Altar Servers

For many years, the Church has provided children with an opportunity to participate in the celebration of Mass by serving at the altar. At St. Joseph Church, adults are also called upon to participate in this ministry.  

All servers should be mature enough to understand their responsibilities and to carry them out well and with appropriate reverence. They should have already received Holy Communion for the first time and normally receive the Eucharist whenever they participate in the liturgy.

Since the role of server is integral to the normal celebration of the Mass, at least one server should assist the priest, while two or more servers should be employed on Sundays and other important occasions.  

Servers carry the cross, the processional candles, 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, and assist the priest celebrant and deacon as necessary.

For more information about this ministry, please contact Fr. Joseph Lubrano at 256.534.8459.