"I shall go unto the altar of God, the God who gives joy to my youth!"- This excerpt from Psalm 42 (known by its incipit Iudica me) was recited, except in Masses of the season during Passiontide and in Requiem Masses, regularly in the Tridintine Mass. It is preceded and followed by an antiphon of the same psalm: "Introibo ad altare Dei, ad Deum qui lætificat iuventutem meam" (Translation: "I shall go in to the altar of God: to God who giveth joy to my youth"). It was  recited by the priest, alternating with the deacon and subdeacon (if present) or servers. This brief prayer was prayed by the priest and the server at the foot of the altar during Mass. In this prayer, we can recognize that altar servers, who are typically young people, do have a very important role to play in the life of the Church.

The ministry of Altar Service during Mass is a great oppotrunity for young people to be active participants and to assist the priest. Ideally, we would love to have Altar servers scheduled for each of the weekend Masses and for special celebrations such as Holy Days or special Evening Prayer Services and Masses during Advent and Lent. In addition, altar servers could even serve at weddings and funerals. 

Serving at Mass is a great way to learn about the liturgy and help perform a very important job! Training is open to those in at least the 4th grade who have made their first communion (talk to us if you need the sacraments). We will try to ensure that Cheverus School students will receive training during religion class.