General Information

Altar Servers are members of the Assembly (men and women ages 9 and up) who wish to execute their ministry by assisting the priests at Mass. Altar serving is a quiet but important and dignified part of the service and an easy way to be involved with the Mass.

During Mass, altar servers may do any of the following:

• Carry the processional cross and candles.
• Assists in the opening prayer - the altar server holds the missal, so that the priest has both hands free.
• Helps the priest receive the gifts of bread and wine.
• Preparation of the chalice - Altar servers present the cruets of wine and water to put in the chalice.
• An altar server administers the water to the priest as he ritually washes his hands.
• Postcommunion prayer - As for the opening prayer, an altar server holds the missal in front of the priest.
• Ending procession: When the priest and the servers leave the altar, the processional cross is carried.

At Christ Our King, generally 3 altar servers are present for Mass on Sundays. Besides Sunday Mass, altar servers may serve at weddings, funerals, and Holy Days.

In the Diocese of Charleston, the ministry of Altar Server is open to both men and women (boys and girls).

Interested? Training sessions are required. CONTACT: Deacon Joe Cahill 884-5587

• Spring 2010 Schedule (PDF)