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ALTAR SERVERS

Although institution into the ministry of acolyte is reserved to lay men, the diocesan bishop may permit the liturgical functions of the instituted acolyte to be carried out by altar servers, men and women, boys and girls. No distinction should be made between the functions carried out in the sanctuary by men and boys and those carried out by women and girls. The term "altar boys" should be replaced by "servers". The term "server" should be used for those who carry out the functions of the instituted acolyte.

Altar servers perform most of the functions of the former "minor order" of ordained clerics known as acolytes from the Greek word akolouthos or 'attendant'. Church writings from the second and third centuries discuss the role of acolytes, giving the office great importance and honor in the history of the Church. Altar servers today are not ordained, but are 'commissioned' by their parish priest. The primary role of the altar server is to assist the priest in the celebration of the liturgy during Mass. This is done through specific actions and by setting an example to the congregation by active participation in the liturgy (hymns, responses, etc.), by looking alert and sitting or standing at the appropriate times.
  • Servers carry the cross, the processional candle(s), 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, assist the priest celebrant and deacon as necessary.
  • Servers should be seated in a place from which they can easily assist the priest celebrant and deacon. The place next to the priest is normally reserved for the deacon.
  • Servers may not distribute holy communion unless they have been mandated for this function by the bishop.
  • Altar servers must attend every Mass that they have been scheduled. When a server cannot be present they must arrange for a replacement.
  • Altar servers are on duty from the time they enter the sanctuary at the start of Mass until they finish cleanup after the end of Mass. During the Mass their duty station is the sanctuary and a server may not leave the sanctuary except as directed by a priest, deacon or bodily necessity.
  • Altar servers must have received first confession and Holy Communion.
ALTAR SERVERS
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Our Lady Help of Christians
Chinchilla Catholic Church

Location

OFFICE 
8 Villiers Street
Chinchilla, QLD.
4413
P: (07) 4662 7031
olhcchinchilla@bigpond.com

OFFICE HOURS
Tuesday - Friday 
​From 9:30 am to 5:00 pm
Parish Administrator
Fr Gonzalo Garcia Duran
​M: 0429 547 711

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Our Lady Help of Christians' Parish is committed to supporting the right of everybody to be and feel safe. If you believe anybody is at immediate risk of harm you should phone 000 and report the matter to police.
Other concerns about the safety of children or vulnerable persons may be raised with our Parish Safeguarding Representative (Noelle Nevin - 0428197132), with the Diocesan Professional Standards Office (07 4638 1379 or profstandards@twb.catholic.org.au), or with the Queensland Professional Standards Office (1800 337 928 or http://psoqld.catholic.net.au/).
​Further information is available from the Diocese of Toowoomba website at https://www.twb.catholic.org.au/ministry/professional-standards-and-employment-relationships/
  • Home
  • Liturgy
    • Ministries >
      • Ministry of Music
      • EMHC
      • Altar Servers
      • Lectors
  • Sacramental Life
  • Mission
    • Spirituality
  • Social Pastoral Service
    • Vinnies Chinchilla
  • Leadership & Stewardship
    • Formation
  • Vocations
  • Donations & Plan Giving
  • Contact Us
  • About