Becoming an Adult Altar Server
After retiring from teaching, sixteen years ago, I started to attend weekday Mass. After a time I was asked to consider serving at the altar. I declined the request. I was asked twice more and rejected the overtures three times in total. The main reason that I said no was that I did not feel good enough to serve at the altar, although as a boy I had been an altar server while at primary school. I thought I had ‘done my bit’.
However, after further thought I decided to give it a go and see if I felt that it was something I could do. Fifteen years later I am still actively participating and enjoying it.
Why I agreed to assist the Church in this role came down to my belief in community, that we are all part of a greater purpose and if we all do a little something it makes it better for all.
As a young boy I learnt that in my family we all helped laying the table and clearing away plus washing and drying the dishes. Essentially that is what altar servers do, and, on occasion, a little more is required – nothing that cannot be done with simple organisation.
However, we need more people to participate, to lighten the load – adults who can also guide our younger servers. From my previous comment about when I retired you might realise that I am aware that I am now at an age when I need to pass on what knowledge I have. That is my next task, it is not too urgent (I trust!) but needs doing.
I serve every Friday at 10.00 am Mass and would welcome anybody who wished to join me and learn all I know – it will not take long! Similarly, I serve at the Vigil Mass on Saturday and the same offer holds. If you wish to assist at another Sunday Mass, I will turn up and show you what is done.
This role is most certainly open to men and women; there is a train of thought (mine) that women would probably perform the role better than men.
Finally, on a personal note, I would say that being on the sanctuary close to the altar at the moment of consecration is fantastic and to be able to assist in a small way is a great gift to receive.
If you would like to join me and contribute to the liturgical life of the church please come and see me at the Masses I serve at, or, alternatively, leave a message via the Church Office.
Peter