• So you think you want to be an altar server...... read on !!
  
  Altar servers must have a deep sense of the spirit of the liturgy and be trained to perform their functions in a correct and orderly manner. You may want to do it, but when you actually do you may find you do not like it.  As a Server you have a special ministry in the Church.  It is your privilege to assist the priest at the Altar. This means that there is a certain way that is appropriate to behave. Remember that you are always part of the congregation, even if you are sitting in a different place to them.  A good server not only serves the Sunday Mass, but also makes themselves available for other services.
  Being a server means serving God and his people at mass. That is what makes serving Mass worth doing, and worth doing well. That is what makes good servers want to do their best. Part of the ministry of servers is to help "set the pace" for all who take part in the Mass. What you do there and how you do it can help other people to understand the Mass better, and make their love for God stronger.  As a server you should try to become very involved also. The people in church will be watching you carefully. They are not so interested to see if you make mistakes, but they like to see what it means to be really involved in the Mass. People will take more interest in the Mass if they see you taking more interest in it while you serve.
  Altar Servers can be said to be a very fortunate to have been chosen by God to give his service during the celebration of the liturgy. The liturgy is a public act of worship that the church gives to God, so the service of the Altar Server is extremely important. The role of the Altar Server is very important because they are one of the closest persons to the Altar and to the Priest representing Jesus Christ during the celebration of the Holy Mass, and the administration of the Sacraments. The service of the Altar Server is very appreciated by the church. Good Altar Servers give their service with major attention and respect. Their behavior is a very important aspect because it can arise in other servers, that wish to serve on the altar.
  The primary role of the altar server is to assist the priest in the celebration of the liturgy during Mass. This is done through specific actions and by setting an example to the congregation by active participation in the liturgy (hymns, responses, etc.), by looking alert, and sitting or standing at the appropriate times.
  Servers carry the cross, the processional candle(s), hold the book for the priest celebrant when he is not at the altar, carry the incense and censer, present the bread, wine, and water to the priest during the preparation of the gifts, or assist him when he receives the gifts from the people, wash the hands of the priest, assist the priest celebrant and deacon as necessary.
  Servers should be seated in a place from which they can easily assist the priest celebrant and deacon. The place next to the priest is normally reserved for the deacon.
  Servers may not distribute holy communion unless they have been mandated for this function by the bishop.