1 NOVEMBER 2024

Six fifth grade boys became altar servers at Saint Joseph Church at the school Mass of All of the Saints today. In addition to the student body, the servers' parents were present and "grandfriends," members of the community who befriend an individual student for the academic year. 

The installation service began with a prayer: 

God our Father, you gave your Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, to us as both priest and sacrifice.  Bless these albs, cassocks & surplices, which we consecrate to your use, and grant that those who wear them might be always aware of the dignity and the privilege that is theirs in the service of your altar.  ╬ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.  Amen.

Father Klein called each of the servers forth and presented them with their vesture, saying, "Receive your vesture as you dedicate yourself to serve at the Altar of God."

Parents then assisted the students in doning the vesture.  When they returned to the sanctuary, Father prayed:

Father, in every age your Church continues to offer the pure and sacred sacrifice of Christ our Lord.  Grant that these altar servers may serve with reverence at your altars.  Bless them and keep them faithful to your Gospel and its sacraments.  ╬ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.  Amen.

Do you think that it is easy to become a server at Saint Joseph's?  The students went through three training sessions and had to successfully complete a written test over what they had learned.  Below is a sample:  the glossary of terms altar servers must recongize.