Altar Servers Ministry
At St. Raphael’s, it is our hope to inspire the young to serve God and community. One way is though the altar servers ministry.
Altar servers form a very important part of our church services and through their dedication to the Lord and assistance to the priests; they participate in masses for Saturday and Sunday services, some weddings and funeral liturgies. At times there is an opportunity to serve with a visiting Bishop.
We invite all boys and girls from 4th grade up to participate in this ministry.
Altar servers have the following responsibilities:
- Before Mass: lighting the altar candles, making sure some of the items used during the mass are ready and available.
- Beginning of Mass: Altar servers carry the processional cross and candles at the front of the gathering procession. Depending on the celebration, others may carry incense and a thurible.
- Opening prayer: An altar server holds the missal, so that the priest has both hands free.
- Receiving the gifts of bread and wine: When the priest receives these gifts, altar servers assist him by carrying them to the proper place.
- Preparation of the chalice: Altar servers present the cruets of wine and water for the priest to put in the chalice.
- An altar server administers the water to the priest as he ritually washes his hands.
- Ceremony of the Eucharist: Altar servers ring bells at important points during the Eucharistic Prayer.
- Ending procession: When the priest and the servers leave the altar, again the processional cross and candles are carried.
Meetings: These occur for new members who sign up in order to teach them what is involved in the role and for established members to review and teach new serving techniques.
Contact Person: Elin Peckham 905-639-9889
