insignia, such as pins and Cross
 Personal grooming- Before serving, Altar Servers must come to
church with presentable decorum and proper grooming. This
includes the following:
 Appropriate haircut (2 X 3 hair cut)’
 With no artificial hair color or unnatural hairstyles;
 Clean hands and neatly trimmed fingernails;
 Mustache must be clean-shaven( for older servers only)
 No jewelry;
 Basic hygiene is indispensable
Duties and Responsibilities:
 To have a knowledge of the vessels they are to use for the
celebration of the liturgy, as well as the proper use of these,
including , but not limited to the following:
 Liturgical Vestments
 Sacred Vessels
 Altar Linen
 To ensure the care and maintenance of vessels used for the
celebration of the liturgy, including, but not limited to the
following:
 Processional cross;
 Thurible and boat;
 Bells;
 Module 6 – The Basic Postures and Gestures
An Altar Server must know and understand every posture
appropriate for the ceremony. And he should also know all the actions
that should be done in every part of the Mass. As a Server you should
know when to move, walk and to bow. The Hands:
 Your hands must always be clean, with clean fingernails. Wash
them before you serve for you will handle things which are holy.
 Joined hands are held before the breast at 45 degrees, palms
together, fingers extended, thumbs crossed, right over left.
 When one of your hands is occupied, place the other hand open
on your breast.
 When seated, put your hands on your knees.
Standing:
 An altar Server’s head should be kept straight. The body is
relaxed but erect, shoulders back. The feet are together. The
hands are together before the breast at 45 degrees, palms
together, fingers extended, thumbs crossed, right over left.
WSSalking:
 While walking, walk solemnly, dignified and deliberately. Know
where to go and walk there with head straight, shoulders back,
and hand held properly.
Sitting:
 When sitting, keep back straight and tall. The hand should be
placed at the lap. The feet should be flat on the ground.
Kneeling:
 When kneeling, allow the body weight be equally distributed on
both knees. Leave the feet uncrossed and keep the hands in
praying position.
Genuflecting:
 Single Genuflecting – One goes down on their right knee,
keeping the left one upright, from a standing position. The server
gets back up, but not like a spring, that is, quickly. Nor slowly
(with exception to medical issues).
 Double Genuflect – starts from the single genuflection position.
This genuflection involved both knees planted on the ground, the
servers’ hands still in the orans position (unless carrying an
object) and a moderate bow is made.
Bowing:
 Shoulder Bow – both the head and the shoulders moves as one
action. Bow only slightly forward
 Waist Bow – both the head and the shoulder move together but
with the bending of the waist.
Duties and Responsibilities
 To have a knowledge about the basic postures and gestures;
 To understand the meaning of each postures and gestures used
in every Liturgy.
Pre Module – Basic Catechisms
The Basic Teachings of the Faith:
 4 Pillars of Faith
 Creed
 Commandments
 Sacraments
 Prayer
The Creed

 I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and

earth,
 and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
 who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary,H
 suffered under Pontius Pilate,
 was crucified, died and was buried;
 he descended into hell; on the third day he rose again from the
dead;
 he ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God
the Father almighty;
 from there he will come to judge the living and the dead.
 I believe in the Holy Spirit,
 the holy catholic Church,
 the communion of saints,
 the forgiveness of sins,
 the resurrection of the body,
 and life everlasting. Amen
The 10 Commandments

 I am the Lord thy God, thou shall have no other gods besides
me;
 Thou shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain;
 Remember to keep holy the Lord’s day
 Honor thy Mother and Father
 Thou shall not kill
 Thou shall not commit adultery;
 Thou shall not steal;
 Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor;
 Thou shall not covet your neighbor’s wife;
 Thou shall not covet your neighbor’s goods.
The 7 Sacraments
  Baptism
 Holy Eucharist
 Confirmation
 Holy Orders
 Matrimony
 Penance
 Anointing of the Sick
The Prayer

 Holy Scriptures
 Salvation History
 Traditional Prayers
 Lord’s Prayer
 Hail Mary
 Glory Be
 Personal Prayers
 Adoration
 Contrition
 Thanksgiving
 Supplication
Holy Scriptures
 Salvation History
 Fall of Man
 Covenant with Noah
 Covenant with Abraham
 Exodus
 Tribal
 Kingdom
 Divided Kingdom
 Exilic
 Post-Exilic
 Birth Of Christ
 Passion And Death Of Christ
 Resurrection Of Christ
Traditional Prayers
 The Lord’s Prayer
 Hail Mary
 Glory Be
Types of Personal Prayers
 Adoration
 Contrition
 Thanksgiving
 Supplication
Duties and Responsibilities:
  To have a knowledge about the basic teachings of the Church;
 To understand the basic teachings of the Church

Model Constitution
The Constitution and By-Laws of the
Ministry of Altar Servers
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
1. The official name of the group is MINISTRY OF ALTAR
SERVERS (M.A.S), a ministry of young men dedicated to
serve at liturgical services in the parish and to promote
Christian brotherhood through spiritual formation.
2. The Ministry of Altar Servers is a subordinate of the Worship
Ministry and is directly under the Parish Priest.
3. The Ministry of Altar Servers is compliant to the norms and
guidelines set by Universal Law (Canonical and Liturgical)
and of the Diocesan Ministry for Liturgical Affairs of the
Roman Catholic (Arch)Diocese of ______.
GENERAL OBJECTIVES
4. The Ministry of Altar Servers aims to:
5. Form young men as responsible stewards of liturgy and of
the parish.
6. Prepare them as future servant-leaders of the Church.
7. Instill in them love for God and for the Church through
formation series.
8. Foster brotherhood and unity with fellow servers.
9. Imbue vocation promotion and awareness as priests,
religious, and consecrated lay.
QUALIFICATIONS
5. A bonafide altar server must be:
6. A good Catholic in faith and deed.
7. Willing to commit himself to perform his duties and
responsibilities as Altar Server.
8. Willing to grow spiritually through this ministry by his
participation in diocesan and parish formation programs.
9. Physically and mentally fit.
10. A recipient of the Sacraments of Baptism and Holy
Eucharist.
11. Recommended and approved by the Coordinator
and/or by the Officers after having passed evaluation or
observation.
 12. The aspirant must first fill up an application form, and
afterwards will be interviewed by the Coordinator.
13. The aspirant must undergo fifteen (15) days of
observation during weekday Masses.
14. The aspirant will be evaluated and screened by the
Officers.
15. A bonafide resident parishioner.
16. If he has been previously inactive, but wishes to join
formally the ministry, he has to undergo evaluation as
prescribed by the Coordinator. He will be approved only after
passing the evaluation and interview.
17. If he lives outside the parish but wishes to apply as altar
server, he needs to secure first Permission Letter from his
domicile parish priest. Upon approval and referral by his
parish priest through explicit writing, he will be then allowed
to apply. Failure to present recommendation letter from the
parish priest will forfeit his application.
18. If he transfers residence outside the parish, he will be
allowed to remain as altar server for a maximum of three (3)
months of transitory period starting from the date of his
transfer. After his transitory period, he has to secure
Permission Letter from his domicile parish priest before
being allowed to serve.
19. An applicant lacking in any of the given qualifications,
as the Coordinator may deem necessary, may be denied
admission to the ministry.
20. The aspirant’s parents must sign the application or
membership form of their child as a sign of their consent in
permitting him to join the ministry.
TERM OF SERVICE
12. The term of an altar server is one year in consonance
with the Ministry Year.
13. A server may renew his membership for the next
Ministry Year, as determined by the Officers, and if he
attended the formation program given by the Diocesan
Ministry for Liturgical Affairs.
14. The term of Officers, including the Coordinator, is one
year following the duration of the Ministry Year. Their term of
office may be extended depending on the discretion of the
majority of all the members or of the Parish Priest.
 TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
49. The primary purpose of being an altar server is to serve God
and the Church through the liturgical celebrations (see GIRM 100;
187-193, except distributing or assisting in Holy Communion), and to
become a better Christian and person. Hence, his purpose for serving
is not out of mere desire to earn recognition at school or work, or of
peer pressure or any selfish motives.
50. A server undertakes both liturgical service and spiritual growth.
If he serves at Mass but doesn’t or seldom attends formation series,
he is driven of impure motive for serving and, hence, his attitude is
subject to poor evaluation.
51. A server is a man of God. He is expected to live a morally-
decent life. Hence, he exemplifies good Christian character whether
inside or outside the parish. He is committed to spiritual formation
and personal spiritual growth in love for God and for Mary.
52. A server is a man for the Church. He serves out of love and
dedication for the Church. He respects and lives out the teachings of
the Church. He respects, observes, and submits himself to the
direction and guidelines of the diocese and of the parish. He gives his
total self and commitment in service. Hence, he also prioritizes
service above any of his busy schedule. He continues to serve
regardless of his other personal commitments outside the church.
53. A server is a man for others. He initiates and fosters good
fraternal relationship with his fellow servers. He shows humility and
respect to his fellow servers, his Officers, and to other parish workers,
even ordinary parishioners or churchgoers. Above all, he is a good
model of service and modesty to others, especially in his community.
54. A server fulfills his liturgical service in accordance to the
following:
55. A server attends the following mandatory schedule:
56. Scheduled liturgical service
 Sunday Masses
 Weekday Masses
 Funeral Masses (as requested)
 School Masses
 Street, Area and barangay Masses
 Formation series
 Regular spiritual formation series in the parish
 Annual summer diocesan basic and renewal seminar
 General assemblies
 All Stations of the Cross (a number of servers hold the vessels, the
rest joins in the procession)
 All Holy Week Activities (a number of servers attend to their
designated schedule while the rest simply attend the rites)
 Processions of the Solemnity of Corpus Christi and Christ the King
 Simbang Gabi/Misa de Gallo
 All Fiesta activities

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