An altar server is a lay assistant to a member of the clergy during a religious service.
Altar servers attend to supporting tasks at the altar such as fetching and carrying, ringing
a bell etc. An altar server usually has no formal training and holds no formal religious position;
however, in some regions and religions, altar servers are expected to be recognizable through behavior
and relation to others. In the Traditional Roman Catholic Rite, still in use, the male-only server must
respond in Latin for the prayers at the foot of the altar and other times during the Mass.
Formerly, only young men, among whom the Church hoped to recruit for the priesthood, and seminarians,
who needed the training, were altar servers; and so altar boy was the usual term. The term altar server,
which was also in use, has almost completely replaced altar boy, because, with the permission
of the diocesan bishop, girls may now be allowed to serve in this capacity; besides, an increasing
number of adults serve at the altar, especially at solemn services in cathedrals or basilicas.
Another term that was used more in the past than now is acolyte. This term is now usually reserved
for the ministry that all who are to be promoted to the diaconate, whether permanent or transitory,
must receive at least six months beforehand (canon 1035 of the Code of Canon Law).
Duties of an altar server
In the Roman Rite of the celebration of Mass, altar servers have the following
responsibilities during
* Gathering: Altar servers carry the processional cross and candles (flambeaux) at the
front of the gathering procession. Others may carry incense and a thurible.
* Opening prayer (collect), if recited at the chair: Usually, an altar server holds the
missal, so that the priest has both hands free.
* Proclamation of the Gospel: If it is a regional habit, flambeaus and/or incense can be
carried.
* Receiving the gifts of bread and wine: When the priest receiving these gifts, altar
servers may assist him by carrying them.
* Preparation of the chalice: Altar servers present the cruets of wine and water for the
deacon or priest to put in the chalice.
* Lavabo: An altar server administers the water to the priest as he ritually washes his
hands.
* Ceremony of the Eucharist: Where customary, altar servers ring bells at important
points during the Eucharistic Prayer.
* Postcommunion prayer, if said at the chair: 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, again the
processional cross is carried, perhaps with flambeaux.
In most ordinary situations, one altar server is enough, but many parishes prefer two or
more altar servers. The weekday Liturgy usually only requires a single server, if any. If a
bishop celebrates Mass solemnly, more are required, so as to take care of mitre and crosier,
as well as other functions.