altar servers

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Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, and the word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him. 8 The Lord called Samuel again, a third time. And he got up and went to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” Then Eli perceived that the Lord was calling the boy. 9 Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down; and if he calls you, you shall say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place.10 Now the Lord came and stood there, calling as before, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” (1 Samuel) "Servers, readers, commentators, and members of the choir also exercise a genuine liturgical function.” (CCC- 1143)

Altar servers assist the priest and deacon at liturgies by carrying the cross and candles during the entrance procession. They also assist in receiving the gifts, holding the book for the priest, assist with incense and holy water, and take the chalice and equipment for mass to the altar. The age at which children may become altar servers is at the discretion of the pastor and in this parish it is in grade 2. The role of the Altar Server is very important for the correct and joyous celebration of the Eucharist. Altar Servers who are not assigned  for a mass may offer their services at any mass they attend.